    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 132, 115th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Public Law 115-334
    115th Congress

    An Act

    To provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other
    programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2023, and
    for other purposes. <>

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
    United States of America in Congress assembled, <>
    SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) <>  Short Title.--This Act may be cited
    as the ``Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018''.

    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
    follows:

    Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
    Sec. 2. Definition of Secretary.

    TITLE I--COMMODITIES

    Subtitle A--Commodity Policy

    Sec. 1101. Definition of effective reference price.
    Sec. 1102. Base acres.
    Sec. 1103. Payment yields.
    Sec. 1104. Payment acres.
    Sec. 1105. Producer election.
    Sec. 1106. Price loss coverage.
    Sec. 1107. Agriculture risk coverage.
    Sec. 1108. Repeal of transition assistance for producers of upland
    cotton.

    Subtitle B--Marketing Loans

    Sec. 1201. Extensions.
    Sec. 1202. Loan rates for nonrecourse marketing assistance loans.
    Sec. 1203. Economic adjustment assistance for textile mills.
    Sec. 1204. Special competitive provisions for extra long staple cotton.
    Sec. 1205. Availability of recourse loans.

    Subtitle C--Sugar

    Sec. 1301. Sugar policy.

    Subtitle D--Dairy Margin Coverage and Other Dairy Related Provisions

    Sec. 1401. Dairy margin coverage.
    Sec. 1402. Reauthorizations.
    Sec. 1403. Class I skim milk price.
    Sec. 1404. Dairy product donation.

    Subtitle E--Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance

    Sec. 1501. Supplemental agricultural disaster assistance.

    Subtitle F--Noninsured Crop Assistance

    Sec. 1601. Noninsured crop assistance program.

    Subtitle G--Administration

    Sec. 1701. Regulations.
    Sec. 1702. Suspension of permanent price support authority.

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    Sec. 1703. Payment limitations.
    Sec. 1704. Adjusted gross income limitations.
    Sec. 1705. Farm Service Agency accountability.
    Sec. 1706. Implementation.
    Sec. 1707. Exemption from certain reporting requirements for certain
    producers.

    TITLE II--CONSERVATION

    Subtitle A--Wetland Conservation

    Sec. 2101. Wetland conversion.
    Sec. 2102. Wetland conservation.
    Sec. 2103. Mitigation banking.

    Subtitle B--Conservation Reserve Program

    Sec. 2201. Conservation reserve.
    Sec. 2202. Conservation reserve enhancement program.
    Sec. 2203. Farmable wetland program.
    Sec. 2204. Pilot programs.
    Sec. 2205. Duties of owners and operators.
    Sec. 2206. Duties of the Secretary.
    Sec. 2207. Payments.
    Sec. 2208. Contracts.
    Sec. 2209. Eligible land; State law requirements.

    Subtitle C--Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Conservation
    Stewardship Program

    Sec. 2301. Repeal of conservation programs.
    Sec. 2302. Purposes of environmental quality incentives program.
    Sec. 2303. Definitions under environmental quality incentives program.
    Sec. 2304. Establishment and administration of environmental quality
    incentives program.
    Sec. 2305. Environmental quality incentives program plan.
    Sec. 2306. Limitation on payments under environmental quality incentives
    program.
    Sec. 2307. Conservation innovation grants and payments.
    Sec. 2308. Conservation stewardship program.
    Sec. 2309. Grassland conservation initiative.

    Subtitle D--Other Conservation Programs

    Sec. 2401. Watershed protection and flood prevention.
    Sec. 2402. Soil and water resources conservation.
    Sec. 2403. Emergency conservation program.
    Sec. 2404. Conservation of private grazing land.
    Sec. 2405. Grassroots source water protection program.
    Sec. 2406. Voluntary public access and habitat incentive program.
    Sec. 2407. Wildlife management.
    Sec. 2408. Feral swine eradication and control pilot program.
    Sec. 2409. Report on small wetlands.
    Sec. 2410. Sense of Congress relating to increased watershed-based
    collaboration.

    Subtitle E--Funding and Administration

    Sec. 2501. Commodity Credit Corporation.
    Sec. 2502. Delivery of technical assistance.
    Sec. 2503. Administrative requirements for conservation programs.
    Sec. 2504. Temporary administration of conservation programs.

    Subtitle F--Agricultural Conservation Easement Program

    Sec. 2601. Establishment and purposes.
    Sec. 2602. Definitions.
    Sec. 2603. Agricultural land easements.
    Sec. 2604. Wetland reserve easements.
    Sec. 2605. Administration.

    Subtitle G--Regional Conservation Partnership Program

    Sec. 2701. Establishment and purposes.
    Sec. 2702. Definitions.
    Sec. 2703. Regional conservation partnerships.
    Sec. 2704. Assistance to producers.
    Sec. 2705. Funding.
    Sec. 2706. Administration.

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    Sec. 2707. Critical conservation areas.

    Subtitle H--Repeals and Technical Amendments

    PART I--Repeals

    Sec. 2811. Repeal of Conservation Corridor Demonstration Program.
    Sec. 2812. Repeal of cranberry acreage reserve program.
    Sec. 2813. Repeal of National Natural Resources Foundation.
    Sec. 2814. Repeal of flood risk reduction.
    Sec. 2815. Repeal of study of land use for expiring contracts and
    extension of authority.
    Sec. 2816. Repeal of Integrated Farm Management Program Option.
    Sec. 2817. Repeal of clarification of definition of agricultural lands.

    PART II--Technical Amendments

    Sec. 2821. Technical amendments.
    Sec. 2822. State technical committees.

    TITLE III--TRADE

    Subtitle A--Food for Peace Act

    Sec. 3101. Labeling requirements.
    Sec. 3102. Food aid quality assurance.
    Sec. 3103. Local sale and barter of commodities.
    Sec. 3104. Minimum levels of assistance.
    Sec. 3105. Food aid consultative group.
    Sec. 3106. Issuance of regulations.
    Sec. 3107. Oversight, monitoring, and evaluation.
    Sec. 3108. Assistance for stockpiling and rapid transportation,
    delivery, and distribution of shelf-stable prepackaged foods.
    Sec. 3109. Consideration of impact of provision of agricultural
    commodities and other assistance on local farmers and
    economy.
    Sec. 3110. Allowance for distribution costs.
    Sec. 3111. Prepositioning of agricultural commodities.
    Sec. 3112. Annual report regarding food aid programs and activities.
    Sec. 3113. Deadline for agreements to finance sales or to provide other
    assistance.
    Sec. 3114. Minimum level of nonemergency food assistance.
    Sec. 3115. Termination date for micronutrient fortification programs.
    Sec. 3116. John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer program.

    Subtitle B--Agricultural Trade Act of 1978

    Sec. 3201. Agricultural trade promotion and facilitation.

    Subtitle C--Other Agricultural Trade Laws

    Sec. 3301. Growing American Food Exports.
    Sec. 3302. Food for Progress Act of 1985.
    Sec. 3303. Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act.
    Sec. 3304. Promotion of agricultural exports to emerging markets.
    Sec. 3305. Cochran fellowship program.
    Sec. 3306. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology
    Fellowship program.
    Sec. 3307. International Agricultural Education Fellowship program.
    Sec. 3308. International food security technical assistance.
    Sec. 3309. McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child
    Nutrition program.
    Sec. 3310. Global Crop Diversity Trust.
    Sec. 3311. Local and regional food aid procurement projects.
    Sec. 3312. Foreign trade missions.

    TITLE IV--NUTRITION

    Subtitle A--Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

    Sec. 4001. Requirements for online acceptance of benefits.
    Sec. 4002. Re-evaluation of thrifty food plan.
    Sec. 4003. Food distribution program on Indian reservations.
    Sec. 4004. Simplified homeless housing costs.
    Sec. 4005. Employment and training for supplemental nutrition assistance
    program.
    Sec. 4006. Improvements to electronic benefit transfer system.
    Sec. 4007. Review of supplemental nutrition assistance program
    operations.
    Sec. 4008. Retail incentives.

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    Sec. 4009. Required action on data match information.
    Sec. 4010. Incentivizing technology modernization.
    Sec. 4011. Interstate data matching to prevent multiple issuances.
    Sec. 4012. Requirement of live-production environments for certain pilot
    projects relating to cost sharing for computerization.
    Sec. 4013. Quality control improvements.
    Sec. 4014. Evaluation of child support enforcement cooperation
    requirements.
    Sec. 4015. Longitudinal data for research.
    Sec. 4016. Authorization of appropriations.
    Sec. 4017. Assistance for community food projects.
    Sec. 4018. Emergency food assistance program.
    Sec. 4019. Nutrition education.
    Sec. 4020. Retail food store and recipient trafficking.
    Sec. 4021. Public-private partnerships.
    Sec. 4022. Technical corrections.

    Subtitle B--Commodity Distribution Programs

    Sec. 4101. Commodity distribution program.
    Sec. 4102. Commodity supplemental food program.
    Sec. 4103. Distribution of surplus commodities to special nutrition
    projects.
    Sec. 4104. Food donation standards.

    Subtitle C--Miscellaneous

    Sec. 4201. Seniors farmers' market nutrition program.
    Sec. 4202. Purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables for distribution to
    schools and service institutions.
    Sec. 4203. Service of traditional foods in public facilities.
    Sec. 4204. Healthy food financing initiative.
    Sec. 4205. The Gus Schumacher nutrition incentive program.
    Sec. 4206. Micro-grants for food security.
    Sec. 4207. Buy American requirements.
    Sec. 4208. Healthy fluid milk incentives projects.

    TITLE V--CREDIT

    Subtitle A--Farm Ownership Loans

    Sec. 5101. Modification of the 3-year experience eligibility requirement
    for farm ownership loans.
    Sec. 5102. Conservation loan and loan guarantee program.
    Sec. 5103. Limitations on amount of farm ownership loans.
    Sec. 5104. Relending program to resolve ownership and succession on
    farmland.

    Subtitle B--Operating Loans

    Sec. 5201. Limitations on amount of operating loans.
    Sec. 5202. Microloans.
    Sec. 5203. Cooperative lending pilot projects.

    Subtitle C--Administrative Provisions

    Sec. 5301. Beginning farmer and rancher individual development accounts
    pilot program.
    Sec. 5302. Loan authorization levels.
    Sec. 5303. Loan fund set-asides.
    Sec. 5304. Use of additional funds for direct operating microloans under
    certain conditions.
    Sec. 5305. Equitable relief.
    Sec. 5306. Socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers; qualified
    beginning farmers and ranchers.
    Sec. 5307. Emergency loan eligibility.

    Subtitle D--Miscellaneous

    Sec. 5401. Technical corrections to the Consolidated Farm and Rural
    Development Act.
    Sec. 5402. State agricultural mediation programs.
    Sec. 5403. Compensation of bank directors.
    Sec. 5404. Sharing of privileged and confidential information.
    Sec. 5405. Facility headquarters.
    Sec. 5406. Removal and prohibition authority; industry-wide prohibition.
    Sec. 5407. Jurisdiction over institution-affiliated parties.
    Sec. 5408. Definition of institution-affiliated party.
    Sec. 5409. Prohibition on use of funds.

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    Sec. 5410. Expansion of acreage exception to loan amount limitation.
    Sec. 5411. Repeal of obsolete provisions; technical corrections.
    Sec. 5412. Corporation as conservator or receiver; certain other powers.
    Sec. 5413. Reporting.
    Sec. 5414. Study on loan risk.
    Sec. 5415. GAO report on ability of the Farm Credit System to meet the
    agricultural credit needs of Indian tribes and their members.
    Sec. 5416. GAO report on credit service to socially disadvantaged
    farmers and ranchers.

    TITLE VI--RURAL DEVELOPMENT

    Subtitle A--Improving Health Outcomes in Rural America

    Sec. 6101. Combating substance use disorder in rural America;
    prioritizations.
    Sec. 6102. Distance learning and telemedicine.
    Sec. 6103. Refinancing of certain rural hospital debt.

    Subtitle B--Connecting Rural Americans to High Speed Broadband

    Sec. 6201. Access to broadband telecommunications services in rural
    areas.
    Sec. 6202. Expansion of middle mile infrastructure into rural areas.
    Sec. 6203. Modifications to the Rural Gigabit Program.
    Sec. 6204. Community Connect Grant Program.
    Sec. 6205. Outdated broadband systems.
    Sec. 6206. Default and deobligation; deferral.
    Sec. 6207. Public notice, assessments, and reporting requirements.
    Sec. 6208. Environmental reviews.
    Sec. 6209. Use of loan proceeds to refinance loans for deployment of
    broadband service.
    Sec. 6210. Smart utility authority for broadband.
    Sec. 6211. Refinancing of telephone loans.
    Sec. 6212. Federal broadband program coordination.
    Sec. 6213. Transition rule.
    Sec. 6214. Rural broadband integration working group.

    Subtitle C--Miscellaneous

    Sec. 6301. Exclusion of certain populations from definition of rural
    area.
    Sec. 6302. Establishment of technical assistance program.
    Sec. 6303. Rural energy savings program.
    Sec. 6304. Northern Border Regional Commission reauthorization.
    Sec. 6305. Definition of rural area for purposes of the Housing Act of
    1949.
    Sec. 6306. Council on Rural Community Innovation and Economic
    Development.

    Subtitle D--Additional Amendments to the Consolidated Farm and Rural
    Development Act

    Sec. 6401. Strategic economic and community development.
    Sec. 6402. Expanding access to credit for rural communities.
    Sec. 6403. Water, waste disposal, and wastewater facility grants.
    Sec. 6404. Rural water and wastewater technical assistance and training
    programs.
    Sec. 6405. Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program.
    Sec. 6406. Tribal college and university essential community facilities.
    Sec. 6407. Emergency and imminent community water assistance grant
    program.
    Sec. 6408. Water systems for rural and native villages in Alaska.
    Sec. 6409. Rural decentralized water systems.
    Sec. 6410. Solid waste management grants.
    Sec. 6411. Rural business development grants.
    Sec. 6412. Rural cooperative development grants.
    Sec. 6413. Locally or regionally produced agricultural food products.
    Sec. 6414. Appropriate technology transfer for rural areas program.
    Sec. 6415. Rural economic area partnership zones.
    Sec. 6416. Intemediary relending program.
    Sec. 6417. Access to information to verify income for participants in
    certain rural housing programs.
    Sec. 6418. Providing for additional fees for guaranteed loans under the
    Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act.
    Sec. 6419. Rural Business-Cooperative Service programs technical
    assistance and training.
    Sec. 6420. National Rural Development Partnership.
    Sec. 6421. Grants for NOAA weather radio transmitters.
    Sec. 6422. Rural microentrepreneur assistance program.
    Sec. 6423. Health care services.
    Sec. 6424. Rural innovation stronger economy grant program.

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    Sec. 6425. Delta Regional Authority.
    Sec. 6426. Rural business investment program.
    Sec. 6427. Rural business investment program.

    Subtitle E--Additional Amendments to the Rural Electrification Act of
    1936

    Sec. 6501. Amendments to section 2 of the Rural Electrification Act of
    1936.
    Sec. 6502. Loans for telephone service.
    Sec. 6503. Cushion of credit payments program.
    Sec. 6504. Extension of the rural economic development loan and grant
    program.
    Sec. 6505. Guarantees for bonds and notes issued for electrification or
    telephone purposes.
    Sec. 6506. Expansion of 911 access.
    Sec. 6507. Cybersecurity and grid security improvements.

    Subtitle F--Program Repeals

    Sec. 6601. Elimination of unfunded programs.
    Sec. 6602. Repeal of Rural Telephone Bank.
    Sec. 6603. Amendments to LOCAL TV Act.

    Subtitle G--Technical Corrections

    Sec. 6701. Corrections relating to the Consolidated Farm and Rural
    Development Act.
    Sec. 6702. Corrections relating to the Rural Electrification Act of
    1936.

    TITLE VII--RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND RELATED MATTERS

    Subtitle A--National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
    Policy Act of 1977

    Sec. 7101. Purposes of agricultural research, extension, and education.
    Sec. 7102. Matters related to certain school designations and
    declarations.
    Sec. 7103. National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and
    Economics Advisory Board.
    Sec. 7104. Specialty crop committee.
    Sec. 7105. Renewable energy committee discontinued.
    Sec. 7106. Veterinary services grant program.
    Sec. 7107. Grants and fellowships for food and agriculture sciences
    education.
    Sec. 7108. Agricultural and food policy research centers.
    Sec. 7109. Education grants to Alaska Native serving institutions and
    Native Hawaiian serving institutions.
    Sec. 7110. Next generation agriculture technology challenge.
    Sec. 7111. Land-grant designation.
    Sec. 7112. Nutrition education program.
    Sec. 7113. Continuing animal health and disease research programs.
    Sec. 7114. Carryover of funds for extension at 1890 land-grant colleges,
    including Tuskegee University.
    Sec. 7115. Extension and agricultural research at 1890 land-grant
    colleges, including Tuskegee University.
    Sec. 7116. Reports on disbursement of funds for agricultural research
    and extension at 1862 and 1890 land-grant colleges, including
    Tuskegee University.
    Sec. 7117. Scholarships for students at 1890 institutions.
    Sec. 7118. Grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities
    at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University.
    Sec. 7119. Grants to upgrade agriculture and food sciences facilities
    and equipment at insular area land-grant institutions.
    Sec. 7120. New Beginning for Tribal Students.
    Sec. 7121. Hispanic-serving institutions.
    Sec. 7122. Binational agricultural research and development.
    Sec. 7123. Partnerships to build capacity in international agricultural
    research, extension, and teaching.
    Sec. 7124. Competitive grants for international agricultural science and
    education programs.
    Sec. 7125. Limitation on indirect costs for agricultural research,
    education, and extension programs.
    Sec. 7126. Research equipment grants.
    Sec. 7127. University research.
    Sec. 7128. Extension service.
    Sec. 7129. Supplemental and alternative crops; hemp.
    Sec. 7130. New Era Rural Technology program.
    Sec. 7131. Capacity building grants for NLGCA Institutions.
    Sec. 7132. Agriculture advanced research and development authority
    pilot.

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    Sec. 7133. Aquaculture assistance programs.
    Sec. 7134. Rangeland research programs.
    Sec. 7135. Special authorization for biosecurity planning and response.
    Sec. 7136. Distance education and resident instruction grants program
    for insular area institutions of higher education.

    Subtitle B--Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990

    Sec. 7201. Best utilization of biological applications.
    Sec. 7202. Integrated management systems.
    Sec. 7203. Sustainable agriculture technology development and transfer
    program.
    Sec. 7204. National training program.
    Sec. 7205. National strategic germplasm and cultivar collection
    assessment and utilization plan.
    Sec. 7206. National Genetics Resources Program.
    Sec. 7207. National Agricultural Weather Information System.
    Sec. 7208. Agricultural genome to phenome initiative.
    Sec. 7209. High-priority research and extension initiatives.
    Sec. 7210. Organic agriculture research and extension initiative.
    Sec. 7211. Farm business management.
    Sec. 7212. Urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production
    research, education, and extension initiative.
    Sec. 7213. Centers of excellence at 1890 Institutions.
    Sec. 7214. Clarification of veteran eligibility for assistive technology
    program for farmers with disabilities.
    Sec. 7215. National Rural Information Center Clearinghouse.

    Subtitle C--Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act
    of 1998

    Sec. 7301. National food safety training, education, extension,
    outreach, and technical assistance program.
    Sec. 7302. Integrated research, education, and extension competitive
    grants program.
    Sec. 7303. Support for research regarding diseases of wheat, triticale,
    and barley caused by Fusarium graminearum or by Tilletia
    indica.
    Sec. 7304. Grants for youth organizations.
    Sec. 7305. Specialty crop research initiative.
    Sec. 7306. Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database program.
    Sec. 7307. Office of Pest Management Policy.
    Sec. 7308. Forestry products advanced utilization research.

    Subtitle D--Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008

    PART I--Agricultural Security

    Sec. 7401. Agricultural biosecurity communication center.
    Sec. 7402. Assistance to build local capacity in agricultural
    biosecurity planning, preparation, and response.
    Sec. 7403. Research and development of agricultural countermeasures.
    Sec. 7404. Agricultural biosecurity grant program.

    PART II--Miscellaneous

    Sec. 7411. Grazinglands research laboratory.
    Sec. 7412. Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network.
    Sec. 7413. Natural products research program.
    Sec. 7414. Sun grant program.

    Subtitle E--Amendments to Other Laws

    Sec. 7501. Critical Agricultural Materials Act.
    Sec. 7502. Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994.
    Sec. 7503. Research Facilities Act.
    Sec. 7504. Agriculture and Food Research Initiative.
    Sec. 7505. Extension design and demonstration initiative.
    Sec. 7506. Repeal of review of agricultural research service.
    Sec. 7507. Biomass research and development.
    Sec. 7508. Reinstatement of matching requirement for Federal funds used
    in extension work at the University of the District of
    Columbia.
    Sec. 7509. Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978.
    Sec. 7510. National Aquaculture Act of 1980.
    Sec. 7511. Federal agriculture research facilities.

    Subtitle F--Other Matters

    Sec. 7601. Enhanced use lease authority program.

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    Sec. 7602. Transfer of administrative jurisdiction over portion of Henry
    A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center,
    Beltsville, Maryland.
    Sec. 7603. Foundation for food and agriculture research.
    Sec. 7604. Assistance for forestry research under the McIntire-Stennis
    Cooperative Forestry Act.
    Sec. 7605. Legitimacy of industrial hemp research.
    Sec. 7606. Collection of data relating to barley area planted and
    harvested.
    Sec. 7607. Collection of data relating to the size and location of dairy
    farms.
    Sec. 7608. Agriculture innovation center demonstration program.
    Sec. 7609. Smith-Lever community extension program.
    Sec. 7610. Mechanization and automation for specialty crops.
    Sec. 7611. Experienced services program.
    Sec. 7612. Simplified plan of work.
    Sec. 7613. Review of land-grant time and effort reporting requirements.
    Sec. 7614. Matching funds requirement.

    TITLE VIII--FORESTRY

    Subtitle A--Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978

    Sec. 8101. Support for State assessments and strategies for forest
    resources.
    Sec. 8102. State and private forest landscape-scale restoration program.

    Subtitle B--Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of
    1978

    Sec. 8201. Repeal of recycling research.
    Sec. 8202. Repeal of forestry student grant program.

    Subtitle C--Global Climate Change Prevention Act of 1990

    Sec. 8301. Repeals relating to biomass.

    Subtitle D--Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003

    Sec. 8401. Promoting cross-boundary wildfire mitigation.
    Sec. 8402. Authorization of appropriations for hazardous fuel reduction
    on Federal land.
    Sec. 8403. Repeal of biomass commercial utilization grant program.
    Sec. 8404. Water Source Protection Program.
    Sec. 8405. Watershed Condition Framework.
    Sec. 8406. Authorization of appropriations to combat insect infestations
    and related diseases.
    Sec. 8407. Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 amendments.
    Sec. 8408. Authorization of appropriations for designation of treatment
    areas.

    Subtitle E--Repeal or Reauthorization of Miscellaneous Forestry Programs

    Sec. 8501. Repeal of revision of strategic plan for forest inventory and
    analysis.
    Sec. 8502. Semiarid agroforestry research center.
    Sec. 8503. National Forest Foundation Act.
    Sec. 8504. Conveyance of Forest Service administrative sites.

    Subtitle F--Forest Management

    Sec. 8601. Definition of National Forest System.

    PART I--Expedited Environmental Analysis and Availability of Categorical
    Exclusions to Expedite Forest Management Activities

    Sec. 8611. Categorical exclusion for greater sage-grouse and mule deer
    habitat.

    PART II--Miscellaneous Forest Management Activities

    Sec. 8621. Additional authority for sale or exchange of small parcels of
    National Forest System land.
    Sec. 8622. Forest Service participation in ACES program.
    Sec. 8623. Authorization for lease of Forest Service sites.
    Sec. 8624. Good neighbor authority.
    Sec. 8625. Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest land adjustment.
    Sec. 8626. Tennessee wilderness.
    Sec. 8627. Kisatchie National Forest land conveyance.
    Sec. 8628. Purchase of Natural Resources Conservation Service property,
    Riverside County, California.
    Sec. 8629. Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program.
    Sec. 8630. Utility infrastructure rights-of-way vegetation management
    pilot program.
    Sec. 8631. Okhissa Lake rural economic development land conveyance.
    Sec. 8632. Remote sensing technologies.

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    PART III--Timber Innovation

    Sec. 8641. Definitions.
    Sec. 8642. Clarification of research and development program for wood
    building construction.
    Sec. 8643. Wood innovation grant program.
    Sec. 8644. Community wood energy and wood innovation program.

    Subtitle G--Other Matters

    Sec. 8701. Rural revitalization technologies.
    Sec. 8702. Resource Advisory Committees.
    Sec. 8703. Tribal forest management demonstration project.
    Sec. 8704. Technical corrections.
    Sec. 8705. Streamlining the Forest Service process for consideration of
    communications facility location applications.
    Sec. 8706. Report on wildfire, insect infestation, and disease
    prevention on Federal land.
    Sec. 8707. West Fork Fire Station.
    Sec. 8708. Competitive forestry, natural resources, and environmental
    grants program.

    TITLE IX--ENERGY

    Sec. 9001. Definitions.
    Sec. 9002. Biobased markets program.
    Sec. 9003. Biorefinery assistance.
    Sec. 9004. Repowering assistance program.
    Sec. 9005. Bioenergy program for advanced biofuels.
    Sec. 9006. Biodiesel fuel education program.
    Sec. 9007. Rural Energy for America Program.
    Sec. 9008. Rural Energy Self-Sufficiency Initiative.
    Sec. 9009. Feedstock flexibility.
    Sec. 9010. Biomass Crop Assistance Program.
    Sec. 9011. Carbon utilization and biogas education program.

    TITLE X--HORTICULTURE

    Sec. 10101. Specialty crops market news allocation.
    Sec. 10102. Local agriculture market program.
    Sec. 10103. Organic production and market data initiatives.
    Sec. 10104. Organic certification.
    Sec. 10105. National organic certification cost-share program.
    Sec. 10106. Food safety education initiatives.
    Sec. 10107. Specialty crop block grants.
    Sec. 10108. Amendments to the Plant Variety Protection Act.
    Sec. 10109. Multiple crop and pesticide use survey.
    Sec. 10110. Report on the arrival in the United States of forest pests
    through restrictions on the importation of certain plants for
    planting.
    Sec. 10111. Report on plant biostimulants.
    Sec. 10112. Clarification of use of funds for technical assistance.
    Sec. 10113. Hemp production.
    Sec. 10114. Interstate commerce.
    Sec. 10115. FIFRA interagency working group.
    Sec. 10116. Study on methyl bromide use in response to an emergency
    event.

    TITLE XI--CROP INSURANCE

    Sec. 11101. Definitions.
    Sec. 11102. Data collection.
    Sec. 11103. Sharing of records.
    Sec. 11104. Use of resources.
    Sec. 11105. Specialty crops.
    Sec. 11106. Insurance period.
    Sec. 11107. Cover crops.
    Sec. 11108. Underserved producers.
    Sec. 11109. Treatment of forage and grazing.
    Sec. 11110. Administrative basic fee.
    Sec. 11111. Enterprise units.
    Sec. 11112. Continued authority.
    Sec. 11113. Submission of policies and materials to board.
    Sec. 11114. Crop production on native sod.
    Sec. 11115. Use of national agricultural statistics service data to
    combat waste, fraud, and abuse.
    Sec. 11116. Submission of information to corporation.

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    Sec. 11117. Continuing education for loss adjusters and agents.
    Sec. 11118. Program administration.
    Sec. 11119. Agricultural commodity.
    Sec. 11120. Maintenance of policies.
    Sec. 11121. Reimbursement of research, development, and maintenance
    costs.
    Sec. 11122. Research and development authority.
    Sec. 11123. Funding for research and development.
    Sec. 11124. Technical amendment to pilot programs.
    Sec. 11125. Education and risk management assistance.
    Sec. 11126. Repeal of cropland report annual updates.

    TITLE XII--MISCELLANEOUS

    Subtitle A--Livestock

    Sec. 12101. Animal disease prevention and management.
    Sec. 12102. Sheep production and marketing grant program.
    Sec. 12103. Feasibility study on livestock dealer statutory trust.
    Sec. 12104. Definition of livestock.
    Sec. 12105. National Aquatic Animal Health Plan.
    Sec. 12106. Veterinary training.
    Sec. 12107. Report on FSIS guidance and outreach to small meat
    processors.
    Sec. 12108. Regional Cattle and Carcass Grading Correlation and Training
    Centers.

    Subtitle B--Agriculture and Food Defense

    Sec. 12201. Repeal of Office of Homeland Security.
    Sec. 12202. Office of Homeland Security.
    Sec. 12203. Agriculture and food defense.
    Sec. 12204. Biological agents and toxins list.
    Sec. 12205. Authorization of appropriations.

    Subtitle C--Historically Underserved Producers

    Sec. 12301. Farming opportunities training and outreach.
    Sec. 12302. Urban agriculture.
    Sec. 12303. Tribal Advisory Committee.
    Sec. 12304. Beginning farmer and rancher coordination.
    Sec. 12305. Agricultural youth organization coordinator.
    Sec. 12306. Availability of Department of Agriculture programs for
    veteran farmers and ranchers.

    Subtitle D--Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994
    Amendments

    Sec. 12401. Office of Congressional Relations and Intergovernmental
    Affairs.
    Sec. 12402. Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison.
    Sec. 12403. Civil rights analyses.
    Sec. 12404. Farm Service Agency.
    Sec. 12405. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm Production and
    Conservation.
    Sec. 12406. Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement.
    Sec. 12407. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development.
    Sec. 12408. Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service.
    Sec. 12409. Rural Health Liaison.
    Sec. 12410. Natural Resources Conservation Service.
    Sec. 12411. Office of the Chief Scientist.
    Sec. 12412. Appointment of national appeals division hearing officers.
    Sec. 12413. Trade and foreign agricultural affairs.
    Sec. 12414. Repeals.
    Sec. 12415. Technical corrections.
    Sec. 12416. Termination of authority.

    Subtitle E--Other Miscellaneous Provisions

    PART I--Miscellaneous Agriculture Provisions

    Sec. 12501. Acer access and development program.
    Sec. 12502. Protecting animals with shelter.
    Sec. 12503. Marketing orders.
    Sec. 12504. Establishment of food loss and waste reduction liaison.
    Sec. 12505. Report on business centers.
    Sec. 12506. Report on personnel.
    Sec. 12507. Report on absent landlords.
    Sec. 12508. Century farms program.
    Sec. 12509. Report on importation of live dogs.
    Sec. 12510. Tribal Promise Zones.

    [[Page 4500]]

    Sec. 12511. Precision agriculture connectivity.
    Sec. 12512. Improvements to United States Drought Monitor.
    Sec. 12513. Dairy business innovation initiatives.
    Sec. 12514. Report on funding for the National Institute of Food and
    Agriculture and other extension programs.
    Sec. 12515. Prohibition on slaughter of dogs and cats for human
    consumption.
    Sec. 12516. Labeling exemption for single ingredient foods and products.
    Sec. 12517. South Carolina inclusion in Virginia/Carolina peanut
    producing region.
    Sec. 12518. Forest Service hire authority.
    Sec. 12519. Conversion authority.
    Sec. 12520. Authorization of protection operations for the Secretary of
    Agriculture and others.

    PART II--National Oilheat Research Alliance

    Sec. 12531. National oilheat research alliance.

    Subtitle F--General Provisions

    Sec. 12601. Baiting of migratory game birds.
    Sec. 12602. Pima agriculture cotton trust fund.
    Sec. 12603. Agriculture wool apparel manufacturers trust fund.
    Sec. 12604. Wool research and promotion.
    Sec. 12605. Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Development Trust
    Fund.
    Sec. 12606. Extension of merchandise processing fees.
    Sec. 12607. Reports on land access and farmland ownership data
    collection.
    Sec. 12608. Reauthorization of rural emergency medical services training
    and equipment assistance program.
    Sec. 12609. Commission on Farm Transitions--Needs for 2050.
    Sec. 12610. Exceptions under United States Grain Standards Act.
    Sec. 12611. Conference report requirement threshold.
    Sec. 12612. National agriculture imagery program.
    Sec. 12613. Report on inclusion of natural stone products in Commodity
    Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996.
    Sec. 12614. Establishment of food access liaison.
    Sec. 12615. Eligibility for operators on heirs property land to obtain a
    farm number.
    Sec. 12616. Extending prohibition on animal fighting to the territories.
    Sec. 12617. Exemption of exportation of certain echinoderms from
    permission and licensing requirements.
    Sec. 12618. Data on conservation practices.
    Sec. 12619. Conforming changes to Controlled Substances Act.

    SEC. 2. <>  DEFINITION OF SECRETARY.

    In this Act, the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
    Agriculture.

    TITLE I--COMMODITIES

    Subtitle A--Commodity Policy

    SEC. 1101. DEFINITION OF EFFECTIVE REFERENCE PRICE.

    Section 1111 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9011) is
    amended--
    (1) by redesignating paragraphs (8) through (25) as
    paragraphs (9) through (26), respectively; and
    (2) by inserting after paragraph (7) the following:
    ``(8) Effective reference price.--The term `effective
    reference price', with respect to a covered commodity for a crop
    year, means the lesser of the following:
    ``(A) An amount equal to 115 percent of the
    reference price for such covered commodity.
    ``(B) An amount equal to the greater of--
    ``(i) the reference price for such covered
    commodity; or
    ``(ii) 85 percent of the average of the
    marketing year average price of the covered
    commodity for the

    [[Page 4501]]

    most recent 5 crop years, excluding each of the
    crop years with the highest and lowest marketing
    year average price.''.
    SEC. 1102. BASE ACRES.

    (a) Technical Corrections.--Section 1112(c)(2) of the Agricultural
    Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9012(c)(2)) is amended by striking subparagraph
    (A) and inserting the following:
    ``(A) Any acreage on the farm enrolled in--
    ``(i) the conservation reserve program
    established under subchapter B of chapter 1 of
    subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act
    of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq.); or
    ``(ii) a wetland reserve easement under
    section 1265C of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
    U.S.C. 3865c).''.

    (b) Reduction in Base Acres.--Section 1112(d) of the Agricultural
    Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9012(d)) is amended by adding at the end the
    following:
    ``(3) Treatment of base acres on farms entirely planted to
    grass or pasture.--
    ``(A) In general.--In the case of a farm on which
    all of the cropland was planted to grass or pasture
    (including cropland that was idle or fallow), as
    determined by the Secretary, during the period beginning
    on January 1, 2009, and ending on December 31, 2017, the
    Secretary shall maintain all base acres and payment
    yields for the covered commodities on the farm, except
    that no payment shall be made with respect to those base
    acres under section 1116 or 1117 for the 2019 through
    2023 crop years.
    ``(B) Ineligibility.--The producers on a farm for
    which all of the base acres are maintained under
    subparagraph (A) shall be ineligible for the option to
    change the election applicable to the producers on the
    farm under section 1115(h).
    ``(4) Prohibition on reconstitution of farm.--The Secretary
    shall ensure that producers on a farm do not reconstitute the
    farm to void or change the treatment of base acres under this
    section.''.
    SEC. 1103. PAYMENT YIELDS.

    (a) Treatment of Designated Oilseeds.--Section 1113(b) of the
    Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9013(b)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``designated oilseeds''
    and inserting ``oilseeds designated before the date of enactment
    of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018'';
    (2) in paragraphs (2) and (3), by striking ``a designated
    oilseed'' each place it appears and inserting ``an oilseed
    designated before the date of enactment of the Agriculture
    Improvement Act of 2018''; and
    (3) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(4) Treatment of oilseeds designated after certain date.--
    In the case of oilseeds designated on or after the date of
    enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, the
    payment yield shall be equal to 90 percent of the average of the
    yield per planted acre for the most recent 5 crop years, as
    determined by the Secretary, excluding any crop year in which
    the acreage planted to the covered commodity was zero.''.

    [[Page 4502]]

    (b) Single Opportunity to Update Yields.--Section 1113 of the
    Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9013) is amended by striking
    subsection (d) and inserting the following:
    ``(d) Single Opportunity to Update Yields.--
    ``(1) Election to update.--At the sole discretion of the
    owner of a farm, the owner of a farm shall have a 1-time
    opportunity to update, on a covered-commodity-by-covered-
    commodity basis, the payment yield that would otherwise be used
    in calculating any price loss coverage payment for each covered
    commodity on the farm for which the election is made.
    ``(2) Method of updating yields for covered commodities.--If
    the owner of a farm elects to update yields under paragraph (1),
    the payment yield for a covered commodity on the farm, for the
    purpose of calculating price loss coverage payments only, shall
    be equal to the product obtained by multiplying--
    ``(A) 90 percent;
    ``(B) the average of the yield per planted acre for
    the crop of covered commodities on the farm for the 2013
    through 2017 crop years, as determined by the Secretary,
    excluding any crop year in which the acreage planted to
    the covered commodity was zero; and
    ``(C) subject to paragraph (3), the ratio obtained
    by dividing--
    ``(i) the average of the 2008 through 2012
    national average yield per planted acre for the
    covered commodity, as determined by the Secretary;
    by
    ``(ii) the average of the 2013 through 2017
    national average yield per planted acre for the
    covered commodity, as determined by the Secretary.
    ``(3) Limitation.--In no case shall the ratio obtained under
    paragraph (2)(C) be less than 90 percent or greater than 100
    percent.
    ``(4) Use of county average yield.--For the purposes of
    determining the average yield per planted acre under paragraph
    (2)(B), if the yield per planted acre for a crop of a covered
    commodity for a farm for any of the crop years described in that
    subparagraph was less than 75 percent of the average of county
    yields for those crop years for that commodity, the Secretary
    shall assign a yield for that crop year equal to 75 percent of
    the average of the 2013 through 2017 county yield for the
    covered commodity.
    ``(5) Upland cotton conversion.--In the case of seed cotton,
    for purposes of determining the average of the yield per planted
    acre under this subsection, the average yield for seed cotton
    per planted acre shall be equal to 2.4 times the average yield
    for upland cotton per planted acre.
    ``(6) Time for election.--An election under this subsection
    shall be made at a time and manner so as to be in effect
    beginning with the 2020 crop year, as determined by the
    Secretary.''.
    SEC. 1104. PAYMENT ACRES.

    Section 1114 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9014) is
    amended--
    (1) in subsection (d)--

    [[Page 4503]]

    (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``, unless the
    sum of the base acres on the farm, when combined with
    the base acres of other farms in which the producer has
    an interest, is more than 10 acres'' before the period
    at the end; and
    (B) in paragraph (2)--
    (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``or'' at
    the end;
    (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the
    period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
    (iii) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(C) a beginning farmer or rancher (as defined in
    subsection (a) of section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture,
    Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279)); or
    ``(D) a veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in
    subsection (a) of section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture,
    Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279)).'';
    and
    (2) in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following:
    ``(5) Effect of reduction.--For each crop year for which
    fruits, vegetables (other than mung beans and pulse crops), or
    wild rice are planted to base acres on a farm for which a
    reduction in payment acres is made under this subsection, the
    Secretary shall consider such base acres to be planted, or
    prevented from being planted, to a covered commodity for
    purposes of any adjustment or reduction of base acres for the
    farm under section 1112.''.
    SEC. 1105. PRODUCER ELECTION.

    Section 1115 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9015) is
    amended--
    (1) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph
    (1), by striking ``Except as provided in subsection (g), for the
    2014 through 2018 crop years'' and inserting ``For the 2014
    through 2018 crop years (except as provided in subsection (g))
    and for the 2019 through 2023 crop years (subject to subsection
    (h))'';
    (2) in subsection (b), in the matter preceding paragraph
    (1), by striking ``subsection (a), the producers on a farm that
    elect under paragraph (2) of such subsection to obtain
    agriculture risk coverage under section 1117'' and inserting
    ``subsection (a) or (h), as applicable, the producers on a farm
    that elect to obtain agriculture risk coverage'';
    (3) in subsection (c)--
    (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
    inserting ``or the 2019 crop year, as applicable'' after
    ``2014 crop year'';
    (B) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``or the 2019
    crop year, as applicable,'' after ``2014 crop year'';
    and
    (C) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the
    following:
    ``(2) subject to subsection (h), the producers on the farm
    shall be deemed to have elected, as applicable--
    ``(A) price loss coverage for all covered
    commodities on the farm for the 2015 through 2018 crop
    years; and
    ``(B) the same coverage for each covered commodity
    on the farm for the 2020 through 2023 crop years as was
    applicable for the 2015 through 2018 crop years.'';

    [[Page 4504]]

    (4) in subsection (g)(1), by inserting ``for the 2018 crop
    year,'' before ``all of the producers''; and
    (5) by adding at the end the following:

    ``(h) Option to Change Election.--
    ``(1) In general.--For the 2021 crop year and each crop year
    thereafter, all of the producers on a farm may change the
    election under subsection (a), subsection (c), or this
    subsection, as applicable, to price loss coverage or agriculture
    risk coverage, as applicable.
    ``(2) Applicability.--An election change under paragraph (1)
    shall apply to--
    ``(A) the crop year for which the election change is
    made; and
    ``(B) each crop year thereafter until another
    election change is made under that paragraph.''.
    SEC. 1106. PRICE LOSS COVERAGE.

    Section 1116 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9016) is
    amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)--
    (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as
    subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, and indenting
    appropriately;
    (B) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) (as so
    redesignated)--
    (i) by inserting ``or (h)'' after ``subsection
    (a)''; and
    (ii) by striking ``determines that, for any of
    the 2014 through 2018 crop years--'' and inserting
    ``determines that--
    ``(1) for any of the 2014 through 2018 crop years--'';
    (C) in paragraph (1)(B) (as so redesignated), by
    striking the period at the end and inserting ``; or'';
    and
    (D) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(2) for any of the 2019 through 2023 crop years--
    ``(A) the effective price for the covered commodity
    for the crop year; is less than
    ``(B) the effective reference price for the covered
    commodity for the crop year.'';
    (2) in subsection (c)--
    (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as
    clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting
    appropriately;
    (B) in the matter preceding clause (i) (as so
    redesignated), by striking ``The payment rate'' and
    inserting the following:
    ``(1) In general.--
    ``(A) 2014 through 2018 crop years.--For the 2014
    through 2018 crop years, the payment rate'';
    (C) in paragraph (1) (as so designated), by adding
    at the end the following:
    ``(B) 2019 through 2023 crop years.--For the 2019
    through 2023 crop years, the payment rate shall be equal
    to the difference between--
    ``(i) the effective reference price for the
    covered commodity; and
    ``(ii) the effective price determined under
    subsection (b) for the covered commodity.''; and
    (D) by adding at the end the following:

    [[Page 4505]]

    ``(2) Announcement.--Not later than 30 days after the end of
    each applicable 12-month marketing year for each covered
    commodity, the Secretary shall publish the payment rate
    determined under paragraph (1).
    ``(3) Insufficient data.--In the case of a covered
    commodity, such as temperate japonica rice, for which the
    Secretary cannot determine the payment rate for the most recent
    12-month marketing year by the date described in paragraph (2)
    due to insufficient reporting of timely pricing data by 1 or
    more nongovernmental entities, including a marketing cooperative
    for the covered commodity, the Secretary shall publish the
    payment rate as soon as practicable after the marketing year
    data are made available.''; and
    (3) by striking subsection (g) and inserting the following:

    ``(g) Reference Price for Temperate Japonica Rice.--In order to
    reflect price premiums, the Secretary shall provide a reference price
    with respect to temperate japonica rice in an amount equal to the amount
    established under subparagraph (F) of section 1111(19), as adjusted by
    paragraph (8) of such section, multiplied by the ratio obtained by
    dividing--
    ``(1) the simple average of the marketing year average price
    of medium grain rice from the 2012 through 2016 crop years; by
    ``(2) the simple average of the marketing year average price
    of all rice from the 2012 through 2016 crop years.''.
    SEC. 1107. AGRICULTURE RISK COVERAGE.

    Section 1117 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9017) is
    amended--
    (1) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph
    (1)--
    (A) by inserting ``(beginning with the 2019 crop
    year, based on the physical location of the farm)''
    after ``payments''; and
    (B) by inserting ``or the 2019 through 2023 crop
    years, as applicable'' after ``2014 through 2018 crop
    years'';
    (2) in subsection (c)--
    (A) in paragraph (2)--
    (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking
    ``paragraph (4)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (4)
    and (5)''; and
    (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``(5)''
    and inserting ``(6)'';
    (B) in paragraph (3)--
    (i) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking
    ``(5)'' and inserting ``(6)''; and
    (ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``2018''
    and inserting ``2023'';
    (C) in paragraph (4)--
    (i) by striking ``If'' and inserting the
    following:
    ``(A) 2014 through 2018 crop years.--Effective for
    the 2014 through 2018 crop years, if''; and
    (ii) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(B) 2019 through 2023 crop years.--Effective for
    the 2019 through 2023 crop years, if the yield per
    planted acre for the covered commodity or historical
    county yield per planted acre for the covered commodity
    for any of

    [[Page 4506]]

    the 5 most recent crop years, as determined by the
    Secretary, is less than 80 percent of the transitional
    yield, as determined by the Secretary, the amounts used
    for any of those years in paragraph (2)(A) or (3)(A)(i)
    shall be 80 percent of the transitional yield.'';
    (D) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6);
    (E) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
    ``(5) Trend-adjusted yield.--The Secretary shall calculate
    and use a trend-adjusted yield factor to adjust the yield
    determined under paragraph (2)(A) and subsection (b)(1)(A),
    taking into consideration, but not exceeding, the trend-adjusted
    yield factor that is used to increase yield history under the
    endorsement under the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501
    et seq.) for that crop and county.''; and
    (F) in paragraph (6) (as so redesignated)--
    (i) by striking ``Reference price.--If the
    national average market price'' and inserting the
    following: ``Low national average market price.--
    ``(A) Reference price.--For the 2014 through 2018
    crop years, if the national average market price''; and
    (ii) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(B) Effective reference price.--For the 2019
    through 2023 crop years, if the national average market
    price received by producers during the 12-month
    marketing year for any of the 5 most recent crop years
    is lower than the effective reference price for the
    covered commodity, the Secretary shall use the effective
    reference price for any of those years for the amounts
    in paragraph (2)(B) or (3)(A)(ii).'';
    (3) in subsection (d)--
    (A) in paragraph (1), by redesignating subparagraphs
    (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and
    indenting appropriately;
    (B) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as
    subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, and indenting
    appropriately;
    (C) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) (as so
    redesignated), by striking ``The payment'' and inserting
    the following:
    ``(1) In general.--The payment''; and
    (D) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(2) Announcement.--Not later than 30 days after the end of
    each applicable 12-month marketing year for each covered
    commodity, the Secretary shall publish the payment rate
    determined under paragraph (1) for each county.'';
    (4) in subsection (e), in the matter preceding paragraph
    (1), by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023'';
    (5) in subsection (g)--
    (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``to the maximum
    extent practicable,'';
    (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' after the
    semicolon at the end;
    (C) in paragraph (4)--
    (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A),
    by inserting ``effective for the 2014 through 2018
    crop years,'' before ``in the case of''; and

    [[Page 4507]]

    (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the
    period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
    (D) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(5) effective for the 2019 through 2023 crop years, in the
    case of county coverage, assign an actual or benchmark county
    yield for each planted acre for the crop year for the covered
    commodity--
    ``(A) for a county for which county data collected
    by the Risk Management Agency are sufficient for the
    Secretary to offer a county-wide insurance product,
    using the actual average county yield determined by the
    Risk Management Agency; or
    ``(B) for a county not described in subparagraph
    (A), using--
    ``(i) other sources of yield information, as
    determined by the Secretary; or
    ``(ii) the yield history of representative
    farms in the State, region, or crop reporting
    district, as determined by the Secretary.''; and
    (6) by adding at the end the following:

    ``(h) Publications.--
    ``(1) County guarantee.--
    ``(A) In general.--For each crop year for a covered
    commodity, the Secretary shall publish information
    describing, for that crop year for the covered commodity
    in each county--
    ``(i) the agriculture risk coverage guarantee
    for county coverage determined under subsection
    (c)(1);
    ``(ii) the average historical county yield
    determined under subsection (c)(2)(A); and
    ``(iii) the national average market price
    determined under subsection (c)(2)(B).
    ``(B) Timing.--
    ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in
    clauses (ii) and (iii), not later than 30 days
    after the end of each applicable 12-month
    marketing year, the Secretary shall publish the
    information described in subparagraph (A).
    ``(ii) Insufficient data.--In the case of a
    covered commodity, such as temperate japonica
    rice, for which the Secretary cannot determine the
    national average market price for the most recent
    12-month marketing year by the date described in
    clause (i) due to insufficient reporting of timely
    pricing data by 1 or more nongovernmental
    entities, including a marketing cooperative for
    the covered commodity, as soon as practicable
    after the pricing data are made available, the
    Secretary shall publish information describing--
    ``(I) the agriculture risk coverage
    guarantee under subparagraph (A)(i); and
    ``(II) the national average market
    price under subparagraph (A)(iii).
    ``(iii) Transition.--Not later than 60 days
    after the date of enactment of the Agriculture
    Improvement Act of 2018, the Secretary shall
    publish the information described in clauses (i)
    and (ii) of subparagraph (A) for the 2018 crop
    year.

    [[Page 4508]]

    ``(2) Actual average county yield.--As soon as practicable
    after each crop year, the Secretary shall determine and publish
    each actual average county yield for each covered commodity, as
    determined under subsection (b)(1)(A).
    ``(3) Data sources for county yields.--For the 2018 crop
    year and each crop year thereafter, the Secretary shall make
    publicly available information describing, for the most recent
    crop year--
    ``(A) the sources of data used to calculate county
    yields under subsection (c)(2)(A) for each covered
    commodity--
    ``(i) by county; and
    ``(ii) nationally; and
    ``(B) the number and outcome of occurrences in which
    the Farm Service Agency reviewed, changed, or determined
    not to change a source of data used to calculate county
    yields under subsection (c)(2)(A).

    ``(i) Administrative Units.--
    ``(1) In general.--For purposes of agriculture risk coverage
    payments in the case of county coverage, a county may be divided
    into not greater than 2 administrative units in accordance with
    this subsection.
    ``(2) Eligible counties.--A county that may be divided into
    administrative units under this subsection is a county that--
    ``(A) is larger than 1,400 square miles; and
    ``(B) contains more than 190,000 base acres.
    ``(3) Elections.--Before making any agriculture risk
    coverage payments for the 2019 crop year, the Farm Service
    Agency State committee, in consultation with the Farm Service
    Agency county or area committee of a county described in
    paragraph (2), may make a 1-time election to divide the county
    into administrative units under this subsection along a boundary
    that better reflects differences in weather patterns, soil
    types, or other factors.
    ``(4) Limitation.--The Secretary shall--
    ``(A) limit the number of counties that may be
    divided into administrative units under paragraph (3) to
    25 counties; and
    ``(B) give preference to the division of counties
    that have greater variation in climate, soils, and
    expected productivity between the proposed
    administrative units.
    ``(5) Administration.--For purposes of providing agriculture
    risk coverage payments in the case of county coverage, the
    Secretary shall consider an administrative unit elected under
    paragraph (3) to be a county for the 2019 through 2023 crop
    years.''.
    SEC. 1108. REPEAL OF TRANSITION ASSISTANCE FOR PRODUCERS OF UPLAND
    COTTON.

    Section 1119 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9019) is
    repealed.

    [[Page 4509]]

    Subtitle B--Marketing Loans

    SEC. 1201. EXTENSIONS.

    (a) In General.--Section 1201(b)(1) of the Agricultural Act of 2014
    (7 U.S.C. 9031(b)(1)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.
    (b) Repayment.--Section 1204 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7
    U.S.C. 9034) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (e)(2)(B), in the matter preceding clause
    (i), by striking ``2019''and inserting ``2024''; and
    (2) in subsection (g), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.

    (c) Loan Deficiency Payments.--
    (1) Extension.--Section 1205(a)(2)(B) of the Agricultural
    Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9035(a)(2)(B)) is amended by striking
    ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    (2) Payments in lieu of ldps.--Section 1206 of the
    Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9036) is amended in
    subsections (a) and (d) by striking ``2018'' each place it
    appears and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 1202. LOAN RATES FOR NONRECOURSE MARKETING ASSISTANCE LOANS.

    (a) In General.--Section 1202 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7
    U.S.C. 9032) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a), by striking the subsection heading
    and inserting ``2014 through 2018 crop years'';
    (2) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections
    (c) and (d), respectively;
    (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:

    ``(b) 2019 Through 2023 Crop Years.--For purposes of each of the
    2019 through 2023 crop years, the loan rate for a marketing assistance
    loan under section 1201 for a loan commodity shall be equal to the
    following:
    ``(1) In the case of wheat, $3.38 per bushel.
    ``(2) In the case of corn, $2.20 per bushel.
    ``(3) In the case of grain sorghum, $2.20 per bushel.
    ``(4) In the case of barley, $2.50 per bushel.
    ``(5) In the case of oats, $2.00 per bushel.
    ``(6)(A) Subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C), in the case
    of base quality of upland cotton, the simple average of the
    adjusted prevailing world price for the 2 immediately preceding
    marketing years, as determined by the Secretary and announced
    October 1 preceding the next domestic planting.
    ``(B) Except as provided in subparagraph (C), the loan rate
    determined under subparagraph (A) may not equal less than an
    amount equal to 98 percent of the loan rate for base quality of
    upland cotton for the preceding year.
    ``(C) The loan rate determined under subparagraph (A) may
    not be equal to an amount--
    ``(i) less than $0.45 per pound; or
    ``(ii) more than $0.52 per pound.
    ``(7) In the case of extra long staple cotton, $0.95 per
    pound.
    ``(8) In the case of long grain rice, $7.00 per
    hundredweight.

    [[Page 4510]]

    ``(9) In the case of medium grain rice, $7.00 per
    hundredweight.
    ``(10) In the case of soybeans, $6.20 per bushel.
    ``(11) In the case of other oilseeds, $10.09 per
    hundredweight for each of the following kinds of oilseeds:
    ``(A) Sunflower seed.
    ``(B) Rapeseed.
    ``(C) Canola.
    ``(D) Safflower.
    ``(E) Flaxseed.
    ``(F) Mustard seed.
    ``(G) Crambe.
    ``(H) Sesame seed.
    ``(I) Other oilseeds designated by the Secretary.
    ``(12) In the case of dry peas, $6.15 per hundredweight.
    ``(13) In the case of lentils, $13.00 per hundredweight.
    ``(14) In the case of small chickpeas, $10.00 per
    hundredweight.
    ``(15) In the case of large chickpeas, $14.00 per
    hundredweight.
    ``(16) In the case of graded wool, $1.15 per pound.
    ``(17) In the case of nongraded wool, $0.40 per pound.
    ``(18) In the case of mohair, $4.20 per pound.
    ``(19) In the case of honey, $0.69 per pound.
    ``(20) In the case of peanuts, $355 per ton.''; and
    (4) in subsection (c) (as so redesignated), by striking
    ``subsection (a)(11)'' and inserting ``subsections (a)(11) and
    (b)(11)''.

    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1204(h)(1) of the Agricultural
    Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9034(h)(1)) is amended by striking ``section
    1202(a)(20)'' and inserting ``subsection (a)(20) or (b)(20), as
    applicable, of section 1202''.
    SEC. 1203. ECONOMIC ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE FOR TEXTILE MILLS.

    (a) 2008 Authority.--Section 1207 of the Food, Conservation, and
    Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8737) is amended by striking subsection
    (c).
    (b) 2014 Authority.--Section 1207(c) of the Agricultural Act of 2014
    (7 U.S.C. 9037(c)) is amended by striking the subsection heading and
    inserting ``Economic Adjustment Assistance for Textile Mills''.
    SEC. 1204. SPECIAL COMPETITIVE PROVISIONS FOR EXTRA LONG STAPLE
    COTTON.

    (a) In General.--Section 1208(a) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7
    U.S.C. 9038(a)) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by
    striking ``2019'' and inserting ``2024''.
    (b) Payments Under Program; Trigger.--Section 1208(b)(2) of the
    Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9038(b)(2)) is amended by striking
    ``134 percent'' and inserting ``113 percent''.
    SEC. 1205. AVAILABILITY OF RECOURSE LOANS.

    (a) In General.--Section 1209 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7
    U.S.C. 9039) is amended in subsections (a)(2) and (b) by striking
    ``2018'' each place it appears and inserting ``2023''.
    (b) Recourse Loans Available for Contaminated Commodities.--Section
    1209 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9039) is amended--
    (1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and

    [[Page 4511]]

    (2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:

    ``(c) Recourse Loans Available for Contaminated Commodities.--In the
    case of a loan commodity that is ineligible for 100 percent of the
    nonrecourse marketing loan rate in the county due to a determination
    that the commodity is contaminated yet still merchantable, for each of
    the 2019 through 2023 crops of such loan commodity, the Secretary shall
    make available recourse commodity loans, at the rate provided under
    section 1202, on any production.''.

    Subtitle C--Sugar

    SEC. 1301. SUGAR POLICY.

    (a) Sugar Program.--
    (1) Sugarcane.--Section 156(a) of the Federal Agriculture
    Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7272(a)) is
    amended--
    (A) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' at the
    end;
    (B) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the
    end and inserting ``; and''; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(5) 19.75 cents per pound for raw cane sugar for each of
    the 2019 through 2023 crop years.''.
    (2) Sugar beets.--Section 156(b)(2) of the Federal
    Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C.
    7272(b)(2)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.
    (3) Effective period.--Section 156(i) of the Federal
    Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C.
    7272(i)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

    (b) Flexible Marketing Allotments for Sugar.--
    (1) Sugar estimates.--Section 359b(a)(1) of the Agricultural
    Adjustment Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1359bb(a)(1)) is amended by
    striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    (2) Effective period.--Section 359l(a) of the Agricultural
    Adjustment Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1359ll(a)) is amended by
    striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

    Subtitle D--Dairy Margin Coverage and Other Dairy Related Provisions

    SEC. 1401. DAIRY MARGIN COVERAGE.

    (a) Review of Data Used in Calculation of Average Feed Cost.--Not
    later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
    Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
    Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
    Forestry of the Senate a report evaluating the extent to which the
    average cost of feed used by a dairy operation to produce a
    hundredweight of milk calculated by the Secretary as required by section
    1402(a) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9052(a)) is
    representative of actual dairy feed costs.
    (b) Corn Silage Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
    enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
    Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
    Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the

    [[Page 4512]]

    Senate a report detailing the costs incurred by dairy operations in the
    use of corn silage as feed, and the difference between the feed cost of
    corn silage and the feed cost of corn.
    (c) <>  Collection of Alfalfa Hay Data.--Not
    later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
    Secretary, acting through the National Agricultural Statistics Service,
    shall revise monthly price survey reports to include prices for high-
    quality alfalfa hay in the top five milk producing States, as measured
    by volume of milk produced during the previous month.

    (d) Registration of Multiproducer Dairy Operations.--Section 1404(b)
    of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9054(b)) is amended--
    (1) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and
    (2) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
    ``(3) Election period for 2019 calendar year.--For the 2019
    calendar year, the Secretary shall--
    ``(A) open the election period not later than 60
    days after the effective date described in section
    1401(m) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018; and
    ``(B) hold that election period open for not less
    than 90 days.
    ``(4) Treatment of multiproducer dairy operation.--
    ``(A) In general.--If a participating dairy
    operation is operated by more than 1 dairy producer, the
    dairy producers of the dairy operation who elect to
    participate shall be treated as a single dairy operation
    for purposes of participating in dairy margin coverage.
    ``(B) Rule of construction.--Subparagraph (A) shall
    not be construed to allow a producer to adjust the
    proportion of their share covered under tier I or tier
    II premiums from the proportion covered for the
    operation.''.

    (e) Relation to Livestock Gross Margin for Dairy Program.--
    (1) In general.--Section 1404 of the Agricultural Act of
    2014 (7 U.S.C. 9054) is amended by striking subsection (d).
    (2) Retroactive program option.--Section 1404(b)(2) of the
    Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9054(b)(2)) is amended--
    (A) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting the
    following:
    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary''; and
    (B) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(B) Retroactive program option.--In the case of a
    dairy operation that, by operation of subsection (d) (as
    in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the
    Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018), was ineligible to
    participate in the margin protection program for any
    part of calendar year 2018, the Secretary shall
    establish a new election period for that calendar year
    that ends on a date that is not less than 90 days after
    the date of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act
    of 2018 and the Secretary determines is necessary for
    dairy operations to make new elections to participate in
    the margin protection program (as in effect on the day
    before the date of enactment of the Agriculture
    Improvement Act of 2018) for that calendar year,
    including dairy operations that elected to participate
    in the livestock gross margin for dairy program under
    the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et

    [[Page 4513]]

    seq.) before the date of enactment of the Bipartisan
    Budget Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-123).''.

    (f) Production History of Participating Dairy Operators.--
    (1) Adjustment.--Section 1405 of the Agricultural Act of
    2014 (7 U.S.C. 9055) is amended--
    (A) in subsection (a)--
    (i) in paragraph (2), by striking ``In
    subsequent years'' and inserting ``In the
    subsequent calendar years ending before January 1,
    2019''; and
    (ii) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``, as
    applicable'' after ``paragraph (2)''; and
    (B) in subsection (b)--
    (i) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as
    subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, and
    indenting appropriately;
    (ii) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)
    (as so redesignated), by striking ``In the case''
    and inserting the following:
    ``(1) Dairy operations with less than 1 year of production
    history.--In the case''; and
    (iii) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(2) Dairy operations with 1 year or more of production
    history.--In the case of a participating dairy operation that
    was not in operation prior to January 1, 2014, that has not
    established a production history, and that has been in operation
    for equal to or longer than 1 year, the participating dairy
    operation shall elect the annual milk marketings during any 1
    calendar year to determine the production history of the
    participating dairy operation.
    ``(3) Adjustment.--The Secretary shall adjust the production
    history of a participating dairy operation determined under
    paragraph (1) or (2) to reflect any increase or decrease in the
    national average milk production relative to calendar year
    2017.''.
    (2) Limitation on changes to business structure.--Section
    1405 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9055) is amended
    by adding at the end the following new subsection:

    ``(d) Limitation on Changes to Business Structure.--The Secretary
    may not make dairy margin coverage payments to a participating dairy
    operation if the Secretary determines that the participating dairy
    operation has reorganized the structure of such operation solely for the
    purpose of qualifying as a new operation under subsection (b).''.
    (g) Coverage Level Threshold and Coverage Percentage.--Section 1406
    of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9056) is amended by striking
    subsection (a) and inserting the following:
    ``(a) Coverage Level Threshold and Coverage Percentage.--
    ``(1) Coverage level threshold.--
    ``(A) In general.--For purposes of receiving dairy
    margin coverage payments for a month, a participating
    dairy operation shall annually elect a coverage level
    threshold that is equal to $4.00, $4.50, $5.00, $5.50,
    $6.00, $6.50, $7.00, $7.50, $8.00, $8.50, $9.00, or
    $9.50.
    ``(B) Applicability.--Except as provided in
    subparagraph (C), the coverage level threshold elected
    under

    [[Page 4514]]

    subparagraph (A) shall apply to the covered production
    elected by the participating dairy operation under
    paragraph (2).
    ``(C) Second coverage election for tier ii.--In the
    case of a participating dairy operation that elects a
    coverage level threshold of $8.50, $9.00, or $9.50 under
    subparagraph (A)--
    ``(i) that coverage level threshold shall
    apply to the first 5,000,000 pounds of milk
    marketings included in the covered production
    elected by the participating dairy operation; and
    ``(ii) the participating dairy operation shall
    elect a coverage level threshold that is equal to
    $4.00, $4.50, $5.00, $5.50, $6.00, $6.50, $7.00,
    $7.50, or $8.00 to apply to milk marketings in
    excess of 5,000,000 pounds included in the covered
    production elected by the participating dairy
    operation.
    ``(2) Coverage percentage.--For purposes of receiving dairy
    margin coverage payments for a month, a participating dairy
    operation shall annually elect a percentage of coverage, in 5-
    percent increments, not exceeding 95 percent of the production
    history of the participating dairy operation.''.

    (h) Producer Premiums.--Section 1407 of the Agricultural Act of 2014
    (7 U.S.C. 9057) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (b), by striking paragraphs (2) and (3)
    and inserting the following:
    ``(2) Producer premiums.--Except as provided in subsection
    (g), the following annual premiums apply:

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ``Coverage Level                                         Premium per Cwt.
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    $4.00                                                    None
    $4.50                                                    $0.0025
    $5.00                                                    $0.005
    $5.50                                                    $0.030
    $6.00                                                    $0.050
    $6.50                                                    $0.070
    $7.00                                                    $0.080
    $7.50                                                    $0.090
    $8.00                                                    $0.100
    $8.50                                                    $0.105
    $9.00                                                    $0.110
    $9.50                                                    $0.150''; and
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) in subsection (c), by striking paragraph (2) and
    inserting the following:
    ``(2) Producer premiums.--Except as provided in subsection
    (g), the following annual premiums apply:

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ``Coverage Level                                         Premium per Cwt.
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    $4.00                                                    None

    [[Page 4515]]

    $4.50                                                    $0.0025
    $5.00                                                    $0.005
    $5.50                                                    $0.100
    $6.00                                                    $0.310
    $6.50                                                    $0.650
    $7.00                                                    $1.107
    $7.50                                                    $1.413
    $8.00                                                    $1.813''.
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (i) Repayment of Premiums.--Section 1407 of the Agricultural Act of
    2014 (7 U.S.C. 9057) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(f) Repayment of Premiums.--
    ``(1) In general.--Each dairy operation described in
    paragraph (2) shall be eligible to receive a repayment from the
    Secretary in an amount equal to the difference between--
    ``(A) the total amount of premiums paid by the
    participating dairy operation under this section for
    each applicable calendar year; and
    ``(B) the total amount of payments made to the
    participating dairy operation under section 1406 for
    that calendar year.
    ``(2) Eligibility.--A dairy operation that is eligible to
    receive a repayment under paragraph (1) is a dairy operation
    that--
    ``(A) participated in the margin protection program,
    as in effect for any of calendar years 2014 through
    2017; and
    ``(B) submits to the Secretary an application for
    the repayment at such time, in such manner, and
    containing such information as the Secretary may
    require.
    ``(3) Method of repayment.--A dairy operation that is
    eligible to receive a repayment under paragraph (1) shall elect
    to receive the repayment--
    ``(A) in an amount equal to 75 percent of the
    repayment calculated under that paragraph as credit that
    may be used by the dairy operation for dairy margin
    coverage premiums; or
    ``(B) in an amount equal to 50 percent of the
    repayment calculated under that paragraph as a direct
    cash repayment.
    ``(4) Applicability.--Paragraph (1) shall only apply to a
    calendar year during the period of calendar years 2014 through
    2017 for which the amount described in subparagraph (A) of that
    paragraph is greater than the amount described in subparagraph
    (B) of that paragraph.''.

    (j) Premium Discount.--Section 1407 of the Agricultural Act of 2014
    (7 U.S.C. 9057) (as amended by subsection (i)) is amended by adding at
    the end the following:
    ``(g) Premium Discount.--The premium per hundredweight specified in
    the tables contained in subsections (b) and (c) for each coverage level
    shall be reduced by 25 percent in accordance with the following:

    [[Page 4516]]

    ``(1) In general.--For each of calendar years 2019 through
    2023, for a participating dairy operation that makes a 1-time
    election of coverage level in a tier and of a percentage of
    coverage under section 1406(a) for the 5-year period beginning
    in January 2019.
    ``(2) New dairy operations.--For each applicable calendar
    year through 2023, for a participating dairy operation that--
    ``(A) establishes a production history pursuant to
    section 1405(b); and
    ``(B) makes a 1-time election of coverage level in a
    tier and of a percentage of coverage under section
    1406(a) for the period beginning with the first
    available calendar year and ending in December 2023.
    ``(3) Full participation required.--Notwithstanding the
    annual elections under section 1406(a)--
    ``(A) a 1-time enrollment under this subsection
    shall remain in effect for the full duration applicable
    to a participating dairy operation in accordance with
    paragraph (1) or (2)(B), as applicable; and
    ``(B) a participating dairy operation that makes a
    1-time enrollment under this subsection and is
    noncompliant under section 1408 shall be subject to that
    section.''.

    (k) Conforming Amendments Related to Program Name.--
    (1) Heading.--The heading of part I of subtitle D of title I
    of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79; 128 Stat.
    688) is amended to read as follows:

    ``PART I--DAIRY MARGIN COVERAGE''.

    (2) Definitions.--Section 1401 of the Agricultural Act of
    2014 (7 U.S.C. 9051) is amended--
    (A) by striking paragraphs (5) and (6) and inserting
    the following new paragraphs:
    ``(5) Dairy margin coverage.--The term `dairy margin
    coverage' means the dairy margin coverage program required by
    section 1403.
    ``(6) Dairy margin coverage payment.--The term `dairy margin
    coverage payment' means a payment made to a participating dairy
    operation under dairy margin coverage pursuant to section
    1406.''; and
    (B) in paragraphs (7) and (8), by striking ``the
    margin protection program'' both places it appears and
    inserting ``dairy margin coverage''.
    (3) Calculation of actual dairy production margin.--Section
    1402(b)(1) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9052(b)(1))
    is amended in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking
    ``the margin protection program'' and inserting ``dairy margin
    coverage''.
    (4) Program operation.--Section 1403 of the Agricultural Act
    of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9053) is amended--
    (A) by striking the section heading and inserting
    ``dairy margin coverage'';
    (B) by striking ``Not later than September 1, 2014,
    the Secretary shall establish and administer a margin
    protection program'' and inserting the following:

    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall continue to administer a
    dairy margin coverage program'';

    [[Page 4517]]

    (C) in subsection (a) (as so designated), by
    striking ``margin protection payment'' both places it
    appears and inserting ``dairy margin coverage payment'';
    and
    (D) by adding at the end the following:

    ``(b) Regulations.--Subpart A of part 1430 of title 7, Code of
    Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of the
    Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018), shall remain in effect for dairy
    margin coverage beginning with the 2019 calendar year, except to the
    extent that the regulations are inconsistent with any provision of this
    Act.''.
    (5) Participation.--Section 1404 of the Agricultural Act of
    2014 (7 U.S.C. 9054) is amended--
    (A) in the section heading, by striking ``margin
    protection program'' and inserting ``dairy margin
    coverage'';
    (B) in subsection (a), by striking ``the margin
    protection program to receive margin protection
    payments'' and inserting ``dairy margin coverage to
    receive dairy margin coverage payments''; and
    (C) in subsections (b) and (c), by striking ``the
    margin protection program'' each place it appears and
    inserting ``dairy margin coverage''.
    (6) Production history.--Section 1405 of the Agricultural
    Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9055) is amended in subsections (a)(1) and
    (c) by striking ``the margin protection program'' each place it
    appears and inserting ``dairy margin coverage''.
    (7) Payments.--Section 1406 of the Agricultural Act of 2014
    (7 U.S.C. 9056) is amended--
    (A) in the section heading, by striking ``margin
    protection'' and inserting ``dairy margin coverage'';
    (B) by striking ``margin protection'' each place it
    appears and inserting ``dairy margin coverage''; and
    (C) in the heading of subsection (c), by striking
    ``Margin Protection''.
    (8) Premiums.--Section 1407 of the Agricultural Act of 2014
    (7 U.S.C. 9057) is amended--
    (A) in the section heading, by striking ``margin
    protection program'' and inserting ``dairy margin
    coverage'';
    (B) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding
    paragraph (1), by striking ``the margin protection
    program'' and inserting ``dairy margin coverage'';
    (C) in subsection (d), by striking ``program'' and
    inserting ``dairy margin coverage''; and
    (D) in subsection (e)--
    (i) by striking ``the margin protection
    program'' both places it appears and inserting
    ``dairy margin coverage''; and
    (ii) in paragraph (2), by striking ``integrity
    of the program'' and inserting ``integrity of
    dairy margin coverage''.
    (9) Failure to pay administrative fees or premiums.--Section
    1408 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9058) is
    amended--
    (A) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ``margin
    protection'' and inserting ``dairy margin coverage'';
    and

    [[Page 4518]]

    (B) in subsection (b), by striking ``the margin
    protection program'' and inserting ``dairy margin
    coverage''.
    (10) Administration and enforcement.--Section 1410 of the
    Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9060) is amended--
    (A) in subsections (a) and (c), by striking ``the
    margin protection program'' each place it appears and
    inserting ``dairy margin coverage''; and
    (B) in subsection (b), by striking ``margin
    protection'' and inserting ``dairy margin coverage''.

    (l) Duration.--Section 1409 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7
    U.S.C. 9059) is amended--
    (1) by striking ``The margin protection program'' and
    inserting ``Dairy margin coverage''; and
    (2) by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

    (m) <>  Effective Date.--The amendments made
    by this section shall take effect on January 1, 2019.
    SEC. 1402. REAUTHORIZATIONS.

    (a) Forward Pricing.--Section 1502(e) of the Food, Conservation, and
    Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8772(e)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''; and
    (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2021'' and inserting
    ``2026''.

    (b) Indemnity Program.--Section 3 of Public Law 90-484 (7 U.S.C.
    4553) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    (c) Promotion and Research.--Section 113(e)(2) of the Dairy
    Production Stabilization Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 4504(e)(2)) is amended by
    striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 1403. CLASS I SKIM MILK PRICE.

    (a) Class I Skim Milk Price.--Section 8c(5)(A) of the Agricultural
    Adjustment Act (7 U.S.C. 608c(5)(A)), reenacted with amendments by the
    Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, is amended by striking
    ``Throughout'' in the third sentence and all that follows through the
    period at the end of the fourth sentence and inserting ``Throughout the
    2-year period beginning on the effective date of this sentence (and
    subsequent to such 2-year period unless modified by amendment to the
    order involved), for purposes of determining prices for milk of the
    highest use classification, the Class I skim milk price per
    hundredweight specified in section 1000.50(b) of title 7, Code of
    Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), shall be the sum of the
    adjusted Class I differential specified in section 1000.52 of such title
    7 (or successor regulations), plus the adjustment to Class I prices
    specified in sections 1005.51(b), 1006.51(b), and 1007.51(b) of such
    title 7 (or successor regulations), plus the simple average of the
    advanced pricing factors computed in sections 1000.50(q)(1) and
    1000.50(q)(2) of such title 7 (or successor regulations), plus $0.74.''.
    (b) <>  Effective Date and Implementation.--
    (1) Effective date.--The amendment made by subsection (a)
    shall take effect on the first day of the first month beginning
    more than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
    (2) Implementation.--Implementation of the amendment made by
    subsection (a) shall not be subject to any of the following:
    (A) The notice and comment provisions of section 553
    of title 5, United States Code.

    [[Page 4519]]

    (B) The notice and hearing requirements of section
    8c(3) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act (7 U.S.C.
    608c(3)), reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural
    Marketing Agreement Act of 1937.
    (C) The order amendment requirements of section
    8c(17) of that Act (7 U.S.C. 608c(17)).
    (D) A referendum under section 8c(19) of that Act (7
    U.S.C. 608c(19)).
    SEC. 1404. DAIRY PRODUCT DONATION.

    (a) Repeal of Dairy Product Donation Program.--Section 1431 of the
    Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9071) is repealed.
    (b) Milk Donation Program.--
    (1) In general.--Part III of subtitle D of title I of the
    Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79; 128 Stat. 695) is
    amended to read as follows:

    ``PART III--MILK DONATION PROGRAM

    ``SEC. 1431. <>  MILK DONATION PROGRAM.

    ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
    ``(1) Eligible dairy organization.--The term `eligible dairy
    organization' means a dairy farmer (either individually or as
    part of a cooperative), or a dairy processor, who--
    ``(A) accounts to a Federal milk marketing order
    marketwide pool; and
    ``(B) incurs qualified expenses under subsection
    (e).
    ``(2) Eligible distributor.--The term `eligible distributor'
    means a public or private nonprofit organization that
    distributes donated eligible milk.
    ``(3) Eligible milk.--The term `eligible milk' means Class I
    fluid milk products produced and processed in the United States.
    ``(4) Eligible partnership.--The term `eligible partnership'
    means a partnership between an eligible dairy organization and
    an eligible distributor.
    ``(5) Participating partnership.--The term `participating
    partnership' means an eligible partnership for which the
    Secretary has approved a donation and distribution plan for
    eligible milk under subsection (c)(2).

    ``(b) Program Required; Purposes.--Not later than 180 days after the
    date of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, the
    Secretary shall establish and administer a milk donation program for the
    purposes of--
    ``(1) encouraging the donation of eligible milk;
    ``(2) providing nutrition assistance to individuals in low-
    income groups; and
    ``(3) reducing food waste.

    ``(c) Donation and Distribution Plans.--
    ``(1) In general.--To be eligible to receive reimbursement
    under subsection (d), an eligible partnership shall submit to
    the Secretary a donation and distribution plan that--
    ``(A) describes the process that the eligible
    partnership will use for the donation, processing,
    transportation, temporary storage, and distribution of
    eligible milk;

    [[Page 4520]]

    ``(B) includes an estimate of the quantity of
    eligible milk that the eligible partnership will donate
    each year, based on--
    ``(i) preplanned donations; and
    ``(ii) contingency plans to address
    unanticipated donations; and
    ``(C) describes the rate at which the eligible
    partnership will be reimbursed, which shall be based on
    a percentage of the limitation described in subsection
    (e)(2), not to exceed 100 percent.
    ``(2) Review and approval.--Not less frequently than
    annually, the Secretary shall--
    ``(A) review donation and distribution plans
    submitted under paragraph (1); and
    ``(B) determine whether to approve or disapprove
    each of those donation and distribution plans.

    ``(d) Reimbursement.--
    ``(1) In general.--On receipt of appropriate documentation
    under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall reimburse an eligible
    dairy organization that is a member of a participating
    partnership on a regular basis for qualified expenses described
    in subsection (e).
    ``(2) Documentation.--
    ``(A) In general.--An eligible dairy organization
    shall submit to the Secretary such documentation as the
    Secretary may require to demonstrate the qualified
    expenses described in subsection (e) of the eligible
    dairy organization.
    ``(B) Verification.--The Secretary may verify the
    accuracy of documentation submitted under subparagraph
    (A) by spot checks and audits.
    ``(3) Retroactive reimbursement.--In providing
    reimbursements under paragraph (1), the Secretary may provide
    reimbursements for qualified expenses incurred before the date
    on which the donation and distribution plan for the applicable
    participating partnership was approved by the Secretary.

    ``(e) Qualified Expenses.--
    ``(1) In general.--The amount of a reimbursement under
    subsection (d) shall be an amount equal to the product of--
    ``(A) the quantity of eligible milk donated by the
    eligible dairy organization under a donation and
    distribution plan approved by the Secretary under
    subsection (c); and
    ``(B) subject to the limitation under paragraph (2),
    the rate described in that donation and distribution
    plan under subsection (c)(1)(C).
    ``(2) Limitation.--Expenses eligible for reimbursement under
    subsection (d) shall not exceed the value that an eligible dairy
    organization incurred by accounting to the Federal milk
    marketing order pool at the difference in the Class I milk value
    and the lowest classified price for the applicable month (either
    Class III milk or Class IV milk).

    ``(f) Preapproval.--
    ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
    ``(A) establish a process for an eligible
    partnership to apply for preapproval of donation and
    distribution plans under subsection (c); and

    [[Page 4521]]

    ``(B) not less frequently than annually, preapprove
    an amount for qualified expenses described in subsection
    (e) that the Secretary will allocate for reimbursement
    under each donation and distribution plan preapproved
    under subparagraph (A), based on an assessment of--
    ``(i) the feasibility of the plan; and
    ``(ii) the extent to which the plan advances
    the purposes described in subsection (b).
    ``(2) Preference.--In preapproving amounts for reimbursement
    under paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary shall give preference to
    eligible partnerships that will provide funding and in-kind
    contributions in addition to the reimbursements.
    ``(3) Adjustments.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall adjust or
    increase amounts preapproved for reimbursement under
    paragraph (1)(B) based on performance and demand.
    ``(B) Requests for increase.--
    ``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall
    establish a procedure for a participating
    partnership to request an increase in the amount
    preapproved for reimbursement under paragraph
    (1)(B) based on changes in conditions.
    ``(ii) Interim approval; incremental
    increase.--The Secretary may provide an interim
    approval of an increase requested under clause (i)
    and an incremental increase in the amount of
    reimbursement to the applicable participating
    partnership to allow time for the Secretary to
    review the request without interfering with the
    donation and distribution of eligible milk by the
    participating partnership.

    ``(g) Prohibition on Resale of Products.--
    ``(1) In general.--An eligible distributor that receives
    eligible milk donated under this section may not sell the
    products back into commercial markets.
    ``(2) Prohibition on future participation.--An eligible
    distributor that the Secretary determines has violated paragraph
    (1) shall not be eligible for any future participation in the
    program established under this section.

    ``(h) Administration.--The Secretary shall publicize opportunities
    to participate in the program established under this section.
    ``(i) Reviews.--The Secretary shall conduct appropriate reviews or
    audits to ensure the integrity of the program established under this
    section.
    ``(j) Funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation,
    the Secretary shall use to carry out this section $9,000,000 for fiscal
    year 2019, and $5,000,000 for each fiscal year thereafter, to remain
    available until expended.''.
    (2) Conforming amendment.--Section 1401 of the Agricultural
    Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9051) is amended, in the matter preceding
    paragraph (1), by striking ``and part III''.

    [[Page 4522]]

    Subtitle E--Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance

    SEC. 1501. SUPPLEMENTAL AGRICULTURAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE.

    (a) Members of Indian Tribes.--Section 1501(a)(1)(B) of the
    Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(a)(1)(B)) is amended--
    (1) by redesignating clauses (iii) and (iv) as clauses (iv)
    and (v), respectively; and
    (2) by inserting after clause (ii) the following:
    ``(iii) an Indian tribe or tribal organization
    (as those terms are defined in section 4 of the
    Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance
    Act (25 U.S.C. 5304));''.

    (b) Covered Livestock Losses for Livestock Indemnity Payments.--
    Section 1501(b) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(b)) is
    amended--
    (1) in paragraph (1)--
    (A) by striking ``or'' at the end of subparagraph
    (A);
    (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``cold.'' and
    inserting ``cold, on the condition that in the case of
    the death loss of unweaned livestock due to that adverse
    weather, the Secretary may disregard any management
    practice, vaccination protocol, or lack of vaccination
    by the eligible producer on a farm; or''; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following new
    subparagraph:
    ``(C) disease that, as determined by the Secretary--
    ``(i) is caused or transmitted by a vector;
    and
    ``(ii) is not susceptible to control by
    vaccination or acceptable management practices.'';
    and
    (2) in paragraph (4), by striking ``A payment'' and
    inserting ``Payment reductions.--A payment''.

    (c) Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised
    Fish.--
    (1) In general.--Section 1501(d)(2) of the Agricultural Act
    of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(d)(2)) is amended by inserting ``,
    including inspections of cattle tick fever'' before the period
    at the end.
    (2) <>  Effective date.--The
    amendment made by paragraph (1) shall apply to inspections of
    cattle tick fever conducted on or after the date of enactment of
    this Act.

    (d) Tree Assistance Program.--Section 1501(e) of the Agricultural
    Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(e)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (3), in the matter preceding subparagraph
    (A), by striking ``paragraph (4)'' and inserting ``paragraphs
    (4) and (5)''; and
    (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(5) Payment rate for beginning and veteran producers.--
    Subject to paragraph (4), in the case of a beginning farmer or
    rancher or a veteran farmer or rancher (as those terms are
    defined in subsection (a) of section 2501 of the Food,
    Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C.
    2279)) that is eligible to receive assistance under this
    subsection, the Secretary shall provide reimbursement of 75
    percent of the costs under subparagraphs (A)(i) and (B) of
    paragraph (3).''.

    [[Page 4523]]

    (e) Payment Limitation.--Section 1501(f)(2) of the Agricultural Act
    of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(f)(2)) is amended by striking ``this section
    (excluding payments received under subsections (b) and (e))'' and
    inserting ``subsection (c)''.

    Subtitle F--Noninsured Crop Assistance

    SEC. 1601. NONINSURED CROP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

    Section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of
    1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)--
    (A) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the
    following:
    ``(C) Data collection and sharing.--The Secretary
    shall coordinate with the Administrator of the Risk
    Management Agency on the type and format of data
    received under the noninsured crop disaster assistance
    program that--
    ``(i) best facilitates the use of that data in
    developing policies or plans of insurance offered
    under the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
    1501 et seq.); and
    ``(ii) ensures the availability of that data
    on a regular basis.
    ``(D) Coordination.--The Secretary shall coordinate
    between the agencies of the Department that provide
    programs or services to farmers and ranchers that are
    potentially eligible for the noninsured crop disaster
    assistance program under this section--
    ``(i) to make available coverage under--
    ``(I) the fee waiver under
    subsection (k)(2); or
    ``(II) the premium discount under
    subsection (l)(3); and
    ``(ii) to share eligibility information to
    reduce paperwork and avoid duplication.'';
    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraph (A)
    and inserting the following:
    ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), in
    this section, the term `eligible crop' means each
    commercial crop or other agricultural commodity that is
    produced for food or fiber (except livestock) for which
    catastrophic risk protection under subsection (b) of
    section 508 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
    1508) and additional coverage under subsections (c) and
    (h) of such section are not available or, if such
    coverage is available, it is only available under a
    policy that provides coverage for specific intervals
    based on weather indexes or under a whole farm plan of
    insurance.''; and
    (C) in paragraph (4)(B)--
    (i) by striking clause (i) and inserting the
    following:
    ``(i) In general.--
    ``(I) Agricultural act of 2014.--
    During the first 4 crop years of
    planting, as determined by the
    Secretary, native sod acreage that has
    been tilled for the production of an
    annual crop during the period beginning
    on February 8, 2014, and ending on the
    date of enactment of the Agriculture

    [[Page 4524]]

    Improvement Act of 2018 shall be subject
    to a reduction in benefits under this
    section as described in this
    subparagraph.
    ``(II) Subsequent years.--Native sod
    acreage that has been tilled for the
    production of an eligible crop after the
    date of enactment of the Agriculture
    Improvement Act of 2018 shall be subject
    to a reduction in benefits under this
    section as described in this
    subparagraph for not more than any 4
    crop years--
    ``(aa) during the first 10
    crop years after the initial
    tillage; and
    ``(bb) during which a crop
    on that acreage is enrolled
    under subsection (l)(2) or
    (k).''; and
    (ii) in clause (iii)(I), by striking
    ``transitional yield of the producer'' and
    inserting ``county expected yield'';
    (2) in subsection (b)--
    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``not later than
    30 days'' and inserting ``by an appropriate deadline'';
    and
    (B) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(4) Streamlined submission process.--The Secretary shall
    establish a streamlined process for the submission of records
    and acreage reports under paragraphs (2) and (3) for diverse
    production systems such as those typical of urban production
    systems, other small-scale production systems, and direct-to-
    consumer production systems.'';
    (3) in subsection (d)--
    (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) as
    paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), respectively;
    (B) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so
    redesignated) the following:
    ``(1) the producer's share of the total acres devoted to the
    eligible crop; by''; and
    (C) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated), by
    striking ``established yield for the crop'' and
    inserting ``approved yield for the crop, as determined
    by the Secretary'';
    (4) in subsection (e)--
    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``farm'' and
    inserting ``approved'';
    (B) in paragraph (2)--
    (i) in the second sentence--
    (I) by inserting ``approved'' before
    ``yield''; and
    (II) by striking ``Subject'' and
    inserting the following:
    ``(B) Calculation.--Subject''; and
    (ii) in the matter preceding subparagraph (B)
    (as so designated)--
    (I) by striking ``yield coverage''
    and inserting ``an approved yield''; and
    (II) by striking ``The Secretary''
    and inserting the following:
    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary''; and
    (C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``transitional
    yield of the producer'' and inserting ``county expected
    yield'';
    (5) in subsection (i)(2), by striking ``exceed $125,000''
    and inserting the following: ``exceed--

    [[Page 4525]]

    ``(A) in the case of catastrophic coverage under
    subsection (c), $125,000; and
    ``(B) in the case of additional coverage under
    subsection (l), $300,000'';
    (6) in subsection (k)(1)--
    (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``$250'' and
    inserting ``$325''; and
    (B) in subparagraph (B)--
    (i) by striking ``$750'' and inserting
    ``$825''; and
    (ii) by striking ``$1,875'' and inserting
    ``$1,950''; and
    (7) in subsection (l)--
    (A) in paragraph (1)--
    (i) by redesignating subparagraphs (A), (B),
    and (C) as subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D),
    respectively;
    (ii) by inserting before subparagraph (B) (as
    so redesignated) the following:
    ``(A) the producer's share of the total acres
    devoted to the crop;''; and
    (iii) in subparagraph (C) (as so
    redesignated), by inserting ``, contract price, or
    other premium price (such as a local, organic, or
    direct market price, as elected by the producer)''
    after ``price'';
    (B) in paragraph (2)(B)(i)--
    (i) in subclause (IV), by striking ``and'' at
    the end;
    (ii) in subclause (V), by striking ``or'' at
    the end and inserting ``and''; and
    (iii) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(VI) the producer's share of the
    crop; or'';
    (C) by striking paragraphs (3) and (5); and
    (D) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3).

    Subtitle G--Administration

    SEC. 1701. REGULATIONS.

    Section 1601(c)(2) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C.
    9091(c)(2)) is amended--
    (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
    ``title and sections 11003 and 11017'' and inserting ``title,
    sections 11003 and 11017, title I of the Agriculture Improvement
    Act of 2018 and the amendments made by that title, and section
    10109 of that Act'';
    (2) in subparagraph (A), by adding ``and'' at the end;
    (3) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``; and'' and inserting
    a period; and
    (4) by striking subparagraph (C).
    SEC. 1702. SUSPENSION OF PERMANENT PRICE SUPPORT AUTHORITY.

    Section 1602 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9092) is
    amended by striking ``2018'' each place it appears and inserting
    ``2023''.
    SEC. 1703. PAYMENT LIMITATIONS.

    (a) In General.--Section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7
    U.S.C. 1308) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)--

    [[Page 4526]]

    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``section 1001 of
    the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008'' and
    inserting ``section 1111 of the Agricultural Act of 2014
    (7 U.S.C. 9011)''; and
    (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``first cousin,
    niece, nephew,'' after ``sibling,'';
    (2) in subsections (b) and (c), by striking ``and as
    marketing loan gains or loan deficiency payments under subtitle
    B of title I of the Agricultural Act of 2014'' each place it
    appears and inserting ``of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7
    U.S.C. 9016, 9017)''; and
    (3) in subsection (f), by adding at the end the following:
    ``(9) Administration of reduction.--The Secretary shall
    apply any order described in section 1614(d)(1) of the
    Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9097(d)(1)) to payments under
    sections 1116 and 1117 of that Act (7 U.S.C. 9016, 9017) prior
    to applying payment limitations under this section.''.

    (b) <>  Application.--The amendments made by
    this section shall apply beginning with the 2019 crop year.
    SEC. 1704. ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME LIMITATIONS.

    (a) Waiver.--Section 1001D(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7
    U.S.C. 1308-3a(b)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (2)(C), by inserting ``title II of the
    Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018,'' after ``under''; and
    (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(3) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the limitation
    established by paragraph (1) with respect to a payment pursuant
    to a covered benefit described in paragraph (2)(C), on a case-
    by-case basis, if the Secretary determines that environmentally
    sensitive land of special significance would be protected as a
    result of such waiver.''.

    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1001D(b)(1) of the Food Security
    Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-3a(b)(1)) is amended by inserting ``subject
    to paragraph (3),'' after ``of law,''.
    (c) <>  Transition.--Section 1001D of the
    Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-3a), as in effect on the day
    before the date of enactment of this Act, shall apply with respect to
    the 2018 crop, fiscal, or program year, as appropriate, for each program
    described in subsection (b)(2) of that section (as so in effect on that
    day).
    SEC. 1705. <>  FARM SERVICE AGENCY
    ACCOUNTABILITY.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
    of this Act, the Secretary shall establish policies, procedures, and
    plans to improve program accountability and integrity through targeted
    and coordinated activities, including utilizing data mining to identify
    and reduce errors, waste, fraud, and abuse in programs administered by
    the Farm Service Agency.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of
    this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of
    the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture,
    Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report describing the progress
    and results of the activities conducted under subsection (a).

    [[Page 4527]]

    SEC. 1706. IMPLEMENTATION.

    (a) Maintenance of Base Acres and Payment Yields.--Section 1614(a)
    of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9097(a)) is amended by
    inserting ``, and as adjusted pursuant to sections 1112 and 1113''
    before the period at the end.
    (b) Streamlining.--Section 1614 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7
    U.S.C. 9097) is amended by striking subsection (b) and inserting the
    following:
    ``(b) Streamlining.--In implementing this title and the amendments
    made by this title, the Secretary shall--
    ``(1) continue to reduce administrative burdens and costs to
    producers by streamlining and reducing paperwork, forms, and
    other administrative requirements, to ensure that--
    ``(A) a producer (or an agent of a producer) may
    report information, electronically (including geospatial
    data) or conventionally, to the Department of
    Agriculture, subject to the Secretary--
    ``(i) establishing reasonable levels of
    tolerance that reflect the differences in accuracy
    between measures of common land units and
    geospatial data; and
    ``(ii) ensuring that discrepancies that occur
    within the levels of tolerance established under
    clause (i) shall not be used to penalize a
    producer (or an agent of a producer) under any
    program administered by the Department of
    Agriculture;
    ``(B) on the request of a producer (or an agent of a
    producer), the Department of Agriculture electronically
    shares with the producer (or agent) in real time and
    without cost to the producer (or agent) the common land
    unit data, related farm level data, conservation
    practices, and other information of the producer through
    a single Department of Agriculture-wide login;
    ``(C) not later than September 30, 2020, the
    Administrator of the Risk Management Agency and the
    Administrator of the Farm Service Agency shall implement
    a consistent method for determining crop acreage,
    acreage yields, farm acreage, property descriptions, and
    other common informational requirements, including
    measures of common land units;
    ``(D) except in the case of misrepresentation,
    fraud, or scheme and device, no crop insurance agent,
    approved insurance provider, or employee or contractor
    of a crop insurance agency or approved insurance
    provider bears responsibility or liability under the
    Acreage Crop Reporting and Streamlining Initiative (or
    any successor or similar initiative) for the eligibility
    of a producer for a program administered by the
    Department of Agriculture, not including a policy or
    plan of insurance offered under the Federal Crop
    Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.); and
    ``(E) on request of a crop insurance agent or
    approved insurance provider required to deliver policies
    and plans of insurance under the Federal Crop Insurance
    Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) the crop insurance agent or
    approved insurance provider receives, in a timely
    manner, any information held by the Farm Service Agency
    that is necessary to ensure effective crop insurance
    coverage for farmer customers;

    [[Page 4528]]

    ``(2) continue to improve coordination, information sharing,
    and administrative work among the Farm Service Agency, Risk
    Management Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and
    other agencies, as determined by the Secretary;
    ``(3) continue to take advantage of new technologies to
    enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery of
    Department of Agriculture programs to producers, including by
    developing and making publicly available data standards and
    security procedures to allow third-party providers to develop
    applications that use or feed data (including geospatial and
    precision agriculture data) into the datasets and analyses of
    the Department of Agriculture; and
    ``(4) reduce administrative burdens on producers
    participating in price loss coverage or agriculture risk
    coverage by offering--
    ``(A) those producers an option to remotely and
    electronically sign annual contracts for that coverage;
    and
    ``(B) to the maximum extent practicable, an option
    to sign a multiyear contract for that coverage.''.

    (c) Implementation.--Section 1614(c) of the Agricultural Act of 2014
    (7 U.S.C. 9097(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(4) Agriculture improvement act of 2018.--The Secretary
    shall make available to the Farm Service Agency to carry out
    title I of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 and the
    amendments made by that title $15,500,000.''.

    (d) Loan Implementation.--Section 1614(d)(1) of the Agricultural Act
    of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9097(d)(1)) is amended by striking ``under subtitles''
    and all that follows through ``except'' and inserting ``under subtitle B
    or C, under the amendments made by subtitle B or C, or under the
    amendments made by subtitle B or C of the Agriculture Improvement Act of
    2018, except''.
    (e) Deobligation of Unliquidated Obligations.--Section 1614 of the
    Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9097) is amended by adding at the end
    the following:
    ``(e) Deobligation of Unliquidated Obligations.--
    ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (3), any payment
    obligated or otherwise made available by the Secretary under
    this title on or after the date of enactment of the Agriculture
    Improvement Act of 2018 that is not disbursed to the recipient
    by the date that is 5 years after the date on which the payment
    is obligated or otherwise made available shall--
    ``(A) be deobligated; and
    ``(B) revert to the Treasury.
    ``(2) Outstanding payments.--
    ``(A) In general.--Subject to paragraph (3), any
    payment obligated or otherwise made available by the
    Farm Service Agency (or any predecessor agency of the
    Department of Agriculture) under the laws described in
    subparagraph (B) before the date of enactment of the
    Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, that is not
    disbursed by the date that is 5 years after the date on
    which the payment is obligated or otherwise made
    available shall--
    ``(i) be deobligated; and
    ``(ii) revert to the Treasury.
    ``(B) Laws described.--The laws referred to in
    subparagraph (A) are any of the following:

    [[Page 4529]]

    ``(i) This title.
    ``(ii) Title I of the Food, Conservation, and
    Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8702 et seq.).
    ``(iii) Title I of the Farm Security and Rural
    Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 7901 et seq.).
    ``(iv) The Agricultural Market Transition Act
    (7 U.S.C. 7201 et seq.).
    ``(v) Titles I through XI of the Food,
    Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990
    (Public Law 101-624; 104 Stat. 3374) and the
    amendments made by those titles.
    ``(vi) Titles I through X of the Food Security
    Act of 1985 (Public Law 99-198; 99 Stat. 1362) and
    the amendments made by those titles.
    ``(vii) Titles I through XI of the Agriculture
    and Food Act of 1981 (Public Law 97-98; 95 Stat.
    1218) and the amendments made by those titles.
    ``(viii) Titles I through X of the Food and
    Agriculture Act of 1977 (Public Law 95-113; 91
    Stat. 917) and the amendments made by those
    titles.
    ``(3) Waiver.--The Secretary may delay the date of the
    deobligation and reversion under paragraph (1) or (2) of any
    payment--
    ``(A) that is the subject of--
    ``(i) ongoing administrative review or appeal;
    ``(ii) litigation; or
    ``(iii) the settlement of an estate; or
    ``(B) for which the Secretary otherwise determines
    that the circumstances are such that the delay is
    equitable.''.

    (f) Report.--Section 1614 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C.
    9097) (as amended by subsection (e)) is amended by adding at the end the
    following:
    ``(f) Report.--Not later than January 1, 2020, and each January 1
    thereafter through January 1, 2023, the Secretary shall submit to the
    Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the
    Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report
    that describes the tilled native sod acreage that was subject to a
    reduction in benefits under section 196(a)(4)(B) of the Federal
    Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333(a)(4)(B)
    and section 508(o)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
    1508(o)(2))--
    ``(1) as of the date of submission of the report; and
    ``(2) by State and county, relative to the total acres of
    cropland in the State or county.''.
    SEC. 1707. <>  EXEMPTION FROM CERTAIN
    REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN
    PRODUCERS.

    (a) Definition of Exempted Producer.--In this section, the term
    ``exempted producer'' means an individual or entity that is eligible to
    participate in--
    (1) a conservation program under title II or a law amended
    by title II;
    (2) an indemnity or disease control program under the Animal
    Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq.) or the Plant
    Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.); or
    (3) a commodity program under title I of the Agricultural
    Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9011 et seq.), excluding the assistance

    [[Page 4530]]

    provided to users of cotton under sections 1207(c) and 1208 of
    that Act (7 U.S.C. 9037(c), 9038).

    (b) Exemption.--Notwithstanding the Federal Funding Accountability
    and Transparency Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-282; 31 U.S.C. 6101 note),
    the requirements of parts 25 and 170 of title 2, Code of Federal
    Regulations (or successor regulations), shall not apply with respect to
    assistance received by an exempted producer from the Secretary, acting
    through the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the
    Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, or the
    Administrator of the Farm Service Agency.

    TITLE II--CONSERVATION

    Subtitle A--Wetland Conservation

    SEC. 2101. WETLAND CONVERSION.

    Section 1221(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3821(d))
    is amended--
    (1) by striking ``Except as'' and inserting the following:
    ``(1) In general.--Except as''; and
    (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(2) Duty of the secretary.--No person shall become
    ineligible under paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines that
    an exemption under section 1222(b) applies to that person.''.
    SEC. 2102. WETLAND CONSERVATION.

    Section 1222(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3822(c))
    is amended--
    (1) by striking ``No program'' and inserting the following:
    ``(1) In general.--No program'';
    (2) in paragraph (1) (as so designated), by inserting ``,
    which, except as provided in paragraph (2), shall be conducted
    in the presence of the affected person'' before the period at
    the end; and
    (3) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(2) Exception.--The Secretary may conduct an on-site visit
    under paragraph (1) without the affected person present if the
    Secretary has made a reasonable effort to include the presence
    of the affected person at the on-site visit.''.
    SEC. 2103. MITIGATION BANKING.

    Section 1222(k)(1)(B) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
    3822(k)(1)(B)) is amended to read as follows:
    ``(B) Authorization of appropriations.--There is
    authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry
    out this paragraph $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years
    2019 through 2023.''.

    Subtitle B--Conservation Reserve Program

    SEC. 2201. CONSERVATION RESERVE.

    (a) In General.--Section 1231(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985
    (16 U.S.C. 3831(a)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.

    [[Page 4531]]

    (b) Eligible Land.--Section 1231(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985
    (16 U.S.C. 3831(b)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``Agricultural Act of
    2014 (except for land enrolled in the conservation reserve
    program as of that date)'' and inserting ``Agriculture
    Improvement Act of 2018, on the condition that the Secretary
    shall consider to be planted cropland enrolled in the
    conservation reserve program'';
    (2) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs
    (5) and (6), respectively;
    (3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
    ``(4) cropland, marginal pasture land, and grasslands that
    will have a positive impact on water quality and will be devoted
    to--
    ``(A) a grass sod waterway;
    ``(B) a contour grass sod strip;
    ``(C) a prairie strip;
    ``(D) a filterstrip;
    ``(E) a riparian buffer;
    ``(F) a wetland or a wetland buffer;
    ``(G) a saturated buffer;
    ``(H) a bioreactor; or
    ``(I) another similar water quality practice, as
    determined by the Secretary;'';
    (4) in paragraph (5) (as so redesignated)--
    (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``or
    filterstrips or riparian buffers devoted to trees,
    shrubs, or grasses'' and inserting ``salt tolerant
    vegetation, field borders, or practices to benefit State
    or federally identified wellhead protection areas''; and
    (B) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``or'' after
    the semicolon;
    (5) in paragraph (6) (as so redesignated), in subparagraph
    (B)(ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``;
    or''; and
    (6) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(7) as determined by the Secretary, land--
    ``(A) that was enrolled in the conservation reserve
    program under a 15-year contract that expired on
    September 30, 2017, or September 30, 2018;
    ``(B) for which there was no opportunity for
    additional enrollment in that program; and
    ``(C) on which the conservation practice under the
    expired contract under subparagraph (A) is
    maintained.''.

    (c) Enrollment.--Section 1231(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985
    (16 U.S.C. 3831(d)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (1), by striking subparagraphs (A) through
    (E) and inserting the following:
    ``(A) fiscal year 2019, not more than 24,000,000
    acres;
    ``(B) fiscal year 2020, not more than 24,500,000
    acres;
    ``(C) fiscal year 2021, not more than 25,000,000
    acres;
    ``(D) fiscal year 2022, not more than 25,500,000
    acres; and
    ``(E) fiscal year 2023, not more than 27,000,000
    acres.'';
    (2) in paragraph (2)--
    (A) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) and
    inserting the following:

    [[Page 4532]]

    ``(A) Limitation.--For purposes of applying the
    limitations in paragraph (1)--
    ``(i) the Secretary shall enroll and maintain
    in the conservation reserve not fewer than
    2,000,000 acres of the land described in
    subsection (b)(3) by September 30, 2023; and
    ``(ii) in carrying out clause (i), to the
    maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall
    maintain in the conservation reserve at any one
    time during--
    ``(I) fiscal year 2019, 1,000,000
    acres;
    ``(II) fiscal year 2020, 1,500,000
    acres; and
    ``(III) fiscal years 2021 through
    2023, 2,000,000 acres.
    ``(B) Priority.--In enrolling acres under
    subparagraph (A), the Secretary may give priority to
    land, as determined by the Secretary--
    ``(i) with expiring conservation reserve
    contracts;
    ``(ii) at risk of conversion or development;
    or
    ``(iii) of ecological significance, including
    land that--
    ``(I) may assist in the restoration
    of threatened or endangered species
    under the Endangered Species Act of 1973
    (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.);
    ``(II) may assist in preventing a
    species from being listed as a
    threatened or endangered species under
    the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16
    U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); or
    ``(III) improves or creates wildlife
    habitat corridors.'';
    (B) in subparagraph (C)--
    (i) by striking ``In enrolling'' and inserting
    the following:
    ``(i) In general.--In enrolling'';
    (ii) in clause (i) (as so designated), by
    striking ``a continuous'' and inserting ``an
    annual''; and
    (iii) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(ii) Timing of grassland ranking period.--
    For purposes of grasslands described in subsection
    (b)(3), the Secretary shall announce at least 1
    ranking period subsequent to the announcement of
    general enrollment offers.''; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(D) Reservation of unenrolled acres.--If the
    Secretary is unable in a fiscal year to enroll enough
    acres of land described in subsection (b)(3) to meet the
    number of acres described in clause (ii) or (iii) of
    subparagraph (A) for the fiscal year--
    ``(i) the Secretary shall reserve the
    remaining number of acres for that fiscal year for
    the enrollment of land described in subsection
    (b)(3); and
    ``(ii) that number of acres shall not be
    available for the enrollment of any other type of
    eligible land.''; and
    (3) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(3) Water quality practices to foster clean lakes,
    estuaries, and rivers (clear initiative).--

    [[Page 4533]]

    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall give priority
    within continuous enrollment under paragraph (6) to the
    enrollment of land described in subsection (b)(4).
    ``(B) Sediment and nutrient loadings.--In carrying
    out subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall give priority
    to the implementation of practices on land that, if
    enrolled, will help reduce sediment loadings, nutrient
    loadings, and harmful algal blooms, as determined by the
    Secretary.
    ``(C) Acreage.--
    ``(i) In general.--Of the acres maintained in
    the conservation reserve in accordance with
    paragraph (1), to the maximum extent practicable,
    not less than 40 percent of acres enrolled in the
    conservation reserve using continuous enrollment
    under paragraph (6) shall be of land described in
    subsection (b)(4).
    ``(ii) Limitation.--The acres described in
    clause (i) shall not include grasslands described
    in subsection (b)(3).
    ``(D) Report.--The Secretary shall--
    ``(i) in the monthly publication of the
    Secretary describing conservation reserve program
    statistics, include a description of enrollments
    through the priority under this paragraph; and
    ``(ii) publish on the website of the Farm
    Service Agency an annual report describing a
    summary of, with respect to the enrollment
    priority under this paragraph--
    ``(I) new enrollments;
    ``(II) expirations;
    ``(III) geographic distribution; and
    ``(IV) estimated water quality
    benefits.
    ``(4) State enrollment rates.--At the beginning of each of
    fiscal years 2019 through 2023, to the maximum extent
    practicable, the Secretary shall allocate to the States
    proportionately 60 percent of the available number of acres each
    year for enrollment in the conservation reserve, in accordance
    with historical State enrollment rates, taking into
    consideration--
    ``(A) the average number of acres of all land
    enrolled in the conservation reserve in each State
    during each of fiscal years 2007 through 2016;
    ``(B) the average number of acres of all land
    enrolled in the conservation reserve nationally during
    each of fiscal years 2007 through 2016; and
    ``(C) the acres available for enrollment during each
    of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, excluding acres
    described in paragraph (2).
    ``(5) Frequency.--In carrying out this subchapter, for
    contracts that are not available on a continuous enrollment
    basis, the Secretary shall hold a signup and enrollment not less
    often than once each year.
    ``(6) Continuous enrollment procedure.--
    ``(A) In general.--To the maximum extent
    practicable, the Secretary shall allow producers to
    submit applications on a continuous basis for enrollment
    in--
    ``(i) the conservation reserve of--

    [[Page 4534]]

    ``(I) marginal pasture land
    described in subsection (b)(2);
    ``(II) land described in subsection
    (b)(4); and
    ``(III) cropland described in
    subsection (b)(5); and
    ``(ii) the conservation reserve enhancement
    program under section 1231A.
    ``(B) Limitation.--For purposes of applying the
    limitations in paragraph (1)--
    ``(i) the Secretary shall, to the maximum
    extent practicable, enroll and maintain not fewer
    than 8,600,000 acres of land under subparagraph
    (A) by September 30, 2023; and
    ``(ii) in carrying out clause (i), to the
    maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall
    maintain in the conservation reserve at any one
    time during--
    ``(I) fiscal year 2019, 8,000,000
    acres;
    ``(II) fiscal year 2020, 8,250,000
    acres;
    ``(III) fiscal year 2021, 8,500,000
    acres; and
    ``(IV) fiscal years 2022 and 2023,
    8,600,000 acres.''.

    (d) Eligibility for Consideration.--Section 1231(h) of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(h)) is amended--
    (1) by striking ``On the expiration'' and inserting the
    following:
    ``(1) In general.--On the expiration''; and
    (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(2) Reenrollment limitation for certain land.--
    ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
    subparagraph (B), land subject to a contract entered
    into under this subchapter shall be eligible for only
    one reenrollment in the conservation reserve under
    paragraph (1) if the land is devoted to hardwood trees.
    ``(B) Exclusions.--Subparagraph (A) shall not apply
    to--
    ``(i) riparian forested buffers;
    ``(ii) forested wetlands enrolled under
    subsection (d)(3) or the conservation reserve
    enhancement program under section 1231A; and
    ``(iii) shelterbelts.''.
    SEC. 2202. CONSERVATION RESERVE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title
    XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 is amended by inserting after
    section 1231 (16 U.S.C. 3831) the following:
    ``SEC. 1231A. <>  CONSERVATION RESERVE
    ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM.

    ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
    ``(1) CREP.--The term `CREP' means a conservation reserve
    enhancement program carried out under subsection (b)(1).
    ``(2) Eligible land.--The term `eligible land' means land
    that is eligible to be included in the program established under
    this subchapter.
    ``(3) Eligible partner.--The term `eligible partner' means--
    ``(A) a State;
    ``(B) a political subdivision of a State;

    [[Page 4535]]

    ``(C) an Indian tribe (as defined in section 4 of
    the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance
    Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)); or
    ``(D) a nongovernmental organization.
    ``(4) Management.--The term `management' means an activity
    conducted by an owner or operator under a contract entered into
    under this subchapter after the establishment of a conservation
    practice on eligible land, to regularly maintain or enhance the
    vegetative cover established by the conservation practice--
    ``(A) throughout the term of the contract; and
    ``(B) consistent with the conservation plan that
    covers the eligible land.

    ``(b) Agreements.--
    ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may enter into an agreement
    with an eligible partner to carry out a conservation reserve
    enhancement program--
    ``(A) to assist in enrolling eligible land in the
    program established under this subchapter; and
    ``(B) that the Secretary determines will advance the
    purposes of this subchapter.
    ``(2) Contents.--An agreement entered into under paragraph
    (1) shall--
    ``(A) describe--
    ``(i) 1 or more specific State or nationally
    significant conservation concerns to be addressed
    by the agreement;
    ``(ii) quantifiable environmental goals for
    addressing the concerns under clause (i);
    ``(iii) a suitable acreage goal for enrollment
    of eligible land under the agreement, as
    determined by the Secretary;
    ``(iv) the location of eligible land to be
    enrolled in the project area identified under the
    agreement;
    ``(v) the payments to be offered by the
    Secretary and eligible partner to an owner or
    operator; and
    ``(vi) an appropriate list of conservation
    reserve program conservation practices that are
    appropriate to meeting the concerns described
    under clause (i), as determined by the Secretary
    in consultation with eligible partners;
    ``(B) subject to subparagraph (C), require the
    eligible partner to provide matching funds--
    ``(i) in an amount determined during a
    negotiation between the Secretary and 1 or more
    eligible partners, if the majority of the matching
    funds to carry out the agreement are provided by 1
    or more eligible partners that are not
    nongovernmental organizations; or
    ``(ii) in an amount not less than 30 percent
    of the cost required to carry out the conservation
    measures and practices described in the agreement,
    if a majority of the matching funds to carry out
    the agreement are provided by 1 or more
    nongovernmental organizations; and
    ``(C) include procedures to allow for a temporary
    waiver of the matching requirements under subparagraph
    (B), or

    [[Page 4536]]

    continued enrollment with a temporary suspension of
    incentives or eligible partner contributions for new
    agreements, during a period when an eligible partner
    loses the authority or ability to provide matching
    contributions, if the Secretary determines that the
    temporary waiver or continued enrollment with a
    temporary suspension will advance the purposes of this
    subchapter.
    ``(3) Effect on existing agreements.--
    ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), an
    agreement under this subsection shall not affect,
    modify, or interfere with existing agreements under this
    subchapter.
    ``(B) Modification of existing agreements.--To
    implement this section, the signatories to an agreement
    under this subsection may mutually agree to a
    modification of an agreement entered into before the
    date of enactment of this section under the Conservation
    Reserve Enhancement Program established by the Secretary
    under this subchapter.

    ``(c) Payments.--
    ``(1) Matching requirement.--Funds provided by an eligible
    partner may be in cash, in-kind contributions, or technical
    assistance, as determined by the Secretary.
    ``(2) Marginal pastureland cost-share payments.--The
    Secretary shall ensure that cost-share payments to an owner or
    operator to install stream fencing, crossings, and alternative
    water development on marginal pastureland under a CREP reflect
    the fair market value of the cost of installation.
    ``(3) Cost-share and practice incentive payments.--
    ``(A) In general.--On request of an owner or
    operator, the Secretary shall provide cost-share
    payments when a major component of a conservation
    practice is completed under a CREP, as determined by the
    Secretary.
    ``(B) Exemption.--For purposes of implementing
    conservation practices on land enrolled under a CREP,
    the Secretary may waive the contribution limitation
    described in section 1234(b)(2)(A).
    ``(4) Riparian buffer management payments.--
    ``(A) In general.--In the case of an agreement under
    subsection (b)(1) that includes riparian buffers as an
    eligible practice, the Secretary shall make cost-share
    payments to encourage the regular management of the
    riparian buffer throughout the term of the agreement,
    consistent with the conservation plan that covers the
    eligible land.
    ``(B) Limitation.--The amount of payments received
    by an owner or operator under subparagraph (A) shall not
    be greater than 100 percent of the normal and customary
    projected management cost, as determined by the
    Secretary, in consultation with the applicable State
    technical committee established under section 1261(a).

    ``(d) Forested Riparian Buffer Practice.--
    ``(1) Food-producing woody plants.--In the case of an
    agreement under subsection (b)(1) that includes forested
    riparian buffers as an eligible practice, the Secretary shall
    allow an owner or operator--
    ``(A) to plant food-producing woody plants in the
    forested riparian buffers, on the conditions that--

    [[Page 4537]]

    ``(i) the plants shall contribute to the
    conservation of soil, water quality, and wildlife
    habitat; and
    ``(ii) the planting shall be consistent with--
    ``(I) recommendations of the
    applicable State technical committee
    established under section 1261(a); and
    ``(II) technical guide standards of
    the applicable field office of the
    Natural Resources Conservation Service;
    and
    ``(B) to harvest from plants described in
    subparagraph (A), on the conditions that--
    ``(i) the harvesting shall not damage the
    conserving cover or otherwise have a negative
    impact on the conservation concerns targeted by
    the CREP;
    ``(ii) only native plant species appropriate
    to the region shall be used within 35 feet of the
    watercourse; and
    ``(iii) the producer shall be subject to a
    reduction in the rental rate commensurate to the
    value of the crop harvested.
    ``(2) Technical assistance.--For the purpose of enrolling
    forested riparian buffers in a CREP, the Administrator of the
    Farm Service Agency shall coordinate with the applicable State
    forestry agency.

    ``(e) Drought and Water Conservation Agreements.--In the case of an
    agreement under subsection (b)(1) to address regional drought concerns,
    in accordance with the conservation purposes of the CREP, the Secretary,
    in consultation with the applicable State technical committee
    established under section 1261(a), may--
    ``(1) notwithstanding subsection (a)(2), enroll other
    agricultural land on which the resource concerns identified in
    the agreement can be addressed if the enrollment of the land is
    critical to the accomplishment of the purposes of the agreement;
    ``(2) permit dryland agricultural uses with the adoption of
    best management practices on enrolled land if the agreement
    involves the significant long-term reduction of consumptive
    water use and dryland production is compatible with the
    agreement; and
    ``(3) calculate annual rental payments consistent with
    existing administrative practice for similar drought and water
    conservation agreements under this subtitle and ensure regional
    consistency in those rates.

    ``(f) Status Report.--Not later than 180 days after the end of each
    fiscal year, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that
    describes, with respect to each agreement entered into under subsection
    (b)(1)--
    ``(1) the status of the agreement;
    ``(2) the purposes and objectives of the agreement;
    ``(3) the Federal and eligible partner commitments made
    under the agreement; and
    ``(4) the progress made in fulfilling those commitments.''.

    (b) Conforming Amendments.--
    (1) Section 1240R(c)(3) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
    U.S.C. 3839bb-5(c)(3)) is amended by striking ``a special
    conservation reserve enhancement program described in section
    1234(f)(4)'' and inserting ``a conservation reserve enhancement
    program under section 1231A''.

    [[Page 4538]]

    (2) Section 1244(f)(3) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
    U.S.C. 3844(f)(3)) is amended by striking ``subsection
    (d)(2)(A)(ii) or (g)(2) of section 1234'' and inserting
    ``section 1231A''.
    SEC. 2203. FARMABLE WETLAND PROGRAM.

    Section 1231B of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831b) is
    amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''; and
    (2) in subsection (f)(2), by striking ``1234(d)(2)(A)(ii)''
    and inserting ``1234(d)''.
    SEC. 2204. PILOT PROGRAMS.

    Subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 is amended by inserting after section 1231B (16
    U.S.C. 3831b) the following:
    ``SEC. 1231C. <>  PILOT PROGRAMS.

    ``(a) CLEAR 30.--
    ``(1) In general.--
    ``(A) Enrollment.--The Secretary shall establish a
    pilot program to enroll land in the conservation reserve
    program through a 30-year conservation reserve contract
    (referred to in this subsection as a `CLEAR 30
    contract') in accordance with this subsection.
    ``(B) Inclusion of acreage limitation.--For purposes
    of applying the limitations in section 1231(d)(1), the
    Secretary shall include acres of land enrolled under
    this subsection.
    ``(2) Expired conservation contract election.--
    ``(A) Definition of covered contract.--In this
    paragraph, the term `covered contract' means a contract
    entered into under this subchapter that--
    ``(i) expires on or after the date of
    enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of
    2018; and
    ``(ii) covers land enrolled in the
    conservation reserve program under the clean
    lakes, estuaries, and rivers priority described in
    section 1231(d)(3) (or the predecessor practices
    that constitute the priority, as determined by the
    Secretary).
    ``(B) Election.--On the expiration of a covered
    contract, an owner or operator party to the covered
    contract shall elect--
    ``(i) not to reenroll the land under the
    contract;
    ``(ii) to offer to reenroll the land under the
    contract if the land remains eligible under the
    terms in effect as of the date of expiration; or
    ``(iii) not to reenroll the land under the
    contract and to enroll that land through a CLEAR
    30 contract under this subsection.
    ``(3) Eligible land.--Only land that is subject to an
    expired covered contract shall be eligible for enrollment
    through a CLEAR 30 contract under this subsection.
    ``(4) Term.--The term of a CLEAR 30 contract shall be 30
    years.
    ``(5) Agreements.--To be eligible to enroll land in the
    conservation reserve program through a CLEAR 30 contract,

    [[Page 4539]]

    the owner of the land shall enter into an agreement with the
    Secretary--
    ``(A) to implement a conservation reserve plan
    developed for the land;
    ``(B) to comply with the terms and conditions of the
    contract and any related agreements; and
    ``(C) to temporarily suspend the base history for
    the land covered by the contract.
    ``(6) Terms and conditions of clear 30 contracts.--
    ``(A) In general.--A CLEAR 30 contract shall include
    terms and conditions that--
    ``(i) permit--
    ``(I) repairs, improvements, and
    inspections on the land that are
    necessary to maintain existing public
    drainage systems; and
    ``(II) owners to control public
    access on the land while identifying
    access routes to be used for restoration
    activities and management and contract
    monitoring;
    ``(ii) prohibit--
    ``(I) the alteration of wildlife
    habitat and other natural features of
    the land, unless specifically authorized
    by the Secretary as part of the
    conservation reserve plan;
    ``(II) the spraying of the land with
    chemicals or the mowing of the land,
    except where the spraying or mowing is
    authorized by the Secretary or is
    necessary--
    ``(aa) to comply with
    Federal or State noxious weed
    control laws;
    ``(bb) to comply with a
    Federal or State emergency pest
    treatment program; or
    ``(cc) to meet habitat needs
    of specific wildlife species;
    ``(III) any activity to be carried
    out on the land of the owner or
    successor that is immediately adjacent
    to, and functionally related to, the
    land that is subject to the contract if
    the activity will alter, degrade, or
    otherwise diminish the functional value
    of the land; and
    ``(IV) the adoption of any other
    practice that would tend to defeat the
    purposes of the conservation reserve
    program, as determined by the Secretary;
    and
    ``(iii) include any additional provision that
    the Secretary determines is appropriate to carry
    out this section or facilitate the practical
    administration of this section.
    ``(B) Violation.--On the violation of a term or
    condition of a CLEAR 30 contract, the Secretary may
    require the owner to refund all or part of any payments
    received by the owner under the conservation reserve
    program, with interest on the payments, as determined
    appropriate by the Secretary.
    ``(C) Compatible uses.--Land subject to a CLEAR 30
    contract may be used for compatible economic uses,

    [[Page 4540]]

    including hunting and fishing, managed timber harvest,
    or periodic haying or grazing, if the use--
    ``(i) is specifically permitted by the
    conservation reserve plan developed for the land;
    and
    ``(ii) is consistent with the long-term
    protection and enhancement of the conservation
    resources for which the contract was established.
    ``(7) Compensation.--
    ``(A) Amount of payments.--The Secretary shall
    provide payment under this subsection to an owner of
    land enrolled through a CLEAR 30 contract using 30
    annual payments in an amount equal to the amount that
    would be used if the land were to be enrolled in the
    conservation reserve program under section 1231(d)(3).
    ``(B) Form of payment.--Compensation for a CLEAR 30
    contract shall be provided by the Secretary in the form
    of a cash payment in an amount determined under
    subparagraph (A).
    ``(C) Timing.--The Secretary shall provide any
    annual payment obligation under subparagraph (A) as
    early as practicable in each fiscal year.
    ``(D) Payments to others.--The Secretary shall make
    a payment, in accordance with regulations prescribed by
    the Secretary, in a manner as the Secretary determines
    is fair and reasonable under the circumstances, if an
    owner who is entitled to a payment under this section--
    ``(i) dies;
    ``(ii) becomes incompetent;
    ``(iii) is succeeded by another person or
    entity who renders or completes the required
    performance; or
    ``(iv) is otherwise unable to receive the
    payment.
    ``(8) Technical assistance.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall assist owners
    in complying with the terms and conditions of a CLEAR 30
    contract.
    ``(B) Contracts or agreements.--The Secretary may
    enter into 1 or more contracts with private entities or
    agreements with a State, nongovernmental organization,
    or Indian Tribe to carry out necessary maintenance of a
    CLEAR 30 contract if the Secretary determines that the
    contract or agreement will advance the purposes of the
    conservation reserve program.
    ``(9) Administration.--
    ``(A) Conservation reserve plan.--The Secretary
    shall develop a conservation reserve plan for any land
    subject to a CLEAR 30 contract, which shall include
    practices and activities necessary to maintain, protect,
    and enhance the conservation value of the enrolled land.
    ``(B) Delegation of contract administration.--
    ``(i) Federal, state, or local government
    agencies.--The Secretary may delegate any of the
    management, monitoring, and enforcement
    responsibilities of the Secretary under this
    subsection to other Federal, State, or local
    government agencies that have the appropriate
    authority, expertise, and resources necessary to
    carry out those delegated responsibilities.

    [[Page 4541]]

    ``(ii) Conservation organizations.--The
    Secretary may delegate any management
    responsibilities of the Secretary under this
    subsection to conservation organizations if the
    Secretary determines the conservation organization
    has similar expertise and resources.

    ``(b) Soil Health and Income Protection Pilot Program.--
    ``(1) Definition of eligible land.--In this subsection:
    ``(A) In general.--The term `eligible land' means
    cropland that--
    ``(i) is selected by the owner or operator of
    the land for proposed enrollment in the pilot
    program under this subsection; and
    ``(ii) as determined by the Secretary--
    ``(I) is located within 1 or more
    States that are part of the prairie
    pothole region, as selected by the
    Secretary based on consultation with
    State Committees of the Farm Service
    Agency and State technical committees
    established under section 1261(a) from
    that region;
    ``(II) had a cropping history or was
    considered to be planted during each of
    the 3 crop years preceding enrollment;
    and
    ``(III) is verified to be less-
    productive land, as compared to other
    land on the applicable farm.
    ``(B) Exclusion.--The term `eligible land' does not
    include any land that was enrolled in a conservation
    reserve program contract in any of the 3 crop years
    preceding enrollment in the pilot program under this
    subsection.
    ``(2) Establishment.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a
    voluntary soil health and income protection pilot
    program under which eligible land is enrolled through
    the use of contracts to assist owners and operators of
    eligible land to conserve and improve the soil, water,
    and wildlife resources of the eligible land.
    ``(B) Deadline for participation.--Eligible land may
    be enrolled in the program under this section through
    December 31, 2020.
    ``(3) Contracts.--
    ``(A) Requirements.--A contract described in
    paragraph (2) shall--
    ``(i) be entered into by the Secretary, the
    owner of the eligible land, and (if applicable)
    the operator of the eligible land; and
    ``(ii) provide that, during the term of the
    contract--
    ``(I) the lowest practicable cost
    perennial conserving use cover crop for
    the eligible land, as determined by the
    applicable State conservationist after
    considering the advice of the applicable
    State technical committee, shall be
    planted on the eligible land;
    ``(II) except as provided in
    subparagraph (E), the owner or operator
    of the eligible land shall pay the cost
    of planting the conserving use cover
    crop under subclause (I);

    [[Page 4542]]

    ``(III) subject to subparagraph (F),
    the eligible land may be harvested for
    seed, hayed, or grazed outside the
    primary nesting season established for
    the applicable county;
    ``(IV) the eligible land may be
    eligible for a walk-in access program of
    the applicable State, if any; and
    ``(V) a nonprofit wildlife
    organization may provide to the owner or
    operator of the eligible land a payment
    in exchange for an agreement by the
    owner or operator not to harvest the
    conserving use cover.
    ``(B) Payments.--Except as provided in subparagraphs
    (E) and (F)(ii)(II), the annual rental rate for a
    payment under a contract described in paragraph (2)
    shall be equal to 50 percent of the average rental rate
    for the applicable county under section 1234(d), as
    determined by the Secretary.
    ``(C) Limitation on enrolled land.--Not more than 15
    percent of the eligible land on a farm may be enrolled
    in the pilot program under this subsection.
    ``(D) Term.--
    ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in
    clause (ii), each contract described in paragraph
    (2) shall be for a term of 3, 4, or 5 years, as
    determined by the parties to the contract.
    ``(ii) Early termination.--
    ``(I) Secretary.--The Secretary may
    terminate a contract described in
    paragraph (2) before the end of the term
    described in clause (i) if the Secretary
    determines that the early termination of
    the contract is necessary.
    ``(II) Owners and operators.--An
    owner and (if applicable) an operator of
    eligible land enrolled in the pilot
    program under this subsection may
    terminate a contract described in
    paragraph (2) before the end of the term
    described in clause (i) if the owner and
    (if applicable) the operator pay to the
    Secretary an amount equal to the amount
    of rental payments received under the
    contract.
    ``(E) Beginning, limited resource, socially
    disadvantaged, or veteran farmers and ranchers.--With
    respect to a beginning, limited resource, socially
    disadvantaged, or veteran farmer or rancher, as
    determined by the Secretary--
    ``(i) a contract described in paragraph (2)
    shall provide that, during the term of the
    contract, of the actual cost of establishment of
    the conserving use cover crop under subparagraph
    (A)(ii)(I)--
    ``(I) using the funds of the
    Commodity Credit Corporation, the
    Secretary shall pay 50 percent; and
    ``(II) the beginning, limited
    resource, socially disadvantaged, or
    veteran farmer or rancher shall pay 50
    percent; and

    [[Page 4543]]

    ``(ii) the annual rental rate for a payment
    under a contract described in paragraph (2) shall
    be equal to 75 percent of the average rental rate
    for the applicable county under section 1234(d),
    as determined by the Secretary.
    ``(F) Harvesting, haying, and grazing outside
    applicable period.--The harvesting for seed, haying, or
    grazing of eligible land under subparagraph (A)(ii)(III)
    outside of the primary nesting season established for
    the applicable county shall be subject to the conditions
    that--
    ``(i) with respect to eligible land that is so
    hayed or grazed, adequate stubble height shall be
    maintained to protect the soil on the eligible
    land, as determined by the applicable State
    conservationist after considering the advice of
    the applicable State technical committee; and
    ``(ii) with respect to eligible land that is
    so harvested for seed--
    ``(I) the eligible land shall not be
    eligible to be insured or reinsured
    under the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7
    U.S.C. 1501 et seq.); and
    ``(II) the rental payment otherwise
    applicable to the eligible land under
    this subsection shall be reduced by 25
    percent.
    ``(4) Acreage limitation.--Of the number of acres available
    for enrollment in the conservation reserve under section
    1231(d)(1), not more than 50,000 total acres of eligible land
    may be enrolled under the pilot program under this subsection.
    ``(5) Report.--The Secretary shall submit to the Committee
    on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee
    on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate an annual
    report describing the eligible land enrolled in the pilot
    program under this subsection, including--
    ``(A) the estimated conservation value of the land;
    and
    ``(B) estimated savings from reduced commodity
    payments, crop insurance indemnities, and crop insurance
    premium subsidies.''.
    SEC. 2205. DUTIES OF OWNERS AND OPERATORS.

    Section 1232(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3832(a))
    is amended--
    (1) by redesignating paragraphs (10) and (11) as paragraphs
    (11) and (12), respectively; and
    (2) by inserting after paragraph (9) the following:
    ``(10) on land devoted to hardwood or other trees, excluding
    windbreaks and shelterbelts, to carry out proper thinning and
    other practices--
    ``(A) to enhance the conservation benefits and
    wildlife habitat resources addressed by the conservation
    practice under which the land is enrolled; and
    ``(B) to promote forest management;''.
    SEC. 2206. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY.

    (a) Cost-Share and Rental Payments.--Section 1233(a) of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3833(a)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``, including the cost of
    fencing and other water distribution practices, if applicable''
    after ``interest''; and

    [[Page 4544]]

    (2) in paragraph (2)--
    (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
    striking ``in an amount necessary to compensate'' and
    inserting ``, in accordance with section 1234(d),'';
    (B) in subparagraph (A)--
    (i) by inserting ``, marginal pastureland,''
    after ``cropland''; and
    (ii) by adding ``or'' at the end;
    (C) by striking subparagraph (B); and
    (D) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as
    subparagraph (B).

    (b) Specified Activities Permitted.--Section 1233 of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3833) is amended by striking subsection
    (b) and inserting the following:
    ``(b) Specified Activities Permitted.--
    ``(1) In general.--The Secretary, in coordination with the
    applicable State technical committee established under section
    1261(a), shall permit certain activities or commercial uses of
    established cover on land that is subject to a contract under
    the conservation reserve program if--
    ``(A) those activities or uses--
    ``(i) are consistent with the conservation of
    soil, water quality, and wildlife habitat;
    ``(ii) are subject to appropriate restrictions
    during the primary nesting season for birds in the
    local area that are economically significant, in
    significant decline, or conserved in accordance
    with Federal or State law;
    ``(iii) contribute to the health and vigor of
    the established cover; and
    ``(iv) are consistent with a site-specific
    plan, including vegetative management
    requirements, stocking rates, and frequency and
    duration of activity, taking into consideration
    regional differences, such as climate, soil type,
    and natural resources; and
    ``(B) the Secretary, in coordination with the State
    technical committee, includes contract modifications--
    ``(i) without any reduction in the rental rate
    for--
    ``(I) emergency haying, emergency
    grazing, or other emergency use of the
    forage in response to a localized or
    regional drought, flooding, wildfire, or
    other emergency, on all practices,
    outside the primary nesting season,
    when--
    ``(aa) the county is
    designated as D2 (severe
    drought) or greater according to
    the United States Drought
    Monitor;
    ``(bb) there is at least a
    40 percent loss in forage
    production in the county; or
    ``(cc) the Secretary, in
    coordination with the State
    technical committee, determines
    that the program can assist in
    the response to a natural
    disaster event without permanent
    damage to the established cover;
    ``(II) emergency grazing on all
    practices during the primary nesting
    season if payments are authorized for a
    county under the livestock forage
    disaster program under clause (ii) of
    section 1501(c)(3)(D) of the
    Agricultural Act of 2014 (7

    [[Page 4545]]

    U.S.C. 9081(c)(3)(D)), at 50 percent of
    the normal carrying capacity determined
    under clause (i) of that section,
    adjusted to the site-specific plan;
    ``(III) emergency haying on certain
    practices, outside the primary nesting
    season, if payments are authorized for a
    county under the livestock forage
    disaster program under clause (ii) of
    section 1501(c)(3)(D) of the
    Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C.
    9081(c)(3)(D)), on not more than 50
    percent of contract acres, as identified
    in the site-specific plan;
    ``(IV) grazing of all practices,
    outside the primary nesting season, if
    included as a mid-contract management
    practice under section 1232(a)(5);
    ``(V) the intermittent and seasonal
    use of vegetative buffer established
    under paragraphs (4) and (5) of section
    1231(b) that are incidental to
    agricultural production on land adjacent
    to the buffer such that the permitted
    use--
    ``(aa) does not destroy the
    permanent vegetative cover; and
    ``(bb) retains suitable
    vegetative structure for
    wildlife cover and shelter
    outside the primary nesting
    season; or
    ``(VI) grazing on all practices,
    outside the primary nesting season, if
    conducted by a beginning farmer or
    rancher; or
    ``(ii) with a 25 percent reduction in the
    annual rental rate for the acres covered by the
    authorized activity, including--
    ``(I) grazing not more frequently
    than every other year on the same land,
    except that during the primary nesting
    season, grazing shall be subject to a 50
    percent reduction in the stocking rate
    specified in the site-specific plan;
    ``(II) grazing of all practices
    during the primary nesting season, with
    a 50 percent reduction in the stocking
    rate specified in the site-specific
    plan;
    ``(III) haying and other commercial
    use (including the managed harvesting of
    biomass and excluding the harvesting of
    vegetative cover), on the condition that
    the activity--
    ``(aa) is completed outside
    the primary nesting season;
    ``(bb) occurs not more than
    once every 3 years; and
    ``(cc) maintains 25 percent
    of the total contract acres
    unharvested, in accordance with
    a site-specific plan that
    provides for wildlife cover and
    shelter;
    ``(IV) annual grazing outside the
    primary nesting season if consistent
    with a site-specific plan that is
    authorized for the control of invasive
    species; and
    ``(V) the installation of wind
    turbines and associated access, except
    that in permitting the installation of
    wind turbines, the Secretary shall

    [[Page 4546]]

    determine the number and location of
    wind turbines that may be installed,
    taking into account--
    ``(aa) the location, size,
    and other physical
    characteristics of the land;
    ``(bb) the extent to which
    the land contains threatened or
    endangered wildlife and wildlife
    habitat; and
    ``(cc) the purposes of the
    conservation reserve program
    under this subchapter.
    ``(2) Conditions on haying and grazing.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may permit haying
    or grazing in accordance with paragraph (1) on any land
    or practice subject to a contract under the conservation
    reserve program.
    ``(B) Exceptions.--
    ``(i) Damage to vegetative cover.--Haying or
    grazing described in paragraph (1) shall not be
    permitted on land subject to a contract under the
    conservation reserve program, or under a
    particular practice, if haying or grazing for that
    year under that practice, as applicable, would
    cause long-term damage to vegetative cover on that
    land.
    ``(ii) Special agreements.--
    ``(I) In general.--Except as
    provided in subclause (II), haying or
    grazing described in paragraph (1) shall
    not be permitted on--
    ``(aa) land covered by a
    contract enrolled under the
    State acres for wildlife
    enhancement program established
    by the Secretary; or
    ``(bb) land covered by a
    contract enrolled under a
    conservation reserve enhancement
    program established under
    section 1231A or the
    Conservation Reserve Enhancement
    Program established by the
    Secretary under this subchapter.
    ``(II) Exception.--Subclause (I)
    shall not apply to land on which haying
    or grazing is specifically permitted
    under the applicable conservation
    reserve enhancement program agreement or
    other partnership agreement entered into
    under this subchapter.''.

    (c) Natural Disaster or Adverse Weather as Mid-contract
    Management.--Section 1233 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
    3833) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(e) Natural Disaster or Adverse Weather as Mid-contract
    Management.--In the case of a natural disaster or adverse weather event
    that has the effect of a management practice consistent with the
    conservation plan, the Secretary shall not require further management
    practices pursuant to section 1232(a)(5) that are intended to achieve
    the same effect.''.
    SEC. 2207. PAYMENTS.

    (a) Cost Sharing Payments.--Section 1234(b) of the Food Security Act
    of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3834(b)) is amended--
    (1) by striking paragraphs (2) through (4) and inserting the
    following:
    ``(2) Limitations.--

    [[Page 4547]]

    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall ensure, to
    the maximum extent practicable, that cost sharing
    payments to an owner or operator under this subchapter,
    when combined with the sum of payments from all other
    funding sources for measures and practices described in
    paragraph (1), do not exceed 100 percent of the total
    actual cost of establishing those measures and
    practices, as determined by the Secretary.
    ``(B) Mid-contract management grazing.--The
    Secretary may not make any cost sharing payment to an
    owner or operator under this subchapter pursuant to
    section 1232(a)(5).
    ``(C) Seed cost.--In the case of seed costs related
    to the establishment of cover, cost sharing payments
    under this subchapter shall not exceed 50 percent of the
    actual cost of the seed mixture, as determined by the
    Secretary.'';
    (2) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (3);
    (3) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated), by striking ``An
    owner'' and inserting ``Except in the case of incentive payments
    that are related to the cost of the establishment of a practice
    and received from eligible partners under the conservation
    reserve enhancement program under section 1231A, an owner''; and
    (4) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(4) Practice incentives for continuous practices.--In
    addition to the cost sharing payment described in this
    subsection, the Secretary shall make an incentive payment to an
    owner or operator of land enrolled under section 1231(d)(6) in
    an amount not to exceed 50 percent of the actual cost of
    establishing all measures and practices described in paragraph
    (1), including seed costs related to the establishment of cover,
    as determined by the Secretary.''.

    (b) Incentive Payments.--Section 1234(c) of the Food Security Act of
    1985 (16 U.S.C. 3834(c)) is amended--
    (1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Incentive'' and
    inserting ``Forest Management Incentive'';
    (2) in paragraph (1), by striking ``The Secretary'' and
    inserting ``Using funds made available under section
    1241(a)(1)(A), the Secretary''; and
    (3) in paragraph (2), by striking ``150 percent'' and
    inserting ``100 percent''.

    (c) Annual Rental Payments.--Section 1234(d) of the Food Security
    Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3834(d)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (1)--
    (A) by striking ``the Secretary may consider, among
    other things, the amount'' and inserting the following:
    ``the Secretary shall consider--
    ``(A) the amount'';
    (B) in subparagraph (A) (as so designated), by
    striking the period at the end and inserting a
    semicolon; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(B) the impact on the local farmland rental
    market; and
    ``(C) such other factors as the Secretary determines
    to be appropriate.'';
    (2) in paragraph (2)--
    (A) in subparagraph (A)--

    [[Page 4548]]

    (i) in clause (i), by striking ``; or'' and
    inserting a period;
    (ii) by striking clause (ii); and
    (iii) by striking ``determined through--'' in
    the matter preceding clause (i) and all that
    follows through ``the submission of bids'' in
    clause (i) and inserting ``determined through the
    submission of applications'';
    (B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as
    subparagraph (C);
    (C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the
    following:
    ``(B) Multiple enrollments.--
    ``(i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), if
    land subject to a contract entered into under this
    subchapter is reenrolled under section 1231(h)(1)
    or has been previously enrolled in the
    conservation reserve, the annual rental payment
    shall be in an amount that is not more than 85
    percent in the case of general enrollment
    contacts, or 90 percent in the case of continuous
    enrollment contracts, of the applicable estimated
    average county rental rate published pursuant to
    paragraph (4) for the year in which the
    reenrollment occurs.
    ``(ii) Conservation reserve enhancement
    program.--The reduction in annual rental payments
    under clause (i) may be waived as part of the
    negotiation between the Secretary and an eligible
    partner to enter into a conservation reserve
    enhancement program agreement under section
    1231A.'';
    (D) in subparagraph (C) (as so redesignated), by
    striking ``In the case'' and inserting ``Notwithstanding
    subparagraph (A), in the case''; and
    (E) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(D) Continuous sign-up incentives.--The Secretary
    shall make an incentive payment to the owner or operator
    of land enrolled under section 1231(d)(6) at the time of
    initial enrollment in an amount equal to 32.5 percent of
    the amount of the first annual rental payment under
    subparagraph (A).'';
    (3) by striking paragraph (4);
    (4) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (4); and
    (5) in paragraph (4) (as so redesignated)--
    (A) in subparagraph (A)--
    (i) by striking ``, not less frequently than
    once every other year,'' and inserting
    ``annually''; and
    (ii) by inserting ``, and shall publish the
    estimates derived from the survey not later than
    September 15 of each year'' before the period at
    the end;
    (B) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``and the
    average current and previous soil rental rates for each
    county'' after ``subparagraph (A)'';
    (C) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``may use'' and
    inserting ``shall consider''; and
    (D) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(D) Submission of additional information by state
    fsa offices and crep partners.--
    ``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall provide
    an opportunity for State Committees of the Farm
    Service Agency or eligible partners (as defined in
    section

    [[Page 4549]]

    1231A(a)) in conservation reserve enhancement
    programs under section 1231A to propose an
    alternative soil rental rate prior to finalizing
    new rates, on the condition that documentation
    described in clause (ii) is provided to support
    the proposed alternative.
    ``(ii) Acceptable documentation.--
    Documentation referred to in clause (i) includes--
    ``(I) an average of cash rents from
    a random sample of lease agreements;
    ``(II) cash rent estimates from a
    published survey;
    ``(III) neighboring county estimate
    comparisons from the National
    Agricultural Statistics Service;
    ``(IV) an average of cash rents from
    Farm Service Agency farm business plans;
    ``(V) models that estimate cash
    rents, such as models that use returns
    to estimate crop production or land
    value data; or
    ``(VI) other documentation, as
    determined by the Secretary.
    ``(iii) Notification.--Not less than 14 days
    prior to the announcement of new or revised soil
    rental rates, the Secretary shall offer a briefing
    to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the
    Committee on Agriculture of the House of
    Representatives and the Chairman and Ranking
    Member of the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition,
    and Forestry of the Senate, including information
    on and the rationale for the alternative rates
    proposed under clause (i) that were accepted or
    rejected.
    ``(E) Rental rate limitation.--Notwithstanding
    forest management incentive payments described in
    subsection (c), the county average soil rental rate
    (before any adjustments relating to specific practices,
    wellhead protection, or soil productivity) shall not
    exceed--
    ``(i) 85 percent of the estimated rental rate
    determined under this paragraph for general
    enrollment; or
    ``(ii) 90 percent of the estimated rental rate
    determined under this paragraph for continuous
    enrollment.''.

    (d) Payment Limitation for Rental Payments.--Section 1234(g) of the
    Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3834(g)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``The total'' and
    inserting ``Except as provided in paragraph (2), the total'';
    and
    (2) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
    ``(2) Wellhead protection.--Paragraph (1) and section
    1001D(b) shall not apply to rental payments received by a rural
    water district or association for land that is enrolled under
    this subchapter for the purpose of protecting a wellhead.''.
    SEC. 2208. CONTRACTS.

    (a) Transition Option for Certain Farmers or Ranchers.--Section
    1235(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3835(f)) is
    amended--
    (1) in paragraph (1)--

    [[Page 4550]]

    (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
    striking ``retired farmer or rancher'' and inserting
    ``contract holder'';
    (B) by striking ``retired or retiring owner or
    operator'' each place it appears and inserting
    ``contract holder'';
    (C) in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding
    clause (i), by striking ``1 year'' and inserting ``2
    years'';
    (D) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``, including
    a lease with a term of less than 5 years and an option
    to purchase'' after ``option to purchase'';
    (E) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``; and'' and
    inserting a semicolon;
    (F) by redesignating subparagraph (E) as
    subparagraph (F); and
    (G) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the
    following:
    ``(E) give priority to the enrollment of the land
    covered by the contract in--
    ``(i) the environmental quality incentives
    program established under subchapter A of chapter
    4;
    ``(ii) the conservation stewardship program
    established under subchapter B of chapter 4; or
    ``(iii) the agricultural conservation easement
    program established under subtitle H; and''; and
    (2) in paragraph (2)--
    (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
    striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting ``To the extent
    that the maximum number of acres permitted to be
    enrolled under the conservation reserve program has not
    been met, the Secretary''; and
    (B) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the
    following:
    ``(A)(i) is carried out on land described in
    paragraph (4) or (5) of section 1231(b); and
    ``(ii) is eligible for continuous enrollment under
    section 1231(d)(6); and''.

    (b) End of Contract Considerations.--Section 1235(g) of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3835(g)) is amended to read as follows:
    ``(g) End of Contract Considerations.--The Secretary shall not
    consider an owner or operator to be in violation of a term or condition
    of the conservation reserve contract if--
    ``(1) during the year prior to expiration of the contract,
    the owner or operator--
    ``(A)(i) enters into a contract under the
    environmental quality incentives program established
    under subchapter A of chapter 4; and
    ``(ii) begins the establishment of a practice under
    that contract; or
    ``(B)(i) enters into a contract under the
    conservation stewardship program established under
    subchapter B of chapter 4; and
    ``(ii) begins the establishment of a practice under
    that contract; or
    ``(2) during the 3 years prior to the expiration of the
    contract, the owner or operator begins the certification process
    under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6501 et
    seq.).''.

    [[Page 4551]]

    SEC. 2209. <>  ELIGIBLE LAND; STATE LAW
    REQUIREMENTS.

    The Secretary shall revise paragraph (4) of section 1410.6(d) of
    title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, to provide that land enrolled
    under a Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program agreement initially
    established before January 1, 2014 (including an amended or successor
    Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program agreement, as determined by the
    Secretary), shall not be ineligible for enrollment in the conservation
    reserve program established under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle
    D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq.)
    under that paragraph if the Deputy Administrator (as defined in section
    1410.2(b) of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor
    regulations)), on recommendation from and in consultation with the
    applicable State technical committee established under section 1261(a)
    of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3861(a)) determines, under
    such terms and conditions as the Deputy Administrator, in consultation
    with the State technical committee, determines to be appropriate, that
    making that land eligible for enrollment in that program is not contrary
    to the purposes of that program.

    Subtitle C--Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Conservation
    Stewardship Program

    SEC. 2301. REPEAL OF CONSERVATION PROGRAMS.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa et seq.) is amended--
    (1) by striking the chapter designation and heading and
    inserting the following:

    ``CHAPTER 4--ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM AND CONSERVATION
    STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM

    ``Subchapter A--Environmental Quality Incentives Program''; and

    (2) by inserting after section 1240H the following:

    ``Subchapter B--Conservation Stewardship Program''.

    (b) Conservation Stewardship Program.--Subchapter B of chapter 2 of
    subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
    3838d et seq.) is amended--
    (1) by redesignating sections 1238D through 1238G <>  as sections 1240I through 1240L,
    respectively; and
    (2) by moving sections 1240I through 1240L <>  (as so redesignated) so as to
    appear after the subchapter heading for subchapter B of chapter
    4 of subtitle D of title XII of that Act (as added by subsection
    (a)(2)).

    (c) Repeal.--
    (1) In general.--Chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the
    Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838 et seq.) (as amended
    by subsection (b)) <>  is repealed.

    [[Page 4552]]

    (2) <>  Termination of
    conservation stewardship program.--Effective on the date of
    enactment of this Act, the conservation stewardship program
    under subchapter B of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of
    the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838d et seq.) (as in
    effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act)
    shall cease to be effective.
    (3) <>  Transitional
    provisions.--
    (A) Effect on existing contracts and agreements.--
    The cessation of effectiveness under paragraph (2) shall
    not affect--
    (i) the validity or terms of any contract
    entered into by the Secretary under subchapter B
    of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the
    Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838d et
    seq.) before the date of enactment of this Act, or
    any payments, modifications, or technical
    assistance required to be made in connection with
    the contract; or
    (ii) subject to subparagraph (D), any
    agreement entered into by the Secretary under the
    regional conservation partnership program under
    subtitle I of title XII of the Food Security Act
    of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871 et seq.) on or before
    September 30, 2018, under which conservation
    stewardship program acres and associated funding
    have been allocated to the agreement for the
    purpose of entering into a contract under
    subchapter B of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title
    XII of that Act (16 U.S.C. 3838d et seq.) (as in
    effect on the day before the date of enactment of
    this Act).
    (B) Extension permitted.--Notwithstanding paragraph
    (2), the Secretary may extend for 1 year a contract
    described in subparagraph (A)(i) if that contract
    expires on or before December 31, 2019, under the terms
    and payment rate of the existing contract and in
    accordance with subchapter B of chapter 2 of subtitle D
    of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
    3838d et seq.) (as in effect on the day before the date
    of enactment of this Act).
    (C) Renewal not permitted.--
    (i) In general.--Notwithstanding subparagraph
    (A), and subject to clause (ii), the Secretary may
    not renew a contract or agreement described in
    that subparagraph.
    (ii) Exception.--The Secretary may renew a
    contract described in subparagraph (A)(i)--
    (I) if that contract expires on or
    after December 31, 2019;
    (II) under the terms of the
    conservation stewardship program under
    subchapter B of chapter 4 of subtitle D
    of title XII of the Food Security Act of
    1985 (as added by subsections (a)(2) and
    (b)); and
    (III) subject to the limitation on
    funding for that subchapter under
    section 1241 of the Food Security Act of
    1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841).
    (D) RCPP contracts.--

    [[Page 4553]]

    (i) Treatment of acreage.--In the case of an
    agreement described in subparagraph (A)(ii), the
    Secretary may provide an amount of funding that is
    equivalent to the value of any acres covered by
    the agreement.
    (ii) Funds and acres not obligated.--In the
    case of an agreement described in subparagraph
    (A)(ii) to which program acres and associated
    funding have been allocated but not yet obligated
    to enter into a contract under subchapter B of
    chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838d et seq.) (as
    in effect on the day before the date of enactment
    of this Act)--
    (I) the Secretary shall modify the
    agreement to authorize the entrance into
    a contract under subchapter B of chapter
    4 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 (as added by
    subsections (a)(2) and (b)); and
    (II) the funds associated with the
    conservation stewardship program acres
    allocated under that agreement, on
    modification under subclause (I), may be
    used to enter into conservation
    stewardship program contracts with
    producers under subchapter B of chapter
    4 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 (as added by
    subsections (a)(2) and (b)).
    (4) <>  Contract
    administration.--Subject to paragraphs (3)(C) and
    (3)(D)(ii)(II), the Secretary shall administer each contract and
    agreement described in clauses (i) and (ii) of paragraph (3)(A)
    until the expiration of the contract or agreement in accordance
    with the regulations to carry out the conservation stewardship
    program under subchapter B of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title
    XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838d et seq.)
    (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this
    Act) that are in effect on the day before that date of
    enactment.
    (5) <>  Funding.--
    Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2), any funds made available
    from the Commodity Credit Corporation under section 1241(a)(4)
    of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(a)(4)) for
    fiscal years 2014 through 2018 shall be available to carry out--
    (A) any contract or agreement described in paragraph
    (3)(A)(i) for fiscal year 2019;
    (B) any contract or agreement described in paragraph
    (3)(A)(ii);
    (C) any contract extended under paragraph (3)(B);
    and
    (D) any contract or agreement under subchapter B of
    chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 (as added by subsections (a)(2) and
    (b)).

    (d) Conforming Amendments.--
    (1) Food security act of 1985.--
    (A) Section 1211(a)(3)(A) of the Food Security Act
    of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3811(a)(3)(A)) is amended by
    inserting ``subchapter A of'' before ``chapter 4''.
    (B) Section 1221(b)(3)(A) of the Food Security Act
    of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3821(b)(3)(A)) is amended by
    inserting ``subchapter A of'' before ``chapter 4''.

    [[Page 4554]]

    (C) Section 1240J(b)(1) of the Food Security Act of
    1985 (as redesignated by subsection (b)(1)) is amended
    by striking subparagraph (C).
    (D) Section 1240 of the Food Security Act of 1985
    (16 U.S.C. 3839aa) is amended in the matter preceding
    paragraph (1) by striking ``chapter'' and inserting
    ``subchapter''.
    (E) Section 1240A of the Food Security Act of 1985
    (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-1) is amended by striking ``chapter''
    each place it appears and inserting ``subchapter''.
    (F) Section 1240B(i)(2)(B) of the Food Security Act
    of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(i)(2)(B)) is amended by
    striking ``chapter'' and inserting ``subchapter''.
    (G) Section 1240C(b) of the Food Security Act of
    1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-3(b)) is amended in the matter
    preceding paragraph (1) by striking ``chapter'' and
    inserting ``subchapter''.
    (H) Section 1240E(b)(2) of the Food Security Act of
    1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-5(b)(2)) is amended by striking
    ``chapter'' and inserting ``subchapter''.
    (I) Section 1240G of the Food Security Act of 1985
    (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-7) is amended by striking ``chapter''
    each place it appears and inserting ``subchapter''.
    (J) Section 1240H of the Food Security Act of 1985
    (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-8) is amended by striking ``chapter''
    each place it appears and inserting ``subchapter''.
    (K) Section 1244(c)(3) of the Food Security Act of
    1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844(c)(3)) is amended by inserting
    ``subchapter A of'' before ``chapter 4''.
    (L) Section 1244(l) of the Food Security Act of 1985
    (16 U.S.C. 3844(l)) is amended--
    (i) by striking ``chapter 2'' and inserting
    ``chapter 4''; and
    (ii) by inserting ``subchapter A of'' after
    ``incentives program under''.
    (2) Other laws.--
    (A) Section 344(f)(8) of the Agricultural Adjustment
    Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1344(f)(8)) is amended by
    inserting ``subchapter A of'' before ``chapter 4''.
    (B) Section 377 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act
    of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1377) is amended by inserting
    ``subchapter A of'' before ``chapter 4''.
    (C) Paragraph (1) of the last proviso of the matter
    under the heading ``conservation reserve program'' under
    the heading ``Soil Bank Programs'' of title I of the
    Department of Agriculture and Farm Credit Administration
    Appropriation Act, 1959 (7 U.S.C. 1831a), is amended by
    inserting ``subchapter A of'' before ``chapter 4''.
    (D) Section 8(b)(1) of the Soil Conservation and
    Domestic Allotment Act (16 U.S.C. 590h(b)(1)) is amended
    by inserting ``subchapter A of'' before ``chapter 4''.
    (E) Section 1271(c)(3)(C) of the Food, Agriculture,
    Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C.
    2106a(c)(3)(C)) is amended by inserting ``subchapter A
    of'' before ``chapter 4''.

    [[Page 4555]]

    (F) Section 304(a)(1) of the Lake Champlain Special
    Designation Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 1270 note; Public Law
    101-596) is amended by inserting ``subchapter A of''
    before ``chapter 4''.
    (G) Section 202(c) of the Colorado River Basin
    Salinity Control Act (43 U.S.C. 1592(c)) is amended by
    inserting ``subchapter A of'' before ``chapter 4''.
    SEC. 2302. PURPOSES OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM.

    Section 1240 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa) is
    amended by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
    ``(4) assisting producers to make beneficial, cost-effective
    changes to production systems, including addressing identified,
    new, or expected resource concerns related to organic
    production, grazing management, fuels management, forest
    management, nutrient management associated with crops and
    livestock, pest management, irrigation management, adapting to,
    and mitigating against, increasing weather volatility, drought
    resiliency measures, or other practices on agricultural and
    forested land.''.
    SEC. 2303. DEFINITIONS UNDER ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES
    PROGRAM.

    Section 1240A of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-1)
    is amended--
    (1) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5)
    as paragraphs (2), (4), (5), (6), and (8), respectively;
    (2) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated)
    the following:
    ``(1) Conservation planning assessment.--The term
    `conservation planning assessment' means a report, as determined
    by the Secretary, that--
    ``(A) is developed by--
    ``(i) a State or unit of local government
    (including a conservation district);
    ``(ii) a Federal agency; or
    ``(iii) a third-party provider certified under
    section 1242(e) (including a certified rangeland
    professional);
    ``(B) assesses rangeland or cropland function and
    describes conservation activities to enhance the
    economic and ecological management of that land; and
    ``(C) can be incorporated into a comprehensive
    planning document required by the Secretary for
    enrollment in a conservation program of the Department
    of Agriculture.'';
    (3) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated), in subparagraph
    (B)(vi)--
    (A) by inserting ``environmentally sensitive
    areas,'' after ``marshes,''; and
    (B) by inserting ``identified or expected'' before
    ``resource concerns'';
    (4) by inserting after paragraph (2) (as so redesignated)
    the following:
    ``(3) Incentive practice.--The term `incentive practice'
    means a practice or set of practices approved by the Secretary
    that, when implemented and maintained on eligible land, address
    1 or more priority resource concerns.'';
    (5) in paragraph (6) (as so redesignated)--

    [[Page 4556]]

    (A) in subparagraph (A)--
    (i) in clause (iv), by striking ``and'' at the
    end;
    (ii) by redesignating clause (v) as clause
    (vii); and
    (iii) by inserting after clause (iv) the
    following:
    ``(v) soil testing;
    ``(vi) soil remediation to be carried out by
    the producer; and''; and
    (B) in subparagraph (B)--
    (i) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' at the
    end;
    (ii) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause
    (vi); and
    (iii) by inserting after clause (i) the
    following:
    ``(ii) planning for resource-conserving crop
    rotations (as defined in section 1240L(d)(1));
    ``(iii) soil health planning, including
    increasing soil organic matter and the use of
    cover crops;
    ``(iv) a conservation planning assessment;
    ``(v) precision conservation management
    planning; and'';
    (6) by inserting after paragraph (6) (as so redesignated)
    the following:
    ``(7) Priority resource concern.--The term `priority
    resource concern' means a natural resource concern or problem,
    as determined by the Secretary, that--
    ``(A) is identified at the national, State, or local
    level as a priority for a particular area of a State;
    and
    ``(B) represents a significant concern in a State or
    region.''; and
    (7) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(9) Soil remediation.--The term `soil remediation' means
    scientifically based practices that--
    ``(A) ensure the safety of producers from
    contaminants in soil;
    ``(B) limit contaminants in soil from entering
    agricultural products for human or animal consumption;
    and
    ``(C) regenerate and sustain the soil.
    ``(10) Soil testing.--The term `soil testing' means the
    evaluation of soil health, including testing for--
    ``(A) the optimal level of constituents in the soil,
    such as organic matter, nutrients, and the potential
    presence of soil contaminants, including heavy metals,
    volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic
    hydrocarbons, or other contaminants; and
    ``(B) the biological and physical characteristics
    indicative of proper soil functioning.''.
    SEC. 2304. ESTABLISHMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL
    QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM.

    (a) Establishment.--Section 1240B(a) of the Food Security Act of
    1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(a)) is amended by striking ``2019'' and
    inserting ``2023''.
    (b) Payments.--Section 1240B(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
    U.S.C. 3839aa-2(d)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (4)(B)--
    (A) in clause (i)--
    (i) by striking ``Not more than'' and
    inserting ``On an election by a producer described
    in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall provide
    at least'';

    [[Page 4557]]

    (ii) by striking ``may be provided''; and
    (iii) by striking ``the purpose of'' and
    inserting ``all costs related to''; and
    (B) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(iii) Notification and documentation.--The
    Secretary shall--
    ``(I) notify each producer described
    in subparagraph (A), at the time of
    enrollment in the program, of the option
    to receive advance payments under clause
    (i); and
    ``(II) document the election of each
    producer described in subparagraph (A)
    to receive advance payments under clause
    (i) with respect to each practice that
    has costs described in that clause.'';
    and
    (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(7) Increased payments for high-priority practices.--
    ``(A) State determination.--Each State, in
    consultation with the State technical committee
    established under section 1261(a) for the State, may
    designate not more than 10 practices to be eligible for
    increased payments under subparagraph (B), on the
    condition that the practice, as determined by the
    Secretary--
    ``(i) addresses specific causes of impairment
    relating to excessive nutrients in groundwater or
    surface water;
    ``(ii) addresses the conservation of water to
    advance drought mitigation and declining aquifers;
    ``(iii) meets other environmental priorities
    and other priority resource concerns identified in
    habitat or other area restoration plans; or
    ``(iv) is geographically targeted to address a
    natural resource concern in a specific watershed.
    ``(B) Increased payments.--Notwithstanding paragraph
    (2), in the case of a practice designated under
    subparagraph (A), the Secretary may increase the amount
    that would otherwise be provided for a practice under
    this subsection to not more than 90 percent of the costs
    associated with planning, design, materials, equipment,
    installation, labor, management, maintenance, or
    training.''.

    (c) Allocation of Funding.--Section 1240B(f) of the Food Security
    Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(f)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (1)--
    (A) by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and inserting
    ``2019 through 2023'';
    (B) by striking ``60'' and inserting ``50''; and
    (C) by striking ``production.'' and inserting
    ``production, including grazing management practices.'';
    and
    (2) in paragraph (2)--
    (A) by striking ``For each'' and inserting the
    following:
    ``(A) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018.--For each'';
    and
    (B) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(B) Fiscal years 2019 through 2023.--For each of
    fiscal years 2019 through 2023, at least 10 percent of
    the funds made available for payments under the program

    [[Page 4558]]

    shall be targeted at practices benefitting wildlife
    habitat under subsection (g).''.

    (d) Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program.--Section 1240B(g) of the
    Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(g)) is amended by adding
    at the end the following:
    ``(3) Maximum term.--In the case of a contract under the
    program entered into solely for the establishment of 1 or more
    annual management practices for the benefit of wildlife as
    described in paragraph (1), notwithstanding any maximum contract
    term established by the Secretary, the contract shall have a
    term that does not exceed 10 years.
    ``(4) Included practices.--For the purpose of providing
    seasonal wetland habitat for waterfowl and migratory birds, a
    practice that is eligible for payment under paragraph (1) and
    targeted for funding under subsection (f) may include--
    ``(A) a practice to carry out postharvest flooding;
    or
    ``(B) a practice to maintain the hydrology of
    temporary and seasonal wetlands of not more than 2 acres
    to maintain waterfowl and migratory bird habitat on
    working cropland.''.

    (e) Water Conservation or Irrigation Efficiency Practice.--Section
    1240B(h) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(h)) is
    amended--
    (1) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
    ``(1) Availability of payments.--The Secretary may provide
    water conservation and system efficiency payments under this
    subsection to an entity described in paragraph (2) or a producer
    for--
    ``(A) water conservation scheduling, water
    distribution efficiency, soil moisture monitoring, or an
    appropriate combination thereof;
    ``(B) irrigation-related structural or other
    measures that conserve surface water or groundwater,
    including managed aquifer recovery practices; or
    ``(C) a transition to water-conserving crops, water-
    conserving crop rotations, or deficit irrigation.'';
    (2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3);
    (3) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
    ``(2) Eligibility of certain entities.--
    ``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding section
    1001(f)(6), the Secretary may enter into a contract
    under this subsection with a State, irrigation district,
    groundwater management district, acequia, land-grant
    mercedes, or similar entity under a streamlined
    contracting process to implement water conservation or
    irrigation practices under a watershed-wide project that
    will effectively conserve water, provide fish and
    wildlife habitat, or provide for drought-related
    environmental mitigation, as determined by the
    Secretary.
    ``(B) Implementation.--Water conservation or
    irrigation practices that are the subject of a contract
    entered into under subparagraph (A) shall be implemented
    on--
    ``(i) eligible land of a producer; or
    ``(ii) land that is--
    ``(I) under the control of an
    irrigation district, groundwater
    management district, acequia, land-grant
    mercedes, or similar entity; and

    [[Page 4559]]

    ``(II) adjacent to eligible land
    described in clause (i), as determined
    by the Secretary.
    ``(C) Waiver authority.--The Secretary may waive the
    applicability of the limitations in section 1001D(b) or
    section 1240G for a payment made under a contract
    entered into under this paragraph if the Secretary
    determines that the waiver is necessary to fulfill the
    objectives of the project.
    ``(D) Contract limitations.--If the Secretary grants
    a waiver under subparagraph (C), the Secretary may
    impose a separate payment limitation for the contract
    with respect to which the waiver applies.'';
    (4) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated)--
    (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
    striking ``to a producer'' and inserting ``under this
    subsection'';
    (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``the eligible
    land of the producer is located, there is a reduction in
    water use in the operation of the producer'' and
    inserting ``the land on which the practices will be
    implemented is located, there is a reduction in water
    use in the operation on that land''; and
    (C) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``except in
    the case of an application under paragraph (2),'' before
    ``the producer agrees''; and
    (5) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(4) Effect.--Nothing in this subsection authorizes the
    Secretary to modify the process for determining the annual
    allocation of funding to States under the program.''.

    (f) Payments for Conservation Practices Related to Organic
    Production.--Section 1240B(i)(3) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
    U.S.C. 3839aa-2(i)(3)) is amended--
    (1) in the first sentence, by striking ``Payments'' and
    inserting the following:
    ``(A) In general.--Payments'';
    (2) in the second sentence, by striking ``In applying these
    limitations'' and inserting the following:
    ``(B) Technical assistance.--In applying the
    limitations under subparagraph (A)''; and
    (3) in subparagraph (A) (as so designated)--
    (A) by striking ``aggregate, $20,000 per year or
    $80,000 during any 6-year period.'' and inserting the
    following: ``aggregate--
    ``(i) through fiscal year 2018--
    ``(I) $20,000 per year; or
    ``(II) $80,000 during any 6-year
    period; and''; and
    (B) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(ii) during the period of fiscal years 2019
    through 2023, $140,000.''.

    (g) Conservation Incentive Contracts.--Section 1240B of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2) is amended by adding at the
    end the following:
    ``(j) Conservation Incentive Contracts.--
    ``(1) Identification of eligible priority resource concerns
    for states.--

    [[Page 4560]]

    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary, in consultation
    with the applicable State technical committee
    established under section 1261(a), shall identify
    watersheds (or other appropriate regions or areas within
    a State) and the corresponding priority resource
    concerns for those watersheds or other regions or areas
    that are eligible to be the subject of an incentive
    contract under this subsection.
    ``(B) Limitation.--For each of the relevant land
    uses within the watersheds, regions, or other areas
    identified under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall
    identify not more than 3 eligible priority resource
    concerns.
    ``(2) Contracts.--
    ``(A) Authority.--
    ``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall enter
    into contracts with producers under this
    subsection that require the implementation,
    adoption, management, and maintenance of incentive
    practices that effectively address at least 1
    eligible priority resource concern identified
    under paragraph (1) for the term of the contract.
    ``(ii) Inclusions.--Through a contract entered
    into under clause (i), the Secretary may provide--
    ``(I) funding, through annual
    payments, for certain incentive
    practices to attain increased levels of
    conservation on eligible land; or
    ``(II) assistance, through a
    practice payment, to implement an
    incentive practice.
    ``(B) Term.--A contract under this subsection shall
    have a term of not less than 5, and not more than 10,
    years.
    ``(C) Prioritization.--Notwithstanding section
    1240C, the Secretary shall develop criteria for
    evaluating incentive practice applications that--
    ``(i) give priority to applications that
    address eligible priority resource concerns
    identified under paragraph (1); and
    ``(ii) evaluate applications relative to other
    applications for similar agriculture and forest
    operations.
    ``(3) Incentive practice payments.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall provide
    payments to producers through contracts entered into
    under paragraph (2) for--
    ``(i) adopting and installing incentive
    practices; and
    ``(ii) managing, maintaining, and improving
    the incentive practices for the duration of the
    contract, as determined appropriate by the
    Secretary.
    ``(B) Payment amounts.--In determining the amount of
    payments under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall
    consider, to the extent practicable--
    ``(i) the level and extent of the incentive
    practice to be installed, adopted, completed,
    maintained, managed, or improved;
    ``(ii) the cost of the installation, adoption,
    completion, management, maintenance, or
    improvement of the incentive practice;
    ``(iii) income foregone by the producer,
    including payments, as appropriate, to address--

    [[Page 4561]]

    ``(I) increased economic risk;
    ``(II) loss in revenue due to
    anticipated reductions in yield; and
    ``(III) economic losses during
    transition to a resource-conserving
    cropping system or resource-conserving
    land use; and
    ``(iv) the extent to which compensation would
    ensure long-term continued maintenance,
    management, and improvement of the incentive
    practice.
    ``(C) Delivery of payments.--In making payments
    under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall, to the
    extent practicable--
    ``(i) in the case of annual payments under
    paragraph (2)(A)(ii)(I), make those payments as
    soon as practicable after October 1 of each fiscal
    year for which increased levels of conservation
    are maintained during the term of the contract;
    and
    ``(ii) in the case of practice payments under
    paragraph (2)(A)(ii)(II), make those payments as
    soon as practicable on the implementation of an
    incentive practice.''.
    SEC. 2305. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM PLAN.

    Section 1240E(a)(3) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
    3839aa-5(a)(3)) is amended by inserting ``progressive'' before
    ``implementation''.
    SEC. 2306. LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS UNDER ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
    INCENTIVES PROGRAM.

    Section 1240G of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-7)
    is amended--
    (1) by striking ``A person'' and inserting ``Not including
    payments made under section 1240B(j), a person''; and
    (2) by inserting ``or the period of fiscal years 2019
    through 2023,'' after ``2018,''.
    SEC. 2307. CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS AND PAYMENTS.

    (a) Competitive Grants for Innovative Conservation Approaches.--
    Section 1240H(a)(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-
    8(a)(2)) is amended--
    (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``program;'' and
    inserting ``program or community colleges (as defined in section
    1473E(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319e(a))) carrying out
    demonstration projects on land of the community college;'';
    (2) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and (F) as
    subparagraphs (G) and (H), respectively; and
    (3) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following:
    ``(E) partner with farmers to develop innovative
    practices for urban, indoor, or other emerging
    agricultural operations;
    ``(F) utilize edge-of-field and other monitoring
    practices on farms--
    ``(i) to quantify the impacts of practices
    implemented under the program; and
    ``(ii) to assist producers in making the best
    conservation investments for the operations of the
    producers;''.

    [[Page 4562]]

    (b) Air Quality Concerns From Agricultural Operations.--Section
    1240H(b)(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-8(b)(2))
    is amended by striking ``$25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009
    through 2018'' and inserting ``$37,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2019
    through 2023''.
    (c) On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials; Reporting and
    Database.--Section 1240H of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
    3839aa-8) is amended by striking subsection (c) and inserting the
    following:
    ``(c) On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials.--
    ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
    ``(A) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity'
    means, as determined by the Secretary--
    ``(i) a third-party private entity the primary
    business of which is related to agriculture;
    ``(ii) a nongovernmental organization with
    experience working with agricultural producers; or
    ``(iii) a governmental organization.
    ``(B) New or innovative conservation approach.--The
    term `new or innovative conservation approach' means--
    ``(i) new or innovative--
    ``(I) precision agriculture
    technologies;
    ``(II) enhanced nutrient management
    plans, nutrient recovery systems, and
    fertilization systems;
    ``(III) soil health management
    systems, including systems to increase
    soil carbon levels;
    ``(IV) water management systems;
    ``(V) resource-conserving crop
    rotations (as defined in section
    1240L(d)(1));
    ``(VI) cover crops; and
    ``(VII) irrigation systems; and
    ``(ii) any other conservation approach
    approved by the Secretary as new or innovative.
    ``(2) Testing new or innovative conservation approaches.--
    Using $25,000,000 of the funds made available to carry out this
    subchapter for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, the
    Secretary shall carry out on-farm conservation innovation
    trials, on eligible land of producers, to test new or innovative
    conservation approaches--
    ``(A) directly with producers; or
    ``(B) through eligible entities.
    ``(3) Incentive payments.--
    ``(A) Agreements.--In carrying out paragraph (2),
    the Secretary shall enter into agreements with producers
    (either directly or through eligible entities) on whose
    land an on-farm conservation innovation trial is being
    carried out to provide payments (including payments to
    compensate for foregone income, as appropriate to
    address the increased economic risk potentially
    associated with new or innovative conservation
    approaches) to the producers to assist with adopting and
    evaluating new or innovative conservation approaches to
    achieve conservation benefits.
    ``(B) Adjusted gross income requirements.--
    ``(i) In general.--Adjusted gross income
    requirements under section 1001D(b)(1) shall--

    [[Page 4563]]

    ``(I) apply to producers receiving
    payments under this subsection; and
    ``(II) be enforced by the Secretary.
    ``(ii) Reporting.--An eligible entity
    participating in an on-farm conservation
    innovation trial under this subsection shall
    report annually to the Secretary on the amount of
    payments made to individual farm operations under
    this subsection.
    ``(C) Limitation on administrative expenses.--None
    of the funds made available to carry out this subsection
    may be used to pay for the administrative expenses of an
    eligible entity.
    ``(D) Length of agreements.--An agreement entered
    into under subparagraph (A) shall be for a period
    determined by the Secretary that is--
    ``(i) not less than 3 years; and
    ``(ii) if appropriate, more than 3 years,
    including if such a period is appropriate to
    support--
    ``(I) adaptive management over
    multiple crop years; and
    ``(II) adequate data collection and
    analysis by a producer or eligible
    entity to report the natural resource
    and agricultural production benefits of
    the new or innovative conservation
    approaches to the Secretary.
    ``(4) Flexible adoption.--The scale of adoption of a new or
    innovative conservation approach under an on-farm conservation
    innovation trial under an agreement under paragraph (2) may
    include multiple scales on an operation, including whole farm,
    field-level, or sub-field scales.
    ``(5) Technical assistance.--The Secretary shall provide
    technical assistance--
    ``(A) to each producer or eligible entity
    participating in an on-farm conservation innovation
    trial under paragraph (2) with respect to the design,
    installation, and management of the new or innovative
    conservation approaches; and
    ``(B) to each eligible entity participating in an
    on-farm conservation innovation trial under paragraph
    (2) with respect to data analyses of the on-farm
    conservation innovation trial.
    ``(6) Geographic scope.--The Secretary shall identify a
    diversity of geographic regions of the United States in which to
    establish on-farm conservation innovation trials under paragraph
    (2), taking into account factors such as soil type, cropping
    history, and water availability.
    ``(7) Soil health demonstration trial.--Using funds made
    available to carry out this subsection, the Secretary shall
    carry out a soil health demonstration trial under which the
    Secretary coordinates with eligible entities--
    ``(A) to provide incentives to producers to
    implement conservation practices that--
    ``(i) improve soil health;
    ``(ii) increase carbon levels in the soil; or
    ``(iii) meet the goals described in clauses
    (i) and (ii);

    [[Page 4564]]

    ``(B) to establish protocols for measuring carbon
    levels in the soil and testing carbon levels on land
    where conservation practices described in subparagraph
    (A) were applied to evaluate gains in soil health as a
    result of the practices implemented by the producers in
    the soil health demonstration trial; and
    ``(C)(i) not later than September 30, 2020, to
    initiate a study regarding changes in soil health and,
    if feasible, economic outcomes, generated as a result of
    the conservation practices described in subparagraph (A)
    that were applied by producers through the soil health
    demonstration trial; and
    ``(ii) to submit to the Committee on Agriculture of
    the House of Representatives and the Committee on
    Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate
    annual reports on the progress and results of the study
    under clause (i).

    ``(d) Reporting and Database.--
    ``(1) Report required.--Not later than September 30, 2019,
    and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the
    Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the
    Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate
    a report on the status of activities funded under this section,
    including--
    ``(A) funding awarded;
    ``(B) results of the activities, including, if
    feasible, economic outcomes;
    ``(C) incorporation of findings from the activities,
    such as new technology and innovative approaches, into
    the conservation efforts implemented by the Secretary;
    and
    ``(D) on completion of the study required under
    subsection (c)(7)(C), the findings of the study.
    ``(2) Conservation practice database.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall use the data
    reported under paragraph (1) to establish and maintain a
    publicly available conservation practice database that
    provides--
    ``(i) a compilation and analysis of effective
    conservation practices for soil health, nutrient
    management, and source water protection in varying
    soil compositions, cropping systems, slopes, and
    landscapes; and
    ``(ii) a list of recommended new and effective
    conservation practices.
    ``(B) Privacy.--Information provided under
    subparagraph (A) shall be transformed into a statistical
    or aggregate form so as to not include any identifiable
    or personal information of individual producers.''.
    SEC. 2308. CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM.

    (a) Definitions.--Section 1240I of the Food Security Act of 1985 (as
    redesignated by section 2301(b)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (2)(B)--
    (A) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' at the end;
    (B) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the
    end and inserting a semicolon; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following:

    [[Page 4565]]

    ``(iii) development of a comprehensive
    conservation plan, as defined in section
    1240L(e)(1);
    ``(iv) soil health planning, including
    planning to increase soil organic matter; and
    ``(v) activities that will assist a producer
    to adapt to, or mitigate against, increasing
    weather volatility.''; and
    (2) in paragraph (7), by striking the period at the end and
    inserting the following: ``through the use of--
    ``(A) quality criteria under a resource management
    system;
    ``(B) predictive analytics tools or models developed
    or approved by the Natural Resources Conservation
    Service;
    ``(C) data from past and current enrollment in the
    program; and
    ``(D) other methods that measure conservation and
    improvement in priority resource concerns, as determined
    by the Secretary.''.

    (b) Conservation Stewardship Program.--
    (1) Establishment.--Subsection (a) of section 1240J of the
    Food Security Act of 1985 (as redesignated by section 2301(b))
    is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking
    ``2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``2019 through 2023''.
    (2) Exclusions.--Subsection (b)(2) of section 1240J of the
    Food Security Act of 1985 (as redesignated by section 2301(b))
    is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking
    ``the Agricultural Act of 2014'' and inserting the ``Agriculture
    Improvement Act of 2018''.

    (c) Stewardship Contracts.--Section 1240K of the Food Security Act
    of 1985 (as redesignated by section 2301(b)) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (b), by striking paragraph (1) and
    inserting the following:
    ``(1) Ranking of applications.--
    ``(A) In general.--In evaluating contract offers
    submitted under subsection (a) and contract renewals
    under subsection (e), the Secretary shall rank
    applications based on--
    ``(i) the natural resource conservation and
    environmental benefits that result from the
    conservation treatment on all applicable priority
    resource concerns at the time of submission of the
    application;
    ``(ii) the degree to which the proposed
    conservation activities increase natural resource
    conservation and environmental benefits; and
    ``(iii) other consistent criteria, as
    determined by the Secretary.
    ``(B) Additional criterion.--If 2 or more
    applications receive the same ranking under subparagraph
    (A), the Secretary shall rank those contracts based on
    the extent to which the actual and anticipated
    conservation benefits from each contract are provided at
    the lowest cost relative to other similarly beneficial
    contract offers.'';
    (2) in subsection (c)--
    (A) by striking ``the program under subsection (a)''
    and inserting ``a contract or contract renewal under
    this section'';

    [[Page 4566]]

    (B) by inserting ``or contract renewal'' before
    ``offer ranks'';
    (C) by inserting ``or contract renewal'' after
    ``stewardship contract''; and
    (D) by adding ``or contract renewal'' before the
    period at the end;
    (3) in subsection (d)(2)(A), by striking ``1238G(d)'' and
    inserting ``1240L(c)''; and
    (4) in subsection (e)--
    (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
    striking ``At the end'' and all that follows through
    ``period'' the second place it appears and inserting the
    following: ``The Secretary may provide the producer an
    opportunity to renew an existing contract in the first
    half of the fifth year of the contract period'';
    (B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``initial'' and
    inserting ``existing'';
    (C) in paragraph (2)--
    (i) by inserting ``new or improved'' after
    ``integrate''; and
    (ii) by inserting ``demonstrating continued
    improvement during the additional 5-year period,''
    after ``operation,''; and
    (D) in paragraph (3)(B), by striking ``to exceed the
    stewardship threshold of'' and inserting ``to adopt or
    improve conservation activities, as determined by the
    Secretary, to achieve higher levels of performance with
    respect to not less than''.

    (d) Duties of Secretary.--Section 1240L of the Food Security Act of
    1985 (as redesignated by section 2301(b)) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (b), in the matter preceding paragraph
    (1), by striking ``acres'' and inserting ``funding'';
    (2) by striking subsection (c);
    (3) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections
    (c) and (d), respectively;
    (4) in subsection (c) (as so redesignated), by adding at the
    end the following:
    ``(5) Payment for cover crop activities.--The amount of a
    payment under this subsection for cover crop activities shall be
    not less than 125 percent of the annual payment amount
    determined by the Secretary under paragraph (2).'';
    (5) in subsection (d) (as so redesignated)--
    (A) in the subsection heading, by inserting ``and
    Advanced Grazing Management'' after ``Rotations'';
    (B) by striking paragraph (2);
    (C) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (4) as
    paragraphs (2) and (1), respectively, and moving the
    paragraphs so as to appear in numerical order;
    (D) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)--
    (i) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through
    (D) and (E) as clauses (i) through (iv) and (vi),
    respectively, and indenting appropriately;
    (ii) by striking the paragraph designation and
    all that follows through ``the term'' in the
    matter preceding clause (i) (as so redesignated)
    and inserting the following:
    ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:

    [[Page 4567]]

    ``(A) Advanced grazing management.--The term
    `advanced grazing management' means the use of a
    combination of grazing practices (as determined by the
    Secretary), which may include management-intensive
    rotational grazing, that provide for--
    ``(i) improved soil health and carbon
    sequestration;
    ``(ii) drought resilience;
    ``(iii) wildlife habitat;
    ``(iv) wildfire mitigation;
    ``(v) control of invasive plants; and
    ``(vi) water quality improvement.
    ``(B) Management-intensive rotational grazing.--The
    term `management-intensive rotational grazing' means a
    strategic, adaptively managed multipasture grazing
    system in which animals are regularly and systematically
    moved to fresh pasture in a manner that--
    ``(i) maximizes the quantity and quality of
    forage growth;
    ``(ii) improves manure distribution and
    nutrient cycling;
    ``(iii) increases carbon sequestration from
    greater forage harvest;
    ``(iv) improves the quality and quantity of
    cover for wildlife;
    ``(v) provides permanent cover to protect the
    soil from erosion; and
    ``(vi) improves water quality.
    ``(C) Resource-conserving crop rotation.--The
    term''; and
    (iii) in subparagraph (C) (as so designated)--
    (I) in clause (iv) (as so
    redesignated), by striking ``and'' at
    the end; and
    (II) by inserting after clause (iv)
    (as so redesignated) the following:
    ``(v) builds soil organic matter; and'';
    (E) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated), by
    striking ``improve resource-conserving'' and all that
    follows through the period at the end and inserting the
    following: ``improve, manage, and maintain--
    ``(A) resource-conserving crop rotations; or
    ``(B) advanced grazing management.'';
    (F) in paragraph (3)--
    (i) by striking ``paragraph (1)'' and
    inserting ``paragraph (2)''; and
    (ii) by striking ``and maintain'' and all that
    follows through the period at the end and
    inserting ``or improve, manage, and maintain
    resource-conserving crop rotations or advanced
    grazing management for the term of the
    contract.''; and
    (G) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(4) Amount of payment.--An additional payment provided
    under paragraph (2) shall be not less than 150 percent of the
    annual payment amount determined by the Secretary under
    subsection (c)(2).'';
    (6) by inserting after subsection (d) (as so redesignated)
    the following:

    ``(e) Payment for Comprehensive Conservation Plan.--

    [[Page 4568]]

    ``(1) Definition of comprehensive conservation plan.--In
    this subsection, the term `comprehensive conservation plan'
    means a conservation plan that meets or exceeds the stewardship
    threshold for each priority resource concern identified by the
    Secretary under subsection (a)(2).
    ``(2) Payment for comprehensive conservation plan.--The
    Secretary shall provide a 1-time payment to a producer that
    develops a comprehensive conservation plan.
    ``(3) Amount of payment.--The Secretary shall determine the
    amount of payment under paragraph (2) based on--
    ``(A) the number of priority resource concerns
    addressed in the comprehensive conservation plan; and
    ``(B) the number of types of land uses included in
    the comprehensive conservation plan.'';
    (7) in subsection (f), by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and
    inserting ``2019 through 2023'';
    (8) in subsection (h)--
    (A) by striking the subsection designation and
    heading and all that follows through ``The Secretary''
    and inserting the following:

    ``(h) Organic Certification.--
    ``(1) Coordination.--The Secretary''; and
    (B) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(2) Allocation.--
    ``(A) In general.--Using funds made available for
    the program for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023,
    the Secretary shall allocate funding to States to
    support organic production and transition to organic
    production through paragraph (1).
    ``(B) Determination.--The Secretary shall determine
    the allocation to a State under subparagraph (A) based
    on--
    ``(i) the number of certified and
    transitioning organic operations within the State;
    and
    ``(ii) the number of acres of certified and
    transitioning organic production within the
    State.''; and
    (9) by adding at the end the following:

    ``(j) Streamlining and Coordination.--To the maximum extent
    feasible, the Secretary shall provide for streamlined and coordinated
    procedures for the program and the environmental quality incentives
    program under subchapter A, including applications, contracting,
    conservation planning, conservation practices, and related
    administrative procedures.
    ``(k) Soil Health.--To the maximum extent feasible, the Secretary
    shall manage the program to enhance soil health.
    ``(l) Annual Report.--Each fiscal year, the Secretary shall submit
    to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the
    Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report
    describing the payment rates for conservation activities offered to
    producers under the program and an analysis of whether payment rates can
    be reduced for the most expensive conservation activities.''.
    SEC. 2309. GRASSLAND CONSERVATION INITIATIVE.

    Subchapter B of chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 (as added by subsections (a)(2) and (b) of section
    2301) is amended by adding at the end the following:

    [[Page 4569]]

    ``SEC. 1240L-1. <>  GRASSLAND
    CONSERVATION INITIATIVE.

    ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
    ``(1) Eligible land.--Notwithstanding sections 1240I(4) and
    1240J(b)(2), the term `eligible land' means cropland on a farm
    for which base acres have been maintained by the Secretary under
    section 1112(d)(3) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C.
    9012(d)(3)).
    ``(2) Initiative.--The term `initiative' means the grassland
    conservation initiative established under subsection (b).

    ``(b) Establishment and Purpose.--The Secretary shall establish
    within the program a grassland conservation initiative for the purpose
    of assisting producers in protecting grazing uses, conserving and
    improving soil, water, and wildlife resources, and achieving related
    conservation values by conserving eligible land through grassland
    conservation contracts under subsection (e).
    ``(c) Election.--Beginning in fiscal year 2019, the Secretary shall
    provide a 1-time election to enroll eligible land in the initiative
    under a contract described in subsection (e).
    ``(d) Method of Enrollment.--The Secretary shall--
    ``(1) notwithstanding subsection (b) of section 1240K,
    determine under subsection (c) of that section that eligible
    land ranks sufficiently high under the evaluation criteria
    described in subsection (b) of that section; and
    ``(2) enroll the eligible land in the initiative under a
    contract described in subsection (e).

    ``(e) Grassland Conservation Contract.--
    ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding section 1240K(a)(1), to
    enroll eligible land in the initiative under a grassland
    conservation contract, a producer shall agree--
    ``(A) to meet or exceed the stewardship threshold
    for not less than 1 priority resource concern by the
    date on which the contract expires; and
    ``(B) to comply with the terms and conditions of the
    contract.
    ``(2) Terms.--A grassland conservation contract entered into
    under this section shall--
    ``(A)(i) be for a single 5-year term; and
    ``(ii) not be subject to renewal or reenrollment
    under section 1240K(e); and
    ``(B) be subject to section 1240K(d).
    ``(3) Early termination.--The Secretary shall allow a
    producer that enters into a grassland conservation contract
    under this section--
    ``(A) to terminate the contract at any time; and
    ``(B) to retain payments already received under the
    contract.

    ``(f) Grassland Conservation Plan.--The grassland conservation plan
    developed for eligible land shall be limited to--
    ``(1) eligible land; and
    ``(2) resource concerns and activities relating to
    grassland.

    ``(g) Payments.--
    ``(1) In general.--Beginning in fiscal year 2019, of the
    funds made available for this subchapter under section
    1241(a)(3)(B), and notwithstanding any payment under title I of
    the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, an amendment made by
    that title, or section 1240L(c), the Secretary shall make annual
    grassland conservation contract payments to the

    [[Page 4570]]

    producer of any eligible land that is the subject of a grassland
    conservation contract under this section.
    ``(2) Payment noneligibility.--A grassland conservation
    contract under this section shall not be--
    ``(A) eligible for payments under section 1240L(d);
    or
    ``(B) subject to the payment limitations under this
    subchapter.
    ``(3) Limitation.--The amount of an annual payment under
    this subsection shall be $18 per acre, not to exceed the number
    of base acres on a farm.

    ``(h) Considered Planted.--The Secretary shall consider land
    enrolled under a grassland conservation contract under this section
    during a crop year to be planted or considered planted to a covered
    commodity (as defined in section 1111 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7
    U.S.C. 9011)) during that crop year.
    ``(i) Other Contracts.--A producer with an agricultural operation
    that contains land eligible under this section and land eligible under
    section 1240K--
    ``(1) may enroll the land eligible under this section
    through a contract under this section or under section 1240K;
    and
    ``(2) shall not be prohibited from enrolling the land
    eligible under section 1240K through a contract under section
    1240K.''.

    Subtitle D--Other Conservation Programs

    SEC. 2401. WATERSHED PROTECTION AND FLOOD PREVENTION.

    (a) Assistance to Local Organizations.--Section 3 of the Watershed
    Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1003) is amended--
    (1) by striking the section designation and all that follows
    through ``In order to assist'' and inserting the following:
    ``SEC. 3. ASSISTANCE TO LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS.

    ``(a) In General.--In order to assist''; and
    (2) by adding at the end the following:

    ``(b) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the watershed plan for works
    of improvement if the Secretary determines that--
    ``(1) the watershed plan is unnecessary or duplicative; and
    ``(2) the works of improvement are otherwise consistent with
    applicable requirements under section 4.''.

    (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 14(h)(2)(E) of the
    Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1012(h)(2)(E))
    is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    (c) Funds of Commodity Credit Corporation.--The Watershed Protection
    and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.) is amended by adding
    at the end the following:
    ``SEC. 15. <>  FUNDING.

    ``In addition to any other funds made available by this Act, of the
    funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make
    available to carry out this Act $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2019 and
    each fiscal year thereafter.''.
    SEC. 2402. SOIL AND WATER RESOURCES CONSERVATION.

    The Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act of 1977 (16 U.S.C.
    2001 et seq.) is amended--

    [[Page 4571]]

    (1) in section 5(e) (16 U.S.C. 2004(e)), by striking ``and
    December 31, 2015'' and inserting ``December 31, 2015, and
    December 31, 2022'';
    (2) in section 6(d) (16 U.S.C. 2005(d)), by striking ``,
    respectively'' and inserting ``, and a program update shall be
    completed by December 31, 2023'';
    (3) in section 7 (16 U.S.C. 2006)--
    (A) in subsection (a), by striking ``and 2016'' and
    inserting ``, 2016, and 2022''; and
    (B) in subsection (b), in the matter preceding
    paragraph (1), by striking ``and 2017'' and inserting
    ``, 2017, and 2023''; and
    (4) in section 10 (16 U.S.C. 2009), by striking ``2018'' and
    inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 2403. EMERGENCY CONSERVATION PROGRAM.

    (a) Repair or Replacement of Fencing.--
    (1) In general.--Section 401 of the Agricultural Credit Act
    of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2201) is amended--
    (A) by inserting ``wildfires,'' after
    ``hurricanes,'';
    (B) by striking the section designation and all that
    follows through ``The Secretary of Agriculture'' and
    inserting the following:
    ``SEC. 401. EMERGENCY CONSERVATION PROGRAM.

    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in this
    title as the `Secretary')''; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following:

    ``(b) Repair or Replacement of Fencing.--
    ``(1) In general.--With respect to a payment to an
    agricultural producer under subsection (a) for the repair or
    replacement of fencing, the Secretary shall give the
    agricultural producer the option of receiving not more than 25
    percent of the payment, determined by the Secretary based on the
    applicable percentage of the fair market value of the cost of
    the repair or replacement, before the agricultural producer
    carries out the repair or replacement.
    ``(2) Return of funds.--If the funds provided under
    paragraph (1) are not expended by the end of the 60-day period
    beginning on the date on which the agricultural producer
    receives those funds, the funds shall be returned within a
    reasonable timeframe, as determined by the Secretary.''.
    (2) Conforming amendments.--
    (A) Sections 402, 403, 404, and 405 of the
    Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2202, 2203,
    2204, 2205) are amended by striking ``Secretary of
    Agriculture'' each place it appears and inserting
    ``Secretary''.
    (B) Section 407(a) of the Agricultural Credit Act of
    1978 (16 U.S.C. 2206(a)) is amended by striking
    paragraph (4).

    (b) Cost Share Payments.--Title IV of the Agricultural Credit Act of
    1978 is amended by inserting after section 402 (16 U.S.C. 2202) the
    following:
    ``SEC. 402A. <>  COST-SHARE REQUIREMENT.

    ``(a) Cost-share Rate.--Subject to subsections (b) and (c), the
    maximum cost-share payment under sections 401 and 402 shall

    [[Page 4572]]

    not exceed 75 percent of the total allowable cost, as determined by the
    Secretary.
    ``(b) Exception.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), a payment to a
    limited resource farmer or rancher, a socially disadvantaged farmer or
    rancher (as defined in subsection (a) of section 2501 of the Food,
    Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279), or a
    beginning farmer or rancher under section 401 or 402 shall not exceed 90
    percent of the total allowable cost, as determined by the Secretary.
    ``(c) Limitation.--The total payment under sections 401 and 402 for
    a single event may not exceed 50 percent of the agriculture value of the
    land, as determined by the Secretary.''.
    (c) Payment Limitations.--Title IV of the Agricultural Credit Act of
    1978 (16 U.S.C. 2201 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 402A
    (as added by subsection (b)) the following:
    ``SEC. 402B. <>  PAYMENT LIMITATION.

    ``The maximum payment made under the emergency conservation program
    to an agricultural producer under sections 401 and 402 shall not exceed
    $500,000.''.
    (d) Watershed Protection Program.--Section 403 of the Agricultural
    Credit Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2203) is amended--
    (1) by striking the section heading and inserting
    ``emergency watershed program''; and
    (2) in subsection (a), by inserting ``watershed protection''
    after ``emergency''.

    (e) Funding and Administration.--Section 404 of the Agricultural
    Credit Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2204) is amended--
    (1) in the fourth sentence, by striking ``The Corporation''
    and inserting the following:

    ``(d) Limitation.--The Commodity Credit Corporation'';
    (2) in the third sentence (as amended by subsection
    (a)(2)(A)), by striking ``In implementing the provisions of''
    and inserting the following:

    ``(c) Use of Commodity Credit Corporation.--In implementing'';
    (3) by striking the second sentence;
    (4) by striking the section designation and all that follows
    through ``There are authorized'' in the first sentence and
    inserting the following:
    ``SEC. 404. FUNDING AND ADMINISTRATION.

    ``(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized'';
    (5) in subsection (a) (as so designated), by inserting ``,
    to remain available until expended'' before the period at the
    end; and
    (6) by inserting after subsection (a) (as so designated) the
    following:

    ``(b) Set-aside for Fencing.--Of the amounts made available under
    subsection (a) for a fiscal year, 25 percent shall be set aside until
    April 1 of that fiscal year for the repair or replacement of fencing.''.
    SEC. 2404. CONSERVATION OF PRIVATE GRAZING LAND.

    Section 1240M of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb) is
    amended--
    (1) in subsection (c)(2), by adding at the end the
    following:

    [[Page 4573]]

    ``(C) Partnerships.--In carrying out the program
    under this section, the Secretary shall provide
    education and outreach activities through partnerships
    with--
    ``(i) land-grant colleges and universities (as
    defined in section 1404 of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
    Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)); and
    ``(ii) nongovernmental organizations.''; and
    (2) in subsection (e), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.
    SEC. 2405. GRASSROOTS SOURCE WATER PROTECTION PROGRAM.

    (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 1240O(b)(1) of the
    Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb-2(b)(1)) is amended by
    striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    (b) Availability of Funds.--Section 1240O(b) of the Food Security
    Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb-2(b)) is amended by adding at the end the
    following:
    ``(3) Additional funding.--In addition to any other funds
    made available under this subsection, of the funds of the
    Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use $5,000,000
    beginning in fiscal year 2019, to remain available until
    expended.''.
    SEC. 2406. VOLUNTARY PUBLIC ACCESS AND HABITAT INCENTIVE PROGRAM.

    Section 1240R of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb-5)
    is amended--
    (1) in subsections (a) and (c), by striking ``grants'' each
    place it appears and inserting ``funding'';
    (2) in subsections (b) and (d)(2), by striking ``a grant''
    each place it appears and inserting ``funding'';
    (3) in subsection (c)(3) (as amended by section 2202(b)(1)),
    by inserting ``or on land covered by a wetland reserve easement
    under section 1265C'' before ``by providing''; and
    (4) in subsection (f)--
    (A) in paragraph (1)--
    (i) by striking ``2012 and'' and inserting
    ``2012,''; and
    (ii) by inserting ``, and $50,000,000 for the
    period of fiscal years 2019 through 2023'' before
    the period at the end;
    (B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3);
    and
    (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
    ``(2) Enhanced public access to wetland reserve easements.--
    To the maximum extent practicable, of the funds made available
    under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall use $3,000,000 for the
    period of fiscal years 2019 through 2023 to encourage public
    access to land covered by wetland reserve easements under
    section 1265C through agreements with States and tribal
    governments under this section.''.
    SEC. 2407. <>  WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary and the Secretary of the Interior
    shall continue to carry out the Working Lands for Wildlife model of
    conservation on working landscapes, as implemented on

    [[Page 4574]]

    the day before the date of enactment of this Act, in accordance with--
    (1) the document entitled ``Partnership Agreement Between
    the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources
    Conservation Service and the United States Department of the
    Interior Fish and Wildlife Service'', numbered A-3A7516-937, and
    formalized by the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation
    Service on September 15, 2016, and by the Director of the United
    States Fish and Wildlife Service on August 4, 2016, as in effect
    on September 15, 2016; and
    (2) United States Fish and Wildlife Service Director's Order
    No. 217, dated August 9, 2016, as in effect on August 9, 2016.

    (b) Expansion of Model.--The Secretary and the Secretary of the
    Interior may expand the conservation model described in subsection (a)
    through a new partnership agreement between the Farm Service Agency and
    the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for the purpose of carrying
    out conservation activities for species conservation.
    (c) Extension of Period of Regulatory Predictability.--
    (1) Definition of period of regulatory predictability.--In
    this subsection, the term ``period of regulatory
    predictability'' means the period of regulatory predictability
    under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et
    seq.) initially determined in accordance with the document and
    order described in paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively, of
    subsection (a).
    (2) Extension.--After the period of regulatory
    predictability, on request of the Secretary, the Secretary of
    the Interior, acting through the Director of the United States
    Fish and Wildlife Service, may provide additional consultation
    under section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16
    U.S.C. 1536(a)(2)), or additional conference under section
    7(a)(4) of that Act (16 U.S.C. 1536(a)(4)), as applicable, with
    the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service or the
    Administrator of the Farm Service Agency, as applicable, to
    extend the period of regulatory predictability.
    SEC. 2408. <>  FERAL SWINE ERADICATION AND
    CONTROL PILOT PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a feral swine
    eradication and control pilot program to respond to the threat feral
    swine pose to agriculture, native ecosystems, and human and animal
    health.
    (b) Duties of the Secretary.--In carrying out the pilot program, the
    Secretary shall--
    (1) study and assess the nature and extent of damage to the
    pilot areas caused by feral swine;
    (2) develop methods to eradicate or control feral swine in
    the pilot areas;
    (3) develop methods to restore damage caused by feral swine;
    and
    (4) provide financial assistance to agricultural producers
    in pilot areas.

    (c) Assistance.--The Secretary may provide financial assistance to
    agricultural producers under the pilot program to implement methods to--
    (1) eradicate or control feral swine in the pilot areas; and

    [[Page 4575]]

    (2) restore damage caused by feral swine.

    (d) Coordination.--The Secretary shall ensure that the Natural
    Resources Conservation Service and the Animal and Plant Health
    Inspection Service coordinate for purposes of this section through State
    technical committees established under section 1261(a) of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3861(a)).
    (e) Pilot Areas.--The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program in
    areas of States in which feral swine have been identified as a threat to
    agriculture, native ecosystems, or human or animal health, as determined
    by the Secretary.
    (f) Cost Sharing.--
    (1) Federal share.--The Federal share of the costs of
    activities under the pilot program may not exceed 75 percent of
    the total costs of such activities.
    (2) In-kind contributions.--The non-Federal share of the
    costs of activities under the pilot program may be provided in
    the form of in-kind contributions of materials or services.

    (g) Funding.--
    (1) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit
    Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section
    $75,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.
    (2) Distribution of funds.--Of the funds made available
    under paragraph (1)--
    (A) 50 percent shall be allocated to the Natural
    Resources Conservation Service to carry out the pilot
    program, including the provision of financial assistance
    to producers for on-farm trapping and technology related
    to capturing and confining feral swine; and
    (B) 50 percent shall be allocated to the Animal and
    Plant Health Inspection Service to carry out the pilot
    program, including the use of established, and testing
    of innovative, population reduction methods.
    (3) Limitation on administrative expenses.--Not more than 10
    percent of funds made available under this section may be used
    for administrative expenses of the pilot program.
    SEC. 2409. REPORT ON SMALL WETLANDS.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Chief of the
    Natural Resources Conservation Service, shall submit to the Committee on
    Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
    Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report describing
    the number of wetlands with an area not more than 1 acre that have been
    delineated in each of the States of North Dakota, South Dakota,
    Minnesota, and Iowa during fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
    (b) Requirement.--In the report under subsection (a), the Secretary,
    acting through the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service,
    shall list the number of wetlands acres in each State described in the
    report by tenths of an acre, and ensure the report is based on the best
    available science.
    SEC. 2410. SENSE OF CONGRESS RELATING TO INCREASED WATERSHED-BASED
    COLLABORATION.

    It is the sense of Congress that the Federal Government should
    recognize and encourage partnerships at the watershed level between
    nonpoint sources and regulated point sources to advance the goals of the
    Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C.

    [[Page 4576]]

    1251 et seq.) and provide benefits to farmers, landowners, and the
    public.

    Subtitle E--Funding and Administration

    SEC. 2501. COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION.

    (a) Annual Funding.--Section 1241(a) of the Food Security Act of
    1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(a)) is amended--
    (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
    ``2018 (and fiscal year 2019 in the case of the program
    specified in paragraph (5))'' and inserting ``2023'';
    (2) in paragraph (1)--
    (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``$10,000,000
    for the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018'' and
    inserting ``$12,000,000 for the period of fiscal years
    2019 through 2023''; and
    (B) in subparagraph (B)--
    (i) by striking ``$33,000,000 for the period
    of fiscal years 2014 through 2018'' and inserting
    ``$50,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2019
    through 2023, including not more than $5,000,000
    to provide outreach and technical assistance,'';
    and
    (ii) by striking ``retired or retiring owners
    and operators'' and inserting ``contract
    holders'';
    (3) in paragraph (2)--
    (A) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' at the
    end;
    (B) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at
    the end and inserting ``; and''; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(F) $450,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019
    through 2023.'';
    (4) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
    ``(3) The programs under chapter 4, using, to the maximum
    extent practicable--
    ``(A) for the environmental quality incentives
    program under subchapter A of that chapter--
    ``(i) $1,750,000,000 for fiscal year 2019;
    ``(ii) $1,750,000,000 for fiscal year 2020;
    ``(iii) $1,800,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;
    ``(iv) $1,850,000,000 for fiscal year 2022;
    and
    ``(v) $2,025,000,000 for fiscal year 2023; and
    ``(B) for the conservation stewardship program under
    subchapter B of that chapter--
    ``(i) $700,000,000 for fiscal year 2019;
    ``(ii) $725,000,000 for fiscal year 2020;
    ``(iii) $750,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;
    ``(iv) $800,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; and
    ``(v) $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2023.'';
    (5) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``(as in effect on the
    day before the date of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement
    Act of 2018), using such sums as are necessary to administer
    contracts entered into before that date of enactment'' before
    the period at the end; and
    (6) by striking paragraph (5).

    (b) Availability of Funds.--Section 1241(b) of the Food Security Act
    of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(b)) is amended by striking ``2018

    [[Page 4577]]

    (and fiscal year 2019 in the case of the program specified in subsection
    (a)(5))'' and inserting ``2023''.
    (c) Report on Program Enrollments and Assistance.--Section 1241(i)
    of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(i)) is amended to read
    as follows:
    ``(i) Report on Program Enrollments and Assistance.--Not later than
    December 15 of each of calendar years 2019 through 2023, the Secretary
    shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
    Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
    Forestry of the Senate an annual report containing statistics by State
    related to enrollments in conservation programs under this title, as
    follows:
    ``(1) The annual and current cumulative activity reflecting
    active agreement and contract enrollment statistics.
    ``(2) Secretarial exceptions, waivers, and significant
    payments, including--
    ``(A) payments made under the agricultural
    conservation easement program for easements valued at
    $250,000 or greater;
    ``(B) payments made under the regional conservation
    partnership program subject to the waiver of adjusted
    gross income limitations pursuant to section
    1271C(c)(3);
    ``(C) waivers granted by the Secretary under section
    1001D(b)(3);
    ``(D) exceptions and activity associated with
    section 1240B(h)(2); and
    ``(E) exceptions provided by the Secretary under
    section 1265B(b)(2)(B)(ii).''.

    (d) Allocations Review and Update.--Section 1241(g) of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(g)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (1)--
    (A) by striking ``January'' and all that follows
    through ``shall'' and inserting ``1 year after the date
    of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018,
    the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Natural
    Resources Conservation Service and the Administrator of
    the Farm Service Agency, shall'';
    (B) by inserting ``annual'' after ``utilize''; and
    (C) by inserting ``relevant data on local natural
    resource concerns, resource inventories, evaluations and
    reports, recommendations from State technical committees
    established under section 1261(a),'' after ``accounting
    for''; and
    (2) in paragraph (2)--
    (A) by striking ``that the formulas'' and inserting
    the following: ``that--
    ``(A) the formulas'';
    (B) in subparagraph (A) (as so designated), by
    striking the period at the end and inserting a
    semicolon; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(B) to the maximum extent practicable, local
    natural resource concerns are considered a leading
    factor in determining annual funding allocation to
    States;
    ``(C) the process used at the national level to
    evaluate State budget proposals and to allocate funds is
    reviewed annually to assess the effect of allocations in
    addressing identified natural resource priorities and
    objectives; and

    [[Page 4578]]

    ``(D) the allocation of funds to States addresses
    priority natural resource concerns and objectives.''.

    (e) Assistance to Certain Farmers or Ranchers for Conservation
    Access.--Section 1241(h) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
    3841(h)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (1)--
    (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as
    clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting
    appropriately;
    (B) in the matter preceding clause (i) (as so
    redesignated), by striking ``Of the funds'' and
    inserting the following:
    ``(A) Fiscal years 2009 through 2018.--Of the
    funds''; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(B) Fiscal years 2019 through 2023.--Of the funds
    made available for each of fiscal years 2019 through
    2023 to carry out the environmental quality incentives
    program under subchapter A of chapter 4 of subtitle D
    and the conservation stewardship program under
    subchapter B of chapter 4 of subtitle D, the Secretary
    shall use, to the maximum extent practicable--
    ``(i) 5 percent to assist beginning farmers or
    ranchers; and
    ``(ii) 5 percent to assist socially
    disadvantaged farmers or ranchers.'';
    (2) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``and, in the case of
    fiscal years 2019 through 2023, under the conservation
    stewardship program under subchapter B of chapter 4 of subtitle
    D'' before the period at the end;
    (3) in paragraph (3), by striking ``year, acres not
    obligated under paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``year through
    fiscal year 2018, acres not obligated under paragraph (1)(A)'';
    and
    (4) in paragraph (4), by striking ``subparagraph (A) or (B)
    of paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``, as applicable, clause (i)
    or (ii) of paragraph (1)(A) or clause (i) or (ii) of paragraph
    (1)(B)''.

    (f) Conservation Standards and Requirements.--Section 1241 of the
    Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841) is amended by adding at the
    end the following:
    ``(j) Conservation Standards and Requirements.--
    ``(1) In general.--Subject to the requirements of this
    title, the Natural Resources Conservation Service shall serve as
    the lead agency in developing and establishing technical
    standards and requirements for conservation programs carried out
    under this title, including--
    ``(A) standards for conservation practices under
    this title;
    ``(B) technical guidelines for implementing
    conservation practices under this title, including the
    location of the conservation practices; and
    ``(C) standards for conservation plans.
    ``(2) Consistency of farm service agency technical standards
    and payment rates.--The Administrator of the Farm Service Agency
    shall ensure that--
    ``(A) technical standards of programs administered
    by the Farm Service Agency are consistent with the
    technical

    [[Page 4579]]

    standards established by the Natural Resources
    Conservation Service under paragraph (1); and
    ``(B) payment rates, to the extent practicable, are
    consistent between the Farm Service Agency and the
    Natural Resources Conservation Service.''.
    SEC. 2502. DELIVERY OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

    (a) Definitions.--Section 1242(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985
    (16 U.S.C. 3842(a)) is amended to read as follows:
    ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
    ``(1) Eligible participant.--The term `eligible participant'
    means a producer, landowner, or entity that is participating in,
    or seeking to participate in, programs in which the producer,
    landowner, or entity is otherwise eligible to participate under
    this title or the agricultural management assistance program
    under section 524(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
    1524(b)).
    ``(2) Third-party provider.--The term `third-party provider'
    means a commercial entity (including a farmer cooperative,
    agriculture retailer, or other commercial entity (as defined by
    the Secretary)), a nonprofit entity, a State or local government
    (including a conservation district), or a Federal agency, that
    has expertise in the technical aspect of conservation planning,
    including nutrient management planning, watershed planning, or
    environmental engineering.''.

    (b) Certification Process.--Section 1242(e) of the Food Security Act
    of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842(e)) is amended by adding at the end the
    following:
    ``(4) Certification process.--The Secretary shall certify a
    third-party provider through--
    ``(A) a certification process administered by the
    Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Natural
    Resources Conservation Service; or
    ``(B) a non-Federal entity approved by the Secretary
    to perform the certification.
    ``(5) Streamlined certification.--The Secretary shall
    provide a streamlined certification process for a third-party
    provider that has an appropriate specialty certification,
    including a sustainability certification.''.

    (c) Expedited Revision of Standards.--Section 1242(h) of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842(h)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (1)--
    (A) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the
    following:
    ``(A) not later than 1 year after the date of
    enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018,
    complete a review of each conservation practice
    standard, including engineering design specifications,
    in effect on the day before the date of enactment of
    that Act;'';
    (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the
    end;
    (C) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at
    the end and inserting ``; and''; and
    (D) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(D) evaluate opportunities to increase flexibility
    in conservation practice standards in a manner that
    ensures equivalent natural resource benefits.'';

    [[Page 4580]]

    (2) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``State technical
    committees established under section 1261(a),'' before ``crop
    consultants''; and
    (3) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
    ``(3) Expedited revision of standards.--Not later than 1
    year after the date of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement
    Act of 2018, the Secretary shall develop for the programs under
    this title an administrative process for--
    ``(A) expediting the establishment and revision of
    conservation practice standards;
    ``(B) considering conservation innovations and
    scientific and technological advancements with respect
    to any establishment or revision under subparagraph (A);
    ``(C) allowing local flexibility in the creation
    of--
    ``(i) interim practice standards and
    supplements to existing practice standards to
    address the considerations described in
    subparagraph (B); and
    ``(ii) partnership-led proposals for new and
    innovative techniques to facilitate implementing
    agreements and grants under this title; and
    ``(D) soliciting regular input from State technical
    committees established under section 1261(a) for
    recommendations that identify innovations or
    advancements described in subparagraph (B).
    ``(4) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
    enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, and every
    2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a
    report on--
    ``(A) the administrative process developed under
    paragraph (3);
    ``(B) conservation practice standards that were
    established or revised under that process; and
    ``(C) conservation innovations that were considered
    under that process.''.
    SEC. 2503. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSERVATION PROGRAMS.

    (a) Acreage Limitations.--Section 1244(f) of the Food Security Act
    of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844(f)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``10'' and inserting
    ``15''; and
    (2) in paragraph (5), by striking ``the Agricultural Act of
    2014'' and inserting ``the Agriculture Improvement Act of
    2018''.

    (b) Requirements for Conservation Programs.--Section 1244 of the
    Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844) is amended--
    (1) by striking subsection (m);
    (2) by redesignating subsections (j) through (l) as
    subsections (k) through (m), respectively; and
    (3) by inserting after subsection (i) the following:

    ``(j) Review and Guidance for Practice Costs and Payment Rates.--
    ``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
    enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, and not
    later than October 1 of each year thereafter, the Secretary
    shall--

    [[Page 4581]]

    ``(A) review the estimates for practice costs and
    rates of payments made to producers for practices on
    eligible land under this title; and
    ``(B) evaluate whether those costs and rates reflect
    a payment that--
    ``(i) encourages participation in a
    conservation program administered by the
    Secretary;
    ``(ii) encourages implementation of the most
    effective practices to address local natural
    resource concerns on eligible land; and
    ``(iii) accounts for regional, State, and
    local variability relating to the complexity,
    implementation, and adoption of practices on
    eligible land.
    ``(2) Guidance; review.--The Secretary shall--
    ``(A) issue guidance to States to annually review
    and adjust the estimates for practice costs and rates of
    payments made to producers to reflect the evaluation
    factors described in paragraph (1)(B); and
    ``(B) determine the appropriate practice costs and
    rates of payments for each State by--
    ``(i) annually reviewing each conservation
    program payment schedule and payment rate used in
    the State; and
    ``(ii) consulting with the State technical
    committee established under section 1261(a) in
    that State.''.

    (c) Funding for Indian Tribes.--Section 1244(m) of the Food Security
    Act of 1985 (as redesignated by subsection (b)(2)) is amended--
    (1) by striking ``may'' and inserting ``shall'';
    (2) by striking ``that the goals'' and inserting the
    following: ``that--
    ``(1) the goals'';
    (3) in paragraph (1) (as so designated), by striking
    ``arrangements, and that statutory'' and inserting the
    following: ``arrangements;
    ``(2) a sufficient number of eligible participants will be
    aggregated under the alternative funding arrangement to
    accomplish the underlying purposes and objectives of the
    applicable program; and
    ``(3) statutory''; and
    (4) in paragraph (3) (as so designated), by striking the
    period at the end and inserting ``, except that the Secretary
    may approve a waiver if the Secretary is authorized to approve a
    waiver under the statutory authority of the applicable
    program.''.

    (d) Source Water Protection Through Targeting of Agricultural
    Practices.--Section 1244 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
    3844) (as amended by subsection (b)) is amended by adding at the end the
    following:
    ``(n) Source Water Protection Through Targeting of Agricultural
    Practices.--
    ``(1) In general.--In carrying out any conservation program
    administered by the Secretary, the Secretary shall encourage
    practices that relate to water quality and water quantity that
    protect source water for drinking water (including protecting
    against public health threats) while also benefitting
    agricultural producers.

    [[Page 4582]]

    ``(2) Collaboration with water systems and increased
    incentives.--
    ``(A) In general.--In encouraging practices under
    paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--
    ``(i) work collaboratively with community
    water systems and State technical committees
    established under section 1261(a) to identify, in
    each State, local priority areas for the
    protection of source waters for drinking water;
    and
    ``(ii) subject to subparagraph (B), for
    practices described in paragraph (1), offer to
    producers increased incentives and higher payment
    rates than are otherwise statutorily authorized by
    the applicable conservation program administered
    by the Secretary.
    ``(B) Limitation.--An increased payment under
    subparagraph (A)(ii) shall not exceed 90 percent of
    practice costs associated with planning, design,
    materials, equipment, installation, labor, management,
    maintenance, or training.
    ``(3) Reservation of funds.--
    ``(A) In general.--In each of fiscal years 2019
    through 2023, the Secretary shall use to carry out this
    subsection not less than 10 percent of any funds
    available for conservation programs administered by the
    Secretary under this title (other than the conservation
    reserve program established under subchapter B of
    chapter 1 of subtitle D).
    ``(B) Limitation.--Funds available for a specific
    conservation program shall not be transferred to fund a
    different conservation program under this title.''.

    (e) Environmental Services Market.--Section 1244 of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844) (as amended by subsection (d)) is
    amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(o) Environmental Services Market.--The Secretary may not
    prohibit, through a contract, easement, or agreement under this title, a
    participant in a conservation program administered by the Secretary
    under this title from participating in, and receiving compensation from,
    an environmental services market if 1 of the purposes of the market is
    the facilitation of additional conservation benefits that are consistent
    with the purposes of the conservation program administered by the
    Secretary.''.
    (f) Regulatory Certainty.--Section 1244 of the Food Security Act of
    1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844) (as amended by subsection (e)) is amended by
    adding at the end the following:
    ``(p) Regulatory Certainty.--
    ``(1) In general.--In addition to technical and programmatic
    information that the Secretary is otherwise authorized to
    provide, on request of a Federal agency, a State, an Indian
    tribe, or a unit of local government, the Secretary may provide
    technical and programmatic information--
    ``(A) subject to paragraph (2), to the Federal
    agency, State, Indian tribe, or unit of local government
    to support specifically the development of mechanisms
    that would provide regulatory certainty, regulatory
    predictability, safe harbor protection, or other similar
    regulatory assurances to a farmer, rancher, or private
    nonindustrial forest landowner under a regulatory
    requirement--
    ``(i) that relates to soil, water, or
    wildlife; and

    [[Page 4583]]

    ``(ii) over which that Federal agency, State,
    Indian tribe, or unit of local government has
    authority; and
    ``(B) relating to conservation practices or
    activities that could be implemented by a farmer,
    rancher, or private nonindustrial forest landowner to
    address a targeted soil, water, or wildlife resource
    concern that is the direct subject of a regulatory
    requirement enforced by that Federal agency, State,
    Indian tribe, or unit of local government, as
    applicable.
    ``(2) Mechanisms.--The Secretary shall only provide
    additional technical and programmatic information under
    paragraph (1) if the mechanisms to be developed by the Federal
    agency, State, Indian tribe, or unit of local government, as
    applicable, under paragraph (1)(A) are anticipated to include,
    at a minimum--
    ``(A) the implementation of 1 or more conservation
    practices or activities that effectively addresses the
    soil, water, or wildlife resource concern identified
    under paragraph (1);
    ``(B) the on-site confirmation that the applicable
    conservation practices or activities identified under
    subparagraph (A) have been implemented;
    ``(C) a plan for a periodic audit, as appropriate,
    of the continued implementation or maintenance of each
    of the conservation practices or activities identified
    under subparagraph (A); and
    ``(D) notification to a farmer, rancher, or private
    nonindustrial forest landowner of, and an opportunity to
    correct, any noncompliance with a requirement to obtain
    regulatory certainty, regulatory predictability, safe
    harbor protection, or other similar regulatory
    assurance.
    ``(3) Continuing current collaboration on soil, water, or
    wildlife conservation practices.--The Secretary shall--
    ``(A) continue collaboration with Federal agencies,
    States, Indian tribes, or local units of government on
    existing regulatory certainty, regulatory
    predictability, safe harbor protection, or other similar
    regulatory assurances in accordance with paragraph (2);
    and
    ``(B) continue collaboration with the Secretary of
    the Interior on consultation under section 7(a)(2) of
    the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C.
    1536(a)(2)) or conference under section 7(a)(4) of that
    Act (16 U.S.C. 1536(a)(4)), as applicable, for wildlife
    conservation efforts, including the Working Lands for
    Wildlife model of conservation on working landscapes, as
    implemented on the day before the date of enactment of
    the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, in accordance
    with--
    ``(i) the document entitled `Partnership
    Agreement Between the United States Department of
    Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service
    and the United States Department of the Interior
    Fish and Wildlife Service', numbered A-3A75-16-
    937, and formalized by the Chief of the Natural
    Resources Conservation Service on September 15,
    2016, and by the Director of the United States
    Fish and Wildlife Service on August 4, 2016, as in
    effect on September 15, 2016; and

    [[Page 4584]]

    ``(ii) United States Fish and Wildlife Service
    Director's Order No. 217, dated August 9, 2016, as
    in effect on August 9, 2016.
    ``(4) Savings clause.--Nothing in this subsection--
    ``(A) preempts, displaces, or supplants any
    authority or right of a Federal agency, a State, an
    Indian tribe, or a unit of local government;
    ``(B) modifies or otherwise affects, preempts, or
    displaces--
    ``(i) any cause of action; or
    ``(ii) a provision of Federal or State law
    establishing a remedy for a civil or criminal
    cause of action; or
    ``(C) applies to a case in which the Department of
    Agriculture is the originating agency requesting a
    consultation or other technical and programmatic
    information or assistance from another Federal agency in
    assisting farmers, ranchers, or nonindustrial private
    forest landowners participating in a conservation
    program administered by the Secretary.''.
    SEC. 2504. <>  TEMPORARY ADMINISTRATION
    OF CONSERVATION PROGRAMS.

    (a) Interim Administration.--Subject to subsection (d), the
    Secretary shall use the applicable regulations in effect on the day
    before the date of enactment of this Act, to the extent that the terms
    and conditions of those regulations are consistent with the amendments
    made by this title, to carry out the programs under laws as amended by
    this title, including--
    (1) the conservation reserve program under subchapter B of
    chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of
    1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq.) (as amended by subtitle B);
    (2) the environmental quality incentives program under
    subchapter A of chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa et seq) (as added by
    section 2301(a)(1) and amended by subtitle C);
    (3) the conservation stewardship program under subchapter B
    of chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act
    of 1985 (as added by subsections (a)(2) and (b) of section 2301
    and amended by subtitle C); and
    (4) the agricultural conservation easement program
    established under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security
    Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865 et seq.) (as amended by subtitle F).

    (b) Regional Conservation Partnership Program.--Notwithstanding
    subsection (e) of section 1271E of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
    U.S.C. 3871e) (as amended by section 2706), and subject to subsection
    (d), for fiscal year 2019, the Secretary may use an availability of
    program funding announcement consistent with the amendments made by
    subtitle G to carry out the regional conservation partnership program
    under subtitle I of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
    U.S.C. 3871 et seq.) without issuing a regulation.
    (c) Funding.--The Secretary may only use funds authorized to be made
    available by this title or the amendments made by this title for the
    specific programs described in paragraphs (1) through (4) of subsection
    (a) and subsection (b), in accordance

    [[Page 4585]]

    with any restrictions on the use of those funds, for the purposes
    described in subsections (a) and (b).
    (d) Termination of Authority.--The authority of the Secretary to
    carry out subsections (a) and (b) shall terminate on September 30, 2019.
    (e) Permanent Administration.--Effective beginning on the
    termination date described in subsection (d), the Secretary shall carry
    out this title and the amendments made by this title in accordance with
    such final regulations as the Secretary considers necessary to carry out
    this title and the amendments made by this title.

    Subtitle F--Agricultural Conservation Easement Program

    SEC. 2601. ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSES.

    Section 1265(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865(b))
    is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``that negatively affect
    the agricultural uses and conservation values'' after ``that
    land''; and
    (2) in paragraph (4), by striking ``restoring and'' and
    inserting ``restoring or''.
    SEC. 2602. DEFINITIONS.

    Section 1265A of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865a) is
    amended--
    (1) in paragraph(1)(B), by striking ``subject to an
    agricultural land easement plan, as approved by the Secretary'';
    (2) by redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and (5) as
    paragraphs (3), (4), (6), and (7), respectively;
    (3) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
    ``(2) Buy-protect-sell transaction.--
    ``(A) In general.--The term `buy-protect-sell
    transaction' means a legal arrangement--
    ``(i) between an eligible entity and the
    Secretary relating to land that an eligible entity
    owns or is going to purchase prior to acquisition
    of an agricultural land easement;
    ``(ii) under which the eligible entity
    certifies to the Secretary that the eligible
    entity shall--
    ``(I)(aa) hold an agricultural land
    easement on that land, but transfer
    ownership of the land to a farmer or
    rancher that is not an eligible entity
    prior to or on acquisition of the
    agricultural land easement; or
    ``(bb) hold an agricultural land
    easement on that land, but transfer
    ownership of the land to a farmer or
    rancher that is not an eligible entity
    in a timely manner and, subject to
    subparagraph (B), not later than 3 years
    after the date of acquisition of the
    agricultural land easement; and
    ``(II) make an initial sale of the
    land subject to the agricultural land
    easement to a farmer or rancher at not
    more than agricultural value, plus any
    reasonable holding and transaction costs

    [[Page 4586]]

    incurred by the eligible entity, as
    determined by the Secretary; and
    ``(iii) under which the Secretary shall be
    reimbursed for the entirety of the Federal share
    of the cost of the agricultural land easement by
    the eligible entity if the eligible entity fails
    to transfer ownership under item (aa) or (bb), as
    applicable, of clause (ii)(I).
    ``(B) Time extension.--Under subparagraph
    (A)(ii)(I)(bb), an eligible entity may transfer land
    later than 3 years after the date of acquisition of the
    agricultural land easement if the Secretary determines
    an extension of time is justified.'';
    (4) in paragraph (4) (as so redesignated)--
    (A) in subparagraph (A)(i)--
    (i) by striking ``to a'' and inserting the
    following: ``to--
    ``(I) a'';
    (ii) in subclause (I) (as so designated), by
    adding ``or'' at the end; and
    (iii) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(II) a buy-protect-sell
    transaction;''; and
    (B) in subparagraph (B)(i)(II), by striking ``, as
    determined by the Secretary in consultation with the
    Secretary of the Interior at the local level''; and
    (5) by inserting after paragraph (4) (as so redesignated)
    the following:
    ``(5) Monitoring report.--The term `monitoring report' means
    a report, the contents of which are formulated and prepared by
    the holder of an agricultural land easement, that accurately
    documents whether the land subject to the agricultural land
    easement is in compliance with the terms and conditions of the
    agricultural land easement.''.
    SEC. 2603. AGRICULTURAL LAND EASEMENTS.

    (a) Availability of Assistance.--Section 1265B(a) of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865b(a)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'' at the end;
    (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``provide for the
    conservation of natural resources pursuant to an agricultural
    land easement plan.'' and inserting ``implement the program,
    including technical assistance for the development of a
    conservation plan under subsection (b)(4)(C)(iv); and''; and
    (3) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(3) buy-protect-sell transactions.''.

    (b) Cost-share Assistance.--
    (1) Scope of assistance available.--Section 1265B(b)(2) of
    the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865b(b)(2)) is
    amended--
    (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking clause (ii) and
    inserting the following:
    ``(ii) Grasslands exception.--In the case of
    grassland of special environmental significance,
    as determined by the Secretary, the Secretary may
    provide an amount not to exceed 75 percent of the
    fair market value of the agricultural land
    easement.

    [[Page 4587]]

    ``(iii) Permissible forms.--The non-Federal
    share provided by an eligible entity under this
    subparagraph may comprise--
    ``(I) cash resources;
    ``(II) a charitable donation or
    qualified conservation contribution (as
    defined in section 170(h) of the
    Internal Revenue Code of 1986) from the
    private landowner from which the
    agricultural land easement will be
    purchased;
    ``(III) costs associated with
    securing a deed to the agricultural land
    easement, including the cost of
    appraisal, survey, inspection, and
    title; and
    ``(IV) other costs, as determined by
    the Secretary.''; and
    (B) by striking subparagraph (C).
    (2) Evaluation and ranking of applications.--Section
    1265B(b)(3) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
    3865b(b)(3)) is amended--
    (A) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as
    subparagraph (E); and
    (B) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the
    following:
    ``(C) Accounting for geographic differences.--The
    Secretary may adjust the criteria established under
    subparagraph (A) to account for geographic differences,
    if the adjustments--
    ``(i) meet the purposes of the program; and
    ``(ii) continue to maximize the benefit of the
    Federal investment under the program.
    ``(D) Priority.--In evaluating applications under
    the program, the Secretary may give priority to an
    application for the purchase of an agricultural land
    easement that, as determined by the Secretary, maintains
    agricultural viability.''.
    (3) Agreements with eligible entities.--Section 1265B(b)(4)
    of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865b(b)(4)) is
    amended--
    (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking clauses (iii)
    and (iv) and inserting the following:
    ``(iii) include a right of enforcement for the
    Secretary that--
    ``(I) may be used only if the terms
    and conditions of the easement are not
    enforced by the eligible entity; and
    ``(II) does not extend to a right of
    inspection unless--
    ``(aa)(AA) the holder of the
    easement fails to provide
    monitoring reports in a timely
    manner; or
    ``(BB) the Secretary has a
    reasonable and articulable
    belief that the terms and
    conditions of the easement have
    been violated; and
    ``(bb) prior to the
    inspection, the Secretary
    notifies the eligible entity and
    the landowner of the inspection
    and provides a reasonable
    opportunity for the eligible
    entity and the landowner to
    participate in the inspection;

    [[Page 4588]]

    ``(iv) include a conservation plan only for
    any portion of the land subject to the
    agricultural land easement that is highly erodible
    cropland; and'';
    (B) by redesignating subparagraphs (D) and (E) as
    subparagraphs (E) and (F), respectively; and
    (C) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the
    following:
    ``(D) Additional permitted terms and conditions.--An
    eligible entity may include terms and conditions for an
    agricultural land easement that--
    ``(i) are intended to keep the land subject to
    the agricultural land easement under the ownership
    of a farmer or rancher, as determined by the
    Secretary;
    ``(ii) allow subsurface mineral development on
    the land subject to the agricultural land easement
    and in accordance with applicable State law if, as
    determined by the Secretary--
    ``(I) the subsurface mineral
    development--
    ``(aa) has a limited and
    localized impact;
    ``(bb) does not harm the
    agricultural use and
    conservation values of the land
    subject to the easement;
    ``(cc) does not materially
    alter or affect the existing
    topography;
    ``(dd) shall comply with a
    subsurface mineral development
    plan that--
    ``(AA) includes a plan
    for the remediation of
    impacts to the agricultural
    use and conservation values
    of the land subject to the
    easement; and
    ``(BB) is approved by
    the Secretary prior to the
    initiation of mineral
    development activity;
    ``(ee) is not accomplished
    by any surface mining method;
    ``(ff) is within the
    impervious surface limits of the
    easement under subparagraph
    (C)(v); and
    ``(gg) uses practices and
    technologies that minimize the
    duration and intensity of
    impacts to the agricultural use
    and conservation values of the
    land subject to the easement;
    and
    ``(II) each area impacted by the
    subsurface mineral development shall be
    reclaimed and restored by the holder of
    the mineral rights at cessation of
    operation; and
    ``(iii) include other relevant activities
    relating to the agricultural land easement, as
    determined by the Secretary.''.
    (4) Certification of eligible entities.--Section 1265B(b)(5)
    of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865b(b)(5)) is
    amended--
    (A) in subparagraph (A)--
    (i) in clause (ii), by striking ``; and'' and
    inserting a semicolon;
    (ii) in clause (iii), by striking the period
    at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
    (iii) by adding at the end the following:

    [[Page 4589]]

    ``(iv) allow a certified eligible entity to
    use its own terms and conditions, notwithstanding
    paragraph (4)(C), as long as the terms and
    conditions are consistent with the purposes of the
    program.''; and
    (B) in subparagraph (B)--
    (i) in clause (iii), by redesignating
    subclauses (I) through (III) as items (aa) through
    (cc), respectively, and indenting appropriately;
    (ii) by redesignating clauses (i) through
    (iii) as subclauses (I) through (III),
    respectively, and indenting appropriately;
    (iii) in the matter preceding subclause (I)
    (as so redesignated), by striking ``entity will''
    and inserting the following: ``eligible entity--
    ``(i) will'';
    (iv) in clause (i)(III)(cc) (as so
    redesignated), by striking the period at the end
    and inserting a semicolon; and
    (v) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(ii) has--
    ``(I) been accredited by the Land
    Trust Accreditation Commission, or by an
    equivalent accrediting body, as
    determined by the Secretary;
    ``(II) acquired not fewer than 10
    agricultural land easements under the
    program or any predecessor program; and
    ``(III) successfully met the
    responsibilities of the eligible entity
    under the applicable agreements with the
    Secretary, as determined by the
    Secretary, relating to agricultural land
    easements that the eligible entity has
    acquired under the program or any
    predecessor program; or
    ``(iii) is a State department of agriculture
    or other State agency with statutory authority for
    farm and ranchland protection that has--
    ``(I) acquired not fewer than 10
    agricultural land easements under the
    program or any predecessor program; and
    ``(II) successfully met the
    responsibilities of the eligible entity
    under the applicable agreements with the
    Secretary, as determined by the
    Secretary, relating to agricultural land
    easements that the eligible entity has
    acquired under the program or any
    predecessor program.''.
    (5) Technical assistance.--Section 1265B of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865b) is amended by striking
    subsection (d) and inserting the following:

    ``(d) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary may provide technical
    assistance, if requested, to assist in compliance with the terms and
    conditions of easements.''.
    SEC. 2604. WETLAND RESERVE EASEMENTS.

    Section 1265C of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865c) is
    amended--
    (1) in subsection (b)--
    (A) in paragraph (3)(C), by inserting ``or improving
    water quality'' before the period at the end; and

    [[Page 4590]]

    (B) in paragraph (5)--
    (i) in subparagraph (C)--
    (I) by striking ``Land subject'' and
    inserting the following:
    ``(i) In general.--Land subject'';
    (II) in clause (i) (as so
    designated), by inserting ``water
    management,'' after ``timber harvest,'';
    and
    (III) by adding at the end the
    following:
    ``(ii) Compatible use authorization.--In
    evaluating and authorizing a compatible economic
    use under clause (i), the Secretary shall--
    ``(I) request and consider the
    advice of the applicable State technical
    committee established under section
    1261(a) about the 1 or more types of
    uses that may be authorized to be
    conducted on land subject to a wetland
    reserve easement, including the
    frequency, timing, and intensity of
    those uses;
    ``(II) consider the ability of an
    authorized use to facilitate the
    practical administration and management
    of that land; and
    ``(III) ensure that an authorized
    use furthers the functions and values
    for which the wetland reserve easement
    was established.''; and
    (ii) in subparagraph (D)(i)(III), by inserting
    after ``under subsection (f)'' the following: ``or
    a grazing management plan that is consistent with
    the wetland reserve easement plan and has been
    reviewed, and modified as necessary, at least
    every 5 years''; and
    (2) in subsection (f)--
    (A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the
    following:
    ``(1) Wetland reserve easement plan.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall develop a
    wetland reserve easement plan--
    ``(i) for any eligible land subject to a
    wetland reserve easement; and
    ``(ii) that restores, protects, enhances,
    manages, maintains, and monitors the eligible land
    subject to the wetland reserve easements acquired
    under this section.
    ``(B) Practices and activities.--A wetland reserve
    easement plan under subparagraph (A) shall include
    practices and activities, including repair or
    replacement, that are necessary to restore and maintain
    the enrolled land and the functions and values of the
    wetland subject to a wetland reserve easement.'';
    (B) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as
    paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; and
    (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
    ``(2) Alternative plant communities.--The Secretary, in
    coordination with State technical committees established under
    section 1261(a) and pursuant to State-specific criteria and
    guidelines, may authorize the establishment or restoration of a
    hydrologically appropriate native community or alternative
    naturalized vegetative community as part of a wetland reserve
    easement plan on land subject to a wetland reserve easement

    [[Page 4591]]

    if that hydrologically appropriate native or alternative
    naturalized vegetative community shall--
    ``(A) substantially support or benefit migratory
    waterfowl or other wetland wildlife; or
    ``(B) meet local resource concerns or needs
    (including as an element of a regional, State, or local
    wildlife initiative or plan).''.
    SEC. 2605. ADMINISTRATION.

    Section 1265D of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865d) is
    amended--
    (1) in paragraph (a)(4), by striking ``proposed'' and
    inserting ``permitted'';
    (2) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:

    ``(c) Subordination, Exchange, Modification, and Termination.--
    ``(1) Subordination.--The Secretary may subordinate any
    interest in land, or portion of such interest, administered by
    the Secretary (including for the purposes of utilities and
    energy transmission services) either directly or on behalf of
    the Commodity Credit Corporation under the program if the
    Secretary determines that the subordination--
    ``(A) increases conservation values or has a limited
    negative effect on conservation values;
    ``(B) minimally affects the acreage subject to the
    interest in land; and
    ``(C) is in the public interest or furthers the
    practical administration of the program.
    ``(2) Modification and exchange.--
    ``(A) Authority.--The Secretary may approve a
    modification or exchange of any interest in land, or
    portion of such interest, administered by the Secretary,
    either directly or on behalf of the Commodity Credit
    Corporation under the program if the Secretary
    determines that--
    ``(i) no reasonable alternative exists and the
    effect on the interest in land is avoided or
    minimized to the extent practicable; and
    ``(ii) the modification or exchange--
    ``(I) results in equal or increased
    conservation values;
    ``(II) results in equal or greater
    economic value to the United States;
    ``(III) is consistent with the
    original intent of the easement;
    ``(IV) is consistent with the
    purposes of the program; and
    ``(V) is in the public interest or
    furthers the practical administration of
    the program.
    ``(B) Limitation.--In modifying or exchanging an
    interest in land, or portion of such interest, under
    this paragraph, the Secretary may not increase any
    payment to an eligible entity.
    ``(3) Termination.--The Secretary may approve a termination
    of any interest in land, or portion of such interest,
    administered by the Secretary, directly or on behalf of the
    Commodity Credit Corporation under the program if the Secretary
    determines that--

    [[Page 4592]]

    ``(A) termination is in the interest of the Federal
    Government;
    ``(B) the United States will be fully compensated
    for--
    ``(i) the fair market value of the interest in
    land;
    ``(ii) any costs relating to the termination;
    and
    ``(iii) any damages determined appropriate by
    the Secretary; and
    ``(C) the termination will--
    ``(i) address a compelling public need for
    which there is no practicable alternative even
    with avoidance and minimization; and
    ``(ii) further the practical administration of
    the program.
    ``(4) Consent.--The Secretary shall obtain consent from the
    landowner and eligible entity, if applicable, for any
    subordination, exchange, modification, or termination of
    interest in land, or portion of such interest, under this
    subsection.
    ``(5) Notice.--At least 90 days before taking any
    termination action described in paragraph (3), the Secretary
    shall provide written notice of such action to the Committee on
    Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
    Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate.''; and
    (3) in subsection (d)--
    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``transferred into
    the program'' and inserting ``enrolled in an easement
    under section 1265C(b)''; and
    (B) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(3) Agricultural land easements.--A farmer or rancher who
    owns eligible land subject to an agricultural land easement may
    enter into a contract under subchapter B of chapter 1 of
    subtitle D.''.

    Subtitle G--Regional Conservation Partnership Program

    SEC. 2701. ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSES.

    Section 1271 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871) is
    amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)--
    (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``, including
    partnership agreements funded through alternative
    funding arrangements or grant agreements under section
    1271C(d),'' after ``partnership agreements''; and
    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``contracts with
    producers'' and inserting ``program contracts with
    producers''; and
    (2) in subsection (b)--
    (A) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding
    subparagraph (A), by striking ``use covered programs''
    and inserting ``carry out eligible activities'';
    (B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the
    following:
    ``(2) To further the conservation, protection, restoration,
    and sustainable use of soil, water (including sources of
    drinking water and groundwater), wildlife, agricultural land,
    and related

    [[Page 4593]]

    natural resources on eligible land on a regional or watershed
    scale.'';
    (C) in paragraph (3)--
    (i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``,
    including through alignment of partnership
    projects with other national, State, and local
    agencies and programs addressing similar natural
    resource or environmental concerns'' after
    ``eligible land''; and
    (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking
    ``installation'' and inserting ``adoption,
    installation,''; and
    (D) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(4) To encourage the flexible and streamlined delivery of
    conservation assistance to producers through partnership
    agreements.
    ``(5) To engage producers and eligible partners in
    conservation projects to achieve greater conservation outcomes
    and benefits for producers than would otherwise be achieved.''.
    SEC. 2702. DEFINITIONS.

    Section 1271A of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871a) is
    amended--
    (1) in paragraph (1)--
    (A) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``, not
    including the grassland conservation initiative under
    section 1240L-1'' before the period at the end; and
    (B) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(E) The conservation reserve program established
    under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D.
    ``(F) The programs established by the Secretary to
    carry out the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention
    Act (16 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.), except for any program
    established by the Secretary to carry out section 14 (16
    U.S.C. 1012) of that Act.'';
    (2) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the
    following:
    ``(2) Eligible activity.--The term `eligible activity' means
    a practice, activity, agreement, easement, or related
    conservation measure that is available under the statutory
    authority for a covered program.
    ``(3) Eligible land.--The term `eligible land' means any
    agricultural or nonindustrial private forest land or associated
    land on which the Secretary determines an eligible activity
    would help achieve conservation benefits.'';
    (3) in paragraph (4)--
    (A) in subparagraph (E), by inserting ``acequia,''
    after ``irrigation district,''; and
    (B) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(I) An organization described in section
    1265A(3)(B).
    ``(J) A conservation district.'';
    (4) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following:
    ``(5) Partnership agreement.--The term `partnership
    agreement' means the programmatic agreement entered into between
    the Secretary and an eligible partner, subject to the terms and
    conditions under section 1271B.''; and
    (5) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(7) Program contract.--

    [[Page 4594]]

    ``(A) In general.--The term `program contract' means
    the contract between the Secretary and a producer
    entered into under this subtitle.
    ``(B) Exclusion.--The term `program contract' does
    not include a contract under a covered program.''.
    SEC. 2703. REGIONAL CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPS.

    Section 1271B of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871b) is
    amended--
    (1) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:

    ``(b) Length.--
    ``(1) In general.--A partnership agreement shall be--
    ``(A) for a period not to exceed 5 years; or
    ``(B) for a period that is longer than 5 years, if
    the longer period is necessary to meet the objectives of
    the program, as determined by the Secretary.
    ``(2) Renewal.--A partnership agreement may be renewed under
    subsection (e)(5) for a period not to exceed 5 years.
    ``(3) Extension.--A partnership agreement, or any renewal of
    a partnership agreement, may each be extended 1 time for a
    period not longer than 12 months, as determined by the
    Secretary.'';
    (2) in subsection (c)--
    (A) in paragraph (1)--
    (i) in subparagraph (A)--
    (I) by redesignating clauses (iii)
    and (iv) as clauses (iv) and (v),
    respectively; and
    (II) by striking clauses (i) and
    (ii) and inserting the following:
    ``(i) 1 or more conservation benefits that the
    project shall achieve;
    ``(ii) the eligible activities on eligible
    land to be conducted under the project to achieve
    conservation benefits;
    ``(iii) the implementation timeline for
    carrying out the project, including any interim
    milestones;'';
    (ii) in subparagraph (D), by striking
    ``funds'' and inserting ``contributions''; and
    (iii) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``of
    the project's effects; and'' and inserting the
    following: ``of--
    ``(i) the progress made by the project in
    achieving each conservation benefit defined in the
    partnership agreement, including in a quantified
    form to the extent practicable; and
    ``(ii) as appropriate, other outcomes of the
    project; and''; and
    (B) in paragraph (2)--
    (i) by striking ``An eligible'' and inserting
    the following:
    ``(A) In general.--An eligible''; and
    (ii) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(B) Form.--A contribution of an eligible partner
    under this paragraph may be in the form of--
    ``(i) direct funding;
    ``(ii) in-kind support; or
    ``(iii) a combination of direct funding and
    in-kind support.

    [[Page 4595]]

    ``(C) Treatment.--Any amounts expended during the
    period beginning on the date on which the Secretary
    announces the approval of an application under
    subsection (e) and ending on the day before the
    effective date of the partnership agreement by an
    eligible partner for staff salaries or development of
    the partnership agreement may be considered to be a part
    of the contribution of the eligible partner under this
    paragraph.'';
    (3) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e);
    (4) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:

    ``(d) Duties of Secretary.--The Secretary shall--
    ``(1) establish a timeline for carrying out the duties of
    the Secretary under a partnership agreement, including--
    ``(A) entering into program contracts with
    producers;
    ``(B) providing financial assistance to producers;
    and
    ``(C) in the case of a partnership agreement that is
    funded through an alternative funding arrangement or
    grant agreement under section 1271C(d), providing the
    payments to the eligible partner for carrying out
    eligible activities;
    ``(2) identify in each State a program coordinator for the
    State, who shall be responsible for providing assistance to
    eligible partners under the program;
    ``(3) establish guidance to assist eligible partners with
    carrying out the assessment required under subsection (c)(1)(E);
    ``(4) provide to each eligible partner that has entered into
    a partnership agreement that is not funded through an
    alternative funding arrangement or grant agreement under section
    1271C(d)--
    ``(A) a semiannual report describing the status of
    each pending and obligated contract under the project of
    the eligible partner; and
    ``(B) an annual report describing how the Secretary
    used amounts reserved by the Secretary for that year for
    technical assistance under section 1271D(f); and
    ``(5) ensure that any eligible activity effectively achieves
    the conservation benefits identified in the partnership
    agreement under subsection (c)(1)(A)(i).'';
    (5) in subsection (e) (as redesignated by paragraph (3))--
    (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``simplified''
    after ``conduct a'';
    (B) in paragraph (3)--
    (i) by striking the paragraph designation and
    heading and all that follows through ``description
    of--'' and inserting the following:
    ``(3) Contents.--The Secretary shall develop a simplified
    application that includes a description of--'';
    (ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``,
    including the covered programs to be used''; and
    (iii) in subparagraph (D), by striking
    ``financial'';
    (C) in paragraph (4)--
    (i) by striking subparagraph (D);
    (ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and
    (F) as subparagraphs (G) and (H), respectively;
    and
    (iii) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the
    following:

    [[Page 4596]]

    ``(D) build new partnerships with local, State, and
    private entities to include a diversity of stakeholders
    in the project;
    ``(E) deliver a high percentage of applied
    conservation--
    ``(i) to achieve conservation benefits; or
    ``(ii) in the case of a project in a critical
    conservation area under section 1271F, to address
    the priority resource concern for that critical
    conservation area;
    ``(F) implement the project consistent with existing
    watershed, habitat, or other area restoration plans;'';
    and
    (D) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(5) Renewals.--If the Secretary determines that a project
    that is the subject of a partnership agreement has met or
    exceeded the objectives of the project, the Secretary may renew
    the partnership agreement through an expedited noncompetitive
    process if the 1 or more eligible partners that are parties to
    the partnership agreement request the renewal in order--
    ``(A) to continue to implement the project under a
    renewal of the partnership agreement; or
    ``(B) to expand the scope of the project under a
    renewal of the partnership agreement, as long as the
    expansion is within the objectives and purposes of the
    original partnership agreement.''; and
    (6) by adding at the end the following:

    ``(f) Nonapplicability of Adjusted Gross Income Limitation.--The
    adjusted gross income limitation described in section 1001D(b)(1) shall
    not apply to an eligible partner under the program.''.
    SEC. 2704. ASSISTANCE TO PRODUCERS.

    Section 1271C of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871c) is
    amended--
    (1) by striking subsections (a) and (b) and inserting the
    following:

    ``(a) In General.--A producer may receive financial or technical
    assistance to conduct eligible activities on eligible land through a
    program contract entered into with the Secretary.
    ``(b) Program Contracts.--
    ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a program
    contract to be entered into with a producer to conduct eligible
    activities on eligible land, subject to such terms and
    conditions as the Secretary may establish.
    ``(2) Application bundles.--
    ``(A) In general.--An eligible partner may submit to
    the Secretary, on behalf of producers, a bundle of
    applications for assistance under the program through
    program contracts to address a substantial portion of
    the conservation benefits to be achieved by the project,
    as defined in the partnership agreement.
    ``(B) Priority.--The Secretary may give priority to
    applications described in subparagraph (A).'';
    (2) in subsection (c)--
    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``In accordance
    with statutory requirements of the covered programs
    involved, the Secretary may make payments to a
    producer'' and inserting ``Subject to section 1271D, the
    Secretary may make payments to a producer''; and

    [[Page 4597]]

    (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``participating'';
    and
    (3) by adding at the end the following:

    ``(d) Funding Through Alternative Funding Arrangements or Grant
    Agreements.--
    ``(1) In general.--A partnership agreement entered into with
    an eligible partner may be funded through an alternative funding
    arrangement or grant in accordance with this subsection.
    ``(2) Duties of the secretary.--The Secretary shall--
    ``(A) under a funding agreement under paragraph
    (1)--
    ``(i) use funding made available to carry out
    this subtitle to provide funding directly to the
    eligible partner; and
    ``(ii) provide technical and administrative
    assistance, as mutually agreed by the parties; and
    ``(B) enter into not more than 15 alternative
    funding arrangements or grant agreements with 1 or more
    eligible partners each fiscal year.
    ``(3) Duties of eligible partners.--Under a funding
    agreement under paragraph (1), the eligible partner shall--
    ``(A) carry out eligible activities on eligible land
    in agreement with producers to achieve conservation
    benefits on a regional or watershed scale, such as--
    ``(i) infrastructure investments relating to
    agricultural or nonindustrial private forest
    production that would--
    ``(I) benefit multiple producers;
    and
    ``(II) address natural resource
    concerns such as drought, wildfire, or
    water quality impairment on the land
    covered by the project;
    ``(ii) projects addressing natural resources
    concerns in coordination with producers, including
    the development and implementation of watershed,
    habitat, or other area restoration plans;
    ``(iii) projects that use innovative
    approaches to leveraging the Federal investment in
    conservation with private financial mechanisms, in
    conjunction with agricultural production or forest
    resource management, such as--
    ``(I) the provision of performance-
    based payments to producers; and
    ``(II) support for an environmental
    market; or
    ``(iv) other projects for which the Secretary
    determines that the goals and objectives of the
    program would be easier to achieve through the
    funding agreement under paragraph (1); and
    ``(B) submit to the Secretary, in addition to any
    information that the Secretary requires to prepare the
    report under section 1271E(b), an annual report that
    describes the status of the project, including a
    description of--
    ``(i) the use of the funds awarded under
    paragraph (1);
    ``(ii) any subcontracts awarded;
    ``(iii) the producers receiving funding
    through the funding agreement under paragraph (1);

    [[Page 4598]]

    ``(iv)(I) the progress made by the project in
    addressing each natural resource concern defined
    in the funding agreement under paragraph (1),
    including in a quantified form to the extent
    practicable; and
    ``(II) as appropriate, other outcomes of the
    project; and
    ``(v) any other reporting data the Secretary
    determines are necessary to ensure compliance with
    the program rules.''.
    SEC. 2705. FUNDING.

    Section 1271D of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871d) is
    amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)--
    (A) by striking ``$100,000,000'' and inserting
    ``$300,000,000''; and
    (B) by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and inserting
    ``2019 through 2023'';
    (2) by striking subsection (c);
    (3) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections
    (c) and (d), respectively;
    (4) in subsection (c) (as so redesignated)--
    (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
    (i) by striking ``and acres''; and
    (ii) by striking ``and reserved for the
    program under subsection (c)'';
    (B) in paragraph (1)--
    (i) by striking ``25 percent of the funds and
    acres to projects based on a State competitive
    process administered by the State Conservationist,
    with the advice of the State technical committee''
    and inserting ``50 percent of the funds to
    projects based on a State or multistate
    competitive process administered by the Secretary
    at the local level with the advice of the
    applicable State technical committees''; and
    (ii) by adding ``and'' after the semicolon;
    (C) by striking paragraph (2);
    (D) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2);
    and
    (E) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated), by
    striking ``35 percent of the funds and acres'' and
    inserting ``50 percent of the funds'';
    (5) in subsection (d) (as so redesignated)--
    (A) by striking ``None of the funds made available
    or reserved for the program'' and inserting the
    following:
    ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), none
    of the funds made available for the program, including for a
    partnership agreement funded through an alternative funding
    arrangement or grant agreement under section 1271C(d),''; and
    (B) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(2) Project development and outreach.--Under a partnership
    agreement that is not funded through an alternative funding
    arrangement or grant agreement under section 1271C(d), the
    Secretary may advance reasonable amounts of funding for not
    longer than 90 days for technical assistance

    [[Page 4599]]

    to eligible partners to conduct project development and outreach
    activities in a project area, including--
    ``(A) providing outreach and education to producers
    for potential participation in the project;
    ``(B) establishing baseline metrics to support the
    development of the assessment required under section
    1271B(c)(1)(E); or
    ``(C) providing technical assistance to
    producers.''; and
    (6) by adding at the end the following:

    ``(e) Technical Assistance.--
    ``(1) In general.--At the time of project selection, the
    Secretary shall identify and make publicly available the amount
    that the Secretary shall use to provide technical assistance
    under the terms of the partnership agreement.
    ``(2) Limitation.--The Secretary shall limit costs of the
    Secretary for technical assistance to costs specific and
    necessary to carry out the objectives of the program.
    ``(3) Third-party providers.--The Secretary shall develop
    and implement strategies to encourage third-party technical
    service providers to provide technical assistance to eligible
    partners pursuant to a partnership agreement.''.
    SEC. 2706. ADMINISTRATION.

    Section 1271E of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871e) is
    amended--
    (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``1271B(d)'' each place
    it appears and inserting ``1271B(e)'';
    (2) in subsection (b)--
    (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
    striking ``December 31, 2014'' and inserting ``December
    31, 2019'';
    (B) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) as
    paragraphs (2) through (5), respectively;
    (C) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so
    redesignated) the following:
    ``(1) a summary of--
    ``(A) the progress made towards achieving the
    conservation benefits defined for the projects; and
    ``(B) any other related outcomes of the projects;'';
    (D) in paragraph (4) (as so redesignated), by
    striking ``and'' at the end;
    (E) in paragraph (5) (as so redesignated)--
    (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A),
    by striking ``1271C(b)(2)'' and inserting
    ``1271C(d)''; and
    (ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking the
    period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
    (F) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(6) in the case of a project within a critical
    conservation area under section 1271F, the status of each
    priority resource concern for each designated critical
    conservation area, including--
    ``(A) the priority resource concerns for which each
    critical conservation area is designated;
    ``(B) conservation goals and outcomes sufficient to
    demonstrate that progress is being made to address the
    priority resource concerns;
    ``(C) the partnership agreements selected to address
    each conservation goal and outcome; and

    [[Page 4600]]

    ``(D) the extent to which each conservation goal and
    outcome is being addressed by the partnership
    agreements.''; and
    (3) by adding at the end the following:

    ``(c) Compliance With Certain Requirements.--The Secretary may not
    provide assistance under the program to a producer unless the producer
    agrees, during the program year for which the assistance is provided--
    ``(1) to comply with applicable conservation requirements
    under subtitle B; and
    ``(2) to comply with applicable wetland protection
    requirements under subtitle C.

    ``(d) Historically Underserved Producers.--To the maximum extent
    practicable, in carrying out the program, the Secretary and eligible
    partners shall conduct outreach to beginning farmers and ranchers,
    veteran farmers and ranchers, socially disadvantaged farmers and
    ranchers, and limited resource farmers and ranchers to encourage
    participation by those producers in a project subject to a partnership
    agreement or funding agreement under 1271C(d).
    ``(e) Regulations.--The Secretary shall issue regulations to carry
    out the program.''.
    SEC. 2707. CRITICAL CONSERVATION AREAS.

    Section 1271F of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871f) is
    amended--
    (1) by redesignating subsections (a), (b), and (c) as
    subsections (b), (c), and (e), respectively;
    (2) by inserting before subsection (b) (as so redesignated)
    the following:

    ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
    ``(1) Critical conservation area.--The term `critical
    conservation area' means a geographical area that contains a
    critical conservation condition that can be addressed through
    the program.
    ``(2) Priority resource concern.--The term `priority
    resource concern' means a natural resource concern located in a
    critical conservation area that can be addressed through--
    ``(A) water quality improvement, including through
    reducing erosion, promoting sediment control, and
    addressing nutrient management activities affecting
    large bodies of water of regional, national, or
    international significance;
    ``(B) water quantity improvement, including
    improvement relating to--
    ``(i) drought;
    ``(ii) groundwater, surface water, aquifer, or
    other water sources; or
    ``(iii) water retention and flood prevention;
    ``(C) wildlife habitat restoration to address
    species of concern at a Federal, State, or local level;
    and
    ``(D) other natural resource improvements, as
    determined by the Secretary, within the critical
    conservation area.'';
    (3) in subsection (b) (as so redesignated)--
    (A) by striking ``(b) In General.--'' and inserting
    the following:

    ``(b) Applications.--'';

    [[Page 4601]]

    (B) by striking ``1271D(d)(3)'' and inserting
    ``1271D(d)(2)'';
    (C) by striking ``producer'' and inserting
    ``program''; and
    (D) by inserting ``that address 1 or more priority
    resource concerns for which the critical conservation
    area is designated'' before the period at the end;
    (4) in subsection (c) (as so redesignated)--
    (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as
    paragraphs (2) through (4), respectively;
    (B) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so
    redesignated) the following:
    ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall identify 1 or more
    priority resource concerns that apply to each critical
    conservation area designated under this section after the date
    of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79;
    128 Stat. 649), including the conservation goals and outcomes
    sufficient to demonstrate that progress is being made to address
    the priority resource concern.'';
    (C) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated)--
    (i) by striking subparagraphs (C) and (D) and
    inserting the following:
    ``(C) contains 1 or more priority resource concerns;
    or''; and
    (ii) by redesignating subparagraph (E) as
    subparagraph (D); and
    (D) by striking paragraph (3) (as so redesignated)
    and inserting the following:
    ``(3) Review and withdrawal.--The Secretary may--
    ``(A) review designations of critical conservation
    areas under this section not more frequently than once
    every 5 years; and
    ``(B) withdraw designation of a critical
    conservation area only if the Secretary determines that
    the area is no longer a critical conservation area.'';
    (5) by inserting after subsection (c) (as so redesignated)
    the following:

    ``(d) Outreach to Eligible Partners and Producers.--The Secretary
    shall provide outreach and education to eligible partners and producers
    in critical conservation areas designated under this section to
    encourage the development of projects to address each priority resource
    concern identified by the Secretary for that critical conservation
    area.''; and
    (6) in subsection (e) (as so redesignated)--
    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``producer'' and
    inserting ``program''; and
    (B) by striking paragraph (3).

    [[Page 4602]]

    Subtitle H--Repeals and Technical Amendments

    PART I--REPEALS

    SEC. 2811. REPEAL OF CONSERVATION CORRIDOR DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Subtitle G of title II of the Farm Security and
    Rural Investment Act of 2002 (16 U.S.C. 3801 note; Public Law 107-171)
    is repealed.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 5059 of the Water Resources
    Development Act of 2007 (16 U.S.C. 3801 note; Public Law 110-114) is
    repealed.
    SEC. 2812. REPEAL OF CRANBERRY ACREAGE RESERVE PROGRAM.

    Section 10608 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
    (16 U.S.C. 3801 note; Public Law 107-171) is repealed.
    SEC. 2813. REPEAL OF NATIONAL NATURAL RESOURCES FOUNDATION.

    Subtitle F of title III of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and
    Reform Act of 1996 (16 U.S.C. 5801 et seq.) <>  is repealed.
    SEC. 2814. REPEAL OF FLOOD RISK REDUCTION.

    Section 385 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of
    1996 (7 U.S.C. 7334) is repealed.
    SEC. 2815. REPEAL OF STUDY OF LAND USE FOR EXPIRING CONTRACTS AND
    EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY.

    Section 1437 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
    of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 3831 note; Public Law 101-624) is repealed.
    SEC. 2816. REPEAL OF INTEGRATED FARM MANAGEMENT PROGRAM OPTION.

    Section 1451 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
    of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5822) is repealed.
    SEC. 2817. REPEAL OF CLARIFICATION OF DEFINITION OF AGRICULTURAL
    LANDS.

    Section 325 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of
    1996 (Public Law 104-127; 110 Stat. 992) is repealed.

    PART II--TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS

    SEC. 2821. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.

    (a) Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act.--Section 5(4) of
    the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1005(4)) is
    amended--
    (1) by striking ``goodwater'' and inserting ``floodwater'';
    and
    (2) by striking ``Secretary of Health, Education, and
    Welfare'' each place it appears and inserting ``Secretary of
    Health and Human Services''.

    (b) Delineation of Wetlands; Exemptions.--Section 1222(j) of the
    Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3822(j)) is amended by striking
    ``National Resources Conservation Service'' and inserting ``Natural
    Resources Conservation Service''.

    [[Page 4603]]

    (c) Farmable Wetland Program.--Section 1231B(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831b(b)(2)(A)(i)) is amended by adding
    a semicolon at the end.
    (d) Terminal Lakes Assistance.--Section 2507 of the Farm Security
    and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb-6) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (e)--
    (A) by striking paragraph (1);
    (B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1);
    and
    (C) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(2) No additional funds.--
    ``(A) In general.--Nothing in this section
    authorizes any additional funds to carry out this
    section.
    ``(B) Availability of funds.--Any funds made
    available to carry out this section before the date of
    enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 may
    remain available until expended.''; and
    (2) by adding at the end the following:

    ``(f) Termination of Authority.--The authority provided by this
    section shall terminate on October 1, 2023.''.
    (e) Delivery of Technical Assistance.--Section 1242 of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842) is amended by striking ``third
    party'' each place it appears and inserting ``third-party''.
    (f) Administrative Requirements for Conservation Programs.--Section
    1244(b)(4)(B) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844(b)(4)(B))
    is amended by striking ``General Accounting Office'' and inserting
    ``Government Accountability Office''.
    SEC. 2822. STATE TECHNICAL COMMITTEES.

    (a) Standards.--Section 1261(b)(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985
    (16 U.S.C. 3861(b)(2)) is amended by striking ``under section 1262(b)''.
    (b) Composition.--Section 1261(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985
    (16 U.S.C. 3861(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(14) The State Cooperative Extension Service and land
    grant university in the State.''.

    TITLE III--TRADE

    Subtitle A--Food for Peace Act

    SEC. 3101. LABELING REQUIREMENTS.

    Section 202(g) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1722(g)) is
    amended to read as follows:
    ``(g) Labeling of Assistance.--Agricultural commodities and other
    assistance provided under this title shall, to the extent practicable,
    be clearly identified with appropriate markings on the package or
    container of such agricultural commodities or food procured outside of
    the United States, or on printed material that accompanies other
    assistance, in the language of the locality in which such commodities
    and other assistance are distributed, as being furnished by the people
    of the United States of America.''.

    [[Page 4604]]

    SEC. 3102. FOOD AID QUALITY ASSURANCE.

    Section 202(h)(3) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1722(h)(3)) is
    amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 3103. LOCAL SALE AND BARTER OF COMMODITIES.

    Section 203 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1723) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``to generate proceeds
    to be used as provided in this section'' before the period at
    the end;
    (2) by striking subsection (b); and
    (3) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections
    (b) and (c), respectively.
    SEC. 3104. MINIMUM LEVELS OF ASSISTANCE.

    Section 204(a) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1724(a)) is
    amended in paragraphs (1) and (2) by striking ``2018'' both places it
    appears and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 3105. FOOD AID CONSULTATIVE GROUP.

    Section 205 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1725) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (d)(1), in the first sentence, by striking
    ``45'' and inserting ``30''; and
    (2) in subsection (f), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.
    SEC. 3106. ISSUANCE OF REGULATIONS.

    Section 207(c)(1) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1726a(c)(1))
    is amended by striking ``the Agricultural Act of 2014''and inserting
    ``the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018''.
    SEC. 3107. OVERSIGHT, MONITORING, AND EVALUATION.

    Section 207(f)(4) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1726a(f)(4))
    is amended--
    (1) in subparagraph (A)--
    (A) by striking ``$17,000,000'' and inserting ``1.5
    percent, but not less than $17,000,000,''; and
    (B) by striking ``2018'' each place it appears and
    inserting ``2023''; and
    (2) in subparagraph (B)--
    (A) in clause (i), by striking ``2018'' and
    inserting ``2023''; and
    (B) in clause (ii), by striking ``chapter 1 of part
    I of''.
    SEC. 3108. ASSISTANCE FOR STOCKPILING AND RAPID TRANSPORTATION,
    DELIVERY, AND DISTRIBUTION OF SHELF-
    STABLE PREPACKAGED FOODS.

    Section 208 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1726b) is amended--
    (1) by amending the section heading to read as follows:
    ``international food relief partnership.''; and
    (2) in subsection (f), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.
    SEC. 3109. CONSIDERATION OF IMPACT OF PROVISION OF AGRICULTURAL
    COMMODITIES AND OTHER ASSISTANCE ON
    LOCAL FARMERS AND ECONOMY.

    (a) Inclusion of All Modalities.--Section 403(a) of the Food for
    Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1733(a)) is amended--

    [[Page 4605]]

    (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting ``,
    food procured outside of the United States, food voucher, or
    cash transfer for food'' after ``agricultural commodity'';
    (2) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``in the case of the
    provision of an agricultural commodity,'' before ``adequate'';
    and
    (3) in paragraph (2), by striking ``commodity'' and
    inserting ``agricultural commodity or use of the food procured
    outside of the United States, food voucher, or cash transfer for
    food''.

    (b) Avoidance of Disruptive Impact.--Section 403(b) of the Food for
    Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1733(b)) is amended--
    (1) in the first sentence, by inserting ``, the use of food
    procured outside of the United States, food vouchers, and cash
    transfers for food,'' after ``agricultural commodities''; and
    (2) in the second sentence, by striking ``of sales of
    agricultural commodities''.
    SEC. 3110. ALLOWANCE FOR DISTRIBUTION COSTS.

    Section 406(b)(6) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736(b)(6)) is
    amended by striking ``and distribution costs'' and inserting ``,
    distribution, and program implementation costs to use the commodities''.
    SEC. 3111. PREPOSITIONING OF AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES.

    Section 407(c)(4)(A) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C.
    1736a(c)(4)(A)) is amended by striking ``2018'' each place it appears
    and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 3112. ANNUAL REPORT REGARDING FOOD AID PROGRAMS AND
    ACTIVITIES.

    (a) In General.--Section 407(f) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C.
    1736a(f)) is amended to read as follows:
    ``(f) Annual Report Regarding Food Aid Programs and Activities.--
    ``(1) Annual report.--Not later than April 1 of each fiscal
    year, the Administrator and the Secretary shall jointly, or each
    separately, prepare and submit to the appropriate committees of
    Congress a report regarding each program and activity carried
    out under this Act by the Administrator, the Secretary, or both,
    as applicable, during the prior fiscal year.
    ``(2) Contents.--An annual report described in paragraph (1)
    shall include, with respect to the prior fiscal year, the
    following:
    ``(A) A list that contains a description of each
    country and organization that receives food and other
    assistance under this Act (including the quantity of
    food and assistance provided to each country and
    organization).
    ``(B) A general description of each project and
    activity implemented under this Act (including each
    activity funded through the use of local currencies) and
    the total number of beneficiaries of the project.
    ``(C) A statement describing the quantity of
    agricultural commodities made available to, and the
    total number of beneficiaries in, each country pursuant
    to--
    ``(i) this Act;
    ``(ii) section 416(b) of the Agricultural Act
    of 1949 (7 U.S.C. 1431(b));
    ``(iii) the Food for Progress Act of 1985 (7
    U.S.C. 1736o); and

    [[Page 4606]]

    ``(iv) the McGovern-Dole International Food
    for Education and Child Nutrition Program
    established by section 3107 of the Farm Security
    and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 1736o-
    1).
    ``(D) An assessment of the progress made through
    programs under this Act towards reducing food insecurity
    in the populations receiving food assistance from the
    United States.
    ``(E) A description of efforts undertaken by the
    Food Aid Consultative Group under section 205 to achieve
    an integrated and effective food assistance program.
    ``(F) An assessment of--
    ``(i) each program oversight, monitoring, and
    evaluation system implemented under section
    207(f); and
    ``(ii) the impact of each program oversight,
    monitoring, and evaluation system on the
    effectiveness and efficiency of assistance
    provided under this title.
    ``(G) An assessment of the progress made by the
    Administrator in addressing issues relating to quality
    with respect to the provision of food assistance.
    ``(H) A statement of the amount of funds (including
    funds for administrative costs, indirect cost recovery,
    internal transportation, storage and handling, and
    associated distribution costs) provided to each eligible
    organization that received assistance under this Act,
    that further describes the following:
    ``(i) How such funds were used by the eligible
    organization.
    ``(ii) The actual rate of return for each
    commodity made available under this Act, including
    factors that influenced the rate of return, and,
    for the commodity, the costs of bagging or further
    processing, ocean transportation, inland
    transportation in the recipient country, storage
    costs, and any other information that the
    Administrator and the Secretary determine to be
    necessary.
    ``(iii) For each instance in which a commodity
    was made available under this Act at a rate of
    return less than 70 percent, the reasons for the
    rate of return realized.
    ``(I) For funds expended for purposes of section
    202(e), 406(b)(6), and 407(c)(1)(B), a detailed
    accounting of the expenditures and purposes of such
    expenditures with respect to each such section.
    ``(3) Rate of return described.--For purposes of applying
    subparagraph (H) of paragraph (2), the rate of return for a
    commodity shall be equal to the proportion that--
    ``(A) the proceeds the implementing partners
    generate through monetization; bears to
    ``(B) the cost to the Federal Government to procure
    and ship the commodity to a recipient country for
    monetization.''.

    (b) Conforming Repeal.--Subsection (m) of section 403 of the Food
    for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1733) is repealed.

    [[Page 4607]]

    SEC. 3113. DEADLINE FOR AGREEMENTS TO FINANCE SALES OR TO PROVIDE
    OTHER ASSISTANCE.

    Section 408 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736b) is amended by
    striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 3114. MINIMUM LEVEL OF NONEMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE.

    Section 412(e) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736f(e)) is
    amended to read as follows:
    ``(e) Minimum Level of Nonemergency Food Assistance.--
    ``(1) In general.--For each of fiscal years 2019 through
    2023, not less than $365,000,000 of the amounts made available
    to carry out emergency and nonemergency food assistance programs
    under title II, nor more than 30 percent of such amounts, shall
    be expended for nonemergency food assistance programs under such
    title.
    ``(2) Community development funds.--Funds appropriated each
    year to carry out part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961
    (22 U.S.C. 2151 et seq.) that are made available through grants
    or cooperative agreements to strengthen food security in
    developing countries and that are consistent with section
    202(e)(1)(C) may be considered amounts expended for nonemergency
    food assistance programs for purposes of paragraph (1).
    ``(3) Farmer-to-farmer program.--In determining the amount
    expended for a fiscal year for nonemergency food assistance
    programs under paragraph (1), amounts expended for that year to
    carry out programs under section 501 may be considered amounts
    expended for nonemergency food assistance programs.''.
    SEC. 3115. TERMINATION DATE FOR MICRONUTRIENT FORTIFICATION
    PROGRAMS.

    Section 415(c) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736g-2(c)) is
    amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 3116. JOHN OGONOWSKI AND DOUG BEREUTER FARMER-TO-FARMER
    PROGRAM.

    Section 501 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1737) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (b)--
    (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
    inserting ``section 1342 of title 31, United States
    Code, or'' after ``Notwithstanding'';
    (B) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``technical''
    before ``assistance''; and
    (C) in paragraph (2)--
    (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A),
    by inserting ``employees or staff of a State
    cooperative institution (as such term is defined
    in paragraph 18 of section 1404 of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
    Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103), except that
    subparagraphs (E), (F), and (G) of such paragraph
    shall not apply),'' after ``private
    corporations,''; and
    (ii) in subparagraph (A)--
    (I) by striking ``; and'' at the end
    of clause (viii); and

    [[Page 4608]]

    (II) by striking clause (ix) and
    inserting the following:
    ``(ix) agricultural education and extension;
    ``(x) selection of seed varieties and plant
    stocks;
    ``(xi) knowledge of insecticide and sanitation
    procedures to prevent crop destruction;
    ``(xii) use and maintenance of agricultural
    equipment and irrigation systems; and
    ``(xiii) selection of fertilizers and methods
    of soils treatment; and'';
    (2) in subsection (d), in the matter preceding paragraph
    (1), by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023'';
    (3) in subsection (e)(1), in the matter preceding
    subparagraph (A), by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023'';
    and
    (4) by adding at the end the following:

    ``(f) Grant Program to Create New Partners and Innovation.--
    ``(1) In general.--The Administrator of the Agency for
    International Development shall develop a grant program to be
    carried out in fiscal years 2019 through 2023 to facilitate new
    and innovative partnerships and activities under this title.
    ``(2) Use of funds.--A grant recipient under this subsection
    shall use funds received under this subsection to--
    ``(A) prioritize new implementing partners;
    ``(B) develop innovative volunteer models;
    ``(C) develop, improve, or maintain strategic
    partnerships with other United States development
    programs; and
    ``(D) expand the footprint and impact of the
    programs and activities under this title, and diversity
    among program participants, including land-grant
    colleges and universities and cooperative extension
    services (as such terms are defined in section 1404 of
    the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)).''.

    Subtitle B--Agricultural Trade Act of 1978

    SEC. 3201. AGRICULTURAL TRADE PROMOTION AND FACILITATION.

    (a) In General.--Section 203 of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978
    (7 U.S.C. 5623) is amended to read as follows:
    ``SEC. 203. AGRICULTURAL TRADE PROMOTION AND FACILITATION.

    ``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall carry out activities under
    this section--
    ``(1) to access, develop, maintain, and expand markets for
    United States agricultural commodities; and
    ``(2) to promote cooperation and the exchange of
    information.

    ``(b) Market Access Program.--
    ``(1) Definition of eligible trade organization.--In this
    subsection, the term `eligible trade organization' means--
    ``(A) a United States agricultural trade
    organization or regional State-related organization that
    promotes the export and sale of United States
    agricultural commodities and that does not stand to
    profit directly from specific sales of United States
    agricultural commodities;

    [[Page 4609]]

    ``(B) a cooperative organization or State agency
    that promotes the sale of United States agricultural
    commodities; or
    ``(C) a private organization that promotes the
    export and sale of United States agricultural
    commodities if the Secretary determines that such
    organization would significantly contribute to United
    States export market development.
    ``(2) In general.--The Commodity Credit Corporation shall
    establish and carry out a program, to be known as the `Market
    Access Program', to encourage the development, maintenance, and
    expansion of commercial export markets for United States
    agricultural commodities (including commodities that are
    organically produced (as defined in section 2103 of the Organic
    Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6502))) through cost-
    share assistance to eligible trade organizations that implement
    a foreign market development program.
    ``(3) Participation requirements.--
    ``(A) Marketing plan and other requirements.--To be
    eligible for cost-share assistance under this
    subsection, an eligible trade organization shall--
    ``(i) prepare and submit a marketing plan to
    the Secretary that meets the guidelines governing
    such a marketing plan specified in this paragraph
    or otherwise established by the Secretary;
    ``(ii) meet any other requirements established
    by the Secretary; and
    ``(iii) enter into an agreement with the
    Secretary.
    ``(B) Purpose of marketing plan.--A marketing plan
    submitted under this paragraph shall describe the
    advertising or other market oriented export promotion
    activities to be carried out by the eligible trade
    organization with respect to which assistance under this
    subsection is being requested.
    ``(C) Specific elements.--To be approved by the
    Secretary, a marketing plan submitted under this
    paragraph shall--
    ``(i) specifically describe the manner in
    which assistance received by the eligible trade
    organization, in conjunction with funds and
    services provided by the eligible trade
    organization, will be expended in implementing the
    marketing plan;
    ``(ii) establish specific market goals to be
    achieved under the marketing plan; and
    ``(iii) contain whatever additional
    requirements are determined by the Secretary to be
    necessary.
    ``(D) Branded promotion.--A marketing plan approved
    by the Secretary may provide for the use of branded
    advertising to promote the sale of United States
    agricultural commodities in a foreign country under such
    terms and conditions as may be established by the
    Secretary.
    ``(E) Amendments.--An approved marketing plan may be
    amended by the eligible trade organization at any time,
    subject to the approval of the amendment by the
    Secretary.
    ``(4) Level of assistance and cost-share requirements.--

    [[Page 4610]]

    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall justify in
    writing the level of assistance to be provided to an
    eligible trade organization under this subsection and
    the level of cost sharing required of the organization.
    ``(B) Limitation on branded promotion.--Assistance
    provided under this subsection for activities described
    in paragraph (3)(D) shall not exceed 50 percent of the
    cost of implementing the marketing plan, except that the
    Secretary may determine not to apply such limitation in
    the case of United States agricultural commodities with
    respect to which there has been a favorable decision by
    the United States Trade Representative under section 301
    of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2411). Criteria used
    by the Secretary for determining that the limitation
    shall not apply shall be consistent and documented.
    ``(5) Other terms and conditions.--
    ``(A) Multiyear basis.--The Secretary may provide
    assistance under this subsection on a multiyear basis,
    subject to annual review by the Secretary for compliance
    with the approved marketing plan.
    ``(B) Termination of assistance.--The Secretary may
    terminate any assistance made, or to be made, available
    under this subsection if the Secretary determines that--
    ``(i) the eligible trade organization is not
    adhering to the terms and conditions applicable to
    the provision of the assistance;
    ``(ii) the eligible trade organization is not
    implementing the approved marketing plan or is not
    adequately meeting the established goals of the
    plan;
    ``(iii) the eligible trade organization is not
    adequately contributing its own resources to the
    implementation of the plan; or
    ``(iv) the Secretary determines that
    termination of assistance in a particular instance
    is in the best interests of the Market Access
    Program.
    ``(C) Evaluations.--Beginning not later than 15
    months after the initial provision of assistance under
    this subsection to an eligible trade organization, the
    Secretary shall monitor the expenditures by the eligible
    trade organization of such assistance, including the
    following:
    ``(i) An evaluation of the effectiveness of
    the marketing plan of the eligible trade
    organization in developing or maintaining markets
    for United States agricultural commodities.
    ``(ii) An evaluation of whether assistance
    provided under this subsection is necessary to
    maintain such markets.
    ``(iii) A thorough accounting of the
    expenditure by the eligible trade organization of
    the assistance provided under this subsection.
    ``(6) Restrictions on use of funds.--Assistance provided
    under this subsection to an eligible trade organization may not
    be used--
    ``(A) to provide direct assistance to any foreign
    for-profit corporation for the corporation's use in
    promoting foreign-produced products; or

    [[Page 4611]]

    ``(B) to provide direct assistance to any for-profit
    corporation that is not recognized as a small business
    concern (as described in section 3(a) of the Small
    Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(a))), excluding--
    ``(i) a cooperative;
    ``(ii) an association described in the first
    section of the Act entitled `An Act To authorize
    association of producers of agricultural
    products', approved February 18, 1922 (7 U.S.C.
    291); or
    ``(iii) a nonprofit trade association.
    ``(7) Permissive use of funds.--Assistance provided under
    this subsection to a United States agricultural trade
    association, cooperative, or small business may be used for
    individual branded promotional activity related to a United
    States branded product, if the beneficiaries of the activity
    have provided funds for the activity in an amount that is at
    least equivalent to the amount of such assistance.
    ``(8) Priority.--In providing assistance for branded
    promotion, the Secretary should give priority to small-sized
    entities.
    ``(9) Contribution level.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary should require a
    minimum contribution level of 10 percent from an
    eligible trade organization that receives assistance for
    nonbranded promotion.
    ``(B) Increases in contribution level.--The
    Secretary may increase the contribution level in any
    subsequent year that an eligible trade organization
    receives assistance for nonbranded promotion.
    ``(10) Additionality.--The Secretary should require each
    participant in the Market Access Program to certify that any
    Federal funds received supplement, but do not supplant, private
    or third party participant funds or other contributions to
    Program activities.
    ``(11) Independent audits.--If as a result of an evaluation
    or audit of activities of a participant under the Market Access
    Program, the Secretary determines that a further review is
    justified in order to ensure compliance with the requirements of
    the Program, the Secretary should require the participant to
    contract for an independent audit of the Program activities,
    including activities of any subcontractor.
    ``(12) Tobacco.--No funds made available under the Market
    Access Program may be used for activities to develop, maintain,
    or expand foreign markets for tobacco.

    ``(c) Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program.--
    ``(1) Definition of eligible trade organization.--In this
    subsection, the term `eligible trade organization' means a
    United States trade organization that--
    ``(A) promotes the export of 1 or more United States
    agricultural commodities; and
    ``(B) does not have a business interest in or
    receive remuneration from specific sales of agricultural
    commodities.
    ``(2) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish and, in
    cooperation with eligible trade organizations, carry out a
    program to be known as the `Foreign Market Development

    [[Page 4612]]

    Cooperator Program' to maintain and develop foreign markets for
    United States agricultural commodities.
    ``(3) Use of funds.--Funds made available to carry out this
    subsection shall be used only to provide--
    ``(A) cost-share assistance to an eligible trade
    organization under a contract or agreement with the
    eligible trade organization; and
    ``(B) assistance for other costs that are
    appropriate to carry out the Foreign Market Development
    Cooperator Program, including contingent liabilities
    that are not otherwise funded.

    ``(d) E (Kika) De La Garza Emerging Markets Program.--
    ``(1) Definition of emerging market.--In this subsection,
    the term `emerging market' means any country, foreign territory,
    customs union, or other economic market that the Secretary
    determines--
    ``(A) is taking steps toward a market-oriented
    economy through the food, agriculture, or rural business
    sectors of its economy; and
    ``(B) has the potential to provide a viable and
    significant market for United States agricultural
    commodities.
    ``(2) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish and
    carry out a program, to be known as the `E (Kika) de la Garza
    Emerging Markets Program'--
    ``(A) to develop agricultural markets in emerging
    markets; and
    ``(B) to promote cooperation and exchange of
    information between agricultural institutions and
    agribusinesses in the United States and emerging
    markets.
    ``(3) Development of agricultural systems.--
    ``(A) In general.--
    ``(i) Implementation.--To develop, maintain,
    or expand markets for exports of United States
    agricultural commodities, the Secretary shall make
    available to emerging markets the expertise of the
    United States--
    ``(I) to make assessments of food
    and rural business systems needs;
    ``(II) to make recommendations on
    measures necessary to enhance the
    effectiveness of the food and rural
    business systems described in subclause
    (I), including potential reductions in
    trade barriers; and
    ``(III) to identify and carry out
    specific opportunities and projects to
    enhance the effectiveness of the food
    and rural business systems described in
    subclause (I).
    ``(ii) Extent of program.--The Secretary shall
    implement this subparagraph with respect to at
    least 3 emerging markets in each fiscal year.
    ``(B) Experts from the united states.--The Secretary
    may implement subparagraph (A) by providing--
    ``(i) assistance to teams (consisting
    primarily of agricultural consultants,
    agricultural producers, other persons from the
    private sector, and government officials expert in
    assessing the food and rural business systems of
    other countries) to enable those teams to

    [[Page 4613]]

    conduct the assessments, make the recommendations,
    and identify the opportunities and projects
    described in subparagraph (A)(i) in emerging
    markets;
    ``(ii) for necessary subsistence and
    transportation expenses of--
    ``(I) United States food and rural
    business system experts, including
    United States agricultural producers and
    other United States individuals
    knowledgeable in agricultural and
    agribusiness matters, to enable such
    United States food and rural business
    system experts to assist in transferring
    knowledge and expertise to entities from
    emerging markets; and
    ``(II) individuals designated by
    emerging markets to enable such
    designated individuals to consult with
    such United States experts to enhance
    food and rural business systems of such
    emerging markets and to transfer
    knowledge and expertise to such emerging
    markets.
    ``(C) Cost-sharing.--The Secretary shall encourage
    the nongovernmental experts described in subparagraph
    (B) to share the costs of, and otherwise assist in, the
    participation of those experts in the E (Kika) de la
    Garza Emerging Markets Program.
    ``(D) Technical assistance.--The Secretary is
    authorized to provide, or pay the necessary costs for,
    technical assistance (including the establishment of
    extension services) to enable individuals or other
    entities to carry out recommendations, projects, and
    opportunities in emerging markets, including
    recommendations, projects, and opportunities described
    in subclauses (II) and (III) of subparagraph (A)(i).
    ``(E) Reports to secretary.--A team that receives
    assistance under subparagraph (B)(i) shall prepare and
    submit to the Secretary such reports as the Secretary
    may require.
    ``(F) Advisory committee.--To provide the Secretary
    with information that may be useful to the Secretary in
    carrying out this subsection, the Secretary may
    establish an advisory committee composed of
    representatives of the various sectors of the food and
    rural business systems of the United States.
    ``(G) Effect.--The authority provided under this
    subsection shall be in addition to and not in place of
    any other authority of the Secretary or the Commodity
    Credit Corporation.

    ``(e) Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops.--
    ``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall
    establish an export assistance program, in this subsection
    referred to as the `program', to address existing or potential
    unique barriers that prohibit or threaten the export of United
    States specialty crops.
    ``(2) Purpose.--The program shall provide direct assistance
    through public and private sector projects and technical
    assistance, including through the program under section 2(e) of
    the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7
    U.S.C. 3157(e)), to remove, resolve, or mitigate existing or

    [[Page 4614]]

    potential sanitary, phytosanitary, and technical barriers to
    trade.
    ``(3) Priority.--The program shall address time sensitive
    and strategic market access projects based on--
    ``(A) trade effect on market retention, market
    access, and market expansion; and
    ``(B) trade impact.
    ``(4) Multiyear projects.--The Secretary may provide
    assistance under the program to a project for longer than a 5-
    year period if the Secretary determines that further assistance
    would effectively support the purpose described in paragraph
    (2).
    ``(5) Outreach and technical assistance.--The Secretary
    shall--
    ``(A) conduct outreach to inform eligible
    organizations of the requirements of the program and the
    process by which such organizations may submit proposals
    for funding;
    ``(B) provide technical assistance to eligible
    organizations to assist in developing proposals and
    complying with the requirements of the program; and
    ``(C) solicit input from eligible organizations on
    improvements to streamline and facilitate the provision
    of assistance under this subsection.
    ``(6) Regulations and procedures.--
    ``(A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the
    date of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of
    2018, the Secretary shall review program regulations,
    procedures, and guidelines for assistance under this
    subsection and make revisions to streamline, improve,
    and clarify the application, approval and compliance
    processes for such assistance, including revisions to
    implement the requirements of paragraph (5).
    ``(B) Considerations.--In reviewing and making
    revisions under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall
    consider--
    ``(i) establishing accountability standards
    that are appropriate for the size and scope of a
    project; and
    ``(ii) establishing streamlined application
    and approval processes, including for smaller-
    scale projects or projects to address time-
    sensitive trade barriers.
    ``(7) Annual report.--Each year, the Secretary shall submit
    to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that
    contains, for the period covered by the report, a description
    of--
    ``(A) each factor that affects the export of
    specialty crops, including each factor relating to any--
    ``(i) significant sanitary or phytosanitary
    issue;
    ``(ii) trade barrier; or
    ``(iii) emerging sanitary or phytosanitary
    issue or trade barrier; and
    ``(B)(i) any funds provided under subsection
    (f)(3)(A)(iv) that were not obligated in a fiscal year;
    and
    ``(ii) the reason such funds were not obligated.

    ``(f) Funding and Administration.--

    [[Page 4615]]

    ``(1) Commodity credit corporation.--The Secretary shall use
    the funds, facilities, and authorities of the Commodity Credit
    Corporation to carry out this section.
    ``(2) Funding amount.--For each of fiscal years 2019 through
    2023, of the funds of, or an equal value of commodities owned
    by, the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to
    carry out this section $255,000,000, to remain available until
    expended.
    ``(3) Allocation.--
    ``(A) In general.--For each of fiscal years 2019
    through 2023, the Secretary shall allocate funds to
    carry out this section in accordance with the following:
    ``(i) Market access program.--For market
    access activities authorized under subsection (b),
    of the funds of, or an equal value of commodities
    owned by, the Commodity Credit Corporation, not
    less than $200,000,000 for each fiscal year.
    ``(ii) Foreign market development cooperator
    program.--To carry out subsection (c), of the
    funds of, or an equal value of commodities owned
    by, the Commodity Credit Corporation, not less
    than $34,500,000 for each fiscal year.
    ``(iii) E (kika) de la garza emerging markets
    program.--To provide assistance under subsection
    (d), of the funds of, or an equal value of
    commodities owned by, the Commodity Credit
    Corporation, not more than $8,000,000 for each
    fiscal year.
    ``(iv) Technical assistance for specialty
    crops.--To carry out subsection (e), of the funds
    of, or an equal value of the commodities owned by,
    the Commodity Credit Corporation, $9,000,000 for
    each fiscal year.
    ``(v) Priority trade fund.--
    ``(I) In general.--In addition to
    the amounts allocated under clauses (i)
    through (iv), and notwithstanding any
    limitations in those clauses, as
    determined by the Secretary, for 1 or
    more programs under this section for
    authorized activities to access,
    develop, maintain, and expand markets
    for United States agricultural
    commodities, $3,500,000 for each fiscal
    year.
    ``(II) Considerations.--In
    allocating funds made available under
    subclause (I), the Secretary may
    consider providing a greater allocation
    to 1 or more programs under this section
    for which the amounts requested under
    applications exceed available funding
    for the 1 or more programs.
    ``(B) Reallocation.--Any funds allocated under
    clauses (i) through (iv) of subparagraph (A) that remain
    unobligated one year after the end of the fiscal year in
    which they are first made available shall be reallocated
    to the priority trade fund under subparagraph (A)(v). To
    the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall
    allocate such reallocated funds to support exports of
    those types of United States agricultural commodities
    eligible for assistance under the program for which the
    funds were originally allocated under subparagraph (A).

    [[Page 4616]]

    ``(4) Cuba.--Notwithstanding section 908 of the Trade
    Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C.
    7207) or any other provision of law, funds made available under
    this section may be used to carry out the programs authorized
    under subsections (b) and (c) in Cuba. Funds may not be used as
    described in the previous sentence in contravention with
    directives set forth under the National Security Presidential
    Memorandum entitled `Strengthening the Policy of the United
    States Toward Cuba' issued by the President on June 16, 2017,
    during the period in which that memorandum is in effect.
    ``(5) Authorization of appropriations.--In addition to any
    other amounts provided under this subsection, there are
    authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to
    carry out the programs and authorities under paragraph (3)(A)(v)
    and subsections (b) through (e).''.

    (b) Conforming Amendments.--
    (1) Market access program.--
    (A) Section 211 of the Agricultural Trade Act of
    1978 (7 U.S.C. 5641) is amended by striking subsection
    (c).
    (B) Section 402(a)(1) of the Agricultural Trade Act
    of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5662(a)(1)) is amended by striking
    ``203'' and inserting ``203(b)''.
    (C) Section 282(f)(2)(C) of the Agricultural
    Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1638a(f)(2)(C)) is
    amended by striking ``section 203 of the Agricultural
    Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5623)'' and inserting
    ``section 203(b) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978
    (7 U.S.C. 5623(b))''.
    (D) Section 718 of the Agriculture, Rural
    Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related
    Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 (7 U.S.C. 5623 note;
    Public Law 105-277) is amended by striking ``section 203
    of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5623)''
    and inserting ``section 203(b) of the Agricultural Trade
    Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5623(b)''.
    (E) Section 1302 of the Omnibus Budget
    Reconciliation Act of 1993 <>
    is repealed.
    (2) Foreign market development cooperator program.--Title
    VII of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5721 et
    seq.) <>  is repealed.
    (3) E (kika) de la garza emerging markets program.--
    (A) Section 1542 of the Food, Agriculture,
    Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C 5622 note;
    Public Law 101-624) is amended--
    (i) by striking subsection (d);
    (ii) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f)
    as subsections (d) and (e), respectively; and
    (iii) in subsection (e) (as so redesignated)--
    (I) in the matter preceding
    paragraph (1), by striking ``country''
    and inserting ``country, foreign
    territory, customs union, or other
    economic market''; and
    (II) in paragraph (1), by striking
    ``the economy of the country'' and
    inserting ``its economy''.
    (B) Section 1543(b)(5) of the Food, Agriculture,
    Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C.
    3293(b)(5))

    [[Page 4617]]

    is amended by striking ``section 1542(f)'' and inserting
    ``section 1542(e)''.
    (C) Section 1543A(c)(2) of the Food, Agriculture,
    Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C.
    5679(c)(2)) is amended by inserting ``and section 203(d)
    of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978'' after ``section
    1542''.
    (4) Technical assistance for specialty crops.--Section 3205
    of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C.
    5680) is repealed.

    Subtitle C--Other Agricultural Trade Laws

    SEC. 3301. GROWING AMERICAN FOOD EXPORTS.

    Section 1543A of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
    of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5679) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (b)(1)(A), by inserting ``or new
    agricultural production technologies'' after ``biotechnology'';
    and
    (2) in subsection (d), by striking ``$6,000,000'' and all
    that follows through the period at the end and inserting
    ``$2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.''.
    SEC. 3302. FOOD FOR PROGRESS ACT OF 1985.

    Section 1110 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (also known as the
    Food for Progress Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1736o)) is amended--
    (1) by striking ``President'' each place it appears and
    inserting ``Secretary'';
    (2) in subsection (b)--
    (A) in paragraph (5)--
    (i) by striking ``and'' at the end of
    subparagraph (E);
    (ii) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as
    subparagraph (G); and
    (iii) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the
    following new subparagraph:
    ``(F) a college or university (as such terms are
    defined in section 1404(4) of the Food and Agriculture
    Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103(4)); and''; and
    (B) by adding at the end the following new
    paragraphs:
    ``(10) Rate of return.--For purposes of applying subsection
    (j)(3), the rate of return for an eligible commodity shall be
    equal to the proportion that--
    ``(A) the proceeds eligible entities generate
    through monetization of such commodity, bears to
    ``(B) the cost to the Federal Government to procure
    and ship the commodity to the country where it is
    monetized.
    ``(11) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary
    of Agriculture.'';
    (3) in subsection (f)(3), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023'';
    (4) in subsection (g), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023'';
    (5) in subsection (j)(3)--
    (A) by striking ``December 1'' and inserting ``April
    1'';
    (B) by striking ``of the Senate a list of programs''
    and inserting ``of the Senate--

    [[Page 4618]]

    ``(A) a list of programs'';
    (C) by striking ``approved to date for the fiscal
    year'' and inserting ``approved during the prior fiscal
    year'';
    (D) by striking the period at the end and inserting
    a semicolon; and
    (E) by adding at the end the following new
    subparagraphs:
    ``(B) a description of the actual rate of return for
    each commodity made available under this section for the
    previous fiscal year including--
    ``(i) factors that influenced the rate of
    return; and
    ``(ii) with respect to the commodity, the
    costs of bagging or further processing, ocean
    transportation, inland transportation, storage
    costs, and any other information that the
    Secretary determines to be necessary; and
    ``(C) for each instance in which a commodity was
    made available under this section at a rate of return
    less than 70 percent, an explanation for the rate of
    return realized.''.
    (6) in subsection (k), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023'';
    (7) in subsection (l)(1), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023'';
    (8) in the heading of subsection (m), by striking
    ``Presidential'' and inserting ``Secretarial'';
    (9) in subsection (o), by striking ``(acting through the
    Secretary)'';
    (10) in subsection (o)(1), by striking ``subparagraphs (C)
    and (F)'' and inserting ``subparagraphs (C) and (G)''; and
    (11) by adding at the end the following new subsection:.

    ``(p) Pilot Agreements.--
    ``(1) In general.--For each of fiscal years 2019 through
    2023, subject to the availability of appropriations pursuant to
    the authorization in paragraph (3), the Secretary shall enter
    into 1 or more pilot agreements with 1 or more eligible entities
    through which the Secretary shall provide financial assistance
    to the eligible entities to carry out activities consistent with
    subsection (l)(4)(A).
    ``(2) Report required.--In each of fiscal years 2020 through
    2024, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture
    of the House of Representatives and Committee on Agriculture,
    Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report describing, with
    respect to the previous fiscal year--
    ``(A) the amount provided to eligible entities under
    each pilot agreement pursuant to paragraph (1) and how
    the funds were used;
    ``(B) the activities carried out under each pilot
    agreement;
    ``(C) the number of direct and indirect
    beneficiaries of those activities; and
    ``(D) the effectiveness of the pilot agreements,
    including as applicable the impact on food security and
    agricultural productivity.
    ``(3) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
    to be appropriated to carry out pilot agreements pursuant to
    this subsection $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019
    through 2023.''.

    [[Page 4619]]

    SEC. 3303. BILL EMERSON HUMANITARIAN TRUST ACT.

    Section 302 of the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act (7 U.S.C.
    1736f-1) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (b)(2)(B)(i), by striking ``2018'' each
    place it appears and inserting ``2023''; and
    (2) in subsection (h), by striking ``2018'' each place it
    appears and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 3304. PROMOTION OF AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS TO EMERGING MARKETS.

    Section 1542(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade
    Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5622 note; Public Law 101-624) is amended by
    striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 3305. COCHRAN FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.

    Section 1543 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
    of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 3293) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``for study in the United
    States.'' and inserting the following: ``for study--
    ``(1) in the United States; or
    ``(2) at a college or university located in an eligible
    country that the Secretary determines--
    ``(A) has sufficient scientific and technical
    facilities;
    ``(B) has established a partnership with at least
    one college or university in the United States; and
    ``(C) has substantial participation by faculty
    members of the United States college or university in
    the design of the fellowship curriculum and classroom
    instruction under the fellowship.'';
    (2) in subsection (c)--
    (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``(which may
    include agricultural extension services)'' after
    ``systems''; and
    (B) in paragraph (2)--
    (i) by striking ``enhance trade'' and
    inserting the following: ``enhance--
    ``(A) trade'';
    (ii) in subparagraph (A) (as so designated) by
    striking the period at the end and inserting ``;
    or''; and
    (iii) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(B) linkages between agricultural interests in the
    United States and regulatory systems governing sanitary
    and phytosanitary standards for agricultural products
    that--
    ``(i) may enter the United States; and
    ``(ii) may pose risks to human, animal, or
    plant life or health.''; and
    (3) in subsection (f)--
    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``$3,000,000'' and
    inserting ``$4,000,000'';
    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``$2,000,000'' and
    inserting ``$3,000,000''; and
    (C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``$5,000,000'' and
    inserting ``$6,000,000''.

    [[Page 4620]]

    SEC. 3306. BORLAUG INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE AND
    TECHNOLOGY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.

    Section 1473G of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319j) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (c)(2)--
    (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
    striking ``shall support'' and inserting ``support'';
    (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and'' at the
    end;
    (C) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at
    the end and inserting ``; and''; and
    (D) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(E) the development of agricultural extension
    services in eligible countries.''; and
    (2) in subsection (f)--
    (A) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting the
    following:
    ``(1) In general.--The Secretary''; and
    (B) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(2) Leveraging alumni engagement.--In carrying out the
    purposes and programs under this section, the Secretary shall
    encourage ongoing engagement with fellowship recipients who have
    completed training under the program to provide advice
    regarding, and participate in, new or ongoing agricultural
    development projects, with a priority for capacity-building
    projects.''.
    SEC. 3307. <>  INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL
    EDUCATION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.

    (a) Fellowship Program Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish
    a fellowship program to be known as the International Agricultural
    Education Fellowship Program to provide fellowships to citizens of the
    United States to assist eligible countries in developing school-based
    agricultural education and youth extension programs.
    (b) Eligible Country Described.--For purposes of this section, an
    eligible country is a developing country, as determined by the Secretary
    using a gross national income per capita test selected by the Secretary.
    (c) Purpose of Fellowships.--The goals of providing a fellowship
    under this section are to--
    (1) develop globally minded United States agriculturists
    with experience living abroad;
    (2) focus on meeting the food and fiber needs of the
    domestic population of eligible countries; and
    (3) strengthen and enhance trade linkages between eligible
    countries and the United States agricultural industry.

    (d) Eligible Candidates.--The Secretary may provide fellowships to
    citizens of the United States who--
    (1) hold at least a bachelors degree in an agricultural
    related field of study; and
    (2) have an understanding of United States school-based
    agricultural education and youth extension programs, as
    determined by the Secretary.

    (e) Candidate Identification.--The Secretary shall consult with the
    National FFA Organization, the National 4-H Council, and other entities
    as the Secretary determines are appropriate to identify candidates for
    fellowships.

    [[Page 4621]]

    (f) Program Implementation.--The Secretary shall provide for the
    management, coordination, evaluation, and monitoring of the Fellowship
    Program, except that the Secretary may contract out the management of
    the fellowship program to an outside organization with experience in
    implementing fellowship programs focused on building capacity for
    school-based agricultural education and youth extension programs in
    developing countries.
    (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--
    (1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated
    $5,000,000 to carry out this section for each of fiscal years
    2019 through 2023.
    (2) Duration.--Any funds made available under this
    subsection shall remain available until expended.
    SEC. 3308. INTERNATIONAL FOOD SECURITY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

    The Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 is
    amended by inserting after section 1543A (7 U.S.C. 5679) the following:
    ``SEC. 1543B. <>  INTERNATIONAL FOOD SECURITY
    TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

    ``(a) Definition of International Food Security.--In this section,
    the term `international food security' means access by any person at any
    time to food and nutrition that is sufficient for a healthy and
    productive life.
    ``(b) Collection of Information.--The Secretary of Agriculture
    (referred to in this section as the `Secretary') shall compile
    information from appropriate mission areas of the Department of
    Agriculture (including the Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services
    mission area) relating to the improvement of international food
    security.
    ``(c) Public Availability.--To benefit programs for the improvement
    of international food security, the Secretary shall organize the
    information described in subsection (b) and make the information
    available in a format suitable for--
    ``(1) public education; and
    ``(2) use by--
    ``(A) a Federal, State, or local agency;
    ``(B) an agency or instrumentality of the government
    of a foreign country;
    ``(C) a domestic or international organization,
    including a domestic or international nongovernmental
    organization; and
    ``(D) an intergovernmental organization.

    ``(d) Technical Assistance.--On request by an entity described in
    subsection (c)(2), the Secretary may provide technical assistance to the
    entity to implement a program for the improvement of international food
    security.
    ``(e) Program Priority.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary
    shall give priority to programs relating to the development of food and
    nutrition safety net systems with a focus on food insecure countries.
    ``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
    appropriated to carry out this section $1,000,000 for each of fiscal
    years 2019 through 2023.''.

    [[Page 4622]]

    SEC. 3309. MCGOVERN-DOLE INTERNATIONAL FOOD FOR EDUCATION AND
    CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM.

    Section 3107 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
    (7 U.S.C. 1736o-1) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)--
    (A) by striking ``that is'' and inserting the
    following: ``that--
    ``(1) is'';
    (B) in paragraph (1) (as so designated), by striking
    the period at the end and inserting ``; or''; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(2)(A) is produced in and procured from--
    ``(i) a developing country that is a recipient
    country; or
    ``(ii) a developing country in the same region as a
    recipient country; and
    ``(B) at a minimum, meets each nutritional, quality, and
    labeling standard of the recipient country, as determined by the
    Secretary.'';
    (2) in subsection (c)(2)(A)--
    (A) in clause (v)(IV), by striking ``and'' at the
    end;
    (B) by redesignating clause (vi) as clause (vii);
    and
    (C) by inserting after clause (v) the following:
    ``(vi) the costs associated with transporting
    the commodities described in subsection (a)(2)
    from a developing country described in
    subparagraph (A)(ii) of that subsection to any
    designated point of entry within the recipient
    country; and'';
    (3) in subsection (f)(1)--
    (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and (F) as
    subparagraphs (F) and (G), respectively; and
    (B) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the
    following:
    ``(E) ensure to the maximum extent practicable that
    assistance--
    ``(i) is provided under this section in a
    timely manner; and
    ``(ii) is available when needed throughout the
    applicable school year;''; and
    (4) in subsection (l)--
    (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2018'' and
    inserting ``2023''; and
    (B) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(4) Purchase of commodities.--Of the funds made available
    to carry out this section, not more than 10 percent shall be
    used to purchase agricultural commodities described in
    subsection (a)(2).''.
    SEC. 3310. GLOBAL CROP DIVERSITY TRUST.

    Section 3202 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (22
    U.S.C. 2220a note; Public Law 110-246) is amended--
    (1) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:

    ``(b) United States Contribution Limit.--
    ``(1) In general.--The aggregate contributions of funds of
    the Federal Government provided to the Trust shall not exceed--

    [[Page 4623]]

    ``(A) for the period of fiscal years 2014 through
    2018, 25 percent of the total amount of funds
    contributed to the Trust from all sources; and
    ``(B) subject to paragraph (2), effective beginning
    with fiscal year 2019, 33 percent of the total amount of
    funds contributed to the Trust from all sources.
    ``(2) Annual limitation.--The contributions of funds of the
    Federal Government provided to the Trust shall not exceed
    $5,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.''; and
    (2) in subsection (c), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.
    SEC. 3311. LOCAL AND REGIONAL FOOD AID PROCUREMENT PROJECTS.

    Section 3206(e)(1) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008
    (7 U.S.C. 1726c(e)(1)) is amended--
    (1) by inserting ``to the Secretary'' after
    ``appropriated''; and
    (2) by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``2019
    through 2023''.
    SEC. 3312. <>  FOREIGN TRADE MISSIONS.

    (a) Tribal Representation on Trade Missions.--
    (1) In general.--The Secretary, in consultation with the
    Tribal Advisory Committee established under subsection (b)(2) of
    section 309 of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department
    of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6921(b)(2))
    (as added by section 12303(2)) (referred to in this section as
    the ``Advisory Committee''), shall seek--
    (A) to support the greater inclusion of Tribal
    agricultural and food products in Federal trade-related
    activities; and
    (B) to increase the collaboration between Federal
    trade promotion efforts and other Federal trade-related
    activities in support of the greater inclusion sought
    under subparagraph (A).
    (2) Interdepartmental coordination.--In carrying out
    activities to increase the collaboration described in paragraph
    (1)(B), the Secretary shall coordinate with--
    (A) the Secretary of Commerce;
    (B) the Secretary of State;
    (C) the Secretary of the Interior; and
    (D) the heads of any other relevant Federal
    agencies.

    (b) Report; Goals.--
    (1) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
    enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report
    describing the efforts of the Department of Agriculture and
    other Federal agencies under this section to--
    (A) the Advisory Committee;
    (B) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
    Representatives;
    (C) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the
    House of Representatives;
    (D) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
    Forestry of the Senate;
    (E) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
    Transportation of the Senate; and
    (F) the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate.

    [[Page 4624]]

    (2) Goals.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
    enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish goals for
    measuring, in an objective and quantifiable format, the extent
    to which Indian Tribes and Tribal agricultural and food products
    are included in the trade-related activities of the Department
    of Agriculture.

    TITLE IV--NUTRITION

    Subtitle A--Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

    SEC. 4001. REQUIREMENTS FOR ONLINE ACCEPTANCE OF BENEFITS.

    (a) Definition.--Section 3(o)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of
    2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012(o)(1)) is amended by striking ``or house-to-house
    trade route'' and inserting ``, house-to-house trade route, or online
    entity''.
    (b) Acceptance of Benefits.--Section 7(k) of the Food and Nutrition
    Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2016(k)) is amended--
    (1) by striking the heading and inserting ``Acceptance of
    Program Benefits Through Online Transactions'',
    (2) in paragraph (4) by striking subparagraph (C), and
    (3) by striking paragraph (5).
    SEC. 4002. RE-EVALUATION OF THRIFTY FOOD PLAN.

    Section 3(u) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
    2012(u)) is amended by inserting after the 1st sentence the following:
    ``By 2022 and at 5-year intervals thereafter, the Secretary shall re-
    evaluate and publish the market baskets of the thrifty food plan based
    on current food prices, food composition data, consumption patterns, and
    dietary guidance.''.
    SEC. 4003. FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON INDIAN RESERVATIONS.

    (a) In General.--Section 4(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008
    (7 U.S.C. 2013(b)) is amended--
    (1) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
    ``(4) Administrative costs.--
    ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the
    Secretary shall pay not less than 80 percent of
    administrative costs and distribution costs on Indian
    reservations as the Secretary determines necessary for
    effective administration of such distribution by a State
    agency or tribal organization.
    ``(B) Waiver.--The Secretary shall waive up to 100
    percent of the non-Federal share of the costs described
    in subparagraph (A) if the Secretary determines that--
    ``(i) the tribal organization is financially
    unable to provide a greater non-Federal share of
    the costs; or
    ``(ii) providing a greater non-Federal share
    of the costs would be a substantial burden for the
    tribal organization.
    ``(C) Limitation.--The Secretary may not reduce any
    benefits or services under the food distribution program
    on Indian reservations under this subsection to any
    tribal

    [[Page 4625]]

    organization that is granted a waiver under subparagraph
    (B).
    ``(D) Tribal contribution.--The Secretary may allow
    a tribal organization to use funds provided to the
    tribal organization through a Federal agency or other
    Federal benefit to satisfy all or part of the non-
    Federal share of the costs described in subparagraph (A)
    if that use is otherwise consistent with the purpose of
    the funds.'',
    (2) in paragraph (6)--
    (A) in the heading by striking ``locally-grown'' and
    inserting ``locally- and regionally-grown'',
    (B) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``locally-
    grown'' and inserting ``locally- and regionally-grown'',
    (C) in subparagraph (C)--
    (i) in the heading by striking ``locally
    grown'' and inserting ``locally- and regionally-
    grown'', and
    (ii) by striking ``locally-grown'' and
    inserting ``locally- and regionally-grown'',
    (D) by amending subparagraph (D) to read as follows:
    ``(D) Purchase of foods.--In carrying out this
    paragraph, the Secretary shall purchase or offer to
    purchase those traditional foods that may be procured
    cost-effectively.'',
    (E) by striking subparagraph (E), and
    (F) in subparagraph (F)--
    (i) by striking ``(F)'' and inserting ``(E)'',
    and
    (ii) by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023'', and
    (3) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(7) Availability of funds.--
    ``(A) In general.--Funds made available for a fiscal
    year to carry out this subsection shall remain available
    for obligation for a period of 2 fiscal years.
    ``(B) Administrative costs.--Funds made available
    for a fiscal year to carry out paragraph (4) shall
    remain available for obligation by the State agency or
    tribal organization for a period of 2 fiscal years.''.

    (b) <>  Demonstration Project for Tribal
    Organizations.--
    (1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
    (A) Demonstration project.--The term ``demonstration
    project'' means the demonstration project established
    under paragraph (2).
    (B) Food distribution program.--The term ``food
    distribution program'' means the food distribution
    program on Indian reservations carried out under section
    4(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
    2013(b)).
    (C) Indian reservation.--The term ``Indian
    reservation'' has the meaning given the term
    ``reservation'' in section 3 of the Food and Nutrition
    Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012).
    (D) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian tribe'' has the
    meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
    Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C.
    5304).
    (E) Self-determination contract.--The term ``self-
    determination contract'' has the meaning given the term
    in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and
    Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).

    [[Page 4626]]

    (F) Tribal organization.--The term ``tribal
    organization'' has the meaning given the term in section
    3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012).
    (2) Establishment.--Subject to the availability of
    appropriations, the Secretary shall establish a demonstration
    project under which 1 or more tribal organizations may enter
    into self-determination contracts to purchase agricultural
    commodities under the food distribution program for the Indian
    reservation of that tribal organization.
    (3) Eligibility.--
    (A) Consultation.--The Secretary shall consult with
    the Secretary of the Interior and Indian tribes to
    determine the process and criteria under which a tribal
    organization may participate in the demonstration
    project.
    (B) Criteria.--The Secretary shall select for
    participation in the demonstration project tribal
    organizations that--
    (i) are successfully administering the food
    distribution program of the tribal organization
    under section 4(b)(2)(B) of the Food and Nutrition
    Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2013(b)(2)(B)),
    (ii) have the capacity to purchase
    agricultural commodities in accordance with
    paragraph (4) for the food distribution program of
    the tribal organization, and
    (iii) meet any other criteria determined by
    the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary
    of the Interior and Indian tribes.
    (4) Procurement of agricultural commodities.--Any
    agricultural commodities purchased by a tribal organization
    under the demonstration project shall--
    (A) be domestically produced,
    (B) supplant, not supplement, the type of
    agricultural commodities in existing food packages for
    that tribal organization,
    (C) be of similar or higher nutritional value as the
    type of agricultural commodities that would be
    supplanted in the existing food package for that tribal
    organization, and
    (D) meet any other criteria determined by the
    Secretary.
    (5) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which
    funds are appropriated under paragraph (6) and annually
    thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
    Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
    Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report
    describing the activities carried out under the demonstration
    project during the preceding year.
    (6) Funding.--
    (A) Authorization of appropriations.--There is
    authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry
    out this subsection $5,000,000, to remain available
    until expended.
    (B) Appropriations in advance.--Only funds
    appropriated under subparagraph (A) in advance
    specifically to carry out this subsection shall be
    available to carry out this subsection.

    [[Page 4627]]

    (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 3(v) of the Food and Nutrition
    Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012(v)) is amended by striking ``the Indian Self-
    Determination Act (25 U.S.C. 450b(b))'' and inserting ``section 4 of the
    Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C.
    5304)''.
    SEC. 4004. SIMPLIFIED HOMELESS HOUSING COSTS.

    Section 5(e)(6)(D) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
    2014(e)(6)(D)) is amended--
    (1) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iii), and
    (2) by striking clause (i) and inserting the following:
    ``(i) Alternative deduction.--The State agency
    shall allow a deduction of $143 a month for
    households--
    ``(I) in which all members are
    homeless individuals;
    ``(II) that are not receiving free
    shelter throughout the month; and
    ``(III) that do not opt to claim an
    excess shelter expense deduction under
    subparagraph (A).
    ``(ii) Adjustment.--For fiscal year 2019 and
    each subsequent fiscal year the amount of the
    homeless shelter deduction specified in clause (i)
    shall be adjusted to reflect changes for the 12-
    month period ending the preceding November 30 in
    the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers
    published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the
    Department of Labor.''.
    SEC. 4005. EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING FOR SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION
    ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

    (a) Employment and Training Programs That Meet State and Local
    Workforce Needs.--Section 6(d)(4) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008
    (7 U.S.C. 2015(d)(4)) is amended--
    (1) in subparagraph (A)--
    (A) in clause (i)--
    (i) by inserting ``, in consultation with the
    State workforce development board, or, if the
    State demonstrates that consultation with private
    employers or employer organizations would be more
    effective or efficient, in consultation with
    private employers or employer organizations,''
    after ``designed by the State agency'', and
    (ii) by striking ``that will increase their
    ability to obtain regular employment.'' and
    inserting the following: ``that will--
    ``(I) increase the ability of the
    household members to obtain regular
    employment; and
    ``(II) meet State or local workforce
    needs.'', and
    (B) in clause (ii) by inserting ``and implemented to
    meet the purposes of clause (i)'' after ``under this
    paragraph'',
    (2) in subparagraph (B)--
    (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting
    ``case management services such as comprehensive intake

    [[Page 4628]]

    assessments, individualized service plans, progress
    monitoring, or coordination with service providers and''
    after ``contains'',
    (B) in clause (iv) by redesignating subclauses (I)
    and (II) as items (aa) and (bb), respectively, and
    indenting appropriately,
    (C) by redesignating clauses (i) through (vii) and
    clause (viii) as subclauses (I) through (VII) and
    subclause (IX), respectively, and indenting
    appropriately,
    (D) by striking subclause (I), as so redesignated,
    and inserting the following:
    ``(I) Supervised job search programs
    that occur at State-approved locations
    at which the activities of participants
    shall be directly supervised and the
    timing and activities of participants
    tracked in accordance with guidelines
    issued by the State.'',
    (E) in subclause (II), as so redesignated, by
    striking ``jobs skills assessments, job finding clubs,
    training in techniques for'' and inserting
    ``employability assessments, training in techniques to
    increase'',
    (F) in subclause (IV), as so redesignated, in the
    first sentence, by inserting ``, including subsidized
    employment and apprenticeships'' before the period at
    the end,
    (G) in subclause (VII), as so redesignated, by
    inserting ``not less than 30 days but'' after ``period
    of'',
    (H) by inserting after subclause (VII), as so
    redesignated, the following:
    ``(VIII) Programs and activities
    under clause (iv) of section 16(h)(1)(F)
    that the Secretary determines, based on
    results from the independent evaluations
    conducted under clause (vii)(I) of such
    section, have the most demonstrable
    impact on the ability of participants to
    find and retain employment that leads to
    increased household income and reduced
    reliance on public assistance.'',
    (I) in the matter preceding subclause (I), as so
    redesignated--
    (i) by striking ``this subparagraph'' and
    inserting ``this clause'', and
    (ii) by striking ``(B) For purposes of this
    Act, an'' and inserting the following:
    ``(B) Definitions.--In this Act:
    ``(i) Employment and training program.--The
    term'', and
    (J) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(ii) Workforce partnership.--
    ``(I) In general.--The term
    `workforce partnership' means a program
    that--
    ``(aa) is operated by--
    ``(AA) a private
    employer, an organization
    representing private
    employers, or a nonprofit
    organization providing
    services relating to
    workforce development; or
    ``(BB) an entity
    identified as an eligible
    provider of training
    services under section
    122(d) of the Workforce
    Innovation and Opportunity
    Act (29 U.S.C. 3152(d));

    [[Page 4629]]

    ``(bb) the Secretary
    certifies, or the State agency
    certifies to the Secretary--
    ``(AA) subject to
    subparagraph (N)(ii), would
    assist participants who are
    members of households
    participating in the
    supplemental nutrition
    assistance program in
    gaining high-quality, work-
    relevant skills, training,
    work, or experience that
    will increase the ability of
    the participants to obtain
    regular employment;
    ``(BB) subject to
    subparagraph (N)(ii), would
    provide participants with
    not less than 20 hours per
    week of training, work, or
    experience under subitem
    (AA);
    ``(CC) would not use any
    funds authorized to be
    appropriated by this Act;
    ``(DD) would provide
    sufficient information, on
    request by the State agency,
    for the State agency to
    determine that participants
    who are members of
    households participating in
    the supplemental nutrition
    assistance program are
    fulfilling any applicable
    work requirement under this
    subsection or subsection
    (o);
    ``(EE) would be willing
    to serve as a reference for
    participants who are members
    of households participating
    in the supplemental
    nutrition assistance program
    for future employment or
    work-related programs; and
    ``(FF) meets any other
    criteria established by the
    Secretary, on the condition
    that the Secretary shall not
    establish any additional
    criteria that would impose
    significant paperwork
    burdens on the workforce
    partnership; and
    ``(cc) is in compliance with
    the Fair Labor Standards Act of
    1938 (29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.), if
    applicable.
    ``(II) Inclusion.--The term
    `workforce partnership' includes a
    multistate program.'',
    (3) in subparagraph (E)--
    (A) in the second sentence, by striking ``Such
    requirements'' and inserting the following:
    ``(ii) Variation.--The requirements under
    clause (i)'',
    (B) by striking ``(E) Each State'' and inserting the
    following:
    ``(E) Requirements for participation for certain
    individuals.--
    ``(i) In general.--Each State'', and
    (C) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(iii) Application to workforce
    partnerships.--To the extent that a State agency
    requires an individual to participate in an
    employment and training program, the State agency
    shall consider an individual participating in a
    workforce partnership to be in

    [[Page 4630]]

    compliance with the employment and training
    requirements.'',
    (4) in subparagraph (H), by striking ``(B)(v)'' and
    inserting ``(B)(i)(V)'', and
    (5) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(N) Workforce partnerships.--
    ``(i) Certification.--In certifying that a
    program meets the requirements of subitems (AA)
    and (BB) of subparagraph (B)(ii)(I)(bb) to be
    certified as a workforce partnership, the
    Secretary or the State agency shall require that
    the program submit to the Secretary or State
    agency sufficient information that describes--
    ``(I) the services and activities of
    the program that would provide
    participants with not less than 20 hours
    per week of training, work, or
    experience under those subitems; and
    ``(II) how the program would provide
    services and activities described in
    subclause (I) that would directly
    enhance the employability or job
    readiness of the participant.
    ``(ii) Supplement, not supplant.--A State
    agency may use a workforce partnership to
    supplement, not to supplant, the employment and
    training program of the State agency.
    ``(iii) Participation.--A State agency--
    ``(I) shall--
    ``(aa) maintain a list of
    workforce partnerships certified
    under subparagraph
    (B)(ii)(I)(bb); and
    ``(bb) not less frequently
    than at certification and
    recertification, provide to a
    household member subject to work
    requirements under subsection
    (d)(1) or subsection (o),
    electronically or by other
    means, the list described in
    item (aa); but
    ``(II) may not require any member of
    a household participating in the
    supplemental nutrition assistance
    program to participate in a workforce
    partnership.
    ``(iv) Effect.--
    ``(I) In general.--A workforce
    partnership shall not replace the
    employment or training of an individual
    not participating in the workforce
    partnership.
    ``(II) Selection.--Nothing in this
    subsection or subsection (o) affects the
    criteria or screening process for
    selecting participants by a workforce
    partnership.
    ``(v) Limitation on reporting requirements.--
    In carrying out this subparagraph, the Secretary
    and each applicable State agency shall limit the
    reporting requirements of a workforce partnership
    to--
    ``(I) on notification that an
    individual is receiving supplemental
    nutrition assistance program benefits,
    notifying the applicable State

    [[Page 4631]]

    agency that the individual is
    participating in the workforce
    partnership;
    ``(II) identifying participants who
    have completed or are no longer
    participating in the workforce
    partnership;
    ``(III) identifying changes to the
    workforce partnership that result in the
    workforce partnership no longer meeting
    the certification requirements of the
    Secretary or the State agency under
    subparagraph (B)(ii)(I)(bb); and
    ``(IV) providing sufficient
    information, on request by the State
    agency, for the State agency to verify
    that a participant is fulfilling any
    applicable work requirements under this
    subsection or subsection (o).
    ``(O) Referral of certain individuals.--
    ``(i) In general.--In accordance with such
    regulations as may be issued by the Secretary,
    with respect to any individual who is not eligible
    for an exemption under paragraph (2) and who is
    determined by the operator of an employment and
    training program component to be ill-suited to
    participate in that employment and training
    program component, the State agency shall--
    ``(I) refer the individual to an
    appropriate employment and training
    program component;
    ``(II) refer the individual to an
    appropriate workforce partnership, if
    available;
    ``(III) reassess the physical and
    mental fitness of the individual under
    paragraph (1)(A); or
    ``(IV) to the maximum extent
    practicable, coordinate with other
    Federal, State, or local workforce or
    assistance programs to identify work
    opportunities or assistance for the
    individual.
    ``(ii) Process.--In carrying out clause (i),
    the State agency shall ensure that an individual
    undergoing and complying with the process
    established under that clause shall not be found
    to have refused without good cause to participate
    in an employment and training program.''.

    (b) Work Requirements.--Section 6(o) of the Food and Nutrition Act
    of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2015(o)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (1)--
    (A) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``and'' at the
    end,
    (B) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``job search
    program or a job search training program.'' and
    inserting ``supervised job search program or job search
    training program;'', and
    (C) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(D) a program of employment and training for
    veterans operated by the Department of Labor or the
    Department of Veterans Affairs, and approved by the
    Secretary; and
    ``(E) a workforce partnership under subsection
    (d)(4)(N).'',
    (2) in paragraph (4)(A) by inserting ``and with the support
    of the chief executive officer of the State'' after ``agency'',
    and

    [[Page 4632]]

    (3) in paragraph (6)--
    (A) in the heading by striking ``15-percent
    exemption'' and inserting ``Exemptions'',
    (B) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``(G)'' and
    inserting ``(H)'',
    (C) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``(E) and (G)''
    and inserting ``(F) and (H)'' ,
    (D) in subparagraph (D)--
    (i) in the heading by striking ``Subsequent
    fiscal years'' and inserting ``Fiscal years 1999
    through 2019'',
    (ii) by striking ``(E) through (G)'' and
    inserting ``(F) through (H)'', and
    (iii) by striking ``year,'' and inserting
    ``year through fiscal year 2019,'',
    (E) in subparagraph (E) by striking ``or (D)'' and
    inserting ``, (D), or (E)'',
    (F) by redesignating subparagraphs (E), (F), and (G)
    as subparagraphs (F), (G), and (H), respectively, and
    (G) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the
    following:
    ``(E) Subsequent fiscal years.--Subject to
    subparagraphs (F) through (H), for fiscal year 2020 and
    each subsequent fiscal year, a State agency may provide
    a number of exemptions such that the average monthly
    number of exemptions in effect during the fiscal year
    does not exceed 12 percent of the number of covered
    individuals in the State, as estimated by the Secretary
    under subparagraph (C), adjusted by the Secretary to
    reflect changes in the State's caseload and the
    Secretary's estimate of changes in the proportion of
    members of households that receive supplemental
    nutrition assistance program benefits covered by waivers
    granted under paragraph (4).''.

    (c) State Plans.--Section 11 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008
    (7 U.S.C. 2020) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (e)(19) by inserting ``the extent to which
    such programs will be carried out in coordination with the
    activities carried out under title I of the Workforce Innovation
    and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3111 et seq.),'' before ``and the
    basis,'', and
    (2) by adding at the end the following:

    ``(w) For households containing at least one adult, with no elderly
    or disabled members and with no earned income at their last
    certification or required report, a State agency shall, at the time of
    recertification, be required to advise members of the household not
    exempt under section 6(d)(2) regarding available employment and training
    services.''.
    (d) Funding of Employment and Training Programs.--Section 16(h) of
    the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2025(h)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (1)--
    (A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``$90,000,000''
    and inserting ``$103,900,000'',
    (B) in subparagraph (C)--
    (i) in clause (i) by inserting ``, subject to
    clauses (ii) through (v),'' after ``(B), the
    Secretary'', and
    (ii) by adding at the end the following:

    [[Page 4633]]

    ``(iv) Priority.--The Secretary shall
    reallocate funds under this subparagraph as
    follows:
    ``(I)(aa) Subject to items (bb) and
    (cc), not less than 50 percent shall be
    reallocated to State agencies requesting
    such funds to conduct employment and
    training programs and activities for
    which such State agencies had previously
    received funding under subparagraph
    (F)(viii) that the Secretary determines
    have the most demonstrable impact on the
    ability of participants to find and
    retain employment that leads to
    increased household income and reduced
    reliance on public assistance.
    ``(bb) The Secretary shall base the
    determination under item (aa) on--
    ``(AA) project results from
    the independent evaluations
    conducted under subparagraph
    (F)(vii)(I); or
    ``(BB) if the project
    results from the independent
    evaluations conducted under
    subparagraph (F)(vii)(I) are not
    yet available, the reports under
    subparagraph (F)(vii)(II) or
    other information relating to
    performance of the programs and
    activities funded under
    subparagraph (F)(viii).
    ``(cc) Employment and training
    activities funded under this subclause
    are not subject to subparagraph
    (F)(vii), but are subject to monitoring
    under paragraph (h)(5).
    ``(II) Not less than 30 percent
    shall be reallocated to State agencies
    requesting such funds to implement or
    continue employment and training
    programs and activities under section
    6(d)(4)(B)(i) that the Secretary
    determines have the most demonstrable
    impact on the ability of participants to
    find and retain employment that leads to
    increased household income and reduced
    reliance on public assistance, including
    programs and activities that are
    targeted to--
    ``(aa) individuals 50 years
    of age or older;
    ``(bb) formerly incarcerated
    individuals;
    ``(cc) individuals
    participating in a substance
    abuse treatment program;
    ``(dd) homeless individuals;
    ``(ee) people with
    disabilities seeking to enter
    the workforce;
    ``(ff) other individuals
    with substantial barriers to
    employment; or
    ``(gg) households facing
    multi-generational poverty, to
    support employment and workforce
    participation through an
    integrated and family-focused
    approach in providing supportive
    services.
    ``(III) The Secretary shall
    reallocate any remaining funds available
    under this subparagraph, to State
    agencies requesting such funds to use
    for employment and training programs and

    [[Page 4634]]

    activities that the Secretary determines
    have the most demonstrable impact on the
    ability of participants to find and
    retain employment that leads to
    increased household income and reduced
    reliance on public assistance under
    section 6(d)(4)(B)(i).
    ``(v) Consideration.--In reallocating funds
    under this subparagraph, a State agency that
    receives reallocated funds under clause (iv)(I)
    may also be considered for reallocated funding
    under clause (iv)(II).'', and
    (C) in subparagraph (D) by striking ``$50,000'' and
    inserting ``$100,000'', and
    (2) in paragraph (5)(B) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(v) State option.--The State agency may
    report relevant data from a workforce partnership
    carried out under section 6(d)(4)(N) to
    demonstrate the number of program participants
    served by the workforce partnership.''.

    (e) Expired Authority.--Section 17(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act
    of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2026(b)) is amended--
    (1) by striking paragraph (2), and
    (2) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2).
    SEC. 4006. IMPROVEMENTS TO ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER SYSTEM.

    (a) EBT Portability.--Section 7(f)(5) of the Food and Nutrition Act
    of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2016(f)(5)) is amended by adding at the end the
    following:
    ``(C) Operation of individual point of sale device
    by farmers' markets and direct marketing farmers.--A
    farmers' market or direct marketing farmer that is
    exempt under paragraph (2)(B)(i) shall be allowed to
    operate an individual electronic benefit transfer point
    of sale device at more than 1 location under the same
    supplemental nutrition assistance program authorization,
    if--
    ``(i) the farmers' market or direct marketing
    farmer provides to the Secretary information on
    location and hours of operation at each location;
    and
    ``(ii)(I) the point of sale device used by the
    farmers' market or direct marketing farmer is
    capable of providing location information of the
    device through the electronic benefit transfer
    system; or
    ``(II) if the Secretary determines that the
    technology is not available for a point of sale
    device to meet the requirement under subclause
    (I), the farmers' market or direct marketing
    farmer provides to the Secretary any other
    information, as determined by the Secretary,
    necessary to ensure the integrity of transactions
    processed using the point of sale device.''.

    (b) Modernization of Electronic Benefit Transfer Regulations.--The
    1st sentence of section 7(h)(2) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7
    U.S.C. 2016(h)(2)) is amended by inserting ``and shall periodically
    review such regulations and modify such regulations to take into account
    evolving technology and comparable industry standards'' before the
    period at the end.
    (c) Benefit Recovery.--Section 7(h)(12) of the Food and Nutrition
    Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2016(h)(12)) is amended--

    [[Page 4635]]

    (1) in subparagraph (A) by inserting ``, or due to the death
    of all members of the household'' after ``inactivity'', and
    (2) by striking subparagraphs (B) and (C) and inserting the
    following:
    ``(B) Benefit storage.--
    ``(i) In general.--A State agency may store
    recovered electronic benefits off-line in
    accordance with clause (ii), if the household has
    not accessed the account after 3 months.
    ``(ii) Notice of benefit storage.--A State
    agency shall--
    ``(I) send notice to a household the
    benefits of which are stored under
    clause (i); and
    ``(II) not later than 48 hours after
    request by the household, make the
    stored benefits available to the
    household.
    ``(C) Benefit expunging.--
    ``(i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), a
    State agency shall expunge benefits that have not
    been accessed by a household after a period of 9
    months, or upon verification that all members of
    the household are deceased.
    ``(ii) Notice of benefit expunging.--Not later
    than 30 days before benefits are to be expunged
    under clause (i), a State agency shall--
    ``(I) provide sufficient notice to
    the household that benefits will be
    expunged due to inactivity, and the date
    upon which benefits will be expunged;
    ``(II) for benefits stored off-line
    in accordance with subparagraph (B),
    provide the household an opportunity to
    request that such benefits be restored
    to the household; and
    ``(III) not later than 48 hours
    after request by the household, make the
    benefits available to the household.''.

    (d) Prohibited Fees.--Section 7 of the Food and Nutrition Act of
    2008 (7 U.S.C. 2016) is amended--
    (1) by amending subsection (h)(13) to read as follows:
    ``(13) Fees.--
    ``(A) Interchange fees.--No interchange fees shall
    apply to electronic benefit transfer transactions under
    this subsection.
    ``(B) Other fees.--Effective through fiscal year
    2023, neither a State, nor any agent, contractor, or
    subcontractor of a State who facilitates the provision
    of supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits in
    such State may impose a fee for switching (as defined in
    subsection (j)(1)(H)) or routing such benefits.'', and
    (2) by amending subsection (j)(1)(H) to read as follows:
    ``(H) Switching.--The term `switching' means the
    routing of an intrastate or interstate transaction that
    consists of transmitting the details of a transaction
    electronically recorded through the use of an electronic
    benefit transfer card in one State to the issuer of the
    card that may be in the same or different State.''.

    (e) Mobile Technologies.--Section 7(h)(14) of the Food and Nutrition
    Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2016(h)(14)) is amended--

    [[Page 4636]]

    (1) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
    ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the
    Secretary shall authorize the use of mobile technologies
    for the purpose of accessing supplemental nutrition
    assistance program benefits.'',
    (2) in subparagraph (B)--
    (A) by striking the heading and inserting
    ``Demonstration projects on access of benefits through
    mobile technologies'',
    (B) by amending clause (i) to read as follows:
    ``(i) Demonstration projects.--Before
    authorizing implementation of subparagraph (A) in
    all States, the Secretary shall approve not more
    than 5 demonstration project proposals submitted
    by State agencies that will pilot the use of
    mobile technologies for supplemental nutrition
    assistance program benefits access.'',
    (C) in clause (ii)--
    (i) in the heading by striking ``Demonstration
    projects'' and inserting ``Project requirements'',
    (ii) by striking ``retail food store'' the
    first place it appears and inserting ``State
    agency'',
    (iii) by striking ``includes'',
    (iv) by striking subclauses (I), (II), (III),
    and (IV), and inserting the following:
    ``(I) provides recipient protections
    regarding privacy, ease of use,
    household access to benefits, and
    support similar to the protections
    provided under existing methods;
    ``(II) ensures that all recipients,
    including those without access to mobile
    payment technology and those who shop
    across State borders, have a means of
    benefit access;
    ``(III) requires retail food stores,
    unless exempt under section 7(f)(2)(B),
    to bear the costs of acquiring and
    arranging for the implementation of
    point-of-sale equipment and supplies for
    the redemption of benefits that are
    accessed through mobile technologies;
    ``(IV) requires that foods purchased
    with benefits issued under this section
    through mobile technologies are
    purchased at a price not higher than the
    price of the same food purchased by
    other methods used by the retail food
    store, as determined by the Secretary;
    ``(V) ensures adequate documentation
    for each authorized transaction,
    adequate security measures to deter
    fraud, and adequate access to retail
    food stores that accept benefits
    accessed through mobile technologies, as
    determined by the Secretary;
    ``(VI) provides for an evaluation of
    the demonstration project, including,
    but not limited to, an evaluation of
    household access to benefits;
    ``(VII) requires that the State
    demonstration projects are voluntary for
    all retail food stores

    [[Page 4637]]

    and that all recipients are able to use
    benefits in non-participating retail
    food stores; and
    ``(VIII) meets other criteria as
    established by the Secretary.'',
    (D) by amending clause (iii) to read as follows:
    ``(iv) Date of project approval.--The
    Secretary shall solicit and approve the qualifying
    demonstration projects required under subparagraph
    (B)(i) not later than January 1, 2021.'', and
    (E) by inserting after clause (ii) the following:
    ``(iii) Priority.--The Secretary may
    prioritize demonstration project proposals that
    would--
    ``(I) reduce fraud;
    ``(II) encourage positive
    nutritional outcomes; and
    ``(III) meet such other criteria as
    determined by the Secretary.'', and
    (3) in subparagraph (C)(i)--
    (A) by striking ``2017'' and inserting ``2022'', and
    (B) by inserting ``requires further study by way of
    an extended pilot period or'' after ``States'' the 2d
    place it appears.

    (f) Approval of Retail Food Stores.--Section 9 of the Food and
    Nutrition Act (7 U.S.C. 2018) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)(1)--
    (A) in the 4th sentence by striking ``No retail food
    store'' and inserting the following:
    ``(D) Visit required.--No retail food store'',
    (B) in the 3d sentence by striking ``Approval'' and
    inserting the following:
    ``(C) Certificate.--Approval'',
    (C) in the 2d sentence--
    (i) by striking ``food; and (D) the'' and
    inserting the following: ``food;
    ``(iv) any information, if available, about
    the ability of the anticipated or existing
    electronic benefit transfer equipment and service
    provider of the applicant to provide sufficient
    information through the electronic benefit
    transfer system to minimize the risk of fraudulent
    transactions; and
    ``(v) the'',
    (ii) by striking ``concern; (C) whether'' and
    inserting the following: ``concern;
    ``(iii) whether'',
    (iii) by striking ``applicant; (B) the'' and
    inserting the following: ``applicant;
    ``(ii) the'',
    (iv) by striking ``following: (A) the nature''
    and inserting the following: ``following:
    ``(i) the nature'', and
    (v) in the matter preceding clause (i), as so
    designated, by striking ``In determining'' and
    inserting the following:
    ``(B) Factors for consideration.--In determining'',
    and
    (D) in the 1st sentence by striking ``(a)(1)
    Regulations'' and inserting the following:

    [[Page 4638]]

    ``(a) Authorization to Accept and Redeem Benefits.--
    ``(1) Applications.--
    ``(A) In general.--Regulations'',
    (2) in subsection (a) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(4) Electronic benefit transfer equipment and service
    providers.--Before implementing clause (iv) of paragraph (1)(B),
    the Secretary shall issue guidance for retail food stores on how
    to select electronic benefit transfer equipment and service
    providers that are able to meet the requirements of that
    clause.'', and
    (3) in the 1st sentence of subsection (c) by inserting
    ``records relating to electronic benefit transfer equipment and
    related services, transaction and redemption data provided
    through the electronic benefit transfer system,'' after
    ``purchase invoices,''.
    SEC. 4007. REVIEW OF SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
    OPERATIONS.

    Section 9 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2018) is
    amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(i) Review of Program Operations.--
    ``(1) Review by the secretary.--The Secretary--
    ``(A) shall review a representative sample of
    currently authorized facilities referred to in section
    3(k)(3) to determine whether benefits are properly used
    by or on behalf of participating households residing in
    such facilities and whether such facilities are using
    more than 1 source of Federal or State funding to meet
    the food needs of residents;
    ``(B) may carry out similar reviews for currently
    participating residential drug and alcohol treatment and
    rehabilitation programs, and group living arrangements
    for the blind and disabled, referred to in section 3(k);
    ``(C) shall gather information, and such facilities,
    programs, and arrangements shall be required to submit
    information deemed necessary for a full and thorough
    review; and
    ``(D) shall report the results of these reviews to
    the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
    Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture,
    Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate not later than 18
    months after the date of the enactment of the
    Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, along with
    recommendations regarding--
    ``(i) any additional requirements or oversight
    that would be appropriate for such facilities,
    programs, and arrangements; and
    ``(ii) whether such facilities, programs, and
    arrangements should continue to be authorized to
    participate in the supplemental nutrition
    assistance program.
    ``(2) Limitation.--Nothing in this subsection shall
    authorize the Secretary to deny any application for continued
    authorization, any application for authorization, or any request
    to withdraw the authorization of any such facility, program, or
    arrangement based on a determination that residents of any such
    facility or entity are residents of an institution for

    [[Page 4639]]

    a period of 18 months from the date of enactment of the
    Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018.''.
    SEC. 4008. RETAIL INCENTIVES.

    Section 9 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2018), as
    amended by section 4007, is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(j) Incentives.--
    ``(1) Definition of eligible incentive food.--In this
    subsection, the term `eligible incentive food' means--
    ``(A) a staple food that is identified for increased
    consumption, consistent with the most recent dietary
    recommendations; and
    ``(B) a fruit, vegetable, dairy, whole grain, or
    product thereof.
    ``(2) Guidance.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall issue
    guidance to clarify the process by which an approved
    retail food store may seek a waiver to offer an
    incentive, which may be used only for the purchase of an
    eligible incentive food at the point of purchase, to a
    household purchasing food with benefits issued under
    this Act.
    ``(B) Guidance.--The guidance under subparagraph (A)
    shall establish a process under which an approved retail
    food store, prior to carrying out an incentive program
    under this subsection, shall provide to the Secretary
    information describing the incentive program,
    including--
    ``(i) the types of incentives that will be
    offered;
    ``(ii) the types of foods that will be
    incentivized for purchase; and
    ``(iii) an explanation of how the incentive
    program intends to support meeting dietary intake
    goals.
    ``(3) No limitation on benefits.--A waiver granted under
    this subsection shall not be used to carry out any activity that
    limits the use of benefits under this Act or any other Federal
    nutrition law.
    ``(4) Effect.--Guidance provided under this subsection shall
    not affect any requirements under section 4405 of the Food,
    Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 7517), including
    the eligibility of a retail food store to participate in a
    project funded under such section.
    ``(5) Report.--The Secretary shall submit to the Committee
    on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee
    on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate an annual
    report describing the types of incentives approved under this
    subsection.''.
    SEC. 4009. REQUIRED ACTION ON DATA MATCH INFORMATION.

    Section 11(e) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
    2020(e)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (24) by striking ``and'' after the
    semicolon,
    (2) in paragraph (25) by striking the period at the end and
    inserting ``; and'', and
    (3) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(26) that for a household participating in the
    supplemental nutrition assistance program, the State agency
    shall pursue clarification and verification, if applicable, of
    information relating to the circumstances of the household
    received from

    [[Page 4640]]

    data matches for the purpose of ensuring an accurate eligibility
    and benefit determination, only if the information--
    ``(A) appears to present significantly conflicting
    information from the information that was used by the
    State agency at the time of certification of the
    household;
    ``(B) is obtained from data matches carried out
    under subsection (q), (r), or (x); or
    ``(C)(i) is less than 60 days old relative to the
    current month of participation of the household; and
    ``(ii) if accurate, would have been required to be
    reported by the household based on the reporting
    requirements assigned to the household by the State
    agency under section 6(c).''.
    SEC. 4010. INCENTIVIZING TECHNOLOGY MODERNIZATION.

    Section 11(t) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
    2020(t)) is amended--
    (1) by striking the heading and inserting ``Grants for
    Simplified Application and Eligibility Determination Systems and
    Improved Access to Benefits'',
    (2) in paragraph (1) by striking ``implement--'' and all
    that follows through the period at the end, and inserting
    ``implement supplemental nutrition assistance program simplified
    application and eligibility determination systems.'', and
    (3) in paragraph (2)--
    (A) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:
    ``(B) establishing enhanced technological methods
    that improve the administrative infrastructure used in
    processing applications and determining eligibility;
    or'',
    (B) by striking subparagraphs (C) and (D), and
    (C) by redesignating subparagraph (E) as
    subparagraph (C).
    SEC. 4011. INTERSTATE DATA MATCHING TO PREVENT MULTIPLE ISSUANCES.

    Section 11 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2020), as
    amended by section 4005(c), is amended by adding at the end the
    following:
    ``(x) National Accuracy Clearinghouse.--
    ``(1) Definition of indication of multiple issuance.--In
    this subsection, the term `indication of multiple issuance'
    means an indication, based on a computer match, that
    supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits are being
    issued to an individual by more than 1 State agency
    simultaneously.
    ``(2) Establishment.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish an
    interstate data system, to be known as the `National
    Accuracy Clearinghouse', to prevent multiple issuances
    of supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits to
    an individual by more than 1 State agency
    simultaneously.
    ``(B) Data matching.--The Secretary shall require
    that State agencies make available to the National
    Accuracy Clearinghouse only such information as is
    necessary for the purpose described in subparagraph (A).
    ``(C) Data protection.--The information made
    available by State agencies under subparagraph (B)--
    ``(i) shall be used only for the purpose
    described in subparagraph (A);

    [[Page 4641]]

    ``(ii) shall be exempt from the disclosure
    requirements of section 552(a) of title 5 of the
    United States Code pursuant to section 552(b)(3)
    of title 5 of the United States Code, to the
    extent such information is obtained or received by
    the Secretary;
    ``(iii) shall not be retained for longer than
    is necessary to accomplish the purpose in
    subparagraph (A);
    ``(iv) shall be used in a manner that protects
    the identity and location of a vulnerable
    individual (including a victim of domestic
    violence) that is an applicant for, or recipient
    of, supplemental nutrition assistance program
    benefits; and
    ``(v) shall meet security standards as
    determined by the Secretary.
    ``(3) Issuance of interim final regulations.--Not later than
    18 months after the date of enactment of the Agriculture
    Improvement Act of 2018, the Secretary shall promulgate
    regulations (which shall include interim final regulations) to
    carry out this subsection that--
    ``(A) incorporate best practices and lessons learned
    from the pilot program under section 4032(c) of the
    Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 2036c(c));
    ``(B) require a State agency to take appropriate
    action, as determined by the Secretary, with respect to
    each indication of multiple issuance of supplemental
    nutrition assistance program benefits, or each
    indication that an individual receiving such benefits in
    1 State has applied to receive such benefits in another
    State, while ensuring timely and fair service to
    applicants for, and recipients of, such benefits;
    ``(C) establish standards to limit and protect the
    information submitted through or retained by the
    National Accuracy Clearinghouse consistent with
    paragraph (2)(C);
    ``(D) establish safeguards to protect--
    ``(i) the information submitted through or
    retained by the National Accuracy Clearinghouse,
    including by limiting the period of time that
    information is retained to the period necessary to
    accomplish the purpose described in paragraph
    (2)(A); and
    ``(ii) the privacy of information that is
    submitted through or retained by the National
    Accuracy Clearinghouse consistent with subsection
    (e)(8); and
    ``(E) include such other rules and standards the
    Secretary determines appropriate to carry out this
    subsection.
    ``(4) Timing.--The initial match and corresponding actions
    required by paragraph (3)(B) shall occur within 3 years after
    the date of the enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of
    2018.''.
    SEC. 4012. REQUIREMENT OF LIVE-PRODUCTION ENVIRONMENTS FOR CERTAIN
    PILOT PROJECTS RELATING TO COST SHARING
    FOR COMPUTERIZATION.

    Section 16(g)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
    2025(g)(1)) is amended--
    (1) in subparagraph (F) by redesignating clauses (i) and
    (ii) as subclauses (I) and (II), respectively, and indenting
    appropriately;

    [[Page 4642]]

    (2) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (F) as
    clauses (i) through (vi), respectively, and indenting
    appropriately;
    (3) in the matter preceding clause (i), as so redesignated--
    (A) by striking ``paragraphs (2) and (3)'' and
    inserting ``paragraph (2)''; and
    (B) by striking ``in the planning'' and inserting
    the following: ``in the--
    ``(A) planning'',
    (4) in clause (v), as so redesignated, of subparagraph (A),
    as so designated, by striking ``implementation, including
    through pilot projects in limited areas for major systems
    changes as determined under rules promulgated by the Secretary,
    data from which'' and inserting the following: ``implementation,
    including a requirement that--
    ``(I) such testing shall be
    accomplished through pilot projects in
    limited areas for major systems changes
    (as determined under rules promulgated
    by the Secretary);
    ``(II) each pilot project described
    in subclause (I) that is carried out
    before the implementation of a system
    shall be conducted in a live-production
    environment; and
    ``(III) the data resulting from each
    pilot project carried out under this
    clause'';
    (5) in clause (vi), as so redesignated, by striking the
    period at end and inserting ``; and'', and
    (6) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(B) operation of 1 or more automatic data
    processing and information retrieval systems that the
    Secretary determines may continue to be operated in
    accordance with clauses (i) through (vii) of
    subparagraph (A).''.
    SEC. 4013. QUALITY CONTROL IMPROVEMENTS.

    (a) Records.--Section 11(a)(3)(B) of the Food and Nutrition Act of
    2008 (7 U.S.C. 2020(a)(3)(B)) is amended--
    (1) by striking ``Records described'' and inserting ``All
    records, and the entire information systems in which records are
    contained, that are covered'', and
    (2) by amending clause (i) to read as follows:
    ``(i) be made available for inspection and
    audit by the Secretary, subject to data and
    security protocols agreed to by the State agency
    and Secretary;''.

    (b) Quality Control System.--Section 16(c)(1)(B) of the Food and
    Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2025(c)(1)(B)) is amended to read as
    follows:
    ``(B) Quality control system integrity.--
    ``(i) In general.--Not later than 180 days
    after the date of enactment of the Agriculture
    Improvement Act of 2018, the Secretary shall issue
    interim final regulations that--
    ``(I) ensure that the quality
    control system established under this
    subsection produces valid statistical
    results;
    ``(II) provide for oversight of
    contracts entered into by a State agency
    for the purpose of improving payment
    accuracy;

    [[Page 4643]]

    ``(III) ensure the accuracy of data
    collected under the quality control
    system established under this
    subsection; and
    ``(IV) for each fiscal year, to the
    maximum extent practicable, provide for
    the evaluation of the integrity of the
    quality control process of not fewer
    than 2 State agencies, selected in
    accordance with criteria determined by
    the Secretary.
    ``(ii) Debarment.--In accordance with the
    nonprocurement debarment procedures under part 417
    of title 2, Code of Federal Regulations, or
    successor regulations, the Secretary shall debar
    any person that, in carrying out the quality
    control system established under this subsection,
    knowingly submits, or causes to be submitted,
    false information to the Secretary.''.

    (c) Reporting Requirements.--The 1st sentence of section 16(c)(4) of
    the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2025(c)(4)) is amended by
    inserting ``, including providing access to applicable State records and
    the entire information systems in which the records are contained,''
    after ``necessary''.
    (d) State Performance Indicators.--Section 16(d) of the Food and
    Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2025(d)) is amended--
    (1) by striking the heading and inserting ``State
    Performance Indicators'',
    (2) in paragraph (2)--
    (A) in the heading by striking ``and thereafter''
    and inserting ``through 2017'',
    (B) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``and each
    fiscal year thereafter'' and inserting ``through fiscal
    year 2017'', and
    (C) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``and each
    fiscal year thereafter'' and inserting ``through fiscal
    year 2017'', and
    (3) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(6) Fiscal year 2018 and fiscal years thereafter.--
    ``(A) With respect to fiscal year 2018 and each
    fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary shall establish,
    by regulation, performance criteria relating to--
    ``(i) actions taken to correct errors, reduce
    rates of error, and improve eligibility
    determinations; and
    ``(ii) other indicators of effective
    administration determined by the Secretary.
    ``(B) The Secretary shall not award performance
    bonus payments to State agencies in fiscal year 2019 for
    fiscal year 2018 performance.''.

    (e) Cost Sharing for Computerization.--Section 16(g)(1)(A) of the
    Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2025(g)(1)(A)), as amended by
    section 4012, is amended--
    (1) in clause (v)(III) by striking ``and'', and
    (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(vii) would be accessible by the Secretary
    for inspection and audit under section
    11(a)(3)(B); and''.
    SEC. 4014. EVALUATION OF CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT COOPERATION
    REQUIREMENTS.

    Section 17 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2026) is
    amended by adding at the end the following:

    [[Page 4644]]

    ``(m) Evaluation of Child Support Enforcement Cooperation
    Requirements.--
    ``(1) In general.--The Secretary, in consultation with the
    Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall conduct an
    independent evaluation of a representative sample of States--
    ``(A) to assess the implementation and impact of the
    eligibility requirements described in subsections (l)
    through (n) of section 6 in States that have formerly
    implemented or continue to implement those requirements,
    and the feasibility of implementing those requirements
    in other States;
    ``(B) to assess the factors that contributed to the
    decision of States that formerly implemented the
    eligibility requirements described in each of
    subsections (l) through (n) of section 6 to cease such
    implementation;
    ``(C) to review alternatives to the eligibility
    requirements described in each of subsections (l)
    through (n) of section 6 that are used by other States
    to assist participants in the supplemental nutrition
    assistance program to make or receive child support
    payments and the effectiveness of those alternatives;
    and
    ``(D) to evaluate the costs and benefits to
    households and to State agencies, of requiring State
    agencies to implement each of the eligibility
    requirements described in subsections (l) through (n) of
    section 6.
    ``(2) Evaluation.--The evaluation under paragraph (1) shall
    include, to the maximum extent practicable, an assessment of--
    ``(A) the manner in which applicable State agencies
    implement and enforce the eligibility requirements
    described in subparagraph (A) of such paragraph,
    including--
    ``(i) the procedures used by each State to
    determine cooperation, to sanction participants
    for failure to cooperate, and to determine good
    cause for noncooperation under each of subsections
    (l) through (n) of section 6; and
    ``(ii) the manner in which each State aligns
    the procedures for implementing those eligibility
    requirements with procedures for implementing
    other Federal programs that require cooperation
    with child support enforcement, including the
    program of block grants to States for temporary
    assistance for needy families established under
    part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42
    U.S.C. 601 et seq.), the Medicaid program under
    title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
    1396 et seq.), and programs carried out under the
    Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990
    (42 U.S.C. 9857 et seq.);
    ``(B) the Federal, State, and local costs associated
    with implementing those eligibility requirements,
    including costs incurred under this Act and by child
    support enforcement agencies for personnel, technology
    upgrades, and other costs;
    ``(C) the effect of those eligibility requirements
    on the establishment of new child support orders, the
    establishment of paternity, changes in child support
    payments to

    [[Page 4645]]

    custodial households, and changes in arrears owed on
    child support orders;
    ``(D) with respect to the eligibility requirements
    under each of subsections (l) through (n) of section 6--
    ``(i) the number of individuals subject to
    those requirements;
    ``(ii) the number of individuals in each State
    who meet those requirements; and
    ``(iii) the number of individuals in each
    State who fail to meet those requirements;
    ``(E) the number of individuals in each State for
    whom good cause for noncooperation has been found under
    section 6(l)(2);
    ``(F) the impact of those eligibility requirements
    on the supplemental nutrition assistance program
    eligibility, benefit levels, food security, income, and
    economic stability of--
    ``(i) individuals subject to those
    requirements;
    ``(ii) the household members of those
    individuals, including children; and
    ``(iii) households with nontraditional family
    structures, including a household in which a
    grandparent is the primary caretaker of a
    grandchild of the grandparent.
    ``(3) State agency cooperation.--Each State agency selected
    under paragraph (1) shall provide information to the Secretary
    necessary to conduct the evaluation under such paragraph.
    ``(4) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of
    enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, the
    Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the
    House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture,
    Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report describing the
    findings from the evaluation conducted under paragraph (1).''.
    SEC. 4015. LONGITUDINAL DATA FOR RESEARCH.

    (a) Longitudinal Data.--Section 17 of the Food and Nutrition Act of
    2008 (7 U.S.C. 2026), as amended by section 4014, is amended by adding
    at the end the following:
    ``(n) Longitudinal Data for Research.--
    ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraphs (3) through (5), a
    State agency may, on approval by the Secretary, establish a
    longitudinal database that contains information about households
    and members of households that receive benefits under the
    supplemental nutrition assistance program in the State.
    ``(2) Purpose.--Each longitudinal database established under
    paragraph (1) shall be used solely to conduct research on
    participation in and the operation of the supplemental nutrition
    assistance program, including duration of participation in the
    program.
    ``(3) Requirements for databases.--Prior to the approval of
    State agencies to establish longitudinal databases under
    paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--

    [[Page 4646]]

    ``(A) identify features that shall be standard
    across States such as database format to facilitate use
    of longitudinal databases established under paragraph
    (1) for research purposes;
    ``(B) identify features of longitudinal databases
    established under paragraph (1) that may vary across
    States;
    ``(C) identify a procedure for States operating
    longitudinal databases under paragraph (1) to use a
    unique identifier to provide relevant information on
    household members who receive benefits under the
    supplemental nutrition assistance program for the
    purpose of comparing participation data in multiple
    participating States over time while protecting
    participant privacy;
    ``(D) establish the manner in which data security
    and privacy protections, as required by Federal law and
    consistent with other appropriate practices, shall be
    implemented and maintained;
    ``(E) provide direction to State agencies on the
    responsibilities of and funding arrangements for State
    agencies and any State contractors (including entities
    providing technical assistance) relating to the
    establishment and operation of a longitudinal database;
    ``(F) provide a description of the documentation
    that States shall submit to the Secretary prior to
    allowing researchers access to a longitudinal database;
    ``(G) consult with other Federal research agencies,
    including the Bureau of the Census;
    ``(H) consult with States that have already
    established databases used for purposes similar to the
    purposes outlined in this subsection; and
    ``(I) identify any other requirements determined
    appropriate by the Secretary.
    ``(4) Included data.--
    ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), each
    longitudinal database established under paragraph (1)--
    ``(i) shall include monthly information about
    households and members of households that receive
    benefits under the supplemental nutrition
    assistance program in the participating State
    taken from existing information collected by the
    State agency including, if available,--
    ``(I) demographic characteristics;
    ``(II) income and financial
    resources (as described in section
    5(g));
    ``(III) employment status;
    ``(IV) household circumstances, such
    as deductible expenses; and
    ``(V) the amount of the monthly
    allotment received under the
    supplemental nutrition assistance
    program; and
    ``(ii) may include information from other
    State data sources such as--
    ``(I) earnings and employment data
    from the State department of labor;
    ``(II) health insurance program
    data; or
    ``(III) data from participation in
    other programs administered by the
    State.

    [[Page 4647]]

    ``(B) Data protection.--Any State that establishes a
    longitudinal database under paragraph (1) shall, in
    accordance with all applicable Federal and State privacy
    standards and requirements--
    ``(i) protect the privacy of information about
    each member of each household that receives
    benefits under the supplemental nutrition
    assistance program in such State by ensuring that
    no personally identifiable information (including
    social security number, home address, or contact
    information) is included in the longitudinal
    database; and
    ``(ii) make the data under this paragraph
    available to researchers and the Secretary.
    ``(5) Approval.--The Secretary shall approve the
    establishment of longitudinal databases under paragraph (1) in
    States that--
    ``(A) meet the requirements for databases under
    paragraph (3) and (4)(B);
    ``(B) reflect a range of participant numbers,
    demographics, operational structures, and geographic
    regions; and
    ``(C) have the capacity to provide on a periodic and
    ongoing basis household and participant data derived
    from the eligibility system and other data sources of
    the State.
    ``(6) Grants.--
    ``(A) In general.--In carrying out this subsection,
    the Secretary may provide grants to States that have
    been approved by the Secretary in accordance with
    paragraph (5) out of funds made available under
    paragraph (9).
    ``(B) Method of awarding grants.--Grants awarded
    under this paragraph shall be made in such amounts and
    under such terms and conditions as the Secretary
    determines necessary to carry out the purposes of this
    subsection.
    ``(7) Report.--
    ``(A) In general.--Not later than 4 years after the
    effective date of this subsection, the Secretary shall
    submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
    Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture,
    Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report on the
    feasibility of expanding implementation of longitudinal
    databases to every State.
    ``(B) Contents.--The report required under
    subparagraph (A) shall describe--
    ``(i) the cost of expanding implementation of
    longitudinal databases with consistent data to
    every State;
    ``(ii) the challenges and benefits of using
    State longitudinal databases with consistent data;
    and
    ``(iii) alternatives to expanding
    implementation of longitudinal databases with
    consistent data to every State that may achieve
    similar research outcomes and the advantages and
    disadvantages of those alternatives.
    ``(8) Effect.--Nothing in this subsection shall be construed
    to prevent or limit the ability of State agencies to establish

    [[Page 4648]]

    or continue operating databases used for purposes similar to the
    purposes outlined in this subsection.
    ``(9) Funding.--Of the funds made available under section
    18, the Secretary shall use to carry out this subsection--
    ``(A) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2019 to remain
    available through fiscal year 2021; and
    ``(B) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2022 and each
    fiscal year thereafter.''.

    (b) Conforming Amendment.--The 1st sentence of section 16(a) of the
    Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 is amended--
    (1) by striking ``and (8)'' and inserting ``(8)''; and
    (2) by inserting ``, and (9) establishing and operating a
    longitudinal database in accordance with section 17(n)'' before
    ``: Provided''.
    SEC. 4016. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    The 1st sentence of section 18(a)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act
    of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2027(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and
    inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 4017. ASSISTANCE FOR COMMUNITY FOOD PROJECTS.

    Section 25(b)(2) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
    2034(b)(2)) is amended--
    (1) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``and'' at the end,
    (2) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``fiscal year 2015 and
    each fiscal year thereafter.'' and inserting ``each of fiscal
    years 2015 through 2018; and'', and
    (3) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(D) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2019 and each
    fiscal year thereafter.''.
    SEC. 4018. EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

    (a) State Plan.--Section 202A(b) of the Emergency Food Assistance
    Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7503(b)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' after the
    semicolon;
    (2) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and
    inserting a semicolon; and
    (3) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(5) at the option of the State agency, describe a plan of
    operation for 1 or more projects in partnership with 1 or more
    emergency feeding organizations located in the State to harvest,
    process, package, or transport donated commodities received
    under section 203D(d); and
    ``(6) describe a plan, which may include the use of a State
    advisory board established under subsection (c), that provides
    emergency feeding organizations or eligible recipient agencies
    within the State an opportunity to provide input on the
    commodity preferences and needs of the emergency feeding
    organization or eligible recipient agency.''.

    (b) State and Local Supplementation of Commodities.--Section 203D of
    the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7507) is amended by
    adding at the end the following:
    ``(d) Projects to Harvest, Process, Package, or Transport Donated
    Commodities.--
    ``(1) Definition of project.--In this subsection, the term
    `project' means the harvesting, processing, packaging, or
    transportation of unharvested, unprocessed, or unpackaged
    commodities donated by agricultural producers, processors, or

    [[Page 4649]]

    distributors for use by emergency feeding organizations under
    subsection (a).
    ``(2) Federal funding for projects.--
    ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraphs (B) and
    (C) and paragraph (3), using funds made available under
    paragraph (5), the Secretary may provide funding to
    States to pay for the costs of carrying out a project.
    ``(B) Federal share.--The Federal share of the cost
    of a project under subparagraph (A) shall not exceed 50
    percent of the total cost of the project.
    ``(C) Allocation.--
    ``(i) In general.--Each fiscal year, the
    Secretary shall allocate the funds made available
    under subparagraph (A), based on a formula
    determined by the Secretary, to States that have
    submitted a State plan describing a plan of
    operation for a project under section 202A(b)(5).
    ``(ii) Reallocation.--If the Secretary
    determines that a State will not expend all of the
    funds allocated to the State for a fiscal year
    under clause (i), the Secretary shall reallocate
    the unexpended funds to other States that have
    submitted under section 202A(b)(5) a State plan
    describing a plan of operation for a project
    during that fiscal year or the subsequent fiscal
    year, as the Secretary determines appropriate.
    ``(iii) Reports.--Each State to which funds
    are allocated for a fiscal year under this
    subparagraph shall, on a regular basis, submit to
    the Secretary financial reports describing the use
    of the funds.
    ``(3) Project purposes.--A State may only use Federal funds
    received under paragraph (2) for a project the purposes of which
    are--
    ``(A) to reduce food waste at the agricultural
    production, processing, or distribution level through
    the donation of food;
    ``(B) to provide food to individuals in need; and
    ``(C) to build relationships between agricultural
    producers, processors, and distributors and emergency
    feeding organizations through the donation of food.
    ``(4) Cooperative agreements.--The Secretary may encourage a
    State agency that carries out a project using Federal funds
    received under paragraph (2) to enter into cooperative
    agreements with State agencies of other States under section
    203B(d) to maximize the use of commodities donated under the
    project.
    ``(5) Funding.--Out of funds not otherwise appropriated, the
    Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer to the Secretary to
    carry out this subsection $4,000,000 for each of fiscal years
    2019 through 2023, to remain available until the end of the
    subsequent fiscal year.''.

    (c) Food Waste.--Section 203D of the Emergency Food Assistance Act
    of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7507), as amended by subsection (b), is amended by
    adding at the end the following:
    ``(e) Food Waste.--The Secretary shall issue guidance outlining best
    practices to minimize the food waste of the commodities donated under
    subsection (a).''.

    [[Page 4650]]

    (d) Emergency Food Program Infrastructure Grants.--Section 209(d) of
    the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7511a(d)) is amended
    by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    (e) Availability of Commodities for the Emergency Food Assistance
    Program.--Section 27(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
    2036(a)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''; and
    (2) in paragraph (2)--
    (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``2018'' and
    inserting ``2023'';
    (B) in subparagraph (D)--
    (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by
    striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023'';
    (ii) in clause (iii), by striking ``and''
    after the semicolon;
    (iii) in clause (iv), by striking ``and''
    after the semicolon;
    (iv) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(v) for fiscal year 2019, $23,000,000;
    ``(vi) for fiscal year 2020, $35,000,000;
    ``(vii) for fiscal year 2021, $35,000,000;
    ``(viii) for fiscal year 2022, $35,000,000;
    and
    ``(ix) for fiscal year 2023, $35,000,000;
    and''; and
    (C) in subparagraph (E)--
    (i) by striking ``2019'' and inserting
    ``2024'';
    (ii) by striking ``(D)(iv)'' and inserting
    ``(D)(ix)''; and
    (iii) by striking ``June 30, 2017'' and
    inserting ``June 30, 2023''.
    SEC. 4019. NUTRITION EDUCATION.

    Section 28(c) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
    2036a(c)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (2)--
    (A) in subparagraph (B)--
    (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by
    striking ``Except as provided in subparagraph (C),
    a'' and inserting ``A'',
    (ii) in clause (ii) by striking ``and'' after
    the semicolon,
    (iii) by redesignating clause (iii) as clause
    (iv), and
    (iv) by inserting after clause (ii) the
    following:
    ``(iii) describe how the State agency shall
    use an electronic reporting system to--
    ``(I) measure and evaluate the
    projects; and
    ``(II) account for the allowable
    State agency administrative costs
    including for--
    ``(aa) salaries and benefits
    of State agency personnel;
    ``(bb) office supplies and
    equipment;
    ``(cc) travel costs;
    ``(dd) development and
    production of nutrition
    education materials;
    ``(ee) memberships,
    subscriptions, and professional
    activities;

    [[Page 4651]]

    ``(ff) lease or rental
    costs;
    ``(gg) maintenance and
    repair expenses;
    ``(hh) indirect costs; and
    ``(ii) cost of using
    publicly-owned building space;
    and'', and
    (B) by striking subparagraph (C),
    (2) in paragraph (3)(B) in the matter preceding clause (i),
    by inserting ``, the Director of the National Institute of Food
    and Agriculture,'' before ``and outside stakeholders'',
    (3) in paragraph (5) by inserting ``the expanded food and
    nutrition education program or'' before ``other health
    promotion'', and
    (4) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(6) Information clearinghouse.--The Secretary shall
    establish an online clearinghouse that makes available to State
    agencies, local agencies, institutions of higher education, and
    community organizations best practices for planning,
    implementing, and evaluating nutrition education and obesity
    prevention services to ensure that projects carried out with
    funds received under this section are appropriate for the target
    population.
    ``(7) Technical assistance.--The Secretary shall provide
    technical assistance to a State agency in developing and
    implementing a nutrition education State plan, including--
    ``(A) by identifying common challenges faced by
    entities described in paragraph (6) that participate in
    projects carried out with funds received under this
    section;
    ``(B) by coordinating efforts to address those
    common challenges;
    ``(C) by collecting and disseminating information on
    evidence-based practices relating to nutrition education
    and obesity prevention;
    ``(D) by facilitating communication between and
    among grantees and subgrantees of funds received under
    this section;
    ``(E) by assisting State agencies in creating or
    maintaining systems to compile program data; and
    ``(F) by performing or assisting with other
    activities, as determined by the Secretary.
    ``(8) Annual state report.--Each State agency that delivers
    nutrition education and obesity prevention services under this
    subsection shall submit to the Secretary an annual report, which
    shall be made publicly available by the Secretary, that
    includes--
    ``(A) the use of funds on the State agency's
    program, including for each category of allowable State
    agency administrative costs identified in paragraph
    (2)(B)(iii)(II);
    ``(B) a description of each project carried out by
    that agency under this subsection, including, with
    respect to the project, the target population,
    interventions, educational materials used, key
    performance indicators used, and evaluations made;
    ``(C) a comprehensive analysis of the impacts and
    outcomes--
    ``(i) of the project, including with respect
    to the elements described in subparagraph (A); and

    [[Page 4652]]

    ``(ii) to the extent practicable, of completed
    multiyear projects; and
    ``(D) the status of any ongoing multiyear project.
    ``(9) Annual federal report.--The Administrator of the Food
    and Nutrition Service, in consultation with the Director of the
    National Institute of Food and Agriculture, shall annually
    submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
    Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
    Forestry of the Senate a report that--
    ``(A) evaluates the level of coordination between--
    ``(i) the nutrition education and obesity
    prevention grant program under this section;
    ``(ii) the expanded food and nutrition
    education program under section 1425 of the
    National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3175); and
    ``(iii) any other nutrition education program
    administered by the Department of Agriculture; and
    ``(B) includes the use of funds on such programs
    including State agency administrative costs reported by
    States under paragraph (8)(A).''.
    SEC. 4020. RETAIL FOOD STORE AND RECIPIENT TRAFFICKING.

    Section 29(c)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
    2036b(c)(1)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 4021. PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS.

    The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) is
    amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``SEC. 30. <>  PILOT PROJECTS TO ENCOURAGE THE
    USE OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS COMMITTED
    TO ADDRESSING FOOD INSECURITY.

    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary may, on application of eligible
    entities, approve not more than 10 pilot projects to support public-
    private partnerships that address food insecurity and poverty.
    ``(b) Definitions.--For purposes of this section--
    ``(1) the term `eligible entity' means--
    ``(A) a nonprofit organization;
    ``(B) a community-based organization;
    ``(C) an institution of higher education; or
    ``(D) a private entity, as determined by the
    Secretary; and
    ``(2) the term `public agency' means a department, agency,
    other unit, or instrumentality of Federal, State, or local
    government.

    ``(c) Project Requirements.--Projects approved under this section
    shall--
    ``(1) be limited to 2 years in length; and
    ``(2) include a collaboration between one or more public
    agencies and one or more eligible entities that--
    ``(A) improves the effectiveness and impact of the
    supplemental nutrition assistance program;
    ``(B) develops food security solutions that are
    specific to the needs of a community or region; and
    ``(C) strengthens the capacity of communities to
    address food insecurity and poverty.

    [[Page 4653]]

    ``(d) Evaluation.--The Secretary shall provide for an independent
    evaluation of pilot projects approved under this section that includes--
    ``(1) a summary of the activities conducted under the pilot
    projects;
    ``(2) an assessment of the effectiveness of the pilot
    projects; and
    ``(3) best practices regarding the use of public-private
    partnerships to improve the effectiveness of public benefit
    programs to address food insecurity and poverty.

    ``(e) Funding.--
    ``(1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
    to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 to
    remain available until expended.
    ``(2) Appropriation in advance.--Only funds appropriated
    under paragraph (1) in advance specifically to carry out this
    section shall be available to carry out this section.''.
    SEC. 4022. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

    The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) is
    amended--
    (1) in section 3--
    (A) in subsections (d) and (i) by striking ``7(i)''
    and inserting ``7(h)'', and
    (B) in subsection (o)(1)(A) by striking ``(r)(1)''
    and inserting ``(q)(1)'',
    (2) in section 5(a) by striking ``and section'' each place
    it appears and all that follows through ``households'' the
    respective next place it appears, and inserting ``and section
    3(m)(4), households'',
    (3) in subsections (e)(1) and (f)(1)(A)(i) of section 8 by
    striking ``3(n)(5)'' and inserting ``3(m)(5)'',
    (4) in the 1st sentence of section 10--
    (A) by striking ``or the Federal Savings and Loan
    Insurance Corporation'' each place it appears, and
    (B) by striking ``3(p)(4)'' and inserting
    ``3(o)(4)'',
    (5) in section 11--
    (A) in subsection (a)(2) by striking ``3(t)(1)'' and
    inserting ``3(s)(1)'', and
    (B) in subsection (d)--
    (i) by striking ``3(t)(1)'' each place it
    appears and inserting ``3(s)(1)'', and
    (ii) by striking ``3(t)(2)'' each place it
    appears and inserting ``3(s)(2)'', and
    (C) in subsection (e)--
    (i) in paragraph (17) by striking ``3(t)(1)''
    inserting ``3(s)(1)'', and
    (ii) in paragraph (23) by striking
    ``Simplified Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
    Program'' and inserting ``simplified supplemental
    nutrition assistance program'',
    (6) in section 15(e) by striking ``exchange'' and all that
    follows through ``anything'', and inserting ``exchange for
    benefits, or anything'',
    (7) in section 17(b)(1)(B)(iv)(III)(aa) by striking ``3(n)''
    and inserting ``3(m)'',

    [[Page 4654]]

    (8) in section 25(a)(1)(B)(i)(I) by striking the 2d
    semicolon at the end, and
    (9) in section 26(b) by striking ``out'' and all that
    follows through ``(referred'', and inserting ``out a simplified
    supplemental nutrition assistance program (referred''.

    Subtitle B--Commodity Distribution Programs

    SEC. 4101. COMMODITY DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM.

    The 1st sentence of section 4(a) of the Agriculture and Consumer
    Protection Act of 1973 (7 U.S.C. 612c note) is amended by striking
    ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 4102. COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM.

    Section 5 of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 (7
    U.S.C. 612c note; Public Law 93-86) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)--
    (A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``2018'' and
    inserting ``2023'', and
    (B) in paragraph (2)(B), in the matter preceding
    clause (i), by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023'',
    (2) in subsection (d)(2), in the 1st sentence, by striking
    ``2018'' and inserting ``2023'', and
    (3) in subsection (g)--
    (A) by striking ``Except'' and inserting the
    following:
    ``(1) In general.--Except'', and
    (B) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(2) Certification.--
    ``(A) Definition of certification period.--In this
    paragraph, the term `certification period' means the
    period during which a participant in the commodity
    supplemental food program in a State may continue to
    receive benefits under the commodity supplemental food
    program without a formal review of the eligibility of
    the participant.
    ``(B) Minimum certification period.--Subject to
    subparagraphs (C) and (D), a State shall establish for
    the commodity supplemental food program of the State a
    certification period of--
    ``(i) not less than 1 year; but
    ``(ii) not more than 3 years.
    ``(C) Temporary certification.--An eligible
    applicant for the commodity supplemental food program in
    a State may be provided with a temporary monthly
    certification to fill any caseload slot resulting from
    nonparticipation by certified participants.
    ``(D) Approvals.--A certification period of more
    than 1 year established by a State under subparagraph
    (B) shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary,
    who shall approve such a certification period on the
    condition that, with respect to each participant
    receiving benefits under the commodity supplemental food
    program of the State, the local agency in the State
    administering the commodity supplemental food program,
    on an annual basis during the certification period
    applicable to the participant--

    [[Page 4655]]

    ``(i) verifies the address and continued
    interest of the participant; and
    ``(ii) has sufficient reason to determine that
    the participant still meets the income eligibility
    standards under paragraph (1), which may include a
    determination that the participant has a fixed
    income.''.
    SEC. 4103. DISTRIBUTION OF SURPLUS COMMODITIES TO SPECIAL
    NUTRITION PROJECTS.

    Section 1114(a)(2)(A) of the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 (7
    U.S.C. 1431e(a)(2)(A)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.
    SEC. 4104. FOOD DONATION STANDARDS.

    Section 203D of the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C.
    7507), as amended by section 4018(c), is amended by adding at the end
    the following:
    ``(f) Food Donation Standards.--
    ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
    ``(A) Apparently wholesome food.--The term
    `apparently wholesome food' has the meaning given the
    term in section 22(b) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966
    (42 U.S.C. 1791(b)).
    ``(B) Institution of higher education.--The term
    `institution of higher education' has the meaning given
    the term in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of
    1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002).
    ``(C) Qualified direct donor.--The term `qualified
    direct donor' means a retail food store, wholesaler,
    agricultural producer, restaurant, caterer, school food
    authority, or institution of higher education.
    ``(2) Guidance.--
    ``(A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the
    date of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of
    2018, the Secretary shall issue guidance to promote
    awareness of donations of apparently wholesome food
    protected under section 22(c) of the Child Nutrition Act
    of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1791(c)) by qualified direct donors
    in compliance with applicable State and local health,
    food safety, and food handling laws (including
    regulations).
    ``(B) Issuance.--The Secretary shall encourage State
    agencies and emergency feeding organizations to share
    the guidance issued under subparagraph (A) with
    qualified direct donors.''.

    Subtitle C--Miscellaneous

    SEC. 4201. SENIORS FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM.

    Section 4402(a) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
    2002 (7 U.S.C. 3007(a)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.
    SEC. 4202. PURCHASE OF FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES FOR
    DISTRIBUTION TO SCHOOLS AND SERVICE
    INSTITUTIONS.

    Section 10603(b) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
    2002 (7 U.S.C. 612c-4(b)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.

    [[Page 4656]]

    SEC. 4203. SERVICE OF TRADITIONAL FOODS IN PUBLIC FACILITIES.

    Section 4033(d)(1) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (128 Stat. 818)
    is amended--
    (1) by striking ``and'' the 1st place it appears,
    (2) by inserting ``, a State, a county or county equivalent,
    a local educational agency, and an entity or person authorized
    to facilitate the donation, storage, preparation, or serving of
    traditional food by the operator of a food service program''
    after ``organization'', and
    (3) by inserting ``storage, preparation, or'' after
    ``donation to or''.
    SEC. 4204. HEALTHY FOOD FINANCING INITIATIVE.

    Section 243 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of
    1994 (7 U.S.C. 6953) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``and enterprises''
    after ``retailers'';
    (2) in subsection (b)(3)(B)(iii), by inserting ``and
    enterprises'' after ``retailers''; and
    (3) in subsection (c)(2)(B)(ii), by inserting ``as
    applicable,'' before ``to accept''.
    SEC. 4205. THE GUS SCHUMACHER NUTRITION INCENTIVE PROGRAM.

    (a) Amendment to Program.--Section 4405 of the Food, Conservation,
    and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 7517) is amended--
    (1) by striking the heading and inserting ``the gus
    schumacher nutrition incentive program'',
    (2) in subsection (a)--
    (A) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
    ``(1) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means a
    governmental agency or nonprofit organization.'',
    (B) in paragraph (3) by striking ``means the'' and
    all that follows through the period at the end, and
    inserting the following:
    ``means--
    ``(A) the supplemental nutrition assistance program
    established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7
    U.S.C. 2011 et seq.); and
    ``(B) the programs for nutrition assistance under
    section 19 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2028).'', and
    (C) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(4) Healthcare partner.--The term `healthcare partner'
    means a healthcare provider, including--
    ``(A) a hospital;
    ``(B) a Federally-qualified health center (as
    defined in section 1905(l) of the Social Security Act
    (42 U.S.C. 1396d(l)));
    ``(C) a hospital or clinic operated by the Secretary
    of Veterans Affairs; or
    ``(D) a healthcare provider group.
    ``(5) Member.--The term `member' means, as determined by the
    applicable eligible entity or healthcare partner carrying out a
    project under subsection (c) in accordance with procedures
    established by the Secretary--
    ``(A) an individual eligible for--
    ``(i) benefits under the Food and Nutrition
    Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.); or

    [[Page 4657]]

    ``(ii) medical assistance under a State plan
    or a waiver of such a plan under title XIX of the
    Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) and
    enrolled under such plan or waiver; and
    ``(B) a member of a low-income household that
    suffers from, or is at risk of developing, a diet-
    related health condition.'',
    (3) in subsection (b)--
    (A) in paragraph (1)--
    (i) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``The''
    and inserting ``Except as provided in subparagraph
    (D)(iii), the'',
    (ii) in subparagraph (C) by adding at the end
    the following:
    ``(iii) Tribal agencies.--The Secretary may
    allow a Tribal agency to use funds provided to the
    Indian Tribe of the Tribal agency through a
    Federal agency (including the Indian Health
    Service) or other Federal benefit to satisfy all
    or part of the non-Federal share described in
    clause (i) if such use is otherwise consistent
    with the purpose of such funds.'',
    (iii) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and
    (C) as subparagraphs (C) and (D), and
    (iv) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the
    following:
    ``(B) Partners and collaborators.--An eligible
    entity that receives a grant under this subsection may
    partner with, or make subgrants to, public, private,
    nonprofit, or for-profit entities, including--
    ``(i) an emergency feeding organization;
    ``(ii) an agricultural cooperative;
    ``(iii) a producer network or association;
    ``(iv) a community health organization;
    ``(v) a public benefit corporation;
    ``(vi) an economic development corporation;
    ``(vii) a farmers' market;
    ``(viii) a community-supported agriculture
    program;
    ``(ix) a buying club;
    ``(x) a retail food store participating in the
    supplemental nutrition assistance program;
    ``(xi) a State, local, or tribal agency;
    ``(xii) another eligible entity that receives
    a grant under this subsection; and
    ``(xiii) any other entity the Secretary
    designates.'',
    (B) in paragraph (2)--
    (i) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as
    follows:
    ``(A) In general.--To receive a grant under this
    subsection, an eligible entity shall--
    ``(i) meet the application criteria set forth
    by the Secretary; and
    ``(ii) propose a project that, at a minimum--
    ``(I) has the support of the State
    agency administering the supplemental
    nutrition assistance program;
    ``(II) would increase the purchase
    of fruits and vegetables by low-income
    households participating

    [[Page 4658]]

    in the supplemental nutrition assistance
    program by providing an incentive for
    the purchase of fruits and vegetables at
    the point of purchase to a household
    purchasing food with supplemental
    nutrition assistance program benefits;
    ``(III) except in the case of
    projects receiving $100,000 or less over
    1 year, would measure the purchase of
    fruits and vegetables by low-income
    households participating in the
    supplemental nutrition assistance
    program;
    ``(IV) ensures that the same terms
    and conditions apply to purchases made
    by individuals with benefits issued
    under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008
    and incentives provided for in this
    subsection as apply to purchases made by
    individuals who are not members of
    households receiving benefits, such as
    provided for in section 278.2(b) of
    title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or
    a successor regulation);
    ``(V) has adequate plans to collect
    data for reporting and agrees to provide
    that information for the report
    described in subsection (e)(2)(B)(iii);
    and
    ``(VI) would share information with
    the Nutrition Incentive Program
    Training, Technical Assistance,
    Evaluation, and Information Centers
    established under subsection (e).'',
    (ii) in subparagraph (B)--
    (I) by striking clause (v),
    (II) by redesignating clause (vi) as
    clause (x), and
    (III) by inserting after clause (iv)
    the following:
    ``(v) include a project design--
    ``(I) that provides incentives when
    fruits or vegetables are purchased using
    supplemental nutrition assistance
    program benefits; and
    ``(II) in which the incentives
    earned may be used only to purchase
    fruits or vegetables;
    ``(vi) have demonstrated the ability to
    provide services to underserved communities;
    ``(vii) include coordination with multiple
    stakeholders, such as farm organizations,
    nutrition education programs, cooperative
    extension services, public health departments,
    health providers, private and public health
    insurance agencies, cooperative grocers, grocery
    associations, and community-based and
    nongovernmental organizations;
    ``(viii) offer supplemental services in high-
    need communities, including online ordering,
    transportation between home and store, and
    delivery services;
    ``(ix) include food retailers that are open--
    ``(I) for extended hours; and
    ``(II) most or all days of the year;
    or'', and
    (C) by striking paragraphs (3) and (4),
    (4) in subsection (c)--
    (A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``subsection (b)
    $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018''

    [[Page 4659]]

    and inserting ``this section $5,000,000 for each of
    fiscal years 2014 through 2023'', and
    (B) in paragraph (2)--
    (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A),
    by striking ``subsection (b)'' and inserting
    ``this section'',
    (ii) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``and''
    at the end,
    (iii) in subparagraph (C) by striking the
    period at the end and inserting a semicolon, and
    (iv) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(C) $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2019;
    ``(D) $48,000,000 for fiscal year 2020;
    ``(E) $48,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;
    ``(F) $53,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; and
    ``(G) $56,000,000 for fiscal year 2023 and each
    fiscal year thereafter.
    ``(3) Use of funds.--With respect to funds made available
    under this section for fiscal years 2019 through 2023--
    ``(A) for each fiscal year the Secretary shall use
    not more than 10 percent of such funds available for
    such fiscal year for the produce prescription program
    described in subsection (c);
    ``(B) for each fiscal year not more than 8 percent
    of such funds available for such fiscal year shall be
    used by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture
    and the Food and Nutrition Service for administration;
    and
    ``(C) the Secretary shall use for the Nutrition
    Incentive Program Training, Technical Assistance,
    Evaluation, and Information Centers established under
    subsection (e) not more than--
    ``(i) $17,000,000 in the aggregate for fiscal
    years 2019 and 2020; and
    ``(ii) $7,000,000 for each of the fiscal years
    2021 through 2023.'',
    (5) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (f), and
    (6) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:

    ``(c) Produce Prescription Program.--
    ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a grant
    program under which the Secretary shall award grants to eligible
    entities to conduct projects that demonstrate and evaluate the
    impact of the projects on--
    ``(A) the improvement of dietary health through
    increased consumption of fruits and vegetables;
    ``(B) the reduction of individual and household food
    insecurity; and
    ``(C) the reduction in healthcare use and associated
    costs.
    ``(2) Healthcare partners.--In carrying out a project using
    a grant received under paragraph (1), an eligible entity shall
    partner with 1 or more healthcare partners.
    ``(3) Grant applications.--
    ``(A) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant
    under paragraph (1), an eligible entity--
    ``(i) shall--
    ``(I) prescribe fresh fruits and
    vegetables to members;

    [[Page 4660]]

    ``(II) submit to the Secretary an
    application containing such information
    as the Secretary may require, including
    the information described in
    subparagraph (B); and
    ``(ii) may--
    ``(I) provide financial or non-
    financial incentives for members to
    purchase or procure fresh fruits and
    vegetables;
    ``(II) provide educational resources
    on nutrition to members; and
    ``(III) establish additional
    accessible locations for members to
    procure fresh fruits and vegetables.
    ``(B) Application.--An application shall--
    ``(i) identify the 1 or more healthcare
    partners with which the eligible entity is
    partnering under paragraph (2); and
    ``(ii) include--
    ``(I) a description of the methods
    by which an eligible entity shall--
    ``(aa) screen and verify
    eligibility for members for
    participation in a produce
    prescription project, in
    accordance with procedures
    established under subsection
    (a)(5);
    ``(bb) implement an
    effective produce prescription
    project, including the role of
    each healthcare partner in
    implementing the produce
    prescription project;
    ``(cc) evaluate members
    participating in a produce
    prescription project with
    respect to the matters described
    in subparagraphs (A) through (C)
    of paragraph (1);
    ``(dd) provide educational
    opportunities relating to
    nutrition to members
    participating in a produce
    prescription project; and
    ``(ee) inform members of the
    availability of the produce
    prescription project, including
    locations at which produce
    prescriptions may be redeemed;
    ``(II) a description of any
    additional nonprofit or emergency
    feeding organizations that shall be
    involved in the project and the role of
    each additional nonprofit or emergency
    feeding organization in implementing and
    evaluating an effective produce
    prescription project;
    ``(III) documentation of a
    partnership agreement with a relevant
    State Medicaid agency or other
    appropriate entity, as determined by the
    Secretary, to evaluate the effectiveness
    of the produce prescription project in
    reducing healthcare use and associated
    costs;
    ``(IV) adequate plans to collect
    data for reporting and agreement to
    provide that information for the report
    described in subsection (e)(2)(B)(iii);
    and
    ``(V) agreement to share information
    with the Nutrition Incentive Program
    Training, Technical

    [[Page 4661]]

    Assistance, Evaluation, and Information
    Centers established under subsection
    (e).
    ``(4) Coordination.--In carrying out the grant program
    established under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall coordinate
    with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the heads of
    other appropriate Federal agencies that carry out activities
    relating to healthcare partners.
    ``(5) Partnerships.--
    ``(A) In general.--In carrying out the grant program
    under paragraph (1), the Secretary may enter into 1 or
    more memoranda of understanding with a Federal agency, a
    State, or a private entity to ensure the effective
    implementation and evaluation of each project.
    ``(B) Memorandum of understanding.--A memorandum of
    understanding entered into under subparagraph (A) shall
    include--
    ``(i) a description of a plan to provide
    educational opportunities relating to nutrition to
    members participating in produce prescription
    projects;
    ``(ii) a description of the role of the
    Federal agency, State, or private entity, as
    applicable, in implementing and evaluating an
    effective produce prescription project; and
    ``(iii) documentation of a partnership
    agreement with a relevant State Medicaid agency or
    other appropriate entity, as determined by the
    Secretary.

    ``(d) Applicability.--
    ``(1) In general.--The value of any benefit provided to a
    participant in any activity funded under subsections (b) or (c)
    shall be treated as supplemental nutrition benefits under
    section 8(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
    2017(b)).
    ``(2) Prohibition on collection of sales taxes.--Each State
    shall ensure that no State or local tax is collected on a
    purchase of food with assistance provided under subsections (b)
    and (c).
    ``(3) No limitation on benefits.--Grants made available
    under subsections (b) and (c) shall not be used to carry out any
    project that limits the use of benefits under the Food and
    Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) or any other
    Federal nutrition law.
    ``(4) Household allotment.--Assistance provided under
    subsections (b) and (c) to households receiving benefits under
    the supplemental nutrition assistance program shall not--
    ``(A) be considered part of the supplemental
    nutrition assistance program benefits of the household;
    or
    ``(B) be used in the collection or disposition of
    claims under section 13 of the Food and Nutrition Act of
    2008 (7 U.S.C. 2022).

    ``(e) Nutrition Incentive Program Training, Technical Assistance,
    Evaluation, and Information Centers.--
    ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
    ``(A) establish 1 or more Nutrition Incentive
    Program Training, Technical Assistance, Evaluation, and
    Information Centers, in consultation with the Director
    of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture; and

    [[Page 4662]]

    ``(B) to the extent practicable, consult on the
    design and scope of such Centers with grocers, farmers,
    health professionals, researchers, incentive program
    managers, and employees of the Department of Agriculture
    with direct experience with implementation of existing
    incentive programs or projects.
    ``(2) Establishment.--The Centers shall be capable of
    providing services related to grants under subsections (b) and
    (c), including--
    ``(A) offering incentive program training and
    technical assistance to applicants and grantees to the
    extent practicable, including--
    ``(i) collecting and providing information on
    best practices that may include communications,
    signage, record-keeping, incentive instruments,
    development and integration of point of sale
    systems, and reporting;
    ``(ii) disseminating information and assisting
    with collaboration among grantee projects,
    applicable State agencies, and nutrition education
    programs;
    ``(iii) facilitating communication between
    grantees and the Department of Agriculture and
    applicable State agencies; and
    ``(iv) providing support for the development
    of best practices for produce prescription
    projects and the sharing of information among
    eligible entities and healthcare providers that
    participate in a produce prescription project
    under subsection (c); and
    ``(v) other services identified by the
    Secretary; and
    ``(B) creating a system to collect and compile core
    data sets from eligible entities that--
    ``(i) uses standard metrics with consideration
    of outcome measures for existing projects;
    ``(ii) includes to the extent practicable
    grocers, farmers, health professionals,
    researchers, incentive program managers, and
    employees of the Department of Agriculture with
    direct experience with implementation of existing
    incentive programs in the design of the instrument
    through which data will be collected and the
    mechanism for reporting;
    ``(iii) compiles project data from grantees,
    and beginning in fiscal year 2020 generates an
    annual report to Congress on grant outcomes,
    including--
    ``(I) the results of the project;
    and
    ``(II) the amount of grant funds
    used for the project; and
    ``(iv) creates and maintains a publicly
    accessible online site that makes annual reports
    and incentive program information available in an
    anonymized format that protects confidential,
    personal, or other sensitive data.
    ``(3) Cooperative agreement.--
    ``(A) In general.--To carry out paragraph (1), the
    Secretary may, on a competitive basis, enter into 1 or
    more cooperative agreements with 1 or more organizations
    with expertise in developing outcome-based reporting, at

    [[Page 4663]]

    least 1 of which has expertise in the food insecurity
    nutrition incentive program and at least 1 of which has
    expertise in produce prescription projects.
    ``(B) Inclusion.--The organizations referred to in
    subparagraph (A) may include--
    ``(i) nongovernmental organizations;
    ``(ii) State cooperative extension services;
    ``(iii) regional food system centers;
    ``(iv) Federal, State, or Tribal agencies;
    ``(v) institutions of higher education (as
    defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education
    Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a))); or
    ``(vi) other appropriate entities as
    determined by the Secretary.''.

    (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents of the Food,
    Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 113-188) is amended by
    striking the item relating to section 4405 and inserting the following:

    ``Sec. 4405. The Gus Schumacher nutrition incentive program.''.

    SEC. 4206. <>  MICRO-GRANTS FOR FOOD SECURITY.

    (a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to increase the
    quantity and quality of locally grown food through small-scale
    gardening, herding, and livestock operations in food insecure
    communities in areas of the United States that have significant levels
    of food insecurity and import a significant quantity of food.
    (b) Definitions.--In this section:
    (1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means an
    entity that--
    (A) is--
    (i) an individual;
    (ii) an Indian tribe or tribal organization,
    as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-
    Determination and Education Assistance Act (25
    U.S.C. 5304);
    (iii) a nonprofit organization engaged in
    increasing food security, as determined by the
    Secretary, including--
    (I) a religious organization;
    (II) a food bank; or
    (III) a food pantry;
    (iv) a federally funded educational facility,
    including--
    (I) a Head Start program or an Early
    Head Start program carried out under the
    Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.);
    (II) a public elementary school or
    public secondary school;
    (III) a public institution of higher
    education (as defined in section 101 of
    the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
    U.S.C. 1001));
    (IV) a Tribal College or University
    (as defined in section 316(b) of the
    Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
    1059c(b))); or
    (V) a job training program; or
    (v) a local or Tribal government that may not
    levy local taxes under State or Federal law; and
    (B) is located in an eligible State.

    [[Page 4664]]

    (2) Eligible state.--The term ``eligible State'' means--
    (A) the State of Alaska;
    (B) the State of Hawaii;
    (C) American Samoa;
    (D) the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
    Islands;
    (E) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;
    (F) the Federated States of Micronesia;
    (G) Guam;
    (H) the Republic of the Marshall Islands;
    (I) the Republic of Palau; and
    (J) the United States Virgin Islands.

    (c) Establishment.--The Secretary shall distribute funds to the
    agricultural department or agency of each eligible State for the
    competitive distribution of subgrants to eligible entities to increase
    the quantity and quality of locally grown food in food insecure
    communities, including through small-scale gardening, herding, and
    livestock operations.
    (d) Distribution of Funds.--
    (1) In general.--Of the amount made available under
    subsection (g), the Secretary shall distribute--
    (A) 40 percent to the State of Alaska;
    (B) 40 percent to the State of Hawaii; and
    (C) 2.5 percent to each eligible State described in
    any of subparagraphs (C) through (J) of subsection
    (b)(2).
    (2) Carryover of funds.--Funds distributed under paragraph
    (1) shall remain available until expended.
    (3) Administrative funds.--An eligible State that receives
    funds under paragraph (1) may use not more than 3 percent of
    those funds--
    (A) to administer the competition for providing
    subgrants to eligible entities in that eligible State;
    (B) to provide oversight of the subgrant recipients
    in that eligible State; and
    (C) to collect data and submit a report to the
    Secretary under subsection (f)(2).

    (e) Subgrants to Eligible Entities.--
    (1) Amount of subgrants.--
    (A) In general.--The amount of a subgrant to an
    eligible entity under this section shall be--
    (i) in the case of an eligible entity that is
    an individual, not greater than $5,000 per year;
    and
    (ii) in the case of an eligible entity
    described in any of clauses (ii) through (v) of
    subsection (b)(1)(A), not greater than $10,000 per
    year.
    (B) Matching requirement.--As a condition of
    receiving a subgrant under this section, an eligible
    entity shall provide funds equal to 10 percent of the
    amount received by the eligible entity under the
    subgrant, to be derived from non-Federal sources. A
    State may waive the matching requirement for an
    individual who otherwise meets the requirements to
    receive a subgrant by the eligible State.
    (C) Project period.--Funds received by an eligible
    entity that is awarded a subgrant under this section
    shall remain available for expenditure not later than 3
    years after the date the funds are received.

    [[Page 4665]]

    (2) Priority.--In carrying out the competitive distribution
    of subgrants under subsection (c), an eligible State may give
    priority to an eligible entity that--
    (A) has not previously received a subgrant under
    this section; or
    (B) is located in a community or region in that
    eligible State with the highest degree of food
    insecurity, as determined by the agricultural department
    or agency of the eligible State.
    (3) Projects.--An eligible State may provide subgrants to 2
    or more eligible entities to carry out the same project.
    (4) Use of subgrant funds by eligible entities.--An eligible
    entity that receives a subgrant under this section shall use the
    funds to engage in activities that will increase the quantity
    and quality of locally grown food for food insecure individuals,
    families, neighborhoods, and communities, including by--
    (A) purchasing gardening tools or equipment, soil,
    soil amendments, seeds, plants, animals, canning
    equipment, refrigeration, or other items necessary to
    grow and store food;
    (B) purchasing or building composting units;
    (C) purchasing or building towers designed to grow
    leafy green vegetables;
    (D) expanding an area under cultivation or engaging
    in other activities necessary to be eligible to receive
    funding under the environmental quality incentives
    program established under chapter 4 of subtitle D of
    title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
    3839aa et seq.) for a high tunnel;
    (E) engaging in an activity that extends the growing
    season;
    (F) starting or expanding hydroponic and aeroponic
    farming of any scale;
    (G) building, buying, erecting, or repairing fencing
    for livestock, poultry, or reindeer;
    (H) purchasing and equipping a slaughter and
    processing facility approved by the Secretary;
    (I) traveling to participate in agricultural
    education provided by--
    (i) a State cooperative extension service;
    (ii) a land-grant college or university (as
    defined in section 1404 of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
    Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103));
    (iii) a Tribal College or University (as
    defined in section 316(b) of the Higher Education
    Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c(b)));
    (iv) an Alaska Native-serving institution or a
    Native Hawaiian-serving institution (as such terms
    are defined in section 317(b) of the Higher
    Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059d(b))); or
    (v) a Federal or State agency;
    (J) paying for shipping of purchased items relating
    to growing or raising food for local consumption or
    purchase;
    (K) creating or expanding avenues for--

    [[Page 4666]]

    (i) the sale of food commodities, specialty
    crops, and meats that are grown by the eligible
    entity for sale in the local community; or
    (ii) increasing the availability of fresh,
    locally grown, and nutritious food; and
    (L) engaging in other activities relating to
    increasing food security (including subsistence), as
    determined by the Secretary.
    (5) Eligibility for other financial assistance.--An eligible
    entity shall not be ineligible to receive financial assistance
    under another program administered by the Secretary as a result
    of receiving a subgrant under this section.

    (f) Reporting Requirement.--
    (1) Subgrant recipients.--As a condition of receiving a
    subgrant under this section, an eligible entity shall agree to
    submit to the eligible State in which the eligible entity is
    located a report--
    (A) not later than 60 days after the end of the
    project funded by the subgrant; and
    (B) that describes the use of the subgrants by
    eligible entities, the quantity of food grown through
    small-scale gardening, herding, and livestock
    operations, and the number of food insecure individuals
    fed as a result of the subgrant.
    (2) Report to the secretary.--Not later than 120 days after
    the date on which an eligible State receives a report from each
    eligible entity in that State under paragraph (1), the eligible
    State shall submit to the Secretary a report that describes, in
    the aggregate, the information and data contained in the reports
    received from those eligible entities.

    (g) Funding.--
    (1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized to
    be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section
    $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year
    thereafter, to remain available until expended.
    (2) Appropriations in advance.--Only funds appropriated
    under paragraph (1) in advance specifically to carry out this
    section shall be available to carry out this section.
    SEC. 4207. <>  BUY AMERICAN REQUIREMENTS.

    (a) Enforcement.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
    enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall--
    (1) enforce full compliance with the requirements of section
    12(n) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42
    U.S.C. 1760(n)) for purchases of agricultural commodities,
    including fish, meats, vegetables, and fruits, and the products
    thereof, and
    (2) ensure that States and school food authorities fully
    understand their responsibilities under such Act.

    (b) Requirement.--The products of the agricultural commodities
    described in subsection (a)(1) shall be processed in the United States
    and substantially contain--
    (1) meats, vegetables, fruits, and other agricultural
    commodities produced in--
    (A) a State,
    (B) the District of Columbia,
    (C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or

    [[Page 4667]]

    (D) any territory or possession of the United
    States, or
    (2) fish harvested--
    (A) within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United
    States, as described in Presidential Proclamation 5030
    (48 Fed. Reg. 10605; March 10, 1983), or
    (B) by a United States flagged vessel.

    (c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment
    of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the
    actions the Secretary has taken, and plans to take, to comply with this
    section.
    SEC. 4208. <>  HEALTHY FLUID MILK
    INCENTIVES PROJECTS.

    (a) Definition of Fluid Milk.--In this section the term ``fluid
    milk'' means all varieties of pasteurized cow's milk that--
    (1) is without flavoring or sweeteners,
    (2) is consistent with the most recent dietary
    recommendations,
    (3) is packaged in liquid form, and
    (4) contains vitamins A and D at levels consistent with the
    Food and Drug Administration, State, and local standards for
    fluid milk.

    (b) Projects.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall carry out, under
    such terms and conditions as the Secretary considers to be appropriate,
    healthy fluid milk incentive projects to develop and test methods to
    increase the purchase and consumption of fluid milk by members of
    households that receive supplemental nutrition assistance program
    benefits by providing an incentive for the purchase of fluid milk at the
    point of purchase to members of households purchasing food with
    supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits.
    (c) Grants or Cooperative Agreements.--
    (1) In general.--To carry out this section, the Secretary,
    on a competitive basis, shall enter into cooperative agreements
    with, or provide grants to, governmental entities or nonprofit
    organizations for projects that meet the purpose and selection
    criteria specified in this subsection.
    (2) Application.--To be eligible to enter into a cooperative
    agreement or receive a grant under this subsection, a government
    entity or nonprofit organization shall submit to the Secretary
    an application containing such information as the Secretary may
    require.
    (3) Selection criteria.--Projects proposed in applications
    shall be evaluated against publicly disseminated criteria that
    shall incorporate a scientifically based strategy that is
    designed to improve diet quality and nutritional outcomes
    through the increased purchase of fluid milk by members of
    households that participate in the supplemental nutrition
    assistance program.
    (4) Use of funds.--Funds made available to carry out this
    section shall not be used for any project that limits the use of
    benefits provided under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008.

    (d) Evaluation and Reporting.--
    (1) Evaluation.--
    (A) Independent evaluation.--

    [[Page 4668]]

    (i) In general.--The Secretary shall provide
    for an independent evaluation of projects selected
    under this section that measures, to the maximum
    extent practicable, the impact on health and
    nutrition.
    (ii) Requirement.--The independent evaluation
    under this subparagraph shall use rigorous
    methodologies, particularly random assignment or
    other methods that are capable of producing
    scientifically valid information regarding which
    activities are effective.
    (B) Costs.--The Secretary may use funds not to
    exceed 7 percent of the funding provided to carry out
    this section to pay costs associated with evaluating the
    outcomes of the healthy fluid milk incentive projects.
    (2) Reporting.--Not later than December 31 of 2020, and
    biennially thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the
    Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the
    Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate
    a report that includes a description of--
    (A) the status of each healthy fluid milk incentives
    project, and
    (B) the results of any completed evaluation that--
    (i) include, to the maximum extent
    practicable, the impact of the healthy fluid milk
    incentive projects on health and nutrition
    outcomes among households participating in such
    projects, and
    (ii) have not been submitted in a previous
    report under this paragraph.
    (3) Public dissemination.--In addition to the reporting
    requirements under paragraph (2), evaluation results shall be
    shared publicly to promote wide use of successful strategies.

    (e) Funding.--
    (1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized to
    be appropriated $20,000,000 to carry out and evaluate the
    outcomes of projects under this section, to remain available
    until expended.
    (2) Appropriations in advance.--Only funds appropriated
    under paragraph (1) in advance specifically to carry out this
    section shall be available to carry out this section.

    TITLE V--CREDIT

    Subtitle A--Farm Ownership Loans

    SEC. 5101. MODIFICATION OF THE 3-YEAR EXPERIENCE ELIGIBILITY
    REQUIREMENT FOR FARM OWNERSHIP LOANS.

    Section 302(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 1922(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(4) Waiver authority.--In the case of a qualified
    beginning farmer or rancher, the Secretary may--
    ``(A) reduce the 3-year requirement in paragraph (1)
    to 1 or 2 years, if the farmer or rancher has--
    ``(i) not less than 16 credit hours of post-
    secondary education in a field related to
    agriculture;
    ``(ii) successfully completed a farm
    management curriculum offered by a cooperative
    extension service,

    [[Page 4669]]

    a community college, an adult vocational
    agriculture program, a nonprofit organization, or
    a land-grant college or university;
    ``(iii) at least 1 year of experience as hired
    farm labor with substantial management
    responsibilities;
    ``(iv) successfully completed a farm
    mentorship, apprenticeship, or internship program
    with an emphasis on management requirements and
    day-to-day farm management decisions;
    ``(v) significant business management
    experience;
    ``(vi) been honorably discharged from the
    armed forces of the United States;
    ``(vii) successfully repaid a youth loan made
    under section 311(b); or
    ``(viii) an established relationship with an
    individual who has experience in farming or
    ranching, or is a retired farmer or rancher, and
    is participating as a counselor in a Service Corps
    of Retired Executives program authorized under
    section 8(b)(1)(B) of the Small Business Act (15
    U.S.C. 637(b)(1)(B)), or with a local farm or
    ranch operator or organization, approved by the
    Secretary, that is committed to mentoring the
    farmer or rancher; or
    ``(B) waive the 3-year requirement in paragraph (1)
    if the farmer or rancher meets the requirements of
    clauses (iii) and (viii) of subparagraph (A).''.
    SEC. 5102. CONSERVATION LOAN AND LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM.

    Section 304(h) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 1924(h)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 5103. LIMITATIONS ON AMOUNT OF FARM OWNERSHIP LOANS.

    Section 305 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 1925) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)(2)--
    (A) by striking ``$300,000'' and inserting
    ``$600,000'';
    (B) by striking ``$700,000'' and inserting
    ``$1,750,000''; and
    (C) by striking ``2000'' and inserting ``2019''; and
    (2) in subsection (c)--
    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``August'' and
    inserting ``July''; and
    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``ending on August
    31, 1996'' and inserting ``that immediately precedes the
    12-month period described in paragraph (1)''.
    SEC. 5104. RELENDING PROGRAM TO RESOLVE OWNERSHIP AND SUCCESSION
    ON FARMLAND.

    Subtitle A of title III of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
    Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1922 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end
    the following:
    ``SEC. 310I. <>  RELENDING PROGRAM TO RESOLVE
    OWNERSHIP AND SUCCESSION ON FARMLAND.

    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary may make loans to eligible entities
    described in subsection (b) so that the eligible entities

    [[Page 4670]]

    may relend the funds to individuals and entities for the purposes
    described in subsection (c).
    ``(b) Eligible Entities.--Entities eligible for loans described in
    subsection (a) are cooperatives, credit unions, and nonprofit
    organizations with--
    ``(1) certification under section 1805.201 of title 12, Code
    of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), to operate as
    a lender;
    ``(2) experience assisting socially disadvantaged farmers
    and ranchers (as defined in subsection (a) of section 2501 of
    the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7
    U.S.C. 2279)) or limited resource or new and beginning farmers
    and ranchers, rural businesses, cooperatives, or credit unions,
    including experience in making and servicing agricultural and
    commercial loans; and
    ``(3) the ability to provide adequate assurance of the
    repayment of a loan.

    ``(c) Eligible Purposes.--The proceeds from loans made by the
    Secretary pursuant to subsection (a) shall be re-lent by eligible
    entities for projects that assist heirs with undivided ownership
    interests to resolve ownership and succession on farmland that has
    multiple owners.
    ``(d) Preference.--In making loans under subsection (a), the
    Secretary shall give preference to eligible entities--
    ``(1) with not less than 10 years of experience serving
    socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers; and
    ``(2) in States that have adopted a statute consisting of an
    enactment or adoption of the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property
    Act, as approved and recommended for enactment in all States by
    the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws
    in 2010, that relend to owners of heirs property (as defined in
    that Act).

    ``(e) Loan Terms and Conditions.--The following terms and conditions
    shall apply to loans made under this section:
    ``(1) The interest rate at which intermediaries may borrow
    funds under this section shall be determined by the Secretary.
    ``(2) The rates, terms, and payment structure for borrowers
    to which intermediaries lend shall be--
    ``(A) determined by the intermediary in an amount
    sufficient to cover the cost of operating and sustaining
    the revolving loan fund; and
    ``(B) clearly and publicly disclosed to qualified
    ultimate borrowers.
    ``(3) Borrowers to which intermediaries lend shall be--
    ``(A) required to complete a succession plan as a
    condition of the loan; and
    ``(B) be offered the opportunity to borrow
    sufficient funds to cover costs associated with the
    succession plan under subparagraph (A) and other
    associated legal and closing costs.

    ``(f) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
    this section, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture
    of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture,
    Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report describing the operation
    and outcomes of the program under this section, with recommendations on
    how to strengthen the program.

    [[Page 4671]]

    ``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
    appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal
    years 2019 through 2023.''.

    Subtitle B--Operating Loans

    SEC. 5201. LIMITATIONS ON AMOUNT OF OPERATING LOANS.

    Section 313 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 1943) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)(1)--
    (A) by striking ``$300,000'' and inserting
    ``$400,000'';
    (B) by striking ``$700,000'' and inserting
    ``$1,750,000''; and
    (C) by striking ``2000'' and inserting ``2019''; and
    (2) in subsection (b)--
    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``August'' and
    inserting ``July''; and
    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``ending on August
    31, 1996'' and inserting ``that immediately precedes the
    12-month period described in paragraph (1)''.
    SEC. 5202. MICROLOANS.

    Section 313(c)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
    (7 U.S.C. 1943(c)(2)) is amended by striking ``title'' and inserting
    ``subsection''.
    SEC. 5203. COOPERATIVE LENDING PILOT PROJECTS.

    Section 313(c)(4)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
    Act (7 U.S.C. 1943(c)(4)(A)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and
    inserting ``2023''.

    Subtitle C--Administrative Provisions

    SEC. 5301. BEGINNING FARMER AND RANCHER INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT
    ACCOUNTS PILOT PROGRAM.

    Section 333B(h) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
    (7 U.S.C. 1983b(h)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.
    SEC. 5302. LOAN AUTHORIZATION LEVELS.

    Section 346(b)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
    (7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(1)) is amended--
    (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
    ``$4,226,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2018''
    and inserting ``$10,000,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019
    through 2023''; and
    (2) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) and inserting the
    following:
    ``(A) $3,000,000,000 shall be for direct loans, of
    which--
    ``(i) $1,500,000,000 shall be for farm
    ownership loans under subtitle A; and
    ``(ii) $1,500,000,000 shall be for operating
    loans under subtitle B; and
    ``(B) $7,000,000,000 shall be for guaranteed loans,
    of which--

    [[Page 4672]]

    ``(i) $3,500,000,000 shall be for farm
    ownership loans under subtitle A; and
    ``(ii) $3,500,000,000 shall be for operating
    loans under subtitle B.''.
    SEC. 5303. LOAN FUND SET-ASIDES.

    Section 346(b)(2)(A)(ii)(III) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
    Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(2)(A)(ii)(III)) is amended by striking
    ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 5304. USE OF ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR DIRECT OPERATING MICROLOANS
    UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS.

    Section 346(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 1994(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(5) Use of additional funds for direct operating
    microloans under certain conditions.--
    ``(A) In general.--If the Secretary determines that
    the amount needed for a fiscal year for direct operating
    loans (including microloans) under subtitle B is greater
    than the aggregate principal amount authorized for that
    fiscal year by this Act, an appropriations Act, or any
    other provision of law, the Secretary shall make
    additional microloans under subtitle B using amounts
    made available under subparagraph (C).
    ``(B) Notice.--Not later than 15 days before the
    date on which the Secretary uses the authority under
    subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall submit a notice of
    the use of that authority to--
    ``(i) the Committee on Appropriations of the
    House of Representatives;
    ``(ii) the Committee on Appropriations of the
    Senate;
    ``(iii) the Committee on Agriculture of the
    House of Representatives; and
    ``(iv) the Committee on Agriculture,
    Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate.
    ``(C) Authorization of appropriations.--There is
    authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
    paragraph $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019
    through 2023.''.
    SEC. 5305. EQUITABLE RELIEF.

    The Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act is amended by
    inserting after section 365 (7 U.S.C. 2008) the following:
    ``SEC. 366. <>  EQUITABLE RELIEF.

    ``(a) In General.--Subject to subsection (b), the Secretary may
    provide a form of relief described in subsection (c) to any farmer or
    rancher who--
    ``(1) received a direct farm ownership, operating, or
    emergency loan under this title; and
    ``(2) the Secretary determines is not in compliance with the
    requirements of this title with respect to the loan.

    ``(b) Limitation.--The Secretary may only provide relief to a farmer
    or rancher under subsection (a) if the Secretary determines that the
    farmer or rancher--
    ``(1) acted in good faith; and

    [[Page 4673]]

    ``(2) relied on an action of, or the advice of, the
    Secretary (including any authorized representative of the
    Secretary) to the detriment of the farming or ranching operation
    of the farmer or rancher.

    ``(c) Forms of Relief.--The Secretary may provide to a farmer or
    rancher under subsection (a) any of the following forms of relief:
    ``(1) The farmer or rancher may retain loans or other
    benefits received in association with the loan with respect to
    which the farmer or rancher was determined to be noncompliant
    under subsection (a)(2).
    ``(2) The farmer or rancher may receive such other equitable
    relief as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.

    ``(d) Condition.--As a condition of receiving relief under this
    section, the Secretary may require the farmer or rancher to take actions
    designed to remedy the noncompliance.
    ``(e) Administrative Appeal; Judicial Review.--A determination or
    action of the Secretary under this section--
    ``(1) shall be final; and
    ``(2) shall not be subject to administrative appeal or
    judicial review under chapter 7 of title 5, United States
    Code.''.
    SEC. 5306. SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED FARMERS AND RANCHERS; QUALIFIED
    BEGINNING FARMERS AND RANCHERS.

    The Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act is amended by
    inserting after section 366 (as added by section 5305) the following:
    ``SEC. 367. <>  SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED FARMERS
    AND RANCHERS; QUALIFIED BEGINNING FARMERS
    AND RANCHERS.

    ``In the case of a loan guaranteed by the Secretary under subtitle A
    or B to a socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher (as defined in
    section 355(e)) or a qualified beginning farmer or rancher, the
    Secretary may provide for a standard guarantee plan, which shall cover
    an amount equal to 95 percent of the outstanding principal of the
    loan.''.
    SEC. 5307. EMERGENCY LOAN ELIGIBILITY.

    Section 373(b)(2)(B) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
    Act (7 U.S.C. 2008h(b)(2)(B)) is amended--
    (1) by redesignating clauses (i) and (ii) as subclauses (I)
    and (II), respectively, and indenting appropriately;
    (2) in the matter preceding subclause (I) (as so
    redesignated), by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting the
    following:
    ``(i) In general.--The Secretary''; and
    (3) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(ii) Restructured loans.--For purposes of
    clause (i), a borrower who was restructured with a
    write-down or restructuring under section 353
    shall not be considered to have received debt
    forgiveness on a loan made or guaranteed under
    this title.''.

    [[Page 4674]]

    Subtitle D--Miscellaneous

    SEC. 5401. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS TO THE CONSOLIDATED FARM AND
    RURAL DEVELOPMENT ACT.

    (a)(1) Section 321(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
    Act (7 U.S.C. 1961(a)) is amended in the second sentence by striking
    ``and limited liability companies'' and inserting ``limited liability
    companies, and such other legal entities''.
    (2) <>  The amendment made by this
    subsection shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section
    5201(2)(C) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79) in lieu
    of the amendment made by such section.

    (b)(1) Section 331D(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
    Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1981d(e)) is amended by inserting after
    ``within 60 days after receipt of the notice required in this section''
    the following: ``or, in extraordinary circumstances as determined by the
    applicable State director, after the 60-day period''.
    (2) <>  The amendment made by this
    subsection shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section
    10 of the Agricultural Credit Improvement Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-
    554).

    (c)(1) Section 333A(f)(1)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
    Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1983a(f)(1)(A)) is amended by striking ``114''
    and inserting ``339''.
    (2) <>  The amendment made by this
    subsection shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section
    14 of the Agricultural Credit Improvement Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-
    554).

    (d) Section 339(d)(3) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
    Act (7 U.S.C.1989(d)(3)) is amended by striking ``preferred certified
    lender'' and inserting ``Preferred Certified Lender''.
    (e)(1) Section 343(a)(11)(C) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
    Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(11)(C)) is amended by striking ``or
    joint operators'' and inserting ``joint operator, or owners''.
    (2) <>  The amendment made by this
    subsection shall take effect as of the effective date of section
    5303(a)(2) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79).

    (f)(1) Section 343(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
    Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(b)) is amended by striking ``307(e)'' and inserting
    ``307(d)''.
    (2) <>  The amendment made by paragraph (1)
    shall take effect as of the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of
    2014 (Public Law 113-79).

    (g) Section 346(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
    Act (7 U.S.C.1994(a)) is amended by striking the last comma.
    SEC. 5402. STATE AGRICULTURAL MEDIATION PROGRAMS.

    (a) Issues Covered by State Mediation Programs.--Section 501(c) of
    the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 (7 U.S.C. 5101(c)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (1)--
    (A) in subparagraph (B)--
    (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by
    striking ``under the jurisdiction of the
    Department of Agriculture'';
    (ii) in clause (ii), by inserting ``and the
    national organic program established under the
    Organic Foods

    [[Page 4675]]

    Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.)''
    before the period at the end; and
    (iii) by striking clause (vii) and inserting
    the following:
    ``(vii) Lease issues, including land leases
    and equipment leases.
    ``(viii) Family farm transition.
    ``(ix) Farmer-neighbor disputes.
    ``(x) Such other issues as the Secretary or
    the head of the department of agriculture of each
    participating State considers appropriate for
    better serving the agricultural community and
    persons eligible for mediation.''; and
    (B) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(C) Mediation services.--Funding provided for the
    mediation program of a qualifying State may also be used
    to provide credit counseling to persons described in
    paragraph (2)--
    ``(i) prior to the initiation of any mediation
    involving the Department of Agriculture; or
    ``(ii) unrelated to any ongoing dispute or
    mediation in which the Department of Agriculture
    is a party.'';
    (2) in paragraph (2)(A)--
    (A) in clause (ii), by striking ``and'' after the
    semicolon;
    (B) in clause (iii), by striking the period at the
    end and inserting ``; and''; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(iv) any other persons involved in an issue
    for which mediation services are provided by a
    mediation program described in paragraph
    (1)(B).''; and
    (3) in paragraph (3)(F), by striking ``that persons'' and
    inserting the following: ``that--
    ``(i) the Department of Agriculture receives
    adequate notification of those issues; and
    ``(ii) persons''.

    (b) Report Required.--Section 505 of the Agricultural Credit Act of
    1987 (7 U.S.C. 5105) is amended to read as follows:
    ``SEC. 505. REPORT.

    ``Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the
    Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, the Secretary shall submit to
    Congress a report describing--
    ``(1) the effectiveness of the State mediation programs
    receiving matching grants under this subtitle;
    ``(2) recommendations for improving the delivery of
    mediation services to producers;
    ``(3) the steps being taken to ensure that State mediation
    programs receive timely funding under this subtitle; and
    ``(4) the savings to the States as a result of having a
    mediation program.''.

    (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 506 of the
    Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 (7 U.S.C. 5106) is amended by striking
    ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 5403. COMPENSATION OF BANK DIRECTORS.

    Section 4.21 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2209) is
    repealed.

    [[Page 4676]]

    SEC. 5404. SHARING OF PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.

    Section 5.19 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2254) is
    amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(e) Sharing of Privileged and Confidential Information.--A System
    institution shall not be considered to have waived the confidentiality
    of a privileged communication with an attorney or an accountant if the
    System institution provides the content of the communication to the Farm
    Credit Administration pursuant to the supervisory or regulatory
    authorities of the Farm Credit Administration.''.
    SEC. 5405. FACILITY HEADQUARTERS.

    Section 5.16 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2251) is
    amended by striking all that precedes ``to the rental of quarters'' and
    inserting the following:
    ``SEC. 5.16. QUARTERS AND FACILITIES FOR THE FARM CREDIT
    ADMINISTRATION.

    ``(a) The Farm Credit Administration shall maintain its principal
    office within the Washington D.C.-Maryland-Virginia standard
    metropolitan statistical area, and such other offices within the United
    States as in its judgment are necessary.
    ``(b) As an alternate''.
    SEC. 5406. REMOVAL AND PROHIBITION AUTHORITY; INDUSTRY-WIDE
    PROHIBITION.

    Part C of title V of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 is amended by
    inserting after section 5.29 (12 U.S.C. 2265) the following:
    ``SEC. 5.29A. <>  REMOVAL AND PROHIBITION
    AUTHORITY; INDUSTRY-WIDE PROHIBITION.

    ``(a) Definition of Person.--In this section, the term `person'
    means--
    ``(1) an individual; and
    ``(2) in the case of a specific determination by the Farm
    Credit Administration, a legal entity.

    ``(b) Industry-wide Prohibition.--Except as provided in subsection
    (c), any person who, pursuant to an order issued under section 5.28 or
    5.29, has been removed or suspended from office at a System institution
    or prohibited from participating in the conduct of the affairs of a
    System institution shall not, during the period of effectiveness of the
    order, continue or commence to hold any office in, or participate in any
    manner in the conduct of the affairs of--
    ``(1) any insured depository institution subject to section
    8(e)(7)(A)(i) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C.
    1818(e)(7)(A)(i));
    ``(2) any institution subject to section 8(e)(7)(A)(ii) of
    the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1818(e)(7)(A)(ii));
    ``(3) any insured credit union under the Federal Credit
    Union Act (12 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.);
    ``(4) any Federal home loan bank;
    ``(5) any institution chartered under this Act;
    ``(6) any appropriate Federal financial institutions
    regulatory agency (as defined in section 8(e)(7)(D) of the
    Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1818(e)(7)(D)));
    ``(7) the Federal Housing Finance Agency; or

    [[Page 4677]]

    ``(8) the Farm Credit Administration.

    ``(c) Exception for Institution-affiliated Party That Receives
    Written Consent.--
    ``(1) In general.--
    ``(A) Affiliated parties.--If, on or after the date
    on which an order described in subsection (b) is issued
    that removes or suspends an institution-affiliated party
    from office at a System institution or prohibits an
    institution-affiliated party from participating in the
    conduct of the affairs of a System institution, that
    party receives written consent described in subparagraph
    (B), subsection (b) shall not apply to that party--
    ``(i) to the extent provided in the written
    consent received; and
    ``(ii) with respect to the institution
    described in each written consent.
    ``(B) Written consent described.--The written
    consent referred to in subparagraph (A) is written
    consent received from--
    ``(i) the Farm Credit Administration; and
    ``(ii) each appropriate Federal financial
    institutions regulatory agency (as defined in
    section 8(e)(7)(D) of the Federal Deposit
    Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1818(e)(7)(D))) of the
    applicable institution described in any of
    paragraphs (1), (2), (3), or (4) of subsection (b)
    with respect to which the party proposes to be
    become an affiliated party.
    ``(2) Disclosure.--Any agency described in clause (i) or
    (ii) of paragraph (1)(B) that provides a written consent under
    that paragraph shall--
    ``(A) report the action to the Farm Credit
    Administration; and
    ``(B) publicly disclose the action.
    ``(3) Consultation between agencies.--The agencies described
    in clauses (i) and (ii) of paragraph (1)(B) shall consult with
    each other before providing any written consent under that
    paragraph.

    ``(d) Violations.--A violation of subsection (b) by any person who
    is subject to an order described in that subsection shall be treated as
    violation of that order.''.
    SEC. 5407. JURISDICTION OVER INSTITUTION-AFFILIATED PARTIES.

    Part C of title V of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 is amended by
    inserting after section 5.31 (12 U.S.C. 2267) the following:
    ``SEC. 5.31A. <>  JURISDICTION OVER
    INSTITUTION-AFFILIATED PARTIES.

    ``(a) In General.--For purposes of sections 5.25, 5.26, and 5.32,
    the jurisdiction of the Farm Credit Administration over parties, and the
    authority of the Farm Credit Administration to initiate actions, shall
    include enforcement authority over institution-affiliated parties.
    ``(b) Effect of Separation on Jurisdiction and Authority.--Subject
    to subsection (c), the resignation, termination of employment or
    participation, or separation of an institution-affiliated party
    (including a separation caused by the merger, consolidation,
    conservatorship, or receivership of a Farm Credit System institution)
    shall not affect the jurisdiction and authority of the Farm Credit

    [[Page 4678]]

    Administration to issue any notice or order and proceed under this part
    against that party.
    ``(c) Limitation.--To proceed against a party under subsection (b),
    the notice or order described in that subsection shall be served not
    later than 6 years after the date on which the party ceased to be an
    institution-affiliated party with respect to the applicable Farm Credit
    System institution.
    ``(d) Applicability.--The date on which a party ceases to be an
    institution-affiliated party described in subsection (c) may occur
    before, on, or after the date of enactment of this section.''.
    SEC. 5408. DEFINITION OF INSTITUTION-AFFILIATED PARTY.

    Section 5.35 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2271) is
    amended--
    (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' at the end;
    (2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and
    (3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
    ``(4) the term `institution-affiliated party' means--
    ``(A) a director, officer, employee, shareholder, or
    agent of a System institution;
    ``(B) an independent contractor (including an
    attorney, appraiser, or accountant) who knowingly or
    recklessly participates in--
    ``(i) a violation of law (including
    regulations) that is associated with the
    operations and activities of 1 or more System
    institutions;
    ``(ii) a breach of fiduciary duty; or
    ``(iii) an unsafe practice that causes or is
    likely to cause more than a minimum financial loss
    to, or a significant adverse effect on, a System
    institution; and
    ``(C) any other person, as determined by the Farm
    Credit Administration (by regulation or on a case-by-
    case basis) who participates in the conduct of the
    affairs of a System institution; and''.
    SEC. 5409. PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS.

    Section 5.65 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2277a-14) is
    amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(e) Prohibition on Uses of Funds Related to Federal Agricultural
    Mortgage Corporation.--No funds from administrative accounts or from the
    Farm Credit System Insurance Fund may be used by the Corporation to
    provide assistance to the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation or
    to support any activities related to the Federal Agricultural Mortgage
    Corporation.''.
    SEC. 5410. EXPANSION OF ACREAGE EXCEPTION TO LOAN AMOUNT
    LIMITATION.

    (a) In General.--Section 8.8(c)(2) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971
    (12 U.S.C. 2279aa-8(c)(2)) is amended by striking ``1,000'' and
    inserting ``2,000''.
    (b) <>  Effective Date.--The amendment
    made by subsection (a) shall take effect 1 year after the date a report
    submitted in accordance with section 5414 of this Act indicates that it
    is feasible to increase the acreage limitation in section 8.8(c)(2) of
    the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to 2,000 acres.

    [[Page 4679]]

    SEC. 5411. REPEAL OF OBSOLETE PROVISIONS; TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.
    (1) Section 1.1(c) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2001(c)) is amended in the first sentence by striking
    ``including any costs of defeasance under section 4.8(b),''.
    (2) Section 1.2 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2002) is amended by striking subsection (a) and inserting the
    following:

    ``(a) Composition.--The Farm Credit System shall include the Farm
    Credit Banks, the bank for cooperatives, Agricultural Credit Banks, the
    Federal Land Bank Associations, the Federal Land Credit Associations,
    the Production Credit Associations, the agricultural credit
    associations, the Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding Corporation, the
    Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, service corporations
    established pursuant to section 4.25, and such other institutions as may
    be made a part of the Farm Credit System, all of which shall be
    chartered by and subject to regulation by the Farm Credit
    Administration.''.
    (3) Section 2.4 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2075) is amended by striking subsection (d).
    (4) Section 3.0(a) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2121(a)) is amended--
    (A) in the third sentence, by striking ``and a
    Central Bank for Cooperatives''; and
    (B) by striking the fifth sentence.
    (5) Section 3.2 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2123) is amended--
    (A) in subsection (a)--
    (i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``not merged
    into the United Bank for Cooperatives or the
    National Bank for Cooperatives''; and
    (ii) in paragraph (2)(A), in the matter
    preceding clause (i), by striking ``(other than
    the National Bank for Cooperatives)'';
    (B) by striking subsection (b);
    (C) in subsection (a)--
    (i) by striking ``(a)(1) Each bank'' and
    inserting the following:

    ``(a) In General.--Each bank''; and
    (ii) by striking ``(2)(A) If approved'' and
    inserting the following:

    ``(b) Nomination and Election.--
    ``(1) In general.--If approved'';
    (D) in subsection (b)(1) (as so designated)--
    (i) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``(B) The
    total'' and inserting the following:
    ``(2) Number of votes.--The total''; and
    (ii) by redesignating clauses (i) and (ii) as
    subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, and
    indenting appropriately; and
    (E) in paragraph (2) (as so designated), by striking
    ``paragraph'' and inserting ``subsection''.
    (6) Section 3.5 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2126) is amended in the third sentence by striking ``district''.
    (7) Section 3.7(a) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2128(a)) is amended by striking the second sentence.

    [[Page 4680]]

    (8) Section 3.8(b)(1)(A) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12
    U.S.C. 2129(b)(1)(A)) is amended by inserting ``(or any
    successor agency)'' after ``Rural Electrification
    Administration''.
    (9) Section 3.9(a) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2130(a)) is amended by striking the third sentence.
    (10) Section 3.10 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2131) is amended--
    (A) in subsection (c), by striking the second
    sentence; and
    (B) in subsection (d)--
    (i) by striking ``district'' each place it
    appears; and
    (ii) by inserting ``for cooperatives (or any
    successor bank)'' before ``on account''.
    (11) Section 3.11 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2132) is amended--
    (A) in subsection (a), in the first sentence, by
    striking ``subsections (b) and (c) of this section'' and
    inserting ``subsection (b)'';
    (B) in subsection (b)--
    (i) in the first sentence, by striking
    ``district''; and
    (ii) in the second sentence, by striking
    ``Except as provided in subsection (c) below,
    all'' and inserting ``All'';
    (C) by striking subsection (c); and
    (D) by redesignating subsections (d) through (f) as
    subsections (c) through (e), respectively.
    (12) Part B of title III of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12
    U.S.C. 2141 et seq.) is amended in the part heading by striking
    ``United and''.
    (13) Section 3.20 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2141) is amended--
    (A) in subsection (a), by striking ``or the United
    Bank for Cooperatives, as the case may be''; and
    (B) in subsection (b), by striking ``the district
    banks for cooperatives and the Central Bank for
    Cooperatives'' and inserting ``the constituent banks
    described in section 413(b) of the Agricultural Credit
    Act of 1987 (12 U.S.C. 2121 note; Public Law 100-233)''.
    (14) Section 3.21 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2142) is repealed.
    (15) Section 3.28 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2149) is amended by striking ``a district bank for cooperatives
    and the Central Bank for Cooperatives'' and inserting ``the
    constituent banks described in section 413(b) of the
    Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 (12 U.S.C. 2121 note; Public Law
    100-233)''.
    (16) Section 3.29 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2149a) is repealed.
    (17) Section 4.0 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2151) is repealed.
    (18) Section 4.8 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2159) is amended--
    (A) by striking the section designation and heading
    and all that follows through ``Each bank'' in subsection
    (a) and inserting the following:

    [[Page 4681]]

    ``SEC. 4.8. PURCHASE AND SALE OF OBLIGATIONS.

    ``Each bank''; and
    (B) by striking subsection (b).
    (19) Section 4.9 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2160) is amended--
    (A) in subsection (d)--
    (i) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting
    the following:
    ``(3) Representation of board.--The Farm Credit System
    Insurance Corporation shall not have representation on the board
    of directors of the Corporation.'';
    (ii) in the undesignated matter following
    paragraph (1)(D), by striking ``In selecting'' and
    inserting the following:
    ``(2) Considerations.--In selecting''; and
    (iii) in paragraph (2) (as so designated), by
    inserting ``of paragraph (1)'' after ``(A) and
    (B)'';
    (B) by striking subsection (e); and
    (C) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection
    (e).
    (20) Section 4.9A(c) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12
    U.S.C. 2162(c)) is amended--
    (A) by striking ``institution, and--'' in the matter
    preceding paragraph (1) and all that follows through the
    period at the end of paragraph (2) and inserting
    ``institution.'';
    (B) by striking ``If an institution'' and inserting
    the following:
    ``(1) In general.--If an institution'';
    (C) in paragraph (1) (as so designated), by striking
    ``the receiver of the institution'' and inserting ``the
    Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation, acting as
    receiver,''; and
    (D) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(2) Funding.--The Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation
    shall use such funds from the Farm Credit Insurance Fund as are
    sufficient to carry out this section.''.
    (21) Section 4.12A(a) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12
    U.S.C. 2184(a)) is amended by striking paragraph (1) and
    inserting the following:
    ``(1) In general.--A Farm Credit System bank or association
    shall provide to a stockholder of the bank or association a
    current list of stockholders of the bank or association not
    later than 7 calendar days after the date on which the bank or
    association receives a written request for the stockholder list
    from the stockholder.''.
    (22) Section 4.14A of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2202a) is amended--
    (A) in subsection (a)--
    (i) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
    inserting ``and section 4.36'' before the colon at
    the end; and
    (ii) in paragraph (5)(B)(ii)(I), by striking
    ``4.14C,'';
    (B) by striking subsection (h);
    (C) by redesignating subsections (i) through (l) as
    subsections (h) through (k), respectively; and
    (D) in subsection (k) (as so redesignated), by
    striking ``production credit''.

    [[Page 4682]]

    (23) Section 4.14C of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2202c) is repealed.
    (24) Section 4.17 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2205) is amended in the third sentence by striking ``Federal
    intermediate credit banks and''.
    (25) Section 4.19(a) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12
    U.S.C. 2207(a)) is amended--
    (A) in the first sentence--
    (i) by striking ``district''; and
    (ii) by striking ``Federal land bank
    association and production credit''; and
    (B) in the second sentence, by striking ``units''
    and inserting ``institutions''.
    (26) Section 4.38 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2219c) is amended by striking ``The Assistance Board established
    under section 6.0 and all'' and inserting ``All''.
    (27) Section 4.39 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2219d) is amended by striking ``8.0(7))'' and inserting
    ``8.0)''.
    (28) Section 5.16 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2251) is amended in the undesignated matter following paragraph
    (5) of subsection (b) (as designated by section 5405)--
    (A) in the fifth sentence, by striking ``In actions
    undertaken by the banks pursuant to the foregoing
    provisions of this section'' and inserting the
    following:
    ``(5) Agent for banks.--In actions undertaken by the banks
    pursuant to this section'';
    (B) in the fourth sentence, by striking ``The
    plans'' and inserting the following:
    ``(4) Approval of board.--The plans'';
    (C) in the third sentence, by striking ``The
    powers'' and inserting the following:
    ``(3) Powers of banks.--The powers'';
    (D) in the second sentence, by striking ``Such
    advances'' and inserting the following:
    ``(2) Advances.--The advances of funds described in
    paragraph (1)''; and
    (E) in the first sentence, by striking ``The Board''
    and inserting the following:

    ``(c) Financing.--
    ``(1) In general.--The Board''.
    (29) Section 5.17(a)(2) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12
    U.S.C. 2252(a)(2)) is amended by striking the second and third
    sentences.
    (30) Section 5.18 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2253) is repealed.
    (31) Section 5.19 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2254) is amended--
    (A) in subsection (a)--
    (i) in the first sentence, by striking
    ``Except for Federal land bank associations,
    each'' and inserting ``Each''; and
    (ii) by striking the second sentence; and
    (B) in subsection (b)--
    (i) by striking ``(b)(1) Each'' and inserting
    ``(b) Each'';
    (ii) in the matter preceding paragraph (2) (as
    so designated)--

    [[Page 4683]]

    (I) in the second sentence, by
    striking ``, except with respect to any
    actions taken by any banks of the System
    under section 4.8(b),''; and
    (II) by striking the third sentence;
    and
    (iii) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3).
    (32) Section 5.31 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2267) is amended in the second sentence by striking ``4.14A(i)''
    and inserting ``4.14A(h)''.
    (33) Section 5.32(h) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12
    U.S.C. 2268(h)) is amended by striking ``4.14A(i)'' and
    inserting ``4.14A(h)''.
    (34) Section 5.35 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2271) is amended in paragraph (5) (as redesignated by section
    5408(2))--
    (A) in subparagraph (A), by adding ``and'' at the
    end;
    (B) by striking subparagraph (B);
    (C) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as
    subparagraph (B); and
    (D) in subparagraph (B) (as so redesignated)--
    (i) by striking ``after December 31, 1992,'';
    and
    (ii) by striking ``by the Farm Credit System
    Assistance Board under section 6.6 or''.
    (35) Section 5.38 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2274) is amended by striking ``a farm'' and all that follows
    through ``land bank'' and inserting ``a Farm Credit Bank board,
    officer, or employee shall not remove any director or officer of
    any''.
    (36) Section 5.44 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2275) is repealed.
    (37) Section 5.58(2) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12
    U.S.C. 2277a-7(2)) is amended by striking the second sentence.
    (38) Section 5.60 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2277a-9) is amended--
    (A) in subsection (b), by striking the subsection
    designation and heading and all that follows through
    ``The Corporation'' in paragraph (2) and inserting the
    following:

    ``(b) Amounts in Fund.--The Corporation''; and
    (B) in subsection (c)(2), by striking ``Insurance
    Fund to--'' in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) and
    all that follows through ``ensure'' in subparagraph (B)
    and inserting ``Insurance Fund to ensure''.
    (39) Title VI of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2278a et seq.) <>  is repealed.
    (40) Section 7.9 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2279c-2) is amended by striking subsection (c).
    (41) Section 7.10(a) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12
    U.S.C. 2279d(a)) is amended by striking paragraph (4) and
    inserting the following:
    ``(4) the institution pays to the Farm Credit Insurance Fund
    the amount by which the total capital of the institution exceeds
    6 percent of the assets;''.
    (42) Section 8.0 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2279aa) is amended--
    (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``means--'' in the
    matter preceding subparagraph (A) and all that follows
    through the period at the end of the undesignated matter

    [[Page 4684]]

    following subparagraph (B) and inserting ``means the
    board of directors established under section 8.2.'';
    (B) by striking paragraphs (6) and (8);
    (C) by redesignating paragraphs (7), (9), and (10)
    as paragraphs (6), (7), and (8), respectively; and
    (D) in subparagraph (B)(i) of paragraph (7) (as so
    redesignated), by striking ``(b) through (d)'' and
    inserting ``(b) and (c)''.
    (43) Section 8.2 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2279aa-2) is amended--
    (A) by striking subsection (a);
    (B) in subsection (b), by striking the subsection
    designation and heading and all that follows through the
    period at the end of paragraph (1) and inserting the
    following:

    ``(a) In General.--
    ``(1) Establishment.--The Corporation shall be under the
    management of the board of directors.'';
    (C) in subsection (a) (as so designated)--
    (i) by striking ``permanent board'' each place
    it appears and inserting ``Board'';
    (ii) by striking paragraph (3);
    (iii) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through
    (10) as paragraphs (3) through (9), respectively;
    and
    (iv) in paragraph (3)(A) (as so redesignated),
    by striking ``(6)'' and inserting ``(5)''; and
    (D) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection
    (b).
    (44) Section 8.4(a)(1) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12
    U.S.C. 2279aa-4(a)(1)) is amended--
    (A) in the sixth sentence--
    (i) by striking ``Class B'' and inserting the
    following:
    ``(iii) Class b stock.--Class B''; and
    (ii) by striking ``8.2(b)(2)(B)'' and
    inserting ``8.2(a)(2)(B)'';
    (B) in the fifth sentence--
    (i) by striking ``Class A'' and inserting the
    following:
    ``(ii) Class a stock.--Class A''; and
    (ii) by striking ``8.2(b)(2)(A)'' and
    inserting ``8.2(a)(2)(A)'';
    (C) in the fourth sentence, by striking ``The
    stock'' and inserting the following:
    ``(D) Classes of stock.--
    ``(i) In general.--The stock'';
    (D) by striking the third sentence and inserting the
    following:
    ``(C) Offers.--
    ``(i) In general.--The Board shall offer the
    voting common stock to banks, other financial
    institutions, insurance companies, and System
    institutions under such terms and conditions as
    the Board may adopt.
    ``(ii) Requirements.--The voting common stock
    shall be fairly and broadly offered to ensure
    that--
    ``(I) no institution or institutions
    acquire a disproportionate share of the
    total quantity of the

    [[Page 4685]]

    voting common stock outstanding of a
    class of stock; and
    ``(II) capital contributions and
    issuances of voting common stock for the
    contributions are fairly distributed
    between entities eligible to hold class
    A stock and class B stock.'';
    (E) in the second sentence, by striking ``Each
    share'' and inserting the following:
    ``(B) Number of votes.--Each share''; and
    (F) in the first sentence, by striking ``The
    Corporation'' and inserting the following:
    ``(A) In general.--The Corporation''.
    (45) Section 8.6 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2279aa-6) is amended--
    (A) by striking subsection (d);
    (B) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection
    (d); and
    (C) in paragraph (2) of subsection (d) (as so
    redesignated), by striking ``8.0(9))'' and inserting
    ``8.0)''.
    (46) Section 8.9 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2279aa-9) is amended by striking ``4.14C,'' each place it
    appears.
    (47) Section 8.11(e) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12
    U.S.C. 2279aa-11(e)) is amended by striking ``8.0(7))'' and
    inserting ``8.0)''.
    (48) Section 8.32(a) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12
    U.S.C. 2279bb-1(a)) is amended--
    (A) in the first sentence of the matter preceding
    paragraph (1), by striking ``Not sooner than the
    expiration of the 3-year period beginning on the date of
    enactment of the Farm Credit System Reform Act of 1996,
    the'' and inserting ``The''; and
    (B) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``8.0(9)(C)''
    and inserting ``8.0(7)(C)''.
    (49) Section 8.33(b)(2)(A) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971
    (12 U.S.C. 2279bb-2(b)(2)(A)) is amended by striking ``8.6(e)''
    and inserting ``8.6(d)''.
    (50) Section 8.35 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2279bb-4) is amended by striking subsection (e).
    (51) Section 8.38 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
    2279bb-7) is repealed.
    (52) Section 4 of the Agricultural Marketing Act (12 U.S.C.
    1141b) is repealed.
    (53) Section 5 of the Agricultural Marketing Act (12 U.S.C.
    1141c) is repealed.
    (54) Section 6 of the Agricultural Marketing Act (12 U.S.C.
    1141d) is repealed.
    (55) Section 7 of the Agricultural Marketing Act (12 U.S.C.
    1141e) is repealed.
    (56) Section 8 of the Agricultural Marketing Act (12 U.S.C.
    1141f) is repealed.
    (57) Section 14 of the Agricultural Marketing Act (12 U.S.C.
    1141i) is repealed.
    (58) The Act of June 22, 1939 (53 Stat. 853, chapter 239; 12
    U.S.C. 1141d-1), is repealed.
    (59) Section 201(e) of the Emergency Relief and Construction
    Act of 1932 (12 U.S.C. 1148) is repealed.

    [[Page 4686]]

    (60) Section 2 of the Act of July 14, 1953 (67 Stat. 150,
    chapter 192; 12 U.S.C. 1148a-4), is repealed.
    (61) Section 32 of the Farm Credit Act of 1937 (12 U.S.C.
    1148b) is repealed.
    (62) Section 33 of the Farm Credit Act of 1937 (12 U.S.C.
    1148c) is repealed.
    (63) Section 34 of the Farm Credit Act of 1937 (12 U.S.C.
    1148d) is repealed.
    (64) The Joint Resolution of March 3, 1932 (47 Stat. 60,
    chapter 70; 12 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.), is repealed.
    SEC. 5412. <>  CORPORATION AS CONSERVATOR
    OR RECEIVER; CERTAIN OTHER POWERS.

    Part E of title V of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 is amended by
    inserting after section 5.61B (12 U.S.C. 2277a-10b) the following:
    ``SEC. 5.61C. CORPORATION AS CONSERVATOR OR RECEIVER; CERTAIN
    OTHER POWERS.

    ``(a) Definition of Institution.--In this section, the term
    `institution' includes any System institution for which the Corporation
    has been appointed as conservator or receiver.
    ``(b) Certain Powers and Duties of Corporation as Conservator or
    Receiver.--In addition to the powers inherent in the express grant of
    corporate authority under section 5.58(9), and other powers exercised by
    the Corporation under this part, the Corporation shall have the
    following express powers to act as a conservator or receiver:
    ``(1) Rulemaking authority of corporation.--The Corporation
    may prescribe such regulations as the Corporation determines to
    be appropriate regarding the conduct of conservatorships or
    receiverships.
    ``(2) General powers.--
    ``(A) Successor to system institution.--The
    Corporation shall, as conservator or receiver, and by
    operation of law, succeed to--
    ``(i) all rights, titles, powers, and
    privileges of the System institution, and of any
    stockholder, member, officer, or director of such
    System institution with respect to the System
    institution and the assets of the System
    institution; and
    ``(ii) title to the books, records, and assets
    of any previous conservator or other legal
    custodian of such System institution.
    ``(B) Operate the system institution.--The
    Corporation may, as conservator or receiver--
    ``(i) take over the assets of and operate the
    System institution with all the powers of the
    stockholders or members, the directors, and the
    officers of the System institution and conduct all
    business of the System institution;
    ``(ii) collect all obligations and money due
    the System institution;
    ``(iii) perform all functions of the System
    institution in the name of the System institution
    which are consistent with the appointment as
    conservator or receiver;
    ``(iv) preserve and conserve the assets and
    property of such System institution; and

    [[Page 4687]]

    ``(v) provide by contract for assistance in
    fulfilling any function, activity, action, or duty
    of the Corporation as conservator or receiver.
    ``(C) Functions of system institution's officers,
    directors, members, and stockholders.--The Corporation
    may, by regulation or order, provide for the exercise of
    any function by any stockholder, member, director, or
    officer of any System institution for which the
    Corporation has been appointed conservator or receiver.
    ``(D) Powers as conservator.--Subject to any Farm
    Credit Administration approvals required under this Act,
    the Corporation may, as conservator, take such action as
    may be--
    ``(i) necessary to put the System institution
    in a sound and solvent condition; and
    ``(ii) appropriate to carry on the business of
    the System institution and preserve and conserve
    the assets and property of the System institution.
    ``(E) Additional powers as receiver.--The
    Corporation may, as receiver, liquidate the System
    institution and proceed to realize upon the assets of
    the System institution, in such manner as the
    Corporation determines to be appropriate.
    ``(F) Organization of new system bank.--The
    Corporation may, as receiver with respect to any System
    bank, organize a bridge System bank under subsection
    (h).
    ``(G) Merger; transfer of assets and liabilities.--
    ``(i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), the
    Corporation may, as conservator or receiver--
    ``(I) merge the System institution
    with another System institution; and
    ``(II) transfer or sell any asset or
    liability of the System institution in
    default without any approval,
    assignment, or consent with respect to
    such transfer.
    ``(ii) Approval.--No merger or transfer under
    clause (i) may be made to another System
    institution (other than a bridge System bank under
    subsection (h)) without the approval of the Farm
    Credit Administration.
    ``(H) Payment of valid obligations.--The
    Corporation, as conservator or receiver, shall, to the
    extent that proceeds are realized from the performance
    of contracts or the sale of the assets of a System
    institution, pay all valid obligations of the System
    institution in accordance with the prescriptions and
    limitations of this section.
    ``(I) Incidental powers.--
    ``(i) In general.--The Corporation may, as
    conservator or receiver--
    ``(I) exercise all powers and
    authorities specifically granted to
    conservators or receivers, respectively,
    under this section and such incidental
    powers as shall be necessary to carry
    out such powers; and
    ``(II) take any action authorized by
    this section, which the Corporation
    determines is in the best interests of--

    [[Page 4688]]

    ``(aa) the System
    institution in receivership or
    conservatorship;
    ``(bb) System institutions;
    ``(cc) System institution
    stockholders or investors; or
    ``(dd) the Corporation.
    ``(ii) Termination of rights and claims.--
    ``(I) In general.--Except as
    provided in subclause (II),
    notwithstanding any other provision of
    law, the appointment of the Corporation
    as receiver for a System institution and
    the succession of the Corporation, by
    operation of law, to the rights, titles,
    powers, and privileges described in
    subparagraph (A) shall terminate all
    rights and claims that the stockholders
    and creditors of the System institution
    may have, arising as a result of their
    status as stockholders or creditors,
    against the assets or charter of the
    System institution or the Corporation.
    ``(II) Exceptions.--Subclause (I)
    shall not terminate the right to
    payment, resolution, or other
    satisfaction of the claims of
    stockholders and creditors described in
    that subclause, as permitted under
    paragraphs (10) and (11) and subsection
    (d).
    ``(iii) Charter.--Notwithstanding any other
    provision of law, for purposes of this section,
    the charter of a System institution shall not be
    considered to be an asset of the System
    institution.
    ``(J) Utilization of private sector.--In carrying
    out its responsibilities in the management and
    disposition of assets from System institutions, as
    conservator, receiver, or in its corporate capacity, the
    Corporation may utilize the services of private persons,
    including real estate and loan portfolio asset
    management, property management, auction marketing,
    legal, and brokerage services, if the Corporation
    determines utilization of such services is practicable,
    efficient, and cost effective.
    ``(3) Authority of receiver to determine claims.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Corporation may, as receiver,
    determine claims in accordance with the requirements of
    this subsection and regulations prescribed under
    paragraph (4).
    ``(B) Notice requirements.--The receiver, in any
    case involving the liquidation or winding up of the
    affairs of a closed System institution, shall--
    ``(i) promptly publish a notice to the System
    institution's creditors to present their claims,
    together with proof, to the receiver by a date
    specified in the notice which shall be not less
    than 90 days after the publication of such notice;
    and
    ``(ii) republish such notice approximately 1
    month and 2 months, respectively, after the
    publication under clause (i).
    ``(C) Mailing required.--The receiver shall mail a
    notice similar to the notice published under
    subparagraph

    [[Page 4689]]

    (B)(i) at the time of such publication to any creditor
    shown on the System institution's books--
    ``(i) at the creditor's last address appearing
    in such books; or
    ``(ii) upon discovery of the name and address
    of a claimant not appearing on the System
    institution's books within 30 days after the
    discovery of such name and address.
    ``(4) Rulemaking authority relating to determination of
    claims.--The Corporation may prescribe regulations regarding the
    allowance or disallowance of claims by the receiver and
    providing for administrative determination of claims and review
    of such determination.
    ``(5) Procedures for determination of claims.--
    ``(A) Determination period.--
    ``(i) In general.--Before the end of the 180-
    day period beginning on the date any claim against
    a System institution is filed with the Corporation
    as receiver, the Corporation shall determine
    whether to allow or disallow the claim and shall
    notify the claimant of any determination with
    respect to such claim.
    ``(ii) Extension of time.--The period
    described in clause (i) may be extended by a
    written agreement between the claimant and the
    Corporation.
    ``(iii) Mailing of notice sufficient.--The
    requirements of clause (i) shall be deemed to be
    satisfied if the notice of any determination with
    respect to any claim is mailed to the last address
    of the claimant which appears--
    ``(I) on the System institution's
    books;
    ``(II) in the claim filed by the
    claimant; or
    ``(III) in documents submitted in
    proof of the claim.
    ``(iv) Contents of notice of disallowance.--If
    any claim filed under clause (i) is disallowed,
    the notice to the claimant shall contain--
    ``(I) a statement of each reason for
    the disallowance; and
    ``(II) the procedures available for
    obtaining agency review of the
    determination to disallow the claim or
    judicial determination of the claim.
    ``(B) Allowance of proven claims.--The receiver
    shall allow any claim received on or before the date
    specified in the notice published under paragraph
    (3)(B)(i) by the receiver from any claimant which is
    proved to the satisfaction of the receiver.
    ``(C) Disallowance of claims filed after end of
    filing period.--
    ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in
    clause (ii), claims filed after the date specified
    in the notice published under paragraph (3)(B)(i)
    shall be disallowed and such disallowance shall be
    final.
    ``(ii) Certain exceptions.--Clause (i) shall
    not apply with respect to any claim filed by any
    claimant after the date specified in the notice
    published under paragraph (3)(B)(i) and such claim
    may be considered by the receiver if--

    [[Page 4690]]

    ``(I) the claimant did not receive
    notice of the appointment of the
    receiver in time to file such claim
    before such date; and
    ``(II) such claim is filed in time
    to permit payment of such claim.
    ``(D) Authority to disallow claims.--
    ``(i) In general.--The receiver may disallow
    any portion of any claim by a creditor or claim of
    security, preference, or priority which is not
    proved to the satisfaction of the receiver.
    ``(ii) Payments to less than fully secured
    creditors.--In the case of a claim of a creditor
    against a System institution which is secured by
    any property or other asset of such System
    institution, any receiver appointed for any System
    institution--
    ``(I) may treat the portion of such
    claim which exceeds an amount equal to
    the fair market value of such property
    or other asset as an unsecured claim
    against the System institution; and
    ``(II) may not make any payment with
    respect to such unsecured portion of the
    claim other than in connection with the
    disposition of all claims of unsecured
    creditors of the System institution.
    ``(iii) Exceptions.--No provision of this
    paragraph shall apply with respect to--
    ``(I) any extension of credit from
    any Federal Reserve bank or the United
    States Treasury to any System
    institution; or
    ``(II) any security interest in the
    assets of the System institution
    securing any such extension of credit.
    ``(E) No judicial review of determination pursuant
    to subparagraph (d).--No court may review the
    Corporation's determination pursuant to subparagraph (D)
    to disallow a claim.
    ``(F) Legal effect of filing.--
    ``(i) Statute of limitation tolled.--For
    purposes of any applicable statute of limitations,
    the filing of a claim with the receiver shall
    constitute a commencement of an action.
    ``(ii) No prejudice to other actions.--Subject
    to paragraph (12) and the determination of claims
    by a receiver, the filing of a claim with the
    receiver shall not prejudice any right of the
    claimant to continue any action which was filed
    before the appointment of the receiver.
    ``(6) Provision for judicial determination of claims.--
    ``(A) In general.--Before the end of the 60-day
    period beginning on the earlier of--
    ``(i) the end of the period described in
    paragraph (5)(A)(i) with respect to any claim
    against a System institution for which the
    Corporation is receiver; or
    ``(ii) the date of any notice of disallowance
    of such claim pursuant to paragraph (5)(A)(i),
    the claimant may request administrative review of the
    claim in accordance with paragraph (7) or file suit on
    such claim (or continue an action commenced before the

    [[Page 4691]]

    appointment of the receiver) in the district or
    territorial court of the United States for the district
    within which the System institution's principal place of
    business is located or the United States District Court
    for the District of Columbia (and such court shall have
    jurisdiction to hear such claim).
    ``(B) Statute of limitations.--If any claimant fails
    to file suit on such claim (or continue an action
    commenced before the appointment of the receiver),
    before the end of the 60-day period described in
    subparagraph (A), the claim shall be deemed to be
    disallowed (other than any portion of such claim which
    was allowed by the receiver) as of the end of such
    period, such disallowance shall be final, and the
    claimant shall have no further rights or remedies with
    respect to such claim.
    ``(7) Review of claims; administrative hearing.--If any
    claimant requests review under this paragraph in lieu of filing
    or continuing any action under paragraph (6) and the Corporation
    agrees to such request, the Corporation shall consider the claim
    after opportunity for a hearing on the record. The final
    determination of the Corporation with respect to such claim
    shall be subject to judicial review under chapter 7 of title 5,
    United States Code.
    ``(8) Expedited determination of claims.--
    ``(A) Establishment required.--The Corporation shall
    establish a procedure for expedited relief outside of
    the routine claims process established under paragraph
    (5) for claimants who--
    ``(i) allege the existence of legally valid
    and enforceable or perfected security interests in
    assets of any System institution for which the
    Corporation has been appointed receiver; and
    ``(ii) allege that irreparable injury will
    occur if the routine claims procedure is followed.
    ``(B) Determination period.--Before the end of the
    90-day period beginning on the date any claim is filed
    in accordance with the procedures established pursuant
    to subparagraph (A), the Corporation shall--
    ``(i) determine--
    ``(I) whether to allow or disallow
    such claim; or
    ``(II) whether such claim should be
    determined pursuant to the procedures
    established pursuant to paragraph (5);
    and
    ``(ii) notify the claimant of the
    determination, and if the claim is disallowed,
    provide a statement of each reason for the
    disallowance and the procedure for obtaining
    agency review or judicial determination.
    ``(C) Period for filing or renewing suit.--Any
    claimant who files a request for expedited relief shall
    be permitted to file a suit, or to continue a suit filed
    before the appointment of the receiver, seeking a
    determination of the claimant's rights with respect to
    such security interest after the earlier of--
    ``(i) the end of the 90-day period beginning
    on the date of the filing of a request for
    expedited relief; or

    [[Page 4692]]

    ``(ii) the date the Corporation denies the
    claim.
    ``(D) Statute of limitations.--If an action
    described in subparagraph (C) is not filed, or the
    motion to renew a previously filed suit is not made,
    before the end of the 30-day period beginning on the
    date on which such action or motion may be filed in
    accordance with subparagraph (B), the claim shall be
    deemed to be disallowed as of the end of such period
    (other than any portion of such claim which was allowed
    by the receiver), such disallowance shall be final, and
    the claimant shall have no further rights or remedies
    with respect to such claim.
    ``(E) Legal effect of filing.--
    ``(i) Statute of limitation tolled.--For
    purposes of any applicable statute of limitations,
    the filing of a claim with the receiver shall
    constitute a commencement of an action.
    ``(ii) No prejudice to other actions.--Subject
    to paragraph (12), the filing of a claim with the
    receiver shall not prejudice any right of the
    claimant to continue any action which was filed
    before the appointment of the receiver.
    ``(9) Agreement as basis of claim.--
    ``(A) Requirements.--Except as provided in
    subparagraph (B), any agreement which does not meet the
    requirements set forth in section 5.61(d) shall not form
    the basis of, or substantially comprise, a claim against
    the receiver or the Corporation.
    ``(B) Exception to contemporaneous execution
    requirement.--Notwithstanding section 5.61(d), any
    agreement relating to an extension of credit between a
    Federal Reserve bank or the United States Treasury and
    any System institution which was executed before such
    extension of credit to such System institution shall be
    treated as having been executed contemporaneously with
    such extension of credit for purposes of subparagraph
    (A).
    ``(10) Payment of claims.--
    ``(A) In general.--The receiver may, in the
    receiver's discretion and to the extent funds are
    available from the assets of the System institution, pay
    creditor claims which are allowed by the receiver,
    approved by the Corporation pursuant to a final
    determination pursuant to paragraph (7) or (8), or
    determined by the final judgment of any court of
    competent jurisdiction in such manner and amounts as are
    authorized under this Act.
    ``(B) Liquidation payments.--The receiver may, in
    the receiver's sole discretion, pay from the assets of
    the System institution portions of proved claims at any
    time, and no liability shall attach to the Corporation
    (in such Corporation's corporate capacity or as
    receiver), by reason of any such payment, for failure to
    make payments to a claimant whose claim is not proved at
    the time of any such payment.
    ``(C) Rulemaking authority of corporation.--The
    Corporation may prescribe such rules, including
    definitions of terms, as it deems appropriate to
    establish a single uniform interest rate for or to make
    payments of post insolvency interest to creditors
    holding proven claims

    [[Page 4693]]

    against the receivership estates of System institutions
    following satisfaction by the receiver of the principal
    amount of all creditor claims.
    ``(11) Priority of expenses and claims.--
    ``(A) In general.--Amounts realized from the
    liquidation or other resolution of any System
    institution by any receiver appointed for such System
    institution shall be distributed to pay claims (other
    than secured claims to the extent of any such security)
    in the following order of priority:
    ``(i) Administrative expenses of the receiver.
    ``(ii) If authorized by the Corporation,
    wages, salaries, or commissions, including
    vacation, severance, and sick leave pay earned by
    an individual--
    ``(I) in an amount that is not more
    than $11,725 for each individual (as
    indexed for inflation, by regulation of
    the Corporation); and
    ``(II) that is earned 180 days or
    fewer before the date of appointment of
    the Corporation as receiver.
    ``(iii) In the case of the resolution of a
    System bank, all claims of holders of consolidated
    and System-wide bonds and all claims of the other
    System banks arising from the payments of the
    System banks pursuant to--
    ``(I) section 4.4 on consolidated
    and System-wide bonds issued under
    subsection (c) or (d) of section 4.2; or
    ``(II) an agreement, in writing and
    approved by the Farm Credit
    Administration, among the System banks
    to reallocate the payments.
    ``(iv) In the case of the resolution of a
    production credit association or other association
    making direct loans under section 7.6, all claims
    of a System bank based on the financing agreement
    between the association and the System bank--
    ``(I) including interest accrued
    before and after the appointment of the
    receiver; and
    ``(II) not including any setoff for
    stock or other equity of that System
    bank owned by the association, on that
    condition that, prior to making that
    setoff, that System bank shall obtain
    the approval of the Farm Credit
    Administration Board for the retirement
    of that stock or equity.
    ``(v) Any general or senior liability of the
    System institution (which is not a liability
    described in clause (vi) or (vii)).
    ``(vi) Any obligation subordinated to general
    creditors (which is not an obligation described in
    clause (vii)).
    ``(vii) Any obligation to stockholders or
    members arising as a result of their status as
    stockholders or members.
    ``(B) Payment of claims.--
    ``(i) In general.--

    [[Page 4694]]

    ``(I) Payment.--All claims of each
    priority described in clauses (i)
    through (vii) of subparagraph (A) shall
    be paid in full, or provisions shall be
    made for that payment, prior to the
    payment of any claim of a lesser
    priority.
    ``(II) Insufficient funds.--If there
    are insufficient funds to pay in full
    all claims in any priority described
    clauses (i) through (vii) of
    subparagraph (A), distribution on that
    priority of claims shall be made on a
    pro rata basis.
    ``(ii) Distribution of remaining assets.--
    Following the payment of all claims in accordance
    with subparagraph (A), the receiver shall
    distribute the remainder of the assets of the
    System institution to the owners of stock,
    participation certificates, and other equities in
    accordance with the priorities for impairment
    under the bylaws of the System institution.
    ``(iii) Eligible borrower stock.--
    Notwithstanding subparagraph (C) or any other
    provision of this section, eligible borrower stock
    shall be retired in accordance with section 4.9A.
    ``(C) Effect of state law.--
    ``(i) In general.--The provisions of
    subparagraph (A) shall not supersede the law of
    any State except to the extent such law is
    inconsistent with the provisions of such
    subparagraph, and then only to the extent of the
    inconsistency.
    ``(ii) Procedure for determination of
    inconsistency.--Upon the Corporation's own motion
    or upon the request of any person with a claim
    described in subparagraph (A) or any State which
    is submitted to the Corporation in accordance with
    procedures which the Corporation shall prescribe,
    the Corporation shall determine whether any
    provision of the law of any State is inconsistent
    with any provision of subparagraph (A) and the
    extent of any such inconsistency.
    ``(iii) Judicial review.--The final
    determination of the Corporation under clause (ii)
    shall be subject to judicial review under chapter
    7 of title 5, United States Code.
    ``(D) Accounting report.--Any distribution by the
    Corporation in connection with any claim described in
    subparagraph (A)(vii) shall be accompanied by the
    accounting report required under paragraph (15)(B).
    ``(12) Suspension of legal actions.--
    ``(A) In general.--After the appointment of a
    conservator or receiver for a System institution, the
    conservator or receiver may request a stay for a period
    not to exceed--
    ``(i) 45 days, in the case of any conservator;
    and
    ``(ii) 90 days, in the case of any receiver,
    in any judicial action or proceeding to which such
    System institution is or becomes a party.
    ``(B) Grant of stay by all courts required.--Upon
    receipt of a request by any conservator or receiver
    pursuant to subparagraph (A) for a stay of any judicial
    action or proceeding in any court with jurisdiction of
    such action

    [[Page 4695]]

    or proceeding, the court shall grant such stay as to all
    parties.
    ``(13) Additional rights and duties.--
    ``(A) Prior final adjudication.--The Corporation
    shall abide by any final unappealable judgment of any
    court of competent jurisdiction which was rendered
    before the appointment of the Corporation as conservator
    or receiver.
    ``(B) Rights and remedies of conservator or
    receiver.--In the event of any appealable judgment, the
    Corporation as conservator or receiver shall--
    ``(i) have all the rights and remedies
    available to the System institution (before the
    appointment of such conservator or receiver) and
    the Corporation in its corporate capacity,
    including removal to Federal court and all
    appellate rights; and
    ``(ii) not be required to post any bond in
    order to pursue such remedies.
    ``(C) No attachment or execution.--No attachment or
    execution may issue by any court on--
    ``(i) assets in the possession of the
    receiver; or
    ``(ii) the charter of a System institution for
    which the Corporation has been appointed receiver.
    ``(D) Limitation on judicial review.--Except as
    otherwise provided in this subsection, no court shall
    have jurisdiction over--
    ``(i) any claim or action for payment from, or
    any action seeking a determination of rights with
    respect to, the assets of any System institution
    for which the Corporation has been appointed
    receiver, including assets which the Corporation
    may acquire from itself as such receiver; or
    ``(ii) any claim relating to any act or
    omission of such System institution or the
    Corporation as receiver.
    ``(E) Disposition of assets.--In exercising any
    right, power, privilege, or authority as receiver in
    connection with any sale or disposition of assets of any
    System institution for which the Corporation is acting
    as receiver, the Corporation shall, to the maximum
    extent practicable, conduct its operations in a manner
    which--
    ``(i) maximizes the net present value return
    from the sale or disposition of such assets;
    ``(ii) minimizes the amount of any loss
    realized in the resolution of cases;
    ``(iii) ensures adequate competition and fair
    and consistent treatment of offerors;
    ``(iv) prohibits discrimination on the basis
    of race, sex, or ethnic groups in the solicitation
    and consideration of offers; and
    ``(v) mitigates the potential for serious
    adverse effects to the rest of the System.
    ``(14) Statute of limitations for actions brought by
    conservator or receiver.--
    ``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding any provision of
    any contract, the applicable statute of limitations with

    [[Page 4696]]

    regard to any action brought by the Corporation as
    conservator or receiver shall be--
    ``(i) in the case of any contract claim, the
    longer of--
    ``(I) the 6-year period beginning on
    the date the claim accrues; or
    ``(II) the period applicable under
    State law; and
    ``(ii) in the case of any tort claim, the
    longer of--
    ``(I) the 3-year period beginning on
    the date the claim accrues; or
    ``(II) the period applicable under
    State law.
    ``(B) Determination of the date on which a claim
    accrues.--For purposes of subparagraph (A), the date on
    which the statute of limitations begins to run on any
    claim described in such subparagraph shall be the later
    of--
    ``(i) the date of the appointment of the
    Corporation as conservator or receiver; or
    ``(ii) the date on which the cause of action
    accrues.
    ``(C) Revival of expired state causes of action.--
    ``(i) In general.--In the case of any tort
    claim described in clause (ii) for which the
    statute of limitation applicable under State law
    with respect to such claim has expired not more
    than 5 years before the appointment of the
    Corporation as conservator or receiver, the
    Corporation may bring an action as conservator or
    receiver on such claim without regard to the
    expiration of the statute of limitation applicable
    under State law.
    ``(ii) Claims described.--A tort claim
    referred to in clause (i) is a claim arising from
    fraud, intentional misconduct resulting in unjust
    enrichment, or intentional misconduct resulting in
    substantial loss to the System institution.
    ``(15) Accounting and recordkeeping requirements.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Corporation as conservator or
    receiver shall, consistent with the accounting and
    reporting practices and procedures established by the
    Corporation, maintain a full accounting of each
    conservatorship and receivership or other disposition of
    System institutions in default.
    ``(B) Annual accounting or report.--With respect to
    each conservatorship or receivership to which the
    Corporation was appointed, the Corporation shall make an
    annual accounting or report, as appropriate, available
    to the Farm Credit Administration Board.
    ``(C) Availability of reports.--Any report prepared
    pursuant to subparagraph (B) shall be made available by
    the Corporation upon request to any stockholder of the
    System institution for which the Corporation was
    appointed conservator or receiver or any other member of
    the public.
    ``(D) Recordkeeping requirement.--
    ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in
    clause (ii), after the end of the 6-year period
    beginning on the date the Corporation is appointed
    as receiver of a System institution, the
    Corporation may destroy any

    [[Page 4697]]

    records of such System institution which the
    Corporation, in the Corporation's discretion,
    determines to be unnecessary unless directed not
    to do so by a court of competent jurisdiction or
    governmental agency, or prohibited by law.
    ``(ii) Old records.--Notwithstanding clause
    (i), the Corporation may destroy records of a
    System institution which are at least 10 years old
    as of the date on which the Corporation is
    appointed as the receiver of such System
    institution in accordance with clause (i) at any
    time after such appointment is final, without
    regard to the 6-year period of limitation
    contained in clause (i).
    ``(16) Fraudulent transfers.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Corporation, as conservator
    or receiver for any System institution, may avoid a
    transfer of any interest of a System institution-
    affiliated party, or any person who the Corporation
    determines is a debtor of the System institution, in
    property, or any obligation incurred by such party or
    person, that was made within 5 years of the date on
    which the Corporation was appointed conservator or
    receiver if such party or person voluntarily or
    involuntarily made such transfer or incurred such
    liability with the intent to hinder, delay, or defraud
    the System institution, the Farm Credit Administration,
    or the Corporation.
    ``(B) Right of recovery.--To the extent a transfer
    is avoided under subparagraph (A), the Corporation may
    recover, for the benefit of the System institution, the
    property transferred, or, if a court so orders, the
    value of such property (at the time of such transfer)
    from--
    ``(i) the initial transferee of such transfer
    or the System institution-affiliated party or
    person for whose benefit such transfer was made;
    or
    ``(ii) any immediate or mediate transferee of
    any such initial transferee.
    ``(C) Rights of transferee or obligee.--The
    Corporation may not recover under subparagraph (B)
    from--
    ``(i) any transferee that takes for value,
    including satisfaction or securing of a present or
    antecedent debt, in good faith; or
    ``(ii) any immediate or mediate good faith
    transferee of such transferee.
    ``(D) Rights under this paragraph.--The rights under
    this paragraph of the Corporation shall be superior to
    any rights of a trustee or any other party (other than
    any party which is a Federal agency) under title 11,
    United States Code.
    ``(17) Attachment of assets and other injunctive relief.--
    Subject to paragraph (18), any court of competent jurisdiction
    may, at the request of the Corporation (in the Corporation's
    capacity as conservator or receiver for any System institution
    or in the Corporation's corporate capacity with respect to any
    asset acquired or liability assumed by the Corporation under
    section 5.61), issue an order in accordance with Rule 65 of the
    Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, including an order placing the
    assets of any person designated by the

    [[Page 4698]]

    Corporation under the control of the court and appointing a
    trustee to hold such assets.
    ``(18) Standards.--
    ``(A) Showing.--Rule 65 of the Federal Rules of
    Civil Procedure shall apply with respect to any
    proceeding under paragraph (17) without regard to the
    requirement of such rule that the applicant show that
    the injury, loss, or damage is irreparable and
    immediate.
    ``(B) State proceeding.--If, in the case of any
    proceeding in a State court, the court determines that
    rules of civil procedure available under the laws of
    such State provide substantially similar protections to
    such party's right to due process as Rule 65 (as
    modified with respect to such proceeding by subparagraph
    (A)), the relief sought by the Corporation pursuant to
    paragraph (17) may be requested under the laws of such
    State.
    ``(19) Treatment of claims arising from breach of contracts
    executed by the receiver or conservator.--Notwithstanding any
    other provision of this subsection, any final and unappealable
    judgment for monetary damages entered against a receiver or
    conservator for a System institution for the breach of an
    agreement executed or approved by such receiver or conservator
    after the date of its appointment shall be paid as an
    administrative expense of the receiver or conservator. Nothing
    in this paragraph shall be construed to limit the power of a
    receiver or conservator to exercise any rights under contract or
    law, including terminating, breaching, canceling, or otherwise
    discontinuing such agreement.

    ``(c) Provisions Relating to Contracts Entered Into Before
    Appointment of Conservator or Receiver.--
    ``(1) Authority to repudiate contracts.--In addition to any
    other rights a conservator or receiver may have, the conservator
    or receiver for a System institution may disaffirm or repudiate
    any contract or lease--
    ``(A) to which such System institution is a party;
    ``(B) the performance of which the conservator or
    receiver, in the conservator's or receiver's discretion,
    determines to be burdensome; and
    ``(C) the disaffirmance or repudiation of which the
    conservator or receiver determines, in the conservator's
    or receiver's discretion, will promote the orderly
    administration of the System institution's affairs.
    ``(2) Timing of repudiation.--The Corporation as conservator
    or receiver for any System institution shall determine whether
    or not to exercise the rights of repudiation under this
    subsection within a reasonable period following such
    appointment.
    ``(3) Claims for damages for repudiation.--
    ``(A) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in
    subparagraph (C) and paragraphs (4), (5), and (6), the
    liability of the conservator or receiver for the
    disaffirmance or repudiation of any contract pursuant to
    paragraph (1) shall be--
    ``(i) limited to actual direct compensatory
    damages; and
    ``(ii) determined as of--

    [[Page 4699]]

    ``(I) the date of the appointment of
    the conservator or receiver; or
    ``(II) in the case of any contract
    or agreement referred to in paragraph
    (8), the date of the disaffirmance or
    repudiation of such contract or
    agreement.
    ``(B) No liability for other damages.--For purposes
    of subparagraph (A), the term `actual direct
    compensatory damages' does not include--
    ``(i) punitive or exemplary damages;
    ``(ii) damages for lost profits or
    opportunity; or
    ``(iii) damages for pain and suffering.
    ``(C) Measure of damages for repudiation of
    financial contracts.--In the case of any qualified
    financial contract or agreement to which paragraph (8)
    applies, compensatory damages shall be--
    ``(i) deemed to include normal and reasonable
    costs of cover or other reasonable measures of
    damages utilized in the industries for such
    contract and agreement claims; and
    ``(ii) paid in accordance with this subsection
    and subsection (j), except as otherwise
    specifically provided in this section.
    ``(4) Leases under which the system institution is the
    lessee.--
    ``(A) In general.--If the conservator or receiver
    disaffirms or repudiates a lease under which the System
    institution was the lessee, the conservator or receiver
    shall not be liable for any damages (other than damages
    determined pursuant to subparagraph (B)) for the
    disaffirmance or repudiation of such lease.
    ``(B) Payments of rent.--Notwithstanding
    subparagraph (A), the lessor under a lease to which such
    subparagraph applies shall--
    ``(i) be entitled to the contractual rent
    accruing before the later of the date--
    ``(I) the notice of disaffirmance or
    repudiation is mailed; or
    ``(II) the disaffirmance or
    repudiation becomes effective, unless
    the lessor is in default or breach of
    the terms of the lease; and
    ``(ii) have no claim for damages under any
    acceleration clause or other penalty provision in
    the lease; and
    ``(iii) have a claim for any unpaid rent,
    subject to all appropriate offsets and defenses,
    due as of the date of the appointment, which shall
    be paid in accordance with this subsection and
    subsection (j).
    ``(5) Leases under which the system institution is the
    lessor.--
    ``(A) In general.--If the conservator or receiver
    repudiates an unexpired written lease of real property
    of the System institution under which the System
    institution is the lessor and the lessee is not, as of
    the date of such repudiation, in default, the lessee
    under such lease may either--

    [[Page 4700]]

    ``(i) treat the lease as terminated by such
    repudiation; or
    ``(ii) remain in possession of the leasehold
    interest for the balance of the term of the lease,
    unless the lessee defaults under the terms of the
    lease after the date of such repudiation.
    ``(B) Provisions applicable to lessee remaining in
    possession.--If any lessee under a lease described in
    subparagraph (A) remains in possession of a leasehold
    interest pursuant to clause (ii) of such subparagraph--
    ``(i) the lessee--
    ``(I) shall continue to pay the
    contractual rent pursuant to the terms
    of the lease after the date of the
    repudiation of such lease; and
    ``(II) may offset against any rent
    payment which accrues after the date of
    the repudiation of the lease, any
    damages which accrue after such date due
    to the nonperformance of any obligation
    of the System institution under the
    lease after such date; and
    ``(ii) the conservator or receiver shall not
    be liable to the lessee for any damages arising
    after such date as a result of the repudiation,
    other than the amount of any offset allowed under
    clause (i)(II).
    ``(6) Contracts for the sale of real property.--
    ``(A) In general.--If the conservator or receiver
    repudiates any contract that meets the requirements of
    paragraphs (1) through (4) of section 5.61(d) for the
    sale of real property, and the purchaser of such real
    property under such contract is in possession and is
    not, as of the date of such repudiation, in default,
    such purchaser may either--
    ``(i) treat the contract as terminated by such
    repudiation; or
    ``(ii) remain in possession of such real
    property.
    ``(B) Provisions applicable to purchaser remaining
    in possession.--If any purchaser of real property under
    any contract described in subparagraph (A) remains in
    possession of such property pursuant to clause (ii) of
    such subparagraph--
    ``(i) the purchaser--
    ``(I) shall continue to make all
    payments due under the contract after
    the date of the repudiation of the
    contract; and
    ``(II) may offset against any such
    payments any damages which accrue after
    such date due to the nonperformance
    (after such date) of any obligation of
    the System institution under the
    contract; and
    ``(ii) the conservator or receiver shall--
    ``(I) not be liable to the purchaser
    for any damages arising after that date
    as a result of the repudiation, other
    than the amount of any offset allowed
    under clause (i)(II);
    ``(II) deliver title to the
    purchaser in accordance with the
    contract; and

    [[Page 4701]]

    ``(III) have no obligation under the
    contract, other than the performance
    required under subclause (II).
    ``(C) Assignment and sale allowed.--
    ``(i) In general.--No provision of this
    paragraph shall be construed as limiting the right
    of the conservator or receiver to assign the
    contract described in subparagraph (A) and sell
    the property subject to the contract and this
    paragraph.
    ``(ii) No liability after assignment and
    sale.--If an assignment and sale described in
    clause (i) is consummated, the Corporation, acting
    as conservator or receiver, shall have no further
    liability under the applicable contract described
    in subparagraph (A) or with respect to the real
    property which was the subject of such contract.
    ``(7) Provisions applicable to service contracts.--
    ``(A) Services performed before appointment.--In the
    case of any contract for services between any person and
    any System institution for which the Corporation has
    been appointed conservator or receiver, any claim of
    such person for services performed before the
    appointment of the conservator or the receiver shall
    be--
    ``(i) a claim to be paid in accordance with
    subsections (b) and (d); and
    ``(ii) deemed to have arisen as of the date
    the conservator or receiver was appointed.
    ``(B) Services performed after appointment and prior
    to repudiation.--If, in the case of any contract for
    services described in subparagraph (A), the conservator
    or receiver accepts performance by the other person
    before the conservator or receiver makes any
    determination to exercise the right of repudiation of
    such contract under this section--
    ``(i) the other party shall be paid under the
    terms of the contract for the services performed;
    and
    ``(ii) the amount of such payment shall be
    treated as an administrative expense of the
    conservatorship or receivership.
    ``(C) Acceptance of performance no bar to subsequent
    repudiation.--The acceptance by any conservator or
    receiver of services referred to in subparagraph (B) in
    connection with a contract described in such
    subparagraph shall not affect the right of the
    conservator or receiver, to repudiate such contract
    under this section at any time after such performance.
    ``(8) Certain qualified financial contracts.--
    ``(A) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
    ``(i) Commodity contract.--The term `commodity
    contract' means--
    ``(I) with respect to a futures
    commission merchant, a contract for the
    purchase or sale of a commodity for
    future delivery on, or subject to the
    rules of, a contract market or board of
    trade;
    ``(II) with respect to a foreign
    futures commission merchant, a foreign
    future;

    [[Page 4702]]

    ``(III) with respect to a leverage
    transaction merchant, a leverage
    transaction;
    ``(IV) with respect to a clearing
    organization, a contract for the
    purchase or sale of a commodity for
    future delivery on, or subject to the
    rules of, a contract market or board of
    trade that is cleared by such clearing
    organization, or commodity option traded
    on, or subject to the rules of, a
    contract market or board of trade that
    is cleared by such clearing
    organization;
    ``(V) with respect to a commodity
    options dealer, a commodity option;
    ``(VI) any other agreement or
    transaction that is similar to any
    agreement or transaction referred to in
    this clause;
    ``(VII) any combination of the
    agreements or transactions referred to
    in this clause;
    ``(VIII) any option to enter into
    any agreement or transaction referred to
    in this clause;
    ``(IX) a master agreement that
    provides for an agreement or transaction
    referred to in any of subclauses (I)
    through (VIII), together with all
    supplements to any such master
    agreement, without regard to whether the
    master agreement provides for an
    agreement or transaction that is not a
    commodity contract under this clause,
    except that the master agreement shall
    be considered to be a commodity contract
    under this clause only with respect to
    each agreement or transaction under the
    master agreement that is referred to in
    subclause (I), (II), (III), (IV), (V),
    (VI), (VII), or (VIII); or
    ``(X) any security agreement or
    arrangement or other credit enhancement
    related to any agreement or transaction
    referred to in this clause, including
    any guarantee or reimbursement
    obligation in connection with any
    agreement or transaction referred to in
    this clause.
    ``(ii) Forward contract.--The term `forward
    contract' means--
    ``(I) a contract (other than a
    commodity contract) for the purchase,
    sale, or transfer of a commodity or any
    similar good, article, service, right,
    or interest which is presently or in the
    future becomes the subject of dealing in
    the forward contract trade, or product
    or byproduct thereof, with a maturity
    date more than 2 days after the date the
    contract is entered into, including a
    repurchase or reverse repurchase
    transaction (whether or not such
    repurchase or reverse repurchase
    transaction is a repurchase agreement),
    consignment, lease, swap, hedge
    transaction, deposit, loan, option,
    allocated transaction, unallocated
    transaction, or any other similar
    agreement;
    ``(II) any combination of agreements
    or transactions referred to in
    subclauses (I) and (III);

    [[Page 4703]]

    ``(III) any option to enter into any
    agreement or transaction referred to in
    subclause (I) or (II);
    ``(IV) a master agreement that
    provides for an agreement or transaction
    referred to in subclauses (I) through
    (III), together with all supplements to
    any such master agreement, without
    regard to whether the master agreement
    provides for an agreement or transaction
    that is not a forward contract under
    this clause, except that the master
    agreement shall be considered to be a
    forward contract under this clause only
    with respect to each agreement or
    transaction under the master agreement
    that is referred to in subclause (I),
    (II), or (III); or
    ``(V) any security agreement or
    arrangement or other credit enhancement
    related to any agreement or transaction
    referred to in subclause (I), (II),
    (III), or (IV), including any guarantee
    or reimbursement obligation in
    connection with any agreement or
    transaction referred to in any such
    subclause.
    ``(iii) Person.--The term `person'--
    ``(I) has the meaning given the term
    in section 1 of title 1, United States
    Code; and
    ``(II) includes any governmental
    entity.
    ``(iv) Qualified financial contract.--The term
    `qualified financial contract' means any
    securities contract, commodity contract, forward
    contract, repurchase agreement, swap agreement,
    and any similar agreement that the Corporation
    determines by regulation, resolution, or order to
    be a qualified financial contract for purposes of
    this paragraph.
    ``(v) Repurchase agreement.--
    ``(I) In general.--The term
    `repurchase agreement' (including with
    respect to a reverse repurchase
    agreement)--
    ``(aa) means--
    ``(AA) an agreement,
    including related terms,
    which provides for the
    transfer of one or more
    certificates of deposit,
    mortgage-related securities
    (as such term is defined in
    section 3(a) of the
    Securities Exchange Act of
    1934 (15 U.S.C. 78c(a))),
    mortgage loans, interests in
    mortgage-related securities
    or mortgage loans, eligible
    bankers' acceptances,
    qualified foreign government
    securities or securities
    that are direct obligations
    of, or that are fully
    guaranteed by, the United
    States or any agency of the
    United States against the
    transfer of funds by the
    transferee of such
    certificates of deposit,
    eligible bankers'
    acceptances, securities,
    mortgage loans, or interests
    with a simultaneous
    agreement by such transferee
    to transfer to the
    transferor thereof
    certificates of deposit,
    eligible bankers'
    acceptances,

    [[Page 4704]]

    securities, mortgage loans,
    or interests as described
    above, at a date certain not
    later than 1 year after such
    transfers or on demand,
    against the transfer of
    funds, or any other similar
    agreement;
    ``(BB) any combination
    of agreements or
    transactions referred to in
    subitems (AA) and (CC);
    ``(CC) any option to
    enter into any agreement or
    transaction referred to in
    subitem (AA) or (BB);
    ``(DD) a master
    agreement that provides for
    an agreement or transaction
    referred to in subitem (AA),
    (BB), or (CC), together with
    all supplements to any such
    master agreement, without
    regard to whether the master
    agreement provides for an
    agreement or transaction
    that is not a repurchase
    agreement under this item,
    except that the master
    agreement shall be
    considered to be a
    repurchase agreement under
    this item only with respect
    to each agreement or
    transaction under the master
    agreement that is referred
    to in subitem (AA), (BB), or
    (CC); and
    ``(EE) any security
    agreement or arrangement or
    other credit enhancement
    related to any agreement or
    transaction referred to in
    any of subitems (AA) through
    (DD), including any
    guarantee or reimbursement
    obligation in connection
    with any agreement or
    transaction referred to in
    any such subitem; and
    ``(bb) does not include any
    repurchase obligation under a
    participation in a commercial
    mortgage, loan unless the
    Corporation determines by
    regulation, resolution, or order
    to include any such
    participation within the meaning
    of such term.
    ``(II) Related definition.--For
    purposes of subclause (I)(aa), the term
    `qualified foreign government security'
    means a security that is a direct
    obligation of, or that is fully
    guaranteed by, the central government of
    a member of the Organization for
    Economic Cooperation and Development (as
    determined by regulation or order
    adopted by the appropriate Federal
    banking authority).
    ``(vi) Securities contract.--The term
    `securities contract'--
    ``(I) means--
    ``(aa) a contract for the
    purchase, sale, or loan of a
    security, a certificate of
    deposit, a mortgage loan, any
    interest in a mortgage loan, a
    group or index of securities,
    certificates of deposit, or
    mortgage loans or interests

    [[Page 4705]]

    therein (including any interest
    therein or based on the value
    thereof) or any option on any of
    the foregoing, including any
    option to purchase or sell any
    such security, certificate of
    deposit, mortgage loan,
    interest, group or index, or
    option, and including any
    repurchase or reverse repurchase
    transaction on any such
    security, certificate of
    deposit, mortgage loan,
    interest, group or index, or
    option (whether or not the
    repurchase or reverse repurchase
    transaction is a repurchase
    agreement);
    ``(bb) any option entered
    into on a national securities
    exchange relating to foreign
    currencies;
    ``(cc) the guarantee
    (including by novation) by or to
    any securities clearing agency
    of any settlement of cash,
    securities, certificates of
    deposit, mortgage loans or
    interests therein, group or
    index of securities,
    certificates of deposit, or
    mortgage loans or interests
    therein (including any interest
    therein or based on the value
    thereof) or option on any of the
    foregoing, including any option
    to purchase or sell any such
    security, certificate of
    deposit, mortgage loan,
    interest, group or index, or
    option (whether or not the
    settlement is in connection with
    any agreement or transaction
    referred to in any of items
    (aa), (bb), and (dd) through
    (kk));
    ``(dd) any margin loan;
    ``(ee) any extension of
    credit for the clearance or
    settlement of securities
    transactions;
    ``(ff) any loan transaction
    coupled with a securities collar
    transaction, any prepaid
    securities forward transaction,
    or any total return swap
    transaction coupled with a
    securities sale transaction;
    ``(gg) any other agreement
    or transaction that is similar
    to any agreement or transaction
    referred to in this subclause;
    ``(hh) any combination of
    the agreements or transactions
    referred to in this subclause;
    ``(ii) any option to enter
    into any agreement or
    transaction referred to in this
    subclause;
    ``(jj) a master agreement
    that provides for an agreement
    or transaction referred to in
    any of items (aa) through (ii),
    together with all supplements to
    any such master agreement,
    without regard to whether the
    master agreement provides for an
    agreement or transaction that is
    not a securities contract under
    this subclause, except that the
    master agreement shall be
    considered to be a securities
    contract under this subclause
    only with respect to each
    agreement or transaction under
    the master agreement that is
    referred

    [[Page 4706]]

    to in item (aa), (bb), (cc),
    (dd), (ee), (ff), (gg), (hh), or
    (ii); and
    ``(kk) any security
    agreement or arrangement or
    other credit enhancement related
    to any agreement or transaction
    referred to in this subclause,
    including any guarantee or
    reimbursement obligation in
    connection with any agreement or
    transaction referred to in this
    subclause; and
    ``(II) does not include any
    purchase, sale, or repurchase obligation
    under a participation in a commercial
    mortgage loan unless the Corporation
    determines by regulation, resolution, or
    order to include any such agreement
    within the meaning of such term.
    ``(vii) Swap agreement.--The term `swap
    agreement' means--
    ``(I) any agreement, including the
    terms and conditions incorporated by
    reference in any such agreement, that
    is--
    ``(aa) an interest rate
    swap, option, future, or forward
    agreement, including a rate
    floor, rate cap, rate collar,
    cross-currency rate swap, and
    basis swap;
    ``(bb) a spot, same day-
    tomorrow, tomorrow-next,
    forward, or other foreign
    exchange precious metals or
    other commodity agreement;
    ``(cc) a currency swap,
    option, future, or forward
    agreement;
    ``(dd) an equity index or
    equity swap, option, future, or
    forward agreement;
    ``(ee) a debt index or debt
    swap, option, future, or forward
    agreement;
    ``(ff) a total return,
    credit spread or credit swap,
    option, future, or forward
    agreement;
    ``(gg) a commodity index or
    commodity swap, option, future,
    or forward agreement;
    ``(hh) a weather swap,
    option, future, or forward
    agreement;
    ``(ii) an emissions swap,
    option, future, or forward
    agreement; or
    ``(jj) an inflation swap,
    option, future, or forward
    agreement;
    ``(II) any agreement or transaction
    that is similar to any other agreement
    or transaction referred to in this
    clause and that is of a type that has
    been, is presently, or in the future
    becomes, the subject of recurrent
    dealings in the swap or other
    derivatives markets (including terms and
    conditions incorporated by reference in
    such agreement) and that is a forward,
    swap, future, option or spot transaction
    on one or more rates, currencies,
    commodities, equity securities or other
    equity instruments, debt securities or
    other debt instruments, quantitative
    measures associated with an occurrence,
    extent of an occurrence, or

    [[Page 4707]]

    contingency associated with a financial,
    commercial, or economic consequence, or
    economic or financial indices or
    measures of economic or financial risk
    or value;
    ``(III) any combination of
    agreements or transactions referred to
    in this clause;
    ``(IV) any option to enter into any
    agreement or transaction referred to in
    this clause;
    ``(V) a master agreement that
    provides for an agreement or transaction
    referred to in any of subclauses (I)
    through (IV), together with all
    supplements to any such master
    agreement, without regard to whether the
    master agreement contains an agreement
    or transaction that is not a swap
    agreement under this clause, except that
    the master agreement shall be considered
    to be a swap agreement under this clause
    only with respect to each agreement or
    transaction under the master agreement
    that is referred to in subclause (I),
    (II), (III), or (IV); and
    ``(VI) any security agreement or
    arrangement or other credit enhancement
    related to any agreements or
    transactions referred to in any of
    subclauses (I) through (V), including
    any guarantee or reimbursement
    obligation in connection with any
    agreement or transaction referred to in
    any such subclause.
    ``(viii) Transfer.--The term `transfer' means
    every mode, direct or indirect, absolute or
    conditional, voluntary or involuntary, of
    disposing of or parting with property or with an
    interest in property, including retention of title
    as a security interest and foreclosure of the
    equity of redemption of a System institution.
    ``(ix) Treatment of master agreement as 1
    agreement.--For purposes of this subparagraph--
    ``(I) any master agreement for any
    contract or agreement described in this
    subparagraph (or any master agreement
    for such a master agreement or
    agreements), together with all
    supplements to the master agreement,
    shall be treated as a single agreement
    and a single qualified financial
    contact; and
    ``(II) if a master agreement
    contains provisions relating to
    agreements or transactions that are not
    qualified financial contracts, the
    master agreement shall be deemed to be a
    qualified financial contract only with
    respect to those transactions that are
    themselves qualified financial
    contracts.
    ``(B) Rights of parties to contracts.--Subject to
    paragraphs (9) and (10), and notwithstanding any other
    provision of this Act (other than subsection (b)(9) and
    section 5.61(d)) or any other Federal or State law, no
    person shall be stayed or prohibited from exercising--
    ``(i) any right such person has to cause the
    termination, liquidation, or acceleration of any
    qualified financial contract with a System
    institution which arises upon the appointment of
    the Corporation as

    [[Page 4708]]

    receiver for such System institution at any time
    after such appointment;
    ``(ii) any right under any security agreement
    or arrangement or other credit enhancement related
    to one or more qualified financial contracts
    described in clause (i); or
    ``(iii) any right to offset or net out any
    termination value, payment amount, or other
    transfer obligation arising under, or in
    connection with, 1 or more contracts and
    agreements described in clause (i), including any
    master agreement for such contracts or agreements.
    ``(C) Applicability of other provisions.--Subsection
    (b)(12) shall apply in the case of any judicial action
    or proceeding brought against any receiver referred to
    in subparagraph (A), or the System institution for which
    such receiver was appointed, by any party to a contract
    or agreement described in subparagraph (B)(i) with such
    System institution.
    ``(D) Certain transfers not avoidable.--
    ``(i) In general.--Notwithstanding paragraph
    (11) or any other Federal or State law relating to
    the avoidance of preferential or fraudulent
    transfers, the Corporation, whether acting as such
    or as conservator or receiver of a System
    institution, may not avoid any transfer of money
    or other property in connection with any qualified
    financial contract with a System institution.
    ``(ii) Exception for certain transfers.--
    Clause (i) shall not apply to any transfer of
    money or other property in connection with any
    qualified financial contract with a System
    institution if the Corporation determines that the
    transferee had actual intent to hinder, delay, or
    defraud such System institution, the creditors of
    such System institution, or any conservator or
    receiver appointed for such System institution.
    ``(E) Certain protections in event of appointment of
    conservator.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
    this Act (other than subparagraph (G), paragraph (10),
    subsection (b)(9), and section 5.61(d)) or any other
    Federal or State law, no person shall be stayed or
    prohibited from exercising--
    ``(i) any right such person has to cause the
    termination, liquidation, or acceleration of any
    qualified financial contract with a System
    institution in a conservatorship based upon a
    default under such financial contract which is
    enforceable under applicable noninsolvency law;
    ``(ii) any right under any security agreement
    or arrangement or other credit enhancement related
    to one or more qualified financial contracts
    described in clause (i); and
    ``(iii) any right to offset or net out any
    termination values, payment amounts, or other
    transfer obligations arising under or in
    connection with such qualified financial
    contracts.

    [[Page 4709]]

    ``(F) Clarification.--No provision of law shall be
    construed as limiting the right or power of the
    Corporation, or authorizing any court or agency to limit
    or delay, in any manner, the right or power of the
    Corporation to transfer any qualified financial contract
    in accordance with paragraphs (9) and (10) or to
    disaffirm or repudiate any such contract in accordance
    with paragraph (1).
    ``(G) Walkaway clauses not effective.--
    ``(i) Definition of walkaway clause.--In this
    subparagraph, the term `walkaway clause' means any
    provision in a qualified financial contract that
    suspends, conditions, or extinguishes a payment
    obligation of a party, in whole or in part, or
    does not create a payment obligation of a party
    that would otherwise exist--
    ``(I) solely because of--
    ``(aa) the status of the
    party as a nondefaulting party
    in connection with the
    insolvency of a System
    institution that is a party to
    the contract; or
    ``(bb) the appointment of,
    or the exercise of rights or
    powers by, the Corporation as a
    conservator or receiver of the
    System institution; and
    ``(II) not as a result of the
    exercise by a party of any right to
    offset, setoff, or net obligations that
    exist under--
    ``(aa) the contract;
    ``(bb) any other contract
    between those parties; or
    ``(cc) applicable law.
    ``(ii) Treatment.--Notwithstanding the
    provisions of subparagraphs (B) and (E), no
    walkaway clause shall be enforceable in a
    qualified financial contract of a System
    institution in default.
    ``(iii) Limited suspension of certain
    obligations.--In the case of a qualified financial
    contract referred to in clause (ii), any payment
    or delivery obligations otherwise due from a party
    pursuant to the qualified financial contract shall
    be suspended from the time the receiver is
    appointed until the earlier of--
    ``(I) the time such party receives
    notice that such contract has been
    transferred pursuant to subparagraph
    (B); or
    ``(II) 5:00 p.m. (eastern time) on
    the business day following the date of
    the appointment of the receiver.
    ``(H) Recordkeeping requirements.--The Corporation,
    in consultation with the Farm Credit Administration, may
    prescribe regulations requiring more detailed
    recordkeeping by any System institution with respect to
    qualified financial contracts (including market
    valuations), only if such System institution is subject
    to subclause (I), (III), or (IV) of section
    5.61B(a)(1)(A)(ii).
    ``(9) Transfer of qualified financial contracts.--
    ``(A) Definitions.--In this paragraph:

    [[Page 4710]]

    ``(i) Clearing organization.--The term
    `clearing organization' has the meaning given the
    term in section 402 of the Federal Deposit
    Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (12
    U.S.C. 4402).
    ``(ii) Financial institution.--The term
    `financial institution' means a System
    institution, a broker or dealer, a depository
    institution, a futures commission merchant, or any
    other institution, as determined by the
    Corporation by regulation to be a financial
    institution.
    ``(B) Requirement.--In making any transfer of assets
    or liabilities of a System institution in default which
    includes any qualified financial contract, the
    conservator or receiver for such System institution
    shall either--
    ``(i) transfer to one financial institution,
    other than a financial institution for which a
    conservator, receiver, trustee in bankruptcy, or
    other legal custodian has been appointed, or that
    is otherwise the subject of a bankruptcy or
    insolvency proceeding--
    ``(I) all qualified financial
    contracts between any person or any
    affiliate of such person and the System
    institution in default;
    ``(II) all claims of such person or
    any affiliate of such person against
    such System institution under any such
    contract (other than any claim which,
    under the terms of any such contract, is
    subordinated to the claims of general
    unsecured creditors of such System
    institution);
    ``(III) all claims of such System
    institution against such person or any
    affiliate of such person under any such
    contract; and
    ``(IV) all property securing or any
    other credit enhancement for any
    contract described in subclause (I) or
    any claim described in subclause (II) or
    (III) under any such contract; or
    ``(ii) transfer none of the qualified
    financial contracts, claims, property or other
    credit enhancement referred to in clause (i) (with
    respect to such person and any affiliate of such
    person).
    ``(C) Transfer to foreign bank, foreign financial
    institution, or branch or agency of a foreign bank or
    financial institution.--In transferring any qualified
    financial contracts and related claims and property
    under subparagraph (B)(i), the conservator or receiver
    for the System institution shall not make such transfer
    to a foreign bank, financial institution organized under
    the laws of a foreign country, or a branch or agency of
    a foreign bank or financial institution unless, under
    the law applicable to such bank, financial institution,
    branch or agency, to the qualified financial contracts,
    and to any netting contract, any security agreement or
    arrangement or other credit enhancement related to one
    or more qualified financial contracts, the contractual
    rights of the parties to such qualified financial
    contracts, netting contracts, security agreements or
    arrangements, or other credit enhancements are
    enforceable substantially to the same extent as
    permitted under this section.

    [[Page 4711]]

    ``(D) Transfer of contracts subject to the rules of
    a clearing organization.--In the event that a
    conservator or receiver transfers any qualified
    financial contract and related claims, property, and
    credit enhancements pursuant to subparagraph (B)(i) and
    such contract is cleared by or subject to the rules of a
    clearing organization, the clearing organization shall
    not be required to accept the transferee as a member by
    virtue of the transfer.
    ``(10) Notification of transfer.--
    ``(A) Definition of business day.--In this
    paragraph, the term `business day' means any day other
    than any Saturday, Sunday, or any day on which either
    the New York Stock Exchange or the Federal Reserve Bank
    of New York is closed.
    ``(B) Notification.--If--
    ``(i) the conservator or receiver for a System
    institution in default makes any transfer of the
    assets and liabilities of such System institution;
    and
    ``(ii) the transfer includes any qualified
    financial contract, the conservator or receiver
    shall notify any person who is a party to any such
    contract of such transfer by 5:00 p.m. (eastern
    time) on the business day following the date of
    the appointment of the receiver in the case of a
    receivership, or the business day following such
    transfer in the case of a conservatorship.
    ``(C) Certain rights not enforceable.--
    ``(i) Receivership.--A person who is a party
    to a qualified financial contract with a System
    institution may not exercise any right that such
    person has to terminate, liquidate, or net such
    contract under paragraph (8)(B) of this
    subsection, solely by reason of or incidental to
    the appointment of a receiver for the System
    institution (or the insolvency or financial
    condition of the System institution for which the
    receiver has been appointed)--
    ``(I) until 5:00 p.m. (eastern time)
    on the business day following the date
    of the appointment of the receiver; or
    ``(II) after the person has received
    notice that the contract has been
    transferred pursuant to paragraph
    (9)(B).
    ``(ii) Conservatorship.--A person who is a
    party to a qualified financial contract with a
    System institution may not exercise any right that
    such person has to terminate, liquidate, or net
    such contract under paragraph (8)(E) of this
    subsection, solely by reason of or incidental to
    the appointment of a conservator for the System
    institution (or the insolvency or financial
    condition of the System institution for which the
    conservator has been appointed).
    ``(iii) Notice.--For purposes of this
    paragraph, the Corporation as receiver or
    conservator of a System institution shall be
    deemed to have notified a person who is a party to
    a qualified financial contract with such System
    institution if the Corporation has taken

    [[Page 4712]]

    steps reasonably calculated to provide notice to
    such person by the time specified in subparagraph
    (B).
    ``(D) Treatment of bridge system institutions.--The
    following System institutions shall not be considered to
    be a financial institution for which a conservator,
    receiver, trustee in bankruptcy, or other legal
    custodian has been appointed or which is otherwise the
    subject of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding for
    purposes of paragraph (9):
    ``(i) A bridge System bank.
    ``(ii) A System institution organized by the
    Corporation or the Farm Credit Administration, for
    which a conservator is appointed either--
    ``(I) immediately upon the
    organization of the System institution;
    or
    ``(II) at the time of a purchase and
    assumption transaction between the
    System institution and the Corporation
    as receiver for a System institution in
    default.
    ``(11) Disaffirmance or repudiation of qualified financial
    contracts.--In exercising the rights of disaffirmance or
    repudiation of a conservator or receiver with respect to any
    qualified financial contract to which a System institution is a
    party, the conservator or receiver for such System institution
    shall either--
    ``(A) disaffirm or repudiate all qualified financial
    contracts between--
    ``(i) any person or any affiliate of such
    person; and
    ``(ii) the System institution in default; or
    ``(B) disaffirm or repudiate none of the qualified
    financial contracts referred to in subparagraph (A)
    (with respect to such person or any affiliate of such
    person).
    ``(12) Certain security interests not avoidable.--No
    provision of this subsection shall be construed as permitting
    the avoidance of any legally enforceable or perfected security
    interest in any of the assets of any System institution except
    where such an interest is taken in contemplation of the System
    institution's insolvency or with the intent to hinder, delay, or
    defraud the System institution or the creditors of such System
    institution.
    ``(13) Authority to enforce contracts.--
    ``(A) In general.--The conservator or receiver may
    enforce any contract, other than a director's or
    officer's liability insurance contract or a System
    institution bond, entered into by the System institution
    notwithstanding any provision of the contract providing
    for termination, default, acceleration, or exercise of
    rights upon, or solely by reason of, insolvency or the
    appointment of or the exercise of rights or powers by a
    conservator or receiver.
    ``(B) Certain rights not affected.--No provision of
    this paragraph may be construed as impairing or
    affecting any right of the conservator or receiver to
    enforce or recover under a director's or officer's
    liability insurance contract or institution bond under
    other applicable law.
    ``(C) Consent requirement.--

    [[Page 4713]]

    ``(i) In general.--Except as otherwise
    provided by this section, no person may exercise
    any right or power to terminate, accelerate, or
    declare a default under any contract to which the
    System institution is a party, or to obtain
    possession of or exercise control over any
    property of the System institution or affect any
    contractual rights of the System institution,
    without the consent of the conservator or
    receiver, as appropriate, during the 45-day period
    beginning on the date of the appointment of the
    conservator, or during the 90-day period beginning
    on the date of the appointment of the receiver, as
    applicable.
    ``(ii) Certain exceptions.--No provision of
    this subparagraph shall apply to a director or
    officer liability insurance contract or an
    institution bond, to the rights of parties to
    certain qualified financial contracts pursuant to
    paragraph (8), or shall be construed as permitting
    the conservator or receiver to fail to comply with
    otherwise enforceable provisions of such contract.
    ``(14) Exception for federal reserve and the united states
    treasury.--No provision of this subsection shall apply with
    respect to--
    ``(A) any extension of credit from any Federal
    Reserve bank or the United States Treasury to any System
    institution; or
    ``(B) any security interest in the assets of the
    System institution securing any such extension of
    credit.
    ``(15) Savings clause.--The meanings of terms used in this
    subsection--
    ``(A) are applicable for purposes of this subsection
    only; and
    ``(B) shall not be construed or applied so as to
    challenge or affect the characterization, definition, or
    treatment of any similar terms under any other law,
    regulation, or rule, including--
    ``(i) the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (12 U.S.C.
    1811 note; Public Law 106-102);
    ``(ii) the Legal Certainty for Bank Products
    Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C. 27 et seq.);
    ``(iii) the securities laws (as that term is
    defined in section 3(a) of the Securities Exchange
    Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78c(a))); and
    ``(iv) the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 1
    et seq.).

    ``(d) Valuation of Claims in Default.--
    ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
    Federal law or the law of any State and regardless of the method
    which the Corporation determines to utilize with respect to a
    System institution in default or in danger of default, including
    transactions authorized under subsection (h) and section
    5.61(a), this subsection shall govern the rights of the
    creditors of such System institution.
    ``(2) Maximum liability.--The maximum liability of the
    Corporation, acting as receiver or in any other capacity, to any
    person having a claim against the receiver or the System
    institution for which such receiver is appointed shall equal

    [[Page 4714]]

    the amount such claimant would have received if the Corporation
    had liquidated the assets and liabilities of such System
    institution without exercising the Corporation's authority under
    subsection (h) or section 5.61(a).
    ``(3) Additional payments authorized.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Corporation may, in its
    discretion and in the interests of minimizing its
    losses, use its own resources to make additional
    payments or credit additional amounts to or with respect
    to or for the account of any claimant or category of
    claimants. Notwithstanding any other provision of
    Federal or State law, or the constitution of any State,
    the Corporation shall not be obligated, as a result of
    having made any such payment or credited any such amount
    to or with respect to or for the account of any claimant
    or category of claimants, to make payments to any other
    claimant or category of claimants.
    ``(B) Manner of payment.--The Corporation may make
    the payments or credit the amounts specified in
    subparagraph (A) directly to the claimants or may make
    such payments or credit such amounts to an open System
    institution to induce such System institution to accept
    liability for such claims.

    ``(e) Limitation on Court Action.--Except as provided in this
    section, no court may take any action, except at the written request of
    the Board of Directors, to restrain or affect the exercise of powers or
    functions of the Corporation as a conservator or a receiver.
    ``(f) Liability of Directors and Officers.--
    ``(1) In general.--A director or officer of a System
    institution may be held personally liable for monetary damages
    in any civil action--
    ``(A) brought by, on behalf of, or at the request or
    direction of the Corporation;
    ``(B) prosecuted wholly or partially for the benefit
    of the Corporation--
    ``(i) acting as conservator or receiver of
    that System institution;
    ``(ii) acting based on a suit, claim, or cause
    of action purchased from, assigned by, or
    otherwise conveyed by that receiver or
    conservator; or
    ``(iii) acting based on a suit, claim, or
    cause of action purchased from, assigned by, or
    otherwise conveyed in whole or in part by a System
    institution or an affiliate of a System
    institution in connection with assistance provided
    under section 5.61(a); and
    ``(C) for, as determined under the applicable State
    law--
    ``(i) gross negligence; or
    ``(ii) any similar conduct, including conduct
    that demonstrates a greater disregard of a duty of
    care than gross negligence, such as intentional
    tortious conduct.
    ``(2) Effect.--Nothing in paragraph (1) impairs or affects
    any right of the Corporation under any other applicable law.

    ``(g) Damages.--In any proceeding related to any claim against a
    System institution's director, officer, employee, agent, attorney,
    accountant, appraiser, or any other party employed by or providing

    [[Page 4715]]

    services to a System institution, recoverable damages determined to
    result from the improvident or otherwise improper use or investment of
    any System institution's assets shall include principal losses and
    appropriate interest.
    ``(h) Bridge Farm Credit System Banks.--
    ``(1) Organization.--
    ``(A) Purpose.--
    ``(i) In general.--When 1 or more System banks
    are in default, or when the Corporation
    anticipates that 1 or more System banks may become
    in default, the Corporation may, in its
    discretion, organize, and the Farm Credit
    Administration may, in its discretion, charter, 1
    or more System banks, with the powers and
    attributes of System banks, subject to the
    provisions of this subsection, to be referred to
    as `bridge System banks'.
    ``(ii) Intent of congress.--It is the intent
    of the Congress that, in order to prevent
    unnecessary hardship or losses to the customers of
    any System bank in default with respect to which a
    bridge System bank is chartered, the Corporation
    should--
    ``(I) continue to honor commitments
    made by the System bank in default to
    creditworthy customers; and
    ``(II) not interrupt or terminate
    adequately secured loans which are
    transferred under this subsection and
    are being repaid by the debtor in
    accordance with the terms of the loan
    instrument.
    ``(B) Authorities.--Once chartered by the Farm
    Credit Administration, the bridge System bank may--
    ``(i) assume such liabilities of the System
    bank or banks in default or in danger of default
    as the Corporation may, in its discretion,
    determine to be appropriate;
    ``(ii) purchase such assets of the System bank
    or banks in default or in danger of default as the
    Corporation may, in its discretion, determine to
    be appropriate; and
    ``(iii) perform any other temporary function
    which the Corporation may, in its discretion,
    prescribe in accordance with this Act.
    ``(C) Articles of association.--The articles of
    association and organization certificate of a bridge
    System bank as approved by the Corporation shall be
    executed by 3 representatives designated by the
    Corporation.
    ``(D) Interim directors.--A bridge System bank shall
    have an interim board of directors consisting of not
    fewer than 5 nor more than 10 members appointed by the
    Corporation.
    ``(2) Chartering.--
    ``(A) Conditions.--The Farm Credit Administration
    may charter a bridge System bank only if the Board of
    Directors determines that--
    ``(i) the amount which is reasonably necessary
    to operate such bridge System bank will not exceed
    the amount which is reasonably necessary to save
    the cost of liquidating 1 or more System banks in
    default or

    [[Page 4716]]

    in danger of default with respect to which the
    bridge System bank is chartered;
    ``(ii) the continued operation of such System
    bank or banks in default or in danger of default
    with respect to which the bridge System bank is
    chartered is essential to provide adequate farm
    credit services in the 1 or more communities where
    each such System bank in default or in danger of
    default is or was providing those farm credit
    services; or
    ``(iii) the continued operation of such System
    bank or banks in default or in danger of default
    with respect to which the bridge System bank is
    chartered is in the best interest of the Farm
    Credit System or the public.
    ``(B) Bridge system bank treated as being in default
    for certain purposes.--A bridge System bank shall be
    treated as being in default at such times and for such
    purposes as the Corporation may, in its discretion,
    determine.
    ``(C) Management.--A bridge System bank, upon the
    granting of its charter, shall be under the management
    of a board of directors consisting of not fewer than 5
    nor more than 10 members appointed by the Corporation,
    in consultation with the Farm Credit Administration.
    ``(D) Bylaws.--The board of directors of a bridge
    System bank shall adopt such bylaws as may be approved
    by the Corporation.
    ``(3) Transfer of assets and liabilities.--
    ``(A) Transfer upon grant of charter.--Upon the
    granting of a charter to a bridge System bank pursuant
    to this subsection, the Corporation, as receiver, may
    transfer any assets and liabilities of the System bank
    to the bridge System bank in accordance with paragraph
    (1).
    ``(B) Subsequent transfers.--At any time after a
    charter is granted to a bridge System bank, the
    Corporation, as receiver, may transfer any assets and
    liabilities of such System bank in default as the
    Corporation may, in its discretion, determine to be
    appropriate in accordance with paragraph (1).
    ``(C) Effective without approval.--The transfer of
    any assets or liabilities of a System bank in default or
    danger of default transferred to a bridge System bank
    shall be effective without any further approval under
    Federal or State law, assignment, or consent with
    respect thereto.
    ``(4) Powers of bridge system banks.--Each bridge System
    bank chartered under this subsection shall, to the extent
    described in the charter of the System bank in default with
    respect to which the bridge System bank is chartered, have all
    corporate powers of, and be subject to the same provisions of
    law as, any System bank, except that--
    ``(A) the Corporation may--
    ``(i) remove the interim directors and
    directors of a bridge System bank;
    ``(ii) fix the compensation of members of the
    interim board of directors and the board of
    directors and senior

    [[Page 4717]]

    management, as determined by the Corporation in
    its discretion, of a bridge System bank; and
    ``(iii) waive any requirement established
    under Federal or State law which would otherwise
    be applicable with respect to directors of a
    bridge System bank, on the condition that the
    waiver of any requirement established by the Farm
    Credit Administration shall require the
    concurrence of the Farm Credit Administration;
    ``(B) the Corporation may indemnify the
    representatives for purposes of paragraph (1)(B) and the
    interim directors, directors, officers, employees, and
    agents of a bridge System bank on such terms as the
    Corporation determines to be appropriate;
    ``(C) no requirement under any provision of law
    relating to the capital of a System institution shall
    apply with respect to a bridge System bank;
    ``(D) the Farm Credit Administration Board may
    establish a limitation on the extent to which any person
    may become indebted to a bridge System bank without
    regard to the amount of the bridge System bank's capital
    or surplus;
    ``(E)(i) the board of directors of a bridge System
    bank shall elect a chairperson who may also serve in the
    position of chief executive officer, except that such
    person shall not serve either as chairperson or as chief
    executive officer without the prior approval of the
    Corporation; and
    ``(ii) the board of directors of a bridge System
    bank may appoint a chief executive officer who is not
    also the chairperson, except that such person shall not
    serve as chief executive officer without the prior
    approval of the Corporation;
    ``(F) the Farm Credit Administration may waive any
    requirement for a fidelity bond with respect to a bridge
    System bank at the request of the Corporation;
    ``(G) any judicial action to which a bridge System
    bank becomes a party by virtue of its acquisition of any
    assets or assumption of any liabilities of a System bank
    in default shall be stayed from further proceedings for
    a period of up to 45 days at the request of the bridge
    System bank;
    ``(H) no agreement which tends to diminish or defeat
    the right, title or interest of a bridge System bank in
    any asset of a System bank in default acquired by it
    shall be valid against the bridge System bank unless
    such agreement--
    ``(i) is in writing;
    ``(ii) was executed by such System bank in
    default and the person or persons claiming an
    adverse interest thereunder, including the
    obligor, contemporaneously with the acquisition of
    the asset by such System bank in default;
    ``(iii) was approved by the board of directors
    of such System bank in default or its loan
    committee, which approval shall be reflected in
    the minutes of said board or committee; and

    [[Page 4718]]

    ``(iv) has been, continuously from the time of
    its execution, an official record of such System
    bank in default;
    ``(I) notwithstanding subsection 5.61(d)(2), any
    agreement relating to an extension of credit between a
    System bank, Federal Reserve bank, or the United States
    Treasury and any System institution which was executed
    before the extension of credit by such lender to such
    System institution shall be treated as having been
    executed contemporaneously with such extension of credit
    for purposes of subparagraph (H); and
    ``(J) except with the prior approval of the
    Corporation and the concurrence of the Farm Credit
    Administration, a bridge System bank may not, in any
    transaction or series of transactions, issue capital
    stock or be a party to any merger, consolidation,
    disposition of substantially all of the assets or
    liabilities of the bridge System bank, sale or exchange
    of capital stock, or similar transaction, or change its
    charter.
    ``(5) Capital.--
    ``(A) No capital required.--The Corporation shall
    not be required to--
    ``(i) issue any capital stock on behalf of a
    bridge System bank chartered under this
    subsection; or
    ``(ii) purchase any capital stock of a bridge
    System bank, except that notwithstanding any other
    provision of Federal or State law, the Corporation
    may purchase and retain capital stock of a bridge
    System bank in such amounts and on such terms as
    the Corporation, in its discretion, determines to
    be appropriate.
    ``(B) Operating funds in lieu of capital.--Upon the
    organization of a bridge System bank, and thereafter, as
    the Corporation may, in its discretion, determine to be
    necessary or advisable, the Corporation may make
    available to the bridge System bank, upon such terms and
    conditions and in such form and amounts as the
    Corporation may in its discretion determine, funds for
    the operation of the bridge System bank in lieu of
    capital.
    ``(C) Authority to issue capital stock.--Whenever
    the Farm Credit Administration Board determines it is
    advisable to do so, the Corporation shall cause capital
    stock of a bridge System bank to be issued and offered
    for sale in such amounts and on such terms and
    conditions as the Corporation may, in its discretion,
    determine.
    ``(6) Employee status.--Representatives for purposes of
    paragraph (1)(C), interim directors, directors, officers,
    employees, or agents of a bridge System bank are not, solely by
    virtue of service in any such capacity, officers or employees of
    the United States. Any employee of the Corporation, the Farm
    Credit Administration, or any Federal instrumentality who serves
    at the request of the Corporation as a representative for
    purposes of paragraph (1)(C), interim director, director,
    officer, employee, or agent of a bridge System bank shall not--
    ``(A) solely by virtue of service in any such
    capacity lose any existing status as an officer or
    employee of the United States for purposes of any
    provision of law; or

    [[Page 4719]]

    ``(B) receive any salary or benefits for service in
    any such capacity with respect to a bridge System bank
    in addition to such salary or benefits as are obtained
    through employment with the Corporation or such Federal
    instrumentality.
    ``(7) Assistance authorized.--The Corporation may, in its
    discretion, provide assistance under section 5.61(a) to
    facilitate any merger or consolidation of a bridge System bank
    in the same manner and to the same extent as such assistance may
    be provided to a qualifying insured System bank (as defined in
    section 5.61(a)(2)(B)) or to facilitate a bridge System bank's
    acquisition of any assets or the assumption of any liabilities
    of a System bank in default or in danger of default.
    ``(8) Duration of bridge system banks.--Subject to
    paragraphs (10) and (11), the status of a bridge System bank as
    such shall terminate at the end of the 2-year period following
    the date it was granted a charter. The Farm Credit
    Administration Board may, in its discretion, extend the status
    of the bridge System bank as such for 3 additional 1-year
    periods.
    ``(9) Termination of bridge system banks status.--The status
    of any bridge System bank as such shall terminate upon the
    earliest of--
    ``(A) the merger or consolidation of the bridge
    System bank with a System institution that is not a
    bridge System bank, on the condition that the merger or
    consolidation shall be subject to the approval of the
    Farm Credit Administration;
    ``(B) at the election of the Corporation and with
    the approval of the Farm Credit Administration, the sale
    of a majority or all of the capital stock of the bridge
    System bank to a System institution or another bridge
    System bank;
    ``(C) at the election of the Corporation, and with
    the approval of the Farm Credit Administration, either
    the assumption of all or substantially all of the
    liabilities of the bridge System bank, or the
    acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets of
    the bridge System bank, by a System institution that is
    not a bridge System bank or other entity as permitted
    under applicable law; and
    ``(D) the expiration of the period provided in
    paragraph (8), or the earlier dissolution of the bridge
    System bank as provided in paragraph (11).
    ``(10) Effect of termination events.--
    ``(A) Merger or consolidation.--A bridge System bank
    that participates in a merger or consolidation as
    provided in paragraph (9)(A) shall be for all purposes a
    System institution, with all the rights, powers, and
    privileges thereof, and such merger or consolidation
    shall be conducted in accordance with, and shall have
    the effect provided in, the provisions of applicable
    law.
    ``(B) Charter conversion.--Following the sale of a
    majority or all of the capital stock of the bridge
    System bank as provided in paragraph (9)(B), the Farm
    Credit Administration Board may amend the charter of the
    bridge System bank to reflect the termination of the
    status of the bridge System bank as such, whereupon the
    System bank shall remain a System bank, with all of the
    rights,

    [[Page 4720]]

    powers, and privileges thereof, subject to all laws and
    regulations applicable thereto.
    ``(C) Assumption of liabilities and sale of
    assets.--Following the assumption of all or
    substantially all of the liabilities of the bridge
    System bank, or the sale of all or substantially all of
    the assets of the bridge System bank, as provided in
    paragraph (9)(C), at the election of the Corporation,
    the bridge System bank may retain its status as such for
    the period provided in paragraph (8).
    ``(D) Amendments to charter.--Following the
    consummation of a transaction described in subparagraph
    (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (9), the charter of the
    resulting System institution shall be amended by the
    Farm Credit Administration to reflect the termination of
    bridge System bank status, if appropriate.
    ``(11) Dissolution of bridge system bank.--
    ``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other
    provision of State or Federal law, if the bridge System
    bank's status as such has not previously been terminated
    by the occurrence of an event specified in subparagraph
    (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (9)--
    ``(i) the Corporation, after consultation with
    the Farm Credit Administration, may, in its
    discretion, dissolve a bridge System bank in
    accordance with this paragraph at any time; and
    ``(ii) the Corporation, after consultation
    with the Farm Credit Administration, shall
    promptly commence dissolution proceedings in
    accordance with this paragraph upon the expiration
    of the 2-year period following the date the bridge
    System bank was chartered, or any extension
    thereof, as provided in paragraph (8).
    ``(B) Procedures.--The Farm Credit Administration
    Board shall appoint the Corporation as receiver for a
    bridge System bank upon determining to dissolve the
    bridge System bank. The Corporation as such receiver
    shall wind up the affairs of the bridge System bank in
    conformity with the provisions of law relating to the
    liquidation of closed System banks. With respect to any
    such bridge System bank, the Corporation as such
    receiver shall have all the rights, powers, and
    privileges and shall perform the duties related to the
    exercise of such rights, powers, or privileges granted
    by law to a receiver of any insured System bank and,
    notwithstanding any other provision of law in the
    exercise of such rights, powers, and privileges, the
    Corporation shall not be subject to the direction or
    supervision of any State agency or other Federal agency.
    ``(12) Multiple bridge system banks.--The Corporation may,
    in the Corporation's discretion, organize, and the Farm Credit
    Administration may, in its discretion, charter, 2 or more bridge
    System banks under this subsection to assume any liabilities and
    purchase any assets of a single System institution in default.

    ``(i) Certain Sales of Assets Prohibited.--
    ``(1) Persons who engaged in improper conduct with, or
    caused losses to, system institutions.--The Corporation shall
    prescribe regulations which, at a minimum, shall prohibit

    [[Page 4721]]

    the sale of assets of a failed System institution by the
    Corporation to--
    ``(A) any person who--
    ``(i) has defaulted, or was a member of a
    partnership or an officer or director of a
    corporation that has defaulted, on 1 or more
    obligations the aggregate amount of which exceed
    $1,000,000, to such failed System institution;
    ``(ii) has been found to have engaged in
    fraudulent activity in connection with any
    obligation referred to in clause (i); and
    ``(iii) proposes to purchase any such asset in
    whole or in part through the use of the proceeds
    of a loan or advance of credit from the
    Corporation or from any System institution for
    which the Corporation has been appointed as
    conservator or receiver;
    ``(B) any person who participated, as an officer or
    director of such failed System institution or of any
    affiliate of such System institution, in a material way
    in transactions that resulted in a substantial loss to
    such failed System institution;
    ``(C) any person who has been removed from, or
    prohibited from participating in the affairs of, such
    failed System institution pursuant to any final
    enforcement action by the Farm Credit Administration;
    ``(D) any person who has demonstrated a pattern or
    practice of defalcation regarding obligations to such
    failed System institution; or
    ``(E) any person who is in default on any loan or
    other extension of credit from such failed System
    institution which, if not paid, will cause substantial
    loss to the System institution or the Corporation.
    ``(2) Defaulted debtors.--Except as provided in paragraph
    (3), any person who is in default on any loan or other extension
    of credit from the System institution, which, if not paid, will
    cause substantial loss to the System institution or the
    Corporation, may not purchase any asset from the conservator or
    receiver.
    ``(3) Settlement of claims.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply
    to the sale or transfer by the Corporation of any asset of any
    System institution to any person if the sale or transfer of the
    asset resolves or settles, or is part of the resolution or
    settlement, of--
    ``(A) 1 or more claims that have been, or could have
    been, asserted by the Corporation against the person; or
    ``(B) obligations owed by the person to any System
    institution, or the Corporation.
    ``(4) Definition of default.--For purposes of this
    subsection, the term `default' means a failure to comply with
    the terms of a loan or other obligation to such an extent that
    the property securing the obligation is foreclosed upon.

    ``(j) Expedited Procedures for Certain Claims.--
    ``(1) Time for filing notice of appeal.--The notice of
    appeal of any order, whether interlocutory or final, entered in
    any case brought by the Corporation against a System
    institution's director, officer, employee, agent, attorney,
    accountant, or appraiser or any other person employed by or

    [[Page 4722]]

    providing services to a System institution shall be filed not
    later than 30 days after the date of entry of the order. The
    hearing of the appeal shall be held not later than 120 days
    after the date of the notice of appeal. The appeal shall be
    decided not later than 180 days after the date of the notice of
    appeal.
    ``(2) Scheduling.--A court of the United States shall
    expedite the consideration of any case brought by the
    Corporation against a System institution's director, officer,
    employee, agent, attorney, accountant, or appraiser or any other
    person employed by or providing services to a System
    institution. As far as practicable the court shall give such
    case priority on its docket.
    ``(3) Judicial discretion.--The court may modify the
    schedule and limitations stated in paragraphs (1) and (2) in a
    particular case, based on a specific finding that the ends of
    justice that would be served by making such a modification would
    outweigh the best interest of the public in having the case
    resolved expeditiously.

    ``(k) Bond Not Required; Agents; Fee.--The Corporation as
    conservator or receiver of a System institution shall not be required to
    furnish bond and may appoint an agent or agents to assist in its duties
    as such conservator or receiver. All fees, compensation, and expenses of
    liquidation and administration shall be fixed by the Corporation and may
    be paid by it out of funds coming into its possession as such
    conservator or receiver.
    ``(l) Consultation Regarding Conservatorships and Receiverships.--To
    the extent practicable--
    ``(1) the Farm Credit Administration shall consult with the
    Corporation prior to taking a preresolution action concerning a
    System institution that may result in a conservatorship or
    receivership; and
    ``(2) the Corporation, acting in the capacity of the
    Corporation as a conservator or receiver, shall consult with the
    Farm Credit Administration prior to taking any significant
    action impacting System institutions or service to System
    borrowers.

    ``(m) Applicability.--This section shall become applicable with
    respect to the power of the Corporation to act as a conservator or
    receiver on the date on which the Farm Credit Administration appoints
    the Corporation as a conservator or receiver under section 4.12 or
    8.41.''.
    SEC. 5413. <>  REPORTING.

    (a) Definition of Farm Loan.--In this section, the term ``farm
    loan'' means--
    (1) a farm ownership loan under subtitle A of the
    Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1922 et
    seq.); and
    (2) an operating loan under subtitle B of that Act (7 U.S.C.
    1941 et seq.).

    (b) Reports.--
    (1) Preparation.--For each fiscal year, the Secretary shall
    prepare a report that includes--
    (A) aggregate data based on a review of each
    outstanding farm loan made or guaranteed by the
    Secretary describing, for the United States and for each
    State and county in the United States--
    (i) the age of the recipient producer;

    [[Page 4723]]

    (ii) the duration that the recipient producer
    has engaged in agricultural production;
    (iii) the size of the farm or ranch of the
    recipient producer;
    (iv) the race, ethnicity, and gender of the
    recipient producer;
    (v) the agricultural commodity or commodities,
    or type of enterprise, for which the loan was
    secured;
    (vi) the amount of the farm loan made or
    guaranteed;
    (vii) the type of the farm loan made or
    guaranteed; and
    (viii) the default rate of the farm loan made
    or guaranteed;
    (B) for each State and county in the United States,
    data demonstrating the number of outstanding farm loans
    made or guaranteed, according to loan size cohort; and
    (C) an assessment of actual loans made or guaranteed
    as measured against target participation rates for
    beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers, broken
    down by State, as described in sections 346(b)(2) and
    355 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
    (7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(2), 2003).
    (2) Submission of report.--The report described in paragraph
    (1) shall be--
    (A) submitted--
    (i) to--
    (I) the Committee on Agriculture of
    the House of Representatives;
    (II) the Committee on Appropriations
    of the House of Representatives;
    (III) the Committee on Agriculture,
    Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate;
    and
    (IV) the Committee on Appropriations
    of the Senate; and
    (ii) not later than December 30, 2019, and
    annually thereafter; and
    (B) made publicly available not later than 90 days
    after the date described in subparagraph (A)(ii).

    (c) Comprehensive Review.--
    (1) In general.--Not later than 4 years after the date of
    enactment of this Act (and every 5 years thereafter), the
    Secretary shall--
    (A) prepare a comprehensive review of all reports
    submitted under subsection (b)(2);
    (B) identify trends within data outlined in
    subsection (b)(1), including the extent to which target
    annual participation rates for beginning and socially
    disadvantaged farmers (as defined by the Secretary) are
    being met for each loan type; and
    (C) provide specific actions the Department will
    take to improve the performance of direct and guaranteed
    loans with respect to underserved producers and any
    recommendations the Secretary may make for further
    congressional action.
    (2) Submission of comprehensive review.--The comprehensive
    review described in paragraph (1) shall be--

    [[Page 4724]]

    (A) submitted to--
    (i) the Committee on Agriculture of the House
    of Representatives;
    (ii) the Committee on Appropriations of the
    House of Representatives;
    (iii) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition,
    and Forestry of the Senate; and
    (iv) the Committee on Appropriations of the
    Senate; and
    (B) made publicly available not later than 90 days
    after the date of submission under subparagraph (A).

    (d) Privacy.--In preparing any report or review under this section,
    the Secretary shall aggregate or de-identify the data in a manner
    sufficient to ensure that the identity of a recipient producer
    associated with the data cannot be ascertained.
    SEC. 5414. STUDY ON LOAN RISK.

    (a) Study.--The Farm Credit Administration shall conduct a study
    that--
    (1) analyzes and compares the financial risks inherent in
    loans made, held, securitized, or purchased by Farm Credit
    banks, associations, and the Federal Agricultural Mortgage
    Corporation and how such risks are required to be capitalized
    under statute and regulations in effect as of the date of the
    enactment of this Act; and
    (2) assesses the feasibility of increasing the acreage
    exception provided in section 8.8(c)(2) of the Farm Credit Act
    of 1971 to 2,000 acres.

    (b) Timeline.--The Farm Credit Administration shall provide the
    results of the study required by subsection (a) to the Committee on
    Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
    Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate no later than 180
    days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
    SEC. 5415. GAO REPORT ON ABILITY OF THE FARM CREDIT SYSTEM TO MEET
    THE AGRICULTURAL CREDIT NEEDS OF INDIAN
    TRIBES AND THEIR MEMBERS.

    (a) In General.--The Comptroller General of the United States
    shall--
    (1) study the agricultural credit needs of farms, ranches,
    and related agricultural businesses that are owned or operated
    by--
    (A) Indian tribes on tribal lands; or
    (B) enrolled members of Indian tribes on Indian
    allotments; and
    (2) determine whether the institutions of the Farm Credit
    System have sufficient authority and resources to meet the
    needs.

    (b) Definition of Indian Tribe.--In subsection (a), the term
    ``Indian tribe'' means an Indian tribal entity that is eligible for
    funding and services from the Bureau of Indian Affairs by virtue of the
    status of the entity as an Indian tribe.
    (c) Report to the Congress.--Within 90 days after the date of the
    enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States
    shall prepare and submit to the Committees on Agriculture and on Natural
    Resources of the House of Representatives a written report that contains
    the findings of the study conducted under subsection (a). If the
    Comptroller General finds that the institutions

    [[Page 4725]]

    of the Farm Credit System do not have sufficient authority or resources
    to meet the needs referred to in subsection (a), the report shall
    include such legislative and other recommendations as the Comptroller
    General determines would result in a system under which the needs are
    met in an equitable and effective manner.
    SEC. 5416. GAO REPORT ON CREDIT SERVICE TO SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED
    FARMERS AND RANCHERS.

    (a) Definitions.--In this section:
    (1) Agricultural credit provider.--The term ``agricultural
    credit provider'' means--
    (A) a Farm Credit System institution;
    (B) a commercial bank;
    (C) the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation;
    (D) a life insurance company; and
    (E) any other individual or entity, as determined by
    the Comptroller General of the United States.
    (2) Socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher.--The term
    ``socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher'' has the meaning
    given the term in section 355(e) of the Consolidated Farm and
    Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2003(e)).

    (b) Study.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall--
    (1) conduct a study--
    (A) to assess the credit and related services
    provided by agricultural credit providers to socially
    disadvantaged farmers and ranchers;
    (B) to review the overall participation of socially
    disadvantaged farmers and ranchers in the services
    described in subparagraph (A); and
    (C) to identify barriers that limit the availability
    of agricultural credit to socially disadvantaged farmers
    and ranchers; and
    (2) provide recommendations on how agricultural credit
    providers may improve outreach to socially disadvantaged farmers
    and ranchers relating to the availability of credit and related
    services.

    (c) Report.--Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of
    this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall prepare and
    submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives
    and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate
    a report that contains the findings of the study conducted under
    subsection (b)(1) and the recommendations described in subsection
    (b)(2).

    TITLE VI--RURAL DEVELOPMENT

    Subtitle A--Improving Health Outcomes in Rural America

    SEC. 6101. COMBATING SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER IN RURAL AMERICA;
    PRIORITIZATIONS.

    (a) Combating Substance Use Disorder in Rural America.--

    [[Page 4726]]

    (1) Prioritizations.--The Secretary shall make the following
    prioritizations and set asides for fiscal years 2019 through
    2025:
    (A) Distance learning and telemedicine.--
    (i) Substance use disorder set-aside.--Subject
    to clause (ii), the Secretary shall make available
    not less than 20 percent of amounts made available
    under section 2335A of the Food, Agriculture,
    Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C.
    950aaa-2) for financial assistance under chapter 1
    of subtitle D of title XXIII of such Act for
    telemedicine projects that provide substance use
    disorder treatment services.
    (ii) Exception.--In the case of a fiscal year
    for which the Secretary determines that there are
    not sufficient qualified applicants to receive
    financial assistance for projects providing
    substance use disorder treatment services to reach
    the 20-percent requirement under clause (i), the
    Secretary may make available less than 20 percent
    of amounts made available under such section 2335A
    for those services.
    (B) Community facilities direct loans and grants.--
    (i) Substance use disorder selection
    priority.--In selecting recipients of direct loans
    or grants for the development of essential
    community facilities under section 306(a) of the
    Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 1926(a)), the Secretary shall give priority
    to entities eligible for those direct loans or
    grants--
    (I) to develop facilities to provide
    substance use disorder (including opioid
    substance use disorder)--
    (aa) prevention services;
    (bb) treatment services;
    (cc) recovery services; or
    (dd) any combination of
    those services; and
    (II) that employ staff that have
    appropriate expertise and training in
    how to identify and treat individuals
    with substance use disorders.
    (ii) Use of funds.--An eligible entity
    described in clause (i) that receives a direct
    loan or grant described in that clause may use the
    direct loan or grant funds for the development of
    telehealth facilities and systems to provide
    telehealth services for substance use disorder
    treatment.
    (C) Rural health and safety education programs;
    substance use disorder selection priority.--In making
    grants under section 502(i) of the Rural Development Act
    of 1972 (7 U.S.C. 2662(i)), the Secretary shall give
    priority to an applicant that will use the grant for
    substance use disorder education and treatment and the
    prevention of substance use disorder.
    (2) Limitation on other reprioritizations.--For fiscal years
    2019 through 2025, the Secretary shall not make any national
    reprioritizations within the Rural Health and Safety Education
    Programs, the Community Facilities direct loan and

    [[Page 4727]]

    grant programs, or the Distance Learning and Telemedicine
    programs under section 608 of the Rural Development Act of 1972.
    (3) Technical amendments.--Title V of the Rural Development
    Act of 1972 (7 U.S.C. 2661 et seq.) is amended--
    (A) in section 502, <>  in the
    matter preceding subsection (a), by inserting
    ``(referred to in this title as the `Secretary')'' after
    ``Agriculture''; and
    (B) <>  by striking ``Secretary
    of Agriculture'' each place it appears (other than in
    section 502 in the matter preceding subsection (a)) and
    inserting ``Secretary''.

    (b) Temporary Prioritization of Rural Health Assistance.--Title VI
    of the Rural Development Act of 1972 (7 U.S.C. 2204a-2204b) is amended
    by adding at the end the following:
    ``SEC. 608. <>  TEMPORARY PRIORITIZATION OF
    RURAL HEALTH ASSISTANCE.

    ``(a) Authority to Temporarily Prioritize Certain Rural Development
    Applications.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the
    Secretary, after consultation with such public health officials as may
    be necessary, may announce through a Federal Register notice pursuant to
    section 553(b)(3)(B) of title 5, United States Code, a temporary
    reprioritization, on a national or multistate basis, for certain rural
    development loan and grant applications to assist rural communities in
    responding to a significant public health disruption.
    ``(b) Public Health Disruption.--For the purposes of this section,
    the term `public health disruption' means an unanticipated increase in
    mortality or morbidity in rural communities, when compared to non-rural
    communities, caused by identifiable events, actions, or behavioral
    trends, which can be remediated by the programs of the Rural Development
    mission area. When measuring a public health disruption, the Secretary
    may analyze data on a national or multi-state basis.
    ``(c) Content of Announcement.--In the announcement, the Secretary
    shall--
    ``(1) describe the nature of the public health disruption,
    including the causes, effects, affected populations, and
    affected States;
    ``(2) explain how the programs of the Department of
    Agriculture will work in remedying the public health disruption;
    ``(3) identify the services, treatments, or infrastructure
    best suited to address the public health disruption;
    ``(4) establish--
    ``(A) the start and end dates of the
    reprioritization;
    ``(B) the programs subject to reprioritization and
    the modifications to the application process;
    ``(C) the process for making reprioritizations for
    applicable programs;
    ``(D) the amount of funds set-aside for applicable
    programs, except that a set-aside for such a program
    shall not be greater than 20 percent of the amounts
    appropriated for the program for the fiscal year
    involved; and
    ``(E) the region in which the reprioritization is in
    effect; and

    [[Page 4728]]

    ``(5) instruct program administrators to implement the
    reprioritization during the application window or announcement
    after the announcement takes effect.

    ``(d) Limitations on Reprioritizations.--When announcing the
    reprioritization, the Secretary shall--
    ``(1) establish an initial total time period of less than 4
    years, except as provided for in subsection (e);
    ``(2) implement only 1 nationally applicable
    reprioritization at a time;
    ``(3) implement only 1 regionally applicable
    reprioritization per State at a time; and
    ``(4) not use reprioritizations to allocate additional funds
    to an affected State.

    ``(e) Extension.--The Secretary may extend an announcement under
    subsection (a) for no more than 6 years in total, except that nothing
    shall prevent the Secretary from renewing reprioritizations by making a
    new announcement under subsection (a).
    ``(f) Rescinding the Announcement.--The Secretary may rescind a
    reprioritization announcement made under subsection (a) at any time the
    Secretary determines that the temporary reprioritizations are no longer
    needed or effective.
    ``(g) Notice.--Not later than 48 hours after making, extending, or
    rescinding an announcement under this section, the Secretary shall
    submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives
    and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate,
    and transmit to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, a written
    notice of the declaration, extension, or rescission.''.
    SEC. 6102. DISTANCE LEARNING AND TELEMEDICINE.

    (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 2335A of the Food,
    Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 950aaa-5) is
    amended by striking ``$75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
    2018'' and inserting ``$82,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through
    2023''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1(b) of Public Law 102-551 (7
    U.S.C. 950aaa note) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.
    SEC. 6103. REFINANCING OF CERTAIN RURAL HOSPITAL DEBT.

    Subtitle D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 1981 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 341 the
    following:
    ``SEC. 342. <>  REFINANCING OF CERTAIN RURAL
    HOSPITAL DEBT.

    ``Assistance under section 306(a) for a community facility, or under
    section 310B, may include the refinancing of a debt obligation of a
    rural hospital as an eligible loan or loan guarantee purpose if the
    assistance would help preserve access to a health service in a rural
    community, meaningfully improve the financial position of the hospital,
    and otherwise meet the financial feasibility and adequacy of security
    requirements of the Rural Development Agency.''.

    [[Page 4729]]

    Subtitle B--Connecting Rural Americans to High Speed Broadband

    SEC. 6201. ACCESS TO BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES IN
    RURAL AREAS.

    Section 601 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C.
    950bb) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``provide loans and loan
    guarantees'' and inserting ``provide grants, provide loans, and
    provide loan guarantees'';
    (2) in subsection (b)(3)(A)(ii), by inserting ``in the case
    of a grant or direct loan,'' before ``a city'';
    (3) in subsection (c)--
    (A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Loans
    and'' and inserting ``Grants, Loans, and'';
    (B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``shall make or
    guarantee loans'' and inserting ``shall make grants,
    shall make loans, and shall guarantee loans'';
    (C) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the
    following:
    ``(2) Priority.--
    ``(A) In general.--In making grants, making loans,
    and guaranteeing loans under paragraph (1), the
    Secretary shall--
    ``(i) give the highest priority to
    applications for projects to provide broadband
    service to unserved rural communities that do not
    have any residential broadband service of at
    least--
    ``(I) a 10-Mbps downstream
    transmission capacity; and
    ``(II) a 1-Mbps upstream
    transmission capacity;
    ``(ii) give priority to applications for
    projects to provide the maximum level of broadband
    service to the greatest proportion of rural
    households in the proposed service area identified
    in the application;
    ``(iii) provide equal consideration to all
    eligible entities, including those that have not
    previously received grants, loans, or loan
    guarantees under paragraph (1); and
    ``(iv) with respect to 2 or more applications
    that are given the same priority under clause (i),
    give priority to an application that requests less
    grant funding than loan funding.
    ``(B) Other.--After giving priority to the
    applications described in clauses (i) and (ii) of
    subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall then give priority
    to applications--
    ``(i) for projects to provide broadband
    service to rural communities--
    ``(I) with a population of less than
    10,000 permanent residents;
    ``(II) that are experiencing
    outmigration and have adopted a
    strategic community investment plan
    under section 379H(d) that includes
    considerations for improving and
    expanding broadband service;

    [[Page 4730]]

    ``(III) with a high percentage of
    low income families or persons (as
    defined in section 501(b) of the Housing
    Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1471(b));
    ``(IV) that are isolated from other
    significant population centers; or
    ``(V) that provide rapid and
    expanded deployment of fixed and mobile
    broadband on cropland and ranchland
    within a service territory for use in
    various applications of precision
    agriculture; and
    ``(ii) that were developed with the
    participation of, and will receive a substantial
    portion of the funding for the project from, 2 or
    more stakeholders, including--
    ``(I) State, local, and tribal
    governments;
    ``(II) nonprofit institutions;
    ``(III) community anchor
    institutions, such as--
    ``(aa) public libraries;
    ``(bb) elementary schools
    and secondary schools (as
    defined in section 8101 of the
    Elementary and Secondary
    Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
    7801));
    ``(cc) institutions of
    higher education; and
    ``(dd) health care
    facilities;
    ``(IV) private entities;
    ``(V) philanthropic organizations;
    and
    ``(VI) cooperatives.
    ``(3) Grant amounts.--
    ``(A) Definition of development costs.--In this
    paragraph, the term `development costs' means costs of--
    ``(i) construction, including labor and
    materials;
    ``(ii) project applications; and
    ``(iii) other development activities, as
    determined by the Secretary.
    ``(B) Eligibility.--To be eligible for a grant under
    this section, in addition to the requirements of
    subsection (d), the project that is the subject of the
    grant shall--
    ``(i) be carried out in a proposed service
    territory in which not less than 90 percent of the
    households are unserved; and
    ``(ii) not concurrently receive any other
    broadband grant administered by the Rural
    Utilities Service.
    ``(C) Maximum.--Except as provided in subparagraph
    (D), the amount of any grant made under this section
    shall not exceed--
    ``(i) 75 percent of the total project cost
    with respect to an area with a density of fewer
    than 7 people per square mile;
    ``(ii) 50 percent of the total project cost
    with respect to an area with a density of 7 or
    more and fewer than 12 people per square mile; and
    ``(iii) 25 percent of the total project cost
    with respect to an area with a density of 12 or
    more and 20 or fewer people per square mile.
    ``(D) Secretarial authority to adjust.--The
    Secretary may--

    [[Page 4731]]

    ``(i) make grants of up to 75 percent of the
    development costs of the project for which the
    grant is provided to an eligible entity if the
    Secretary determines that the project serves--
    ``(I) an area of rural households
    described in paragraph (2)(A)(i); or
    ``(II) a rural community described
    in any of subclauses (I) through (IV) of
    paragraph (2)(B)(i); and
    ``(ii) make modifications of the density
    thresholds described in subparagraph (C), in order
    to ensure that funds provided under this section
    are best utilized to provide broadband service in
    communities that are the most rural in character.
    ``(E) Applications.--The Secretary shall establish
    an application process for grants under this section
    that--
    ``(i) permits a single application for a grant
    and a loan under title I, II, or this title that
    is associated with such grant; and
    ``(ii) provides a single decision to award
    such grant and such loan.
    ``(F) Density determinations.--When determining
    population density under this section, the Secretary
    shall prescribe a calculation method which--
    ``(i) utilizes publicly available data; and
    ``(ii) includes only those areas in which the
    applicant is able to meet the service requirements
    under this section, as determined by the
    Secretary.
    ``(4) Fees.--In the case of loan guarantees issued or
    modified under this section, the Secretary shall charge and
    collect from the lender fees in such amounts as to bring down
    the costs of subsidies for guaranteed loans, except that such
    fees shall not act as a bar to participation in the programs nor
    be inconsistent with current practices in the marketplace.'';
    (4) in subsection (d)--
    (A) in paragraph (1)--
    (i) in subparagraph (A)--
    (I) in the matter preceding clause
    (i), by striking ``loan or'' and
    inserting ``grant, loan, or'';
    (II) by striking clause (i) and
    inserting the following:
    ``(i) demonstrate the ability to furnish or
    improve service in order to meet the broadband
    buildout requirements established under subsection
    (e)(4) in all or part of an unserved or
    underserved rural area;''.
    (III) in clause (ii), by striking
    ``a loan application'' and inserting
    ``an application''; and
    (IV) in clause (iii)--
    (aa) by striking ``service''
    and inserting
    ``infrastructure'';
    (bb) by striking ``loan''
    the first place it appears;
    (cc) by striking ``3'' and
    inserting ``5''; and
    (dd) by striking ``proceeds
    from the loan made or guaranteed
    under this section are'' and
    inserting ``assistance under
    this section is''; and

    [[Page 4732]]

    (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``(k)''
    and inserting ``(j)''; and
    (B) in paragraph (2)(A)--
    (i) in the matter preceding clause (i)--
    (I) by striking ``the proceeds of a
    loan made or guaranteed'' and inserting
    ``assistance''; and
    (II) by striking ``for the loan or
    loan guarantee'' and inserting ``of the
    eligible entity''; and
    (ii) in clause (i)--
    (I) by striking ``15 percent'' and
    inserting ``50 percent (in the case of
    loans or loan guarantees provided in
    accordance with subsection (g)(1)(A))'';
    and
    (II) by striking ``level of
    broadband service'' and inserting
    ``level of fixed broadband service,
    whether terrestrial or wireless,'';
    (C) in paragraph (3)(A), by striking ``loan or'' and
    inserting ``grant, loan, or'';
    (D) in paragraph (4), by striking ``a loan or loan
    guarantee'' and inserting ``assistance''; and
    (E) by striking paragraphs (5) through (10) and
    inserting the following:
    ``(5) Technical assistance and training.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may provide to
    eligible entities described in paragraph (1) that are
    applying for assistance under this section for a project
    described in subsection (c)(2)(A)(i) technical
    assistance and training--
    ``(i) to prepare reports and surveys necessary
    to request grants, loans, and loan guarantees
    under this section for broadband deployment;
    ``(ii) to improve management, including
    financial management, relating to the proposed
    broadband deployment;
    ``(iii) to prepare applications for grants,
    loans, and loan guarantees under this section; or
    ``(iv) to assist with other areas of need
    identified by the Secretary.
    ``(B) Funding.--Not less than 3 percent and not more
    than 5 percent of amounts appropriated to carry out this
    section for a fiscal year shall be used for technical
    assistance and training under this paragraph.'';
    (5) in subsection (e)--
    (A) in paragraph (1)--
    (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``4-
    Mbps'' and inserting ``25-Mbps''; and
    (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``1-
    Mbps'' and inserting ``3-Mbps'';
    (B) in paragraph (2)--
    (i) by--
    (I) striking the following:
    ``(2) Adjustments.--
    ``(A) In general.--At''; and
    (II) inserting the following:
    ``(2) Adjustments.--At'';
    (ii) by inserting ``and broadband buildout
    requirements under paragraph (4)'' after ``(1)'';
    and

    [[Page 4733]]

    (iii) by striking subparagraph (B); and
    (C) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(4) Broadband buildout requirements.--
    ``(A) In general.--The term `broadband buildout
    requirement' means the level of internet service an
    applicant receiving assistance under this section must
    agree, at the time the application is finalized, to
    provide for the duration of any project-related
    agreement between the applicant and the Department.
    ``(B) Broadband buildout requirements further
    defined.--Subject to subparagraph (C), the Secretary
    shall establish broadband buildout requirements for
    projects with agreement lengths of--
    ``(i) 5 to 10 years;
    ``(ii) 11 to 15 years;
    ``(iii) 16 to 20 years; and
    ``(iv) more than 20 years.
    ``(C) Requirements.--In establishing the broadband
    buildout requirements under subparagraph (B), the
    Secretary shall--
    ``(i) utilize the same metrics used to define
    the minimum acceptable level of broadband service
    under paragraph (1);
    ``(ii) establish such requirements to
    reasonably ensure--
    ``(I) the repayment of all loans and
    loan guarantees; and
    ``(II) the financed network is
    technically capable of providing
    broadband service for the lifetime of
    any project-related agreement.
    ``(D) Substitute service standards for unique
    service territories.--If an applicant shows that it
    would be cost prohibitive to meet the broadband buildout
    requirements established under this paragraph for the
    entirety of a proposed service territory due to the
    unique characteristics of the proposed service
    territory, the Secretary and the applicant may agree to
    utilize substitute standards for any unserved portion of
    the project. Any substitute service standards should
    continue to consider the best technology available to
    meet the needs of the residents in the unserved area.'';
    (6) in subsection (f), by striking ``make a loan or loan
    guarantee'' and inserting ``provide assistance'';
    (7) in subsection (g), by striking paragraph (2) and
    redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2);
    (8) by striking subsections (i) and (j) and inserting the
    following:

    ``(i) Payment Assistance for Certain Loan and Grant Recipients.--
    ``(1) Use of grant funds.--The Secretary may use the funds
    appropriated for a grant under this title for the cost (as
    defined by section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974)
    of providing assistance under paragraph (2).
    ``(2) Payment assistance.--When providing a grant under this
    title, the Secretary, at the sole discretion of the Secretary,
    may make--

    [[Page 4734]]

    ``(A) a subsidized loan, which shall bear a reduced
    interest rate at such a rate as the Secretary determines
    appropriate to meet the objectives of the program; or
    ``(B) a payment assistance loan, which shall--
    ``(i) require no interest and principal
    payments while the borrower is--
    ``(I) in material compliance with
    the loan agreement; and
    ``(II) meeting the milestones and
    objectives of the project agreed to
    under paragraph (3); and
    ``(ii) require such nominal periodic payments
    as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
    ``(3) Agreement on milestones and objectives.--With respect
    to payment assistance provided under paragraph (2), before
    entering into the agreement under which the payment assistance
    will be provided, the applicant and the Secretary shall agree to
    milestones and objectives of the project.
    ``(4) Amendment of milestones and objectives.--The Secretary
    and the applicant may jointly agree to amend the milestones and
    objectives agreed to under paragraph (3).
    ``(5) Considerations.--When deciding to utilize the payment
    assistance authority under paragraph (2) the Secretary shall
    consider whether or not the payment assistance will--
    ``(A) improve the compliance of the grantee with any
    commitments made through the grant agreement;
    ``(B) promote the completion of the broadband
    project;
    ``(C) protect taxpayer resources; and
    ``(D) support the integrity of the broadband
    programs administered by the Secretary.
    ``(6) Limitations on payment assistance.--The Secretary may
    not make a payment assistance loan under paragraph (2)(B) to an
    entity receiving a grant under this section that is also the
    recipient of a loan under title I or II that is associated with
    such grant.'';
    (9) in subsection (k)(1)--
    (A) by striking ``$25,000,000'' and inserting
    ``$350,000,000''; and
    (B) by striking ``2008 through 2018'' and inserting
    ``2019 through 2023'';
    (10) in subsection (l)--
    (A) by striking ``loan or'' and inserting ``grant,
    or loan, or''; and
    (B) by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''; and
    (11) by redesignating subsections (k) and (l) as subsections
    (j) and (k), respectively.
    SEC. 6202. EXPANSION OF MIDDLE MILE INFRASTRUCTURE INTO RURAL
    AREAS.

    Section 602 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C.
    950bb-1) is amended to read as follows:
    ``SEC. 602. EXPANSION OF MIDDLE MILE INFRASTRUCTURE INTO RURAL
    AREAS.

    ``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to encourage the
    expansion and extension of middle mile broadband infrastructure to
    connect underserved rural areas to the backbone of the Internet.

    [[Page 4735]]

    ``(b) Middle Mile Infrastructure.--For the purposes of this section,
    the term `middle mile infrastructure' means any broadband infrastructure
    that does not connect directly to end-user locations (including anchor
    institutions) and may include interoffice transport, backhaul, Internet
    connectivity, data centers, or special access transport to rural areas.
    ``(c) Grants, Loans, and Loan Guarantees.--The Secretary shall make
    grants, loans, and loan guarantees to eligible applicants described in
    subsection (d) to provide funds for the construction, improvement, or
    acquisition of middle mile infrastructure to serve rural areas.
    ``(d) Eligibility.--
    ``(1) Eligible applicants.--
    ``(A) In general.--To be eligible to obtain
    assistance under this section, an eligible entity
    shall--
    ``(i) submit to the Secretary an application
    at such time, in such manner, and containing such
    information as the Secretary may require;
    ``(ii) agree to complete build-out of the
    middle mile infrastructure described in the
    application by not later than 5 years after the
    initial date on which proceeds from the assistance
    provided under this section are made available;
    and
    ``(iii) submit to the Secretary a plan to
    ensure the viability of the project by--
    ``(I) connecting, assisting with
    connecting, or enabling the connection
    of retail broadband systems that serve
    rural areas within the proposed service
    territory to the middle mile
    infrastructure project in an affordable
    and economically competitive manner;
    ``(II) leasing or selling sufficient
    capacity prior to project approval; and
    ``(III) complying with any other
    requirements imposed by the Secretary.
    ``(B) Additional end user broadband programs.--
    Entities that receive assistance to construct, improve,
    or acquire middle mile infrastructure under this section
    shall be eligible to apply for additional funds under
    this title to provide for retail broadband service to
    end users.
    ``(2) Eligible service territories.--The proceeds of
    assistance provided under this section may be used to carry out
    a project in a proposed service territory only if, as of the
    date the application for assistance under this section is
    submitted, there is not adequate middle mile infrastructure
    available to support broadband service for eligible rural
    communities that would be provided access to the middle mile
    infrastructure.
    ``(3) Eligible projects.--A project shall be eligible for
    assistance under this section if at the time of the
    application--
    ``(A) at least 75 percent of the interconnection
    points serve such eligible rural areas; and
    ``(B) the Secretary determines that the proposed
    middle mile network will be capable of supporting retail
    broadband service meeting the maximum broadband buildout
    requirement established under section 601(e)(4) for the
    residents within the proposed service territory.

    [[Page 4736]]

    ``(e) Limitation on Grants.--In making grants under this section,
    the Secretary shall--
    ``(1) not provide any grant in excess of 20 percent of the
    total project cost; and
    ``(2) provide grants only to those projects which serve
    rural areas where population density or geographic
    characteristics make it infeasible to construct middle mile
    broadband systems without grant assistance.

    ``(f) Terms, Conditions, and Adequacy of Security.--All loans and
    loan guarantees provided under this section shall be made subject to
    such terms, conditions, and adequacy of security requirements as may be
    imposed by the Secretary. If the middle mile infrastructure would not
    provide adequate security due to long-term leasing arrangements, the
    Secretary shall require substitute security in such form and substance
    as are acceptable to the Secretary.
    ``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
    appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal
    years 2018 through 2023.''.
    SEC. 6203. MODIFICATIONS TO THE RURAL GIGABIT PROGRAM.

    Section 603 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C.
    950bb-2) is amended--
    (1) in the section heading, by striking ``rural gigabit
    network pilot'' and inserting ``innovative broadband
    advancement'';
    (2) in subsection (d), by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and
    inserting ``2019 through 2023'';
    (3) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and
    (4) by striking subsections (a) through (c) and inserting
    the following:

    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a program to be
    known as the `Innovative Broadband Advancement Program', under which the
    Secretary may provide a grant, a loan, or both to an eligible entity for
    the purpose of demonstrating innovative broadband technologies or
    methods of broadband deployment that significantly decrease the cost of
    broadband deployment, and provide substantially faster broadband speeds
    than are available, in a rural area.
    ``(b) Rural Area.--In this section, the term `rural area' has the
    meaning provided in section 601(b)(3).
    ``(c) Eligibility.--To be eligible to obtain assistance under this
    section for a project, an entity shall--
    ``(1) submit to the Secretary an application--
    ``(A) that describes a project designed to decrease
    the cost of broadband deployment, and substantially
    increase broadband speed to not less than the maximum
    broadband buildout requirements established under
    section 601(e)(4), in a rural area to be served by the
    project; and
    ``(B) at such time, in such manner, and containing
    such other information as the Secretary may require;
    ``(2) demonstrate that the entity is able to carry out the
    project; and
    ``(3) agree to complete the project build-out within 5 years
    after the date the assistance is first provided for the project.

    [[Page 4737]]

    ``(d) Prioritization.--In awarding assistance under this section,
    the Secretary shall give priority to proposals for projects that--
    ``(1) involve partnerships between or among multiple
    entities;
    ``(2) would provide broadband service to the greatest number
    of rural entities at or above the broadband requirements
    referred to in subsection (c)(1)(A); and
    ``(3) the Secretary determines could be replicated in rural
    areas described in paragraph (2).''.
    SEC. 6204. COMMUNITY CONNECT GRANT PROGRAM.

    Title VI of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb et
    seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``SEC. 604. <>  COMMUNITY CONNECT GRANT
    PROGRAM.

    ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
    ``(1) Eligible broadband service.--The term `eligible
    broadband service' means broadband service that has the
    capability to transmit data at a speed specified by the
    Secretary, which may not be less than the applicable minimum
    download and upload speeds established by the Federal
    Communications Commission in defining the term `advanced
    telecommunications capability' for purposes of section 706 of
    the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (47 U.S.C. 1302).
    ``(2) Eligible service area.--The term `eligible service
    area' means an area in which broadband service capacity is less
    than--
    ``(A) a 10-Mbps downstream transmission capacity;
    and
    ``(B) a 1-Mbps upstream transmission capacity.
    ``(3) Eligible entity.--
    ``(A) In general.--The term `eligible entity' means
    a legally organized entity that--
    ``(i) is--
    ``(I) an incorporated organization;
    ``(II) an Indian Tribe or Tribal
    organization;
    ``(III) a State;
    ``(IV) a unit of local government;
    or
    ``(V) any other legal entity,
    including a cooperative, a private
    corporation, or a limited liability
    company, that is organized on a for-
    profit or a not-for-profit basis; and
    ``(ii) has the legal capacity and authority to
    enter into a contract, to comply with applicable
    Federal laws, and to own and operate broadband
    facilities, as proposed in the application
    submitted by the entity for a grant under the
    Program.
    ``(B) Exclusions.--The term `eligible entity' does
    not include--
    ``(i) an individual; or
    ``(ii) a partnership.
    ``(4) Rural area.--The term `rural area' has the meaning
    given the term in section 601(b)(3)(A).

    ``(b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a program, to be
    known as the `Community Connect Grant Program', to provide grants to
    eligible entities to finance broadband transmission in rural areas.

    [[Page 4738]]

    ``(c) Eligible Projects.--An eligible entity that receives a grant
    under the Program shall use the grant to carry out a project that--
    ``(1) provides eligible broadband service to, within the
    proposed eligible service area described in the application
    submitted by the eligible entity--
    ``(A) each essential community facility as defined
    pursuant to section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and
    Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)); and
    ``(B) any required facilities necessary to offer
    that eligible broadband service to each residential and
    business customer within such proposed eligible service
    area; and
    ``(2) for not less than 2 years--
    ``(A) furnishes free eligible broadband service to a
    community center described in subsection (d)(1)(B);
    ``(B) provides not fewer than 2 computer access
    points for that free eligible broadband service; and
    ``(C) covers the cost of bandwidth to provide free
    eligible broadband service to each essential community
    facility that requests broadband services within the
    proposed eligible service area described in the
    application submitted by the eligible entity.

    ``(d) Uses of Grant Funds.--
    ``(1) In general.--An eligible entity that receives a grant
    under the Program may use the grant for--
    ``(A) the construction, acquisition, or leasing of
    facilities (including spectrum), land, or buildings to
    deploy eligible broadband service; and
    ``(B) the improvement, expansion, construction, or
    acquisition of a community center within the proposed
    eligible service area described in the application
    submitted by the eligible entity.
    ``(2) Ineligible uses.--An eligible entity that receives a
    grant under the Program shall not use the grant for--
    ``(A) the duplication of any existing eligible
    broadband service provided by another entity in the
    eligible service area; or
    ``(B) operating expenses, except as provided in--
    ``(i) subsection (c)(2)(C) with respect to
    free eligible broadband service; and
    ``(ii) paragraph (1)(A) with respect to
    spectrum.
    ``(3) Free access for community centers.--Of the amounts
    provided to an eligible entity under a grant under the Program,
    the eligible entity shall use to carry out paragraph (1)(B) not
    greater than the lesser of--
    ``(A) 10 percent; and
    ``(B) $150,000.

    ``(e) Matching Funds.--
    ``(1) In general.--An eligible entity that receives a grant
    under the Program shall provide a cash contribution in an amount
    that is not less than 15 percent of the amount of the grant.
    ``(2) Requirements.--A cash contribution described in
    paragraph (1)--
    ``(A) shall be used solely for the project for which
    the eligible entity receives a grant under the Program;
    and

    [[Page 4739]]

    ``(B) shall not include any Federal funds, unless a
    Federal statute specifically provides that those Federal
    funds may be considered to be from a non-Federal source.

    ``(f) Applications.--
    ``(1) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
    the Program, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an
    application at such time, in such manner, and containing such
    information as the Secretary may require.
    ``(2) Requirement.--An application submitted by an eligible
    entity under paragraph (1) shall include documentation
    sufficient to demonstrate the availability of funds to satisfy
    the requirement of subsection (e).

    ``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
    appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for each of fiscal
    years 2019 through 2023.''.
    SEC. 6205. OUTDATED BROADBAND SYSTEMS.

    (a) In General.--Title VI of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936
    (7 U.S.C. 950bb et seq.) is further amended by adding at the end the
    following:
    ``SEC. 605. <>  OUTDATED BROADBAND SYSTEMS.

    ``(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), the
    Secretary shall consider any portion of a service territory that is
    subject to an outstanding grant agreement between the Secretary and a
    broadband provider to be unserved for the purposes of all broadband
    assistance programs under this Act, if the broadband service in that
    portion of a service territory is less than 10 Mbps downstream
    transmission capacity or less than 1 Mbps upstream transmission
    capacity.
    ``(b) Exception.--The Secretary shall not consider a portion of a
    service territory described in subsection (a) to be unserved if the
    broadband service provider has constructed or begun to construct
    broadband facilities that meet the minimum acceptable level of service
    established under section 601(e), in that portion of the service
    territory.''.
    (b) <>  Effective Date.--The amendment
    made by this section shall not take effect until October 1, 2020.
    SEC. 6206. DEFAULT AND DEOBLIGATION; DEFERRAL.

    Title VI of such Act (7 U.S.C. 950bb et seq.) is further amended by
    adding at the end the following:
    ``SEC. 606. <>  DEFAULT AND DEOBLIGATION;
    DEFERRAL.

    ``(a) Default and Deobligation.--In addition to other authority
    under applicable law, the Secretary shall establish written procedures
    for all broadband programs so that, to the maximum extent practicable,
    the programs are administered to--
    ``(1) recover funds from loan and grant defaults;
    ``(2) deobligate any awards, less allowable costs that
    demonstrate an insufficient level of performance (including
    metrics determined by the Secretary) or fraudulent spending, to
    the extent funds with respect to the award are available in the
    account relating to the program established by this title;
    ``(3) award those funds, on a competitive basis, to new or
    existing applicants consistent with this title; and
    ``(4) minimize overlap among the programs.

    [[Page 4740]]

    ``(b) Deferral Period.--In determining the terms and conditions of
    assistance provided under this title, the Secretary may establish a
    deferral period of not shorter than the buildout period established for
    the project involved in order to support the financial feasibility and
    long-term sustainability of the project.''.
    SEC. 6207. PUBLIC NOTICE, ASSESSMENTS, AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

    The Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.) is
    amended by adding at the end the following new title:

    ``TITLE VII--GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

    ``SEC. 701. <>  PUBLIC NOTICE, ASSESSMENTS,
    AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

    ``(a) Notice Requirements.--The Secretary shall promptly make
    available to the public, a fully searchable database on the website of
    the Rural Utilities Service that contains information on all retail
    broadband projects provided assistance or for which assistance is sought
    that are administered by the Secretary, including, at a minimum--
    ``(1) notice of each application for assistance describing
    the application, including--
    ``(A) the identity of the applicant;
    ``(B) a description of each application, including--
    ``(i) a map of the proposed service area of
    the applicant; and
    ``(ii) the amount and type of support
    requested by each applicant;
    ``(C) the status of each application; and
    ``(D) the estimated number and proportion of service
    points in the proposed service territory without fixed
    broadband service, whether terrestrial or wireless;
    ``(2) notice of each entity receiving assistance
    administered by the Secretary, including--
    ``(A) the name of the entity;
    ``(B) the type of assistance being received;
    ``(C) the purpose for which the entity is receiving
    the assistance; and
    ``(D) each annual report submitted under subsection
    (c) (redacted to protect any proprietary information in
    the report); and
    ``(3) such other information as is sufficient to allow the
    public to understand assistance provided.

    ``(b) Service Area Assessment.--
    ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall, with respect to a
    retail broadband application for assistance, which is outside an
    area in which the applicant receives Federal universal service
    support--
    ``(A) after giving notice required by subsection
    (a)(1), afford service providers not less than 45 days
    to voluntarily submit information required by the
    Secretary onto the agency's online mapping tool with
    respect to areas that are coterminous with the proposed
    service area of the application (or any parts thereof),
    such that the Secretary

    [[Page 4741]]

    may assess whether the application submitted meets the
    eligibility requirements under this title; and
    ``(B) if no broadband service provider submits
    information under paragraph (1), consider the number of
    providers in the proposed service area to be established
    by using any other data regarding the availability of
    broadband service that the Secretary may collect or
    obtain through reasonable efforts.
    ``(2) Assessment of unserved communities.--In the case of an
    application given the highest priority under section
    601(c)(2)(A)(i), the Secretary shall confirm that each unserved
    rural community identified in the application is eligible for
    funding by--
    ``(A) conferring with, and obtaining data from, the
    Chair of the Federal Communications Commission and the
    Administrator of the National Telecommunications and
    Information Administration with respect to the service
    level in the service area proposed in the application;
    ``(B) reviewing any other source that is relevant to
    service data validation, as determined by the Secretary;
    and
    ``(C) performing site-specific testing to verify the
    unavailability of any retail broadband service.
    ``(3) FOIA exemption.--For purposes of section 552 of title
    5, United States Code, information received by the Secretary
    pursuant to paragraph (1)(A) of this subsection shall be exempt
    from disclosure pursuant to subsection (b)(2)(B) of such section
    552.

    ``(c) Reporting Broadband Improvements to USDA.--
    ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall require any entity
    receiving assistance for a project which provides retail
    broadband service to submit an annual report for 3 years after
    completion of the project, in a format specified by the
    Secretary, that describes--
    ``(A) the use by the entity of the assistance,
    including new equipment and capacity enhancements that
    support high-speed broadband access for educational
    institutions, health care providers, and public safety
    service providers (including the estimated number of end
    users who are currently using or forecasted to use the
    new or upgraded infrastructure); and
    ``(B) the progress towards fulfilling the objectives
    for which the assistance was granted, including--
    ``(i) the number of service points that will
    receive new broadband service, existing network
    service improvements, and facility upgrades
    resulting from the Federal assistance;
    ``(ii) the speed of broadband service;
    ``(iii) the average price of the most
    subscribed tier of broadband service in a proposed
    service area;
    ``(iv) new subscribers generated from the
    project; and
    ``(v) any metrics the Secretary determines to
    be appropriate.
    ``(2) Additional reporting.--

    [[Page 4742]]

    ``(A) Broadband buildout data.--As a condition of
    receiving assistance under section 601, a recipient of
    assistance shall provide to the Secretary complete,
    reliable, and precise geolocation information that
    indicates the location of new broadband service that is
    being provided or upgraded within the service territory
    supported by the grant, loan, or loan guarantee not
    later than 30 days after the earlier of--
    ``(i) the date of completion of any project
    milestone established by the Secretary; or
    ``(ii) the date of completion of the project.
    ``(B) Reporting for middle mile projects.--The
    Secretary shall require any entity receiving assistance
    under section 602 to submit a semiannual report for 5
    years after completion of the project, in a format
    specified by the Secretary, that describes--
    ``(i) the use by the entity of the assistance
    to construct, improve, or acquire middle mile
    infrastructure;
    ``(ii) the progress towards meeting the end-
    user connection plan submitted under section
    602(d)(1)(A)(iii); and
    ``(iii) any additional metrics the Secretary
    determines to be appropriate.
    ``(C) Additional reporting.--The Secretary may
    require any additional reporting and information by any
    recipient of any broadband assistance under this act so
    as to ensure compliance with this section.

    ``(d) Annual Report on Broadband Projects and Service to Congress.--
    Each year, the Secretary shall submit to the Congress a report that
    describes the extent of participation in the broadband assistance
    programs administered by the Secretary for the preceding fiscal year,
    including a description of--
    ``(1) the number of applications received and accepted,
    including any special loan terms or conditions for which the
    Secretary provided additional assistance to unserved areas;
    ``(2)(A) the communities proposed to be served in each
    application submitted for the fiscal year; and
    ``(B) the communities served by projects funded by broadband
    assistance programs;
    ``(3) the period of time required to approve each loan
    application under broadband programs;
    ``(4) any outreach activities carried out by the Secretary
    to encourage entities in rural areas without broadband service
    to submit applications under this Act;
    ``(5) the method by which the Secretary determines that a
    service enables a subscriber to originate and receive high-
    quality voice, data, graphics, and video for purposes of
    providing broadband service under this Act;
    ``(6) each broadband service, including the type and speed
    of broadband service, for which assistance was sought, and each
    broadband service for which assistance was provided, under this
    Act; and
    ``(7) the overall progress towards fulfilling the goal of
    improving the quality of rural life by expanding rural broadband
    access, as demonstrated by metrics, including--
    ``(A) the number of residences and businesses
    receiving new broadband services;

    [[Page 4743]]

    ``(B) network improvements, including facility
    upgrades and equipment purchases;
    ``(C) average broadband speeds and prices on a local
    and statewide basis;
    ``(D) any changes in broadband adoption rates; and
    ``(E) any specific activities that increased high
    speed broadband access for educational institutions,
    health care providers, and public safety service
    providers.

    ``(e) Limitations on Reservation of Funds.--Not less than 3 but not
    more than 5 percent of program level amounts available pursuant to
    amounts appropriated to carry out title VI shall be set aside to be used
    for--
    ``(1) conducting oversight under such title;
    ``(2) implementing accountability measures and related
    activities authorized under such title; and
    ``(3) carrying out this section.''.
    SEC. 6208. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS.

    Title VII of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as added by
    section 6207 of this Act, is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``SEC. 702. <>  ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS.

    ``The Secretary may obligate, but not disperse, funds under this Act
    before the completion of otherwise required environmental, historical,
    or other types of reviews if the Secretary determines that a subsequent
    site-specific review shall be adequate and easily accomplished for the
    location of towers, poles, or other broadband facilities in the service
    area of the borrower without compromising the project or the required
    reviews.''.
    SEC. 6209. USE OF LOAN PROCEEDS TO REFINANCE LOANS FOR DEPLOYMENT
    OF BROADBAND SERVICE.

    Title VII of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as added by
    section 6207 and amended by section 6208 of this Act, is amended by
    adding at the end the following:
    ``SEC. 703. <>  USE OF LOAN PROCEEDS TO
    REFINANCE LOANS FOR DEPLOYMENT OF
    BROADBAND SERVICE.

    ``Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the proceeds of
    any loan made or guaranteed by the Secretary under this Act may be used
    by the recipient of the loan for the purpose of refinancing an
    outstanding obligation of the recipient on another telecommunications
    loan made under this Act, or on any other loan if that loan would have
    been for an eligible telecommunications purpose under this Act.''.
    SEC. 6210. SMART UTILITY AUTHORITY FOR BROADBAND.

    (a) Section 331 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
    (7 U.S.C. 1981) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(e)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary may
    allow a recipient of a grant, loan, or loan guarantee provided by the
    Office of Rural Development under this title to use not more than 10
    percent of the amount so provided--
    ``(A) for any activity for which assistance may be provided
    under section 601 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936; or

    [[Page 4744]]

    ``(B) to construct other broadband infrastructure.

    ``(2) Paragraph (1) of this subsection shall not apply to a
    recipient who is seeking to provide retail broadband service in any area
    where retail broadband service is available at the minimum broadband
    speeds, as defined under section 601(e) of the Rural Electrification Act
    of 1936.
    ``(3) The Secretary shall not provide funding under paragraph (1) if
    the funding would result in competitive harm to any grant, loan, or loan
    guarantee provided under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936.''.
    (b) Title I of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901-
    918a) is amended by inserting after section 7 the following:
    ``SEC. 8. <>  LIMITATIONS ON USE OF ASSISTANCE.

    ``(a) Subject to subsections (b) and (c) of this section, the
    Secretary may allow a recipient of a grant, loan, or loan guarantee
    under this title to set aside not more than 10 percent of the amount so
    received to provide retail broadband service.
    ``(b) A recipient who sets aside funds under subsection (a) of this
    section may use the funds only in an area that is not being provided
    with the minimum acceptable level of broadband service established under
    section 601(e), unless the recipient meets the requirements of section
    601(d).
    ``(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the
    ability of any borrower to finance or deploy services authorized under
    this Act.
    ``(d) The Secretary shall not provide funding under subsection (a)
    if the funding would result in competitive harm to any grant, loan, or
    loan guarantee referred to in subsection (a).''.
    SEC. 6211. REFINANCING OF TELEPHONE LOANS.

    Section 201 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 922)
    is amended, in the fifth sentence, by striking ``furnishing telephone
    service in rural areas:'' and all that follows through ``40 per centum
    of any loan made under this title.'' and inserting ``furnishing
    telephone service in rural areas, including indebtedness of recipients
    on another telecommunications loan made under this Act.''.
    SEC. 6212. <>  FEDERAL BROADBAND PROGRAM
    COORDINATION.

    (a) Consultation Between USDA and NTIA.--The Secretary shall consult
    with the Assistant Secretary to assist in the verification of
    eligibility of the broadband loan and grant programs of the Department
    of Agriculture. In providing assistance under the preceding sentence,
    the Assistant Secretary shall make available the broadband assessment
    and mapping capabilities of the National Telecommunications and
    Information Administration.
    (b) Consultation Between USDA and FCC.--
    (1) By usda.--The Secretary shall consult with the
    Commission before providing broadband assistance for a project
    to serve an area with respect to which another entity is
    receiving Connect America Fund or Mobility Fund support under
    the Federal universal service support mechanisms established
    under section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C.
    254).
    (2) By fcc.--The Commission shall consult with the Secretary
    before offering or providing Connect America Fund or Mobility
    Fund support under the Federal universal service

    [[Page 4745]]

    support mechanisms established under section 254 of the
    Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 254) to serve an area with
    respect to which another entity has received broadband
    assistance under a loan or grant program of the Department of
    Agriculture.

    (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
    enactment of this Act, the Secretary, the Commission, and the Assistant
    Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee
    on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee
    on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and the Committee on Commerce,
    Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on how best to
    coordinate federally supported broadband programs and activities in
    order to achieve the following objectives:
    (1) Promote high-quality broadband service that meets the
    long-term needs of rural residents and businesses, by evaluating
    the broadband service needs in rural areas for each decade
    through 2050.
    (2) Support the long-term viability, sustainability, and
    utility of federally supported rural broadband infrastructure,
    by analyzing the technical capabilities of the technologies
    currently available and reasonably expected to be available by
    2035 to meet the broadband service needs of rural residents
    identified under paragraph (1), including by analyzing the
    following:
    (A) The real-world performance of such technologies,
    including data rates, latency, data usage restrictions,
    and other aspects of service quality, as defined by the
    Commission.
    (B) The suitability of each such technology for
    residential, agricultural, educational, healthcare,
    commercial, and industrial purposes in rural areas.
    (C) The cost to deploy and support such technologies
    in several rural geographies.
    (D) The costs associated with online platforms,
    specifically the resulting constraints on rural network
    bandwidth.
    (3) Identify and quantify the availability of broadband
    service and ongoing broadband deployment in rural areas,
    including ways to do the following:
    (A) Harmonize broadband notification and reporting
    requirements and develop common verification procedures
    across all federally supported broadband programs.
    (B) Consolidate and utilize the existing broadband
    service data.
    (C) Collect and share data on those projects in
    rural areas where Federal programs are currently
    supporting broadband deployment, including areas with
    respect to which an entity is receiving--
    (i) support under a broadband assistance
    program of the Department of Agriculture; or
    (ii) Connect America Fund or Mobility Fund
    support under the Federal universal service
    support mechanisms established under section 254
    of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 254).
    (D) Leverage support technologies and services from
    online platforms for providers of broadband service in
    rural areas.

    [[Page 4746]]

    (d) Definitions.--In this section:
    (1) Assistant secretary.--The term ``Assistant Secretary''
    means the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and
    Information.
    (2) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Federal
    Communications Commission.
    (3) Rural area.--The term ``rural area'' has the meaning
    given the term in section 601(b)(3) of the Rural Electrification
    Act of 1936.
    SEC. 6213. <>  TRANSITION RULE.

    For the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act
    and ending on the date that is one year after such date of enactment,
    with respect to the implementation of the rural broadband access program
    under section 601 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C.
    950bb) and the Community Connect Grant Program under section 604 of such
    Act, as added by section 6204 of this Act, the Secretary shall use the
    regulations in existence as of the day before the date of enactment of
    this Act that are applicable to the program involved, until the
    Secretary issues a final rule implementing the provisions of, and
    amendments made by, this title that apply to that program.
    SEC. 6214. RURAL BROADBAND INTEGRATION WORKING GROUP.

    (a) In General.--
    (1) Establishment.--There is established the Rural Broadband
    Integration Working Group (referred to in this subsection as the
    ``Working Group'').
    (2) Membership.--The membership of the Working Group shall
    be composed of the heads, or their designees, of--
    (A) the Department of Agriculture, acting through
    the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service;
    (B) the Department of Commerce, acting through the
    Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information;
    (C) the Department of Defense;
    (D) the Department of State;
    (E) the Department of the Interior;
    (F) the Department of Labor;
    (G) the Department of Health and Human Services;
    (H) the Department of Homeland Security;
    (I) the Department of Housing and Urban Development;
    (J) the Department of Justice;
    (K) the Department of Transportation;
    (L) the Department of the Treasury;
    (M) the Department of Energy;
    (N) the Department of Education;
    (O) the Department of Veterans Affairs;
    (P) the Environmental Protection Agency;
    (Q) the General Services Administration;
    (R) the Small Business Administration;
    (S) the Institute of Museum and Library Services;
    (T) the National Science Foundation;
    (U) the Council on Environmental Quality;
    (V) the Office of Science and Technology Policy;
    (W) the Office of Management and Budget;
    (X) the Council of Economic Advisers;
    (Y) the Domestic Policy Council;

    [[Page 4747]]

    (Z) the National Economic Council; and
    (AA) such other Federal agencies or entities as are
    determined appropriate by the co-chairs.
    (3) Co-chairs.--The following individuals, or their
    designees, shall serve as co-chairs of the Working Group:
    (A) The Administrator of the Rural Utilities
    Service.
    (B) The Assistant Secretary for Communications and
    Information.
    (C) The Director of the National Economic Council.
    (D) The Director of the Office of Science and
    Technology Policy.
    (4) Consultation; coordination.--The Working Group shall
    consult, as appropriate, with other relevant agencies, including
    the Federal Communications Commission. The Working Group shall
    coordinate with existing Federal working groups and committees
    involved with broadband.
    (5) Membership changes.--The Director of the National
    Economic Council and the Director of the Office of Science and
    Technology Policy shall review, on a periodic basis, the
    membership of the Working Group to ensure that the Working
    Group--
    (A) includes necessary Federal Government entities;
    and
    (B) is an effective mechanism for coordinating among
    agencies on the policy described in subsection (b).

    (b) Functions of Working Group.--
    (1) Consultation.--The Working Group shall consult with
    State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments,
    telecommunications companies, utilities, trade associations,
    philanthropic entities, policy experts, and other interested
    parties to identify, assess, and determine possible actions
    relating to barriers and opportunities for broadband deployment
    in rural areas.
    (2) Point of contact.--Not later than 15 days after the date
    of enactment of this Act, each member of the Working Group
    shall--
    (A) designate a representative to serve as the main
    point of contact for matters relating to the Working
    Group; and
    (B) notify the co-chairs of the Working Group of
    that designee.
    (3) Survey.--Not later than 60 days after the date of
    enactment of this Act, based on information provided by the
    members of the Working Group, the Working Group shall publish a
    comprehensive survey of--
    (A) Federal programs, including the allocated
    funding amounts, that currently support or could
    reasonably be modified to support broadband deployment
    and adoption; and
    (B) all Federal agency-specific policies and rules
    with the direct or indirect effect of facilitating or
    regulating investment in, or deployment of, wired and
    wireless broadband networks.
    (4) List of actions.--Not later than 120 days after the date
    of enactment of this Act, the members of the Working Group shall
    submit to the Working Group an initial list of actions that each
    of the agencies could take to identify and

    [[Page 4748]]

    address regulatory barriers to, incentivize investment in,
    promote best practices within, align funding decisions with
    respect to, and otherwise support, wired broadband deployment
    and adoption.
    (5) Report.--Not later than 150 days after the date of
    enactment of this Act, the Working Group shall submit to the
    President an agreed-to and prioritized list of recommendations
    of the Working Group on actions that Federal agencies can take
    to support broadband deployment and adoption, including--
    (A) a list of priority actions and rulemakings; and
    (B) timelines to complete the priority actions and
    rulemakings.

    Subtitle C--Miscellaneous

    SEC. 6301. EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN POPULATIONS FROM DEFINITION OF
    RURAL AREA.

    (a) In General.--Section 343(a)(13) of the Consolidated Farm and
    Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)) is amended--
    (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``(G)'' and inserting
    ``(I)''; and
    (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(H) Exclusion of incarcerated populations.--
    Populations of individuals incarcerated on a long-term
    or regional basis shall not be included in determining
    whether an area is `rural' or a `rural area'.
    ``(I) Limited exclusion of military base
    populations.--The first 1,500 individuals who reside in
    housing located on a military base shall not be included
    in determining whether an area is `rural' or a `rural
    area'.''.

    (b) Broadband.--Section 601(b)(3) of the Rural Electrification Act
    of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb(b)(3)) is amended by adding at the end the
    following:
    ``(C) Exclusion of certain populations.--Such term
    does not include any population described in
    subparagraph (H) or (I) of section 343(a)(13) of the
    Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.
    1991(a)(13)).''.

    (c) Distance Learning and Telemedicine Loans and Grants.--Section
    2332 of the Food Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7
    U.S.C. 950aaa-1) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(4) Rural area.--The term `rural area' has the meaning
    given the term in section 601(b)(3) of the Rural Electrification
    Act of 1936.''.
    SEC. 6302. <>  ESTABLISHMENT OF TECHNICAL
    ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

    (a) Definition.--In this section, the term `tribally designated
    housing entity' has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the
    Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996
    (25 U.S.C. 4103).
    (b) In General.--The Secretary shall, in coordination with the
    Office of Tribal Relations established under section 309 of the
    Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6921),
    provide technical assistance to improve access by Tribal entities to
    rural development programs funded by the Department

    [[Page 4749]]

    of Agriculture through available cooperative agreement authorities of
    the Secretary.
    (c) Technical Assistance.--Technical assistance provided under
    subsection (b) shall address the unique challenge of Tribal governments,
    Tribal producers, Tribal businesses, Tribal business entities, and
    tribally designated housing entities in accessing Department of
    Agriculture-supported rural infrastructure, rural cooperative
    development, rural business and industry, rural housing, and other rural
    development activities.
    SEC. 6303. RURAL ENERGY SAVINGS PROGRAM.

    Section 6407 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
    (7 U.S.C. 8107a) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``efficiency.'' and
    inserting ``efficiency (including cost-effective on- or off-grid
    renewable energy or energy storage systems).'';
    (2) in subsection (c)--
    (A) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (7) as
    paragraphs (5) through (8), respectively;
    (B) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
    ``(4) Eligibility for other loans.--The Secretary shall not
    include any debt incurred by a borrower under this section in
    the calculation of the debt-equity ratio of the borrower for
    purposes of eligibility for loans under the Rural
    Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.).'';
    (C) in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (5) (as so
    redesignated), by striking ``(6)'' and inserting
    ``(7)''; and
    (D) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(9) Accounting.--The Secretary shall take appropriate
    steps to streamline the accounting requirements on borrowers
    under this section while maintaining adequate assurances of the
    repayment of the loans.'';
    (3) in subsection (d)(1)--
    (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``3 percent''
    and inserting ``5 percent''; and
    (B) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``electric''
    and inserting ``recurring service'';
    (4) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (i);
    (5) by inserting after subsection (g) the following:

    ``(h) Publication.--Not later than 120 days after the end of each
    fiscal year, the Secretary shall publish a description of--
    ``(1) the number of applications received under this section
    for that fiscal year;
    ``(2) the number of loans made to eligible entities under
    this section for that fiscal year; and
    ``(3) the recipients of the loans described in paragraph
    (2).''; and
    (6) in subsection (i) (as so redesignated), by striking
    ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 6304. NORTHERN BORDER REGIONAL COMMISSION REAUTHORIZATION.

    (a) Administrative Expenses of Regional Commissions.--Section
    15304(c)(3)(A) of title 40, United States Code, is amended by striking
    ``unanimous'' and inserting ``majority''.
    (b) Economic and Infrastructure Development Grants.--Section 15501
    of title 40, United States Code, is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)--

    [[Page 4750]]

    (A) in paragraph (7), by striking ``and'' at the
    end;
    (B) by redesignating paragraph (8) as paragraph (9);
    and
    (C) by inserting after paragraph (7) the following:
    ``(8) to grow the capacity for successful community economic
    development in its region; and'';
    (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``paragraphs (1) through
    (3)'' and inserting ``paragraph (1), (2), (3), or (7)''; and
    (3) in subsection (f), by striking the period at the end and
    inserting ``, except that financial assistance may be used as
    otherwise authorized by this subtitle to attract businesses to
    the region from outside the United States.''.

    (c) <>  State Capacity Building Grant
    Program.--
    (1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
    (A) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the
    Northern Border Regional Commission established by
    section 15301(a)(3) of title 40, United States Code.
    (B) Commission state.--The term ``Commission State''
    means each of the States of Maine, New Hampshire, New
    York, and Vermont.
    (C) Eligible county.--The term ``eligible county''
    means a county described in section 15733 of title 40,
    United States Code.
    (D) Program.--The term ``program'' means the State
    capacity building grant program established under
    paragraph (2).
    (2) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date
    of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall establish a State
    capacity building grant program to provide grants to Commission
    States to carry out the purpose under paragraph (3).
    (3) Purpose.--The purpose of the program is to support the
    efforts of the Commission--
    (A) to better support business retention and
    expansion in eligible counties;
    (B) to create programs to encourage job creation and
    workforce development in eligible counties;
    (C) to prepare economic and infrastructure plans for
    eligible counties;
    (D) to expand access to high-speed broadband in
    eligible counties;
    (E) to provide technical assistance that results in
    Commission investments in transportation, water,
    wastewater, and other critical infrastructure;
    (F) to create initiatives to increase the
    effectiveness of local development districts in eligible
    counties; and
    (G) to implement new or innovative economic
    development practices that will better position the
    eligible counties of Commission States to compete in the
    global economy.
    (4) Use of funds.--
    (A) In general.--Funds from a grant under the
    program may be used to support a project, program, or
    related expense of the Commission State in an eligible
    county.
    (B) Limitation.--Funds from a grant under the
    program shall not be used for--
    (i) the purchase of furniture, fixtures, or
    equipment;

    [[Page 4751]]

    (ii) the compensation of--
    (I) any State member of the
    Commission (as described in section
    15301(b)(1)(B) of title 40, United
    States Code); or
    (II) any State alternate member of
    the Commission (as described in section
    15301(b)(2)(B) of title 40, United
    States Code); or
    (iii) the cost of supplanting existing State
    programs.
    (5) Annual work plan.--
    (A) In general.--For each fiscal year, before
    providing a grant under the program, each Commission
    State shall provide to the Commission an annual work
    plan that includes the proposed use of the grant.
    (B) Approval.--No grant under the program shall be
    provided to a Commission State unless the Commission has
    approved the annual work plan of the State.
    (6) Amount of grant.--
    (A) In general.--The amount of a grant provided to a
    Commission State under the program for a fiscal year
    shall be based on the proportion that--
    (i) the amount paid by the Commission State
    (including any amounts paid on behalf of the
    Commission State by a nonprofit organization) for
    administrative expenses for the applicable fiscal
    year (as determined under section 15304(c) of
    title 40, United States Code); bears to
    (ii) the amount paid by all Commission States
    (including any amounts paid on behalf of a
    Commission State by a nonprofit organization) for
    administrative expenses for that fiscal year (as
    determined under that section).
    (B) Requirement.--To be eligible to receive a grant
    under the program for a fiscal year, a Commission State
    (or a nonprofit organization on behalf of the Commission
    State) shall pay the amount of administrative expenses
    of the Commission State for the applicable fiscal year
    (as determined under section 15304(c) of title 40,
    United States Code).
    (C) Approval.--For each fiscal year, a grant
    provided under the program shall be approved and made
    available as part of the approval of the annual budget
    of the Commission.
    (7) Grant availability.--Funds from a grant under the
    program shall be available only during the fiscal year for which
    the grant is provided.
    (8) Report.--Each fiscal year, each Commission State shall
    submit to the Commission and make publicly available a report
    that describes the use of the grant funds and the impact of the
    program in the State.
    (9) Funding.--
    (A) In general.--There is authorized to be
    appropriated to carry out this subsection $5,000,000 for
    each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.
    (B) Supplement, not supplant.--Funds made available
    to carry out this subsection shall supplement and

    [[Page 4752]]

    not supplant funds made available for the Commission and
    other activities of the Commission.

    (d) Northern Border Regional Commission.--Section 15733 of title 40,
    United States Code, is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (2)--
    (A) by inserting ``Belknap,'' before ``Carroll,'';
    and
    (B) by inserting ``Cheshire,'' before ``Coos,'';
    (2) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following
    new paragraph:
    ``(3) New york.--The counties of Cayuga, Clinton, Essex,
    Franklin, Fulton, Genesee, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer,
    Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Montgomery, Niagara,
    Oneida, Orleans, Oswego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady,
    Seneca, St. Lawrence, Sullivan, Washington, Warren, Wayne, and
    Yates in the State of New York.''; and
    (3) in paragraph (4)--
    (A) by inserting ``Addison, Bennington,'' before
    ``Caledonia,'';
    (B) by inserting ``Chittenden,'' before ``Essex,'';
    (C) by striking ``and'' and inserting ``Orange,''
    and
    (D) by inserting ``, Rutland, Washington, Windham,
    and Windsor'' after ``Orleans''.

    (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 15751(a) of title 40,
    United States Code, is amended by striking ``$30,000,000 for each of
    fiscal years 2008 through 2018'' and inserting ``$33,000,000 for each of
    fiscal years 2019 through 2023''.
    (f) Vacancies.--Section 15301 of title 40, United States Code, is
    amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(f) Succession.--Subject to the time limitations under section
    3346 of title 5, the Federal Cochairperson may designate a Federal
    employee of the Commission to perform the functions and duties of the
    office of the Federal Cochairperson temporarily in an acting capacity if
    both the Federal Cochairperson and the alternate Federal Cochairperson
    die, resign, or otherwise are unable to perform the functions and duties
    of their offices.''.
    (g) <>  Technical Amendments.--Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4 of subtitle V
    of title 40, United States Code, are redesignated as chapters 151, 153,
    155, and 157, respectively.
    SEC. 6305. DEFINITION OF RURAL AREA FOR PURPOSES OF THE HOUSING
    ACT OF 1949.

    The second sentence of section 520 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42
    U.S.C. 1490) is amended--
    (1) by striking ``or 2010 decennial census'' and inserting
    ``2010, or 2020 decennial census'';
    (2) by striking ``December 31, 2010,'' and inserting
    ``December 31, 2020,'' ; and
    (3) by striking ``year 2020'' and inserting ``year 2030''.
    SEC. 6306. <>  COUNCIL ON RURAL COMMUNITY
    INNOVATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

    (a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to enhance the efforts
    of the Federal Government to address the needs of rural areas in the
    United States by--
    (1) establishing a council to better coordinate Federal
    programs directed to rural communities;

    [[Page 4753]]

    (2) maximizing the impact of Federal investment to promote
    economic prosperity and quality of life in rural communities in
    the United States; and
    (3) using innovation to resolve local and regional
    challenges faced by rural communities.

    (b) Establishment.--
    (1) There is established a Council on Rural Community
    Innovation and Economic Development (referred to in this section
    as the ``Council'').
    (2) The Council shall be the successor to the Interagency
    Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity established by
    Executive Order 13790.

    (c) Membership.--
    (1) In general.--The membership of the Council shall be
    composed of the heads of the following executive branch
    departments, agencies, and offices:
    (A) The Department of Agriculture.
    (B) The Department of the Treasury.
    (C) The Department of Defense.
    (D) The Department of Justice.
    (E) The Department of the Interior.
    (F) The Department of Commerce.
    (G) The Department of Labor.
    (H) The Department of Health and Human Services.
    (I) The Department of Housing and Urban Development.
    (J) The Department of Transportation.
    (K) The Department of Energy.
    (L) The Department of Education.
    (M) The Department of Veterans Affairs.
    (N) The Department of Homeland Security.
    (O) The Environmental Protection Agency.
    (P) The Federal Communications Commission.
    (Q) The Office of Management and Budget.
    (R) The Office of Science and Technology Policy.
    (S) The Office of National Drug Control Policy.
    (T) The Council of Economic Advisers.
    (U) The Domestic Policy Council.
    (V) The National Economic Council.
    (W) The Small Business Administration.
    (X) The Council on Environmental Quality.
    (Y) The White House Office of Public Engagement.
    (Z) The White House Office of Cabinet Affairs.
    (AA) Such other executive branch departments,
    agencies, and offices as the President or the Secretary
    may, from time to time, designate.
    (2) Chair.--The Secretary shall serve as the Chair of the
    Council.
    (3) Designees.--A member of the Council may designate, to
    perform the Council functions of the member, a senior-level
    official who is--
    (A) part of the department, agency, or office of the
    member; and
    (B) a full-time officer or employee of the Federal
    Government.
    (4) Administration.--The Council shall coordinate policy
    development through the rural development mission area.

    [[Page 4754]]

    (d) Funding.--The Secretary shall provide funding and administrative
    support for the Council to the extent permitted by law and within
    existing appropriations.
    (e) Mission and Function of the Council.--The Council shall work
    across executive departments, agencies, and offices to coordinate
    development of policy recommendations--
    (1) to maximize the impact of Federal investment on rural
    communities;
    (2) to promote economic prosperity and quality of life in
    rural communities; and
    (3) to use innovation to resolve local and regional
    challenges faced by rural communities.

    (f) Duties.--The Council shall--
    (1) make recommendations to the President, acting through
    the Director of the Domestic Policy Council and the Director of
    the National Economic Council, on streamlining and leveraging
    Federal investments in rural areas, where appropriate, to
    increase the impact of Federal dollars and create economic
    opportunities to improve the quality of life in rural areas in
    the United States;
    (2) coordinate and increase the effectiveness of Federal
    engagement with rural stakeholders, including agricultural
    organizations, small businesses, education and training
    institutions, health-care providers, telecommunications services
    providers, electric service providers, transportation providers,
    research and land grant institutions, law enforcement, State,
    local, and tribal governments, and nongovernmental organizations
    regarding the needs of rural areas in the United States;
    (3) coordinate Federal efforts directed toward the growth
    and development of rural geographic regions that encompass both
    metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas;
    (4) identify and facilitate rural economic opportunities
    associated with energy development, outdoor recreation, and
    other conservation related activities; and
    (5) identify common economic and social challenges faced by
    rural communities that could be served through--
    (A) better coordination of existing Federal and non-
    Federal resources; and
    (B) innovative solutions utilizing governmental and
    nongovernmental resources.

    (g) Executive Departments and Agencies.--
    (1) In general.--The heads of executive departments and
    agencies shall assist and provide information to the Council,
    consistent with applicable law, as may be necessary to carry out
    the functions of the Council.
    (2) Expenses.--Each executive department or agency shall be
    responsible for paying any expenses of the executive department
    or agency for participating in the Council.

    (h) Council Working Groups.--
    (1) In general.--The Council may establish, in addition to
    the working groups established under paragraph (3), such other
    working groups as necessary.
    (2) Membership.--The Secretary shall include as members of
    each working group such Council members, other heads of Federal
    agencies (or their designees as defined in (d)(3)), and non-
    Federal partners as determined appropriate to the subject
    matter.

    [[Page 4755]]

    (3) Required working groups.--The working groups specified
    in this paragraph are each of the following:
    (A) The rural smart communities working group.--
    (i) Establishment.--The Council shall
    establish a Rural Smart Communities Working Group.
    (ii) Duties.--The Rural Smart Communities
    Working Group shall--
    (I) not later than 1 year after the
    establishment of such Working Group,
    submit to Congress a report describing
    efforts of rural areas to integrate
    smart technology into their communities
    to solve challenges relating to
    governance, economic development,
    quality of life, or other relevant rural
    issues, as determined by the Secretary;
    and
    (II) create, publish, and maintain a
    resource guide designed to assist States
    and other rural communities in
    developing and implementing rural smart
    community programs.
    (iii) Smart community defined.--For the
    purposes of this subparagraph, the term ``smart
    community'' means a community that has the ability
    to integrate multiple technological solutions, in
    a secure fashion, to manage a community's assets,
    including local government information systems,
    schools, libraries, transportation systems,
    hospitals, power plants, law enforcement, and
    other community services with the goal of
    promoting quality of life through the use of
    technology in ways that improve the efficiency of
    services and meet residents' needs.
    (B) Jobs accelerator working group.--
    (i) Establishment.--The Council shall
    establish a Jobs Accelerator Working Group.
    (ii) Goals.--The Jobs Accelerator Working
    Group shall support rural jobs accelerators (as
    defined in section 379I(a)(4) of the Consolidated
    Farm and Rural Development Act)--
    (I) to improve the ability of rural
    communities to create high-wage jobs,
    accelerate the formation of new
    businesses with high-growth potential,
    and strengthen regional economies,
    including by helping to build capacity
    in the applicable region to achieve
    those goals; and
    (II) to help rural communities
    identify and maximize local assets and
    connect to regional opportunities,
    networks, and industry clusters that
    demonstrate high growth potential.
    (iii) Duties.--The Jobs Accelerator Working
    Group shall--
    (I) provide the public with
    available information and technical
    assistance on Federal resources relevant
    to a project and region;
    (II) establish a Federal support
    team comprised of staff from
    participating agencies in the working
    group that shall provide coordinated and
    dedicated support services to rural jobs
    accelerators; and

    [[Page 4756]]

    (III) provide opportunities for
    rural jobs accelerators to share best
    practices and further collaborate with
    one another.

    Subtitle D--Additional Amendments to the Consolidated Farm and Rural
    Development Act

    SEC. 6401. STRATEGIC ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

    Section 379H of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 2008v) is amended to read as follows:
    ``SEC. 379H. STRATEGIC ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

    ``(a) In General.--In the case of any program under this title or
    administered by the Secretary, acting through the rural development
    mission area, as determined by the Secretary (referred to in this
    section as a `covered program'), the Secretary shall give priority to an
    application for a project that, as determined and approved by the
    Secretary--
    ``(1) meets the applicable eligibility requirements of this
    title or the other applicable authorizing law;
    ``(2) will be carried out in a rural area; and
    ``(3) supports the implementation of a strategic community
    investment plan described in subsection (d) on a multisectoral
    and multijurisdictional basis, to include considerations for
    improving and expanding broadband services as needed.

    ``(b) Reserve.--
    ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary
    shall reserve not more than 15 percent of the funds made
    available for a fiscal year for covered programs for projects
    that support the implementation of a strategic community
    investment plan described in subsection (d) on a multisectoral
    and multijurisdictional basis.
    ``(2) Period.--Any funds reserved under paragraph (1) shall
    only be reserved for the 1-year period beginning on the date on
    which the funds were first made available, as determined by the
    Secretary.

    ``(c) Approved Applications.--
    ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), any applicant
    who submitted an application under a covered program that was
    approved before the date of enactment of this section may amend
    the application to qualify for the funds reserved under
    subsection (b).
    ``(2) Rural utilities.--Any applicant who submitted an
    application under paragraph (2), (14), or (24) of section
    306(a), or section 306A or 310B(b), that was approved by the
    Secretary before the date of enactment of this section shall be
    eligible for the funds reserved under subsection (b)--
    ``(A) on the same basis as an application submitted
    under this section; and
    ``(B) until September 30, 2019.

    ``(d) Strategic Community Investment Plans.--
    ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide assistance to
    rural communities in developing strategic community investment
    plans.

    [[Page 4757]]

    ``(2) Plans.--A strategic community investment plan
    described in paragraph (1) shall include--
    ``(A) a variety of activities designed to facilitate
    the vision of a rural community for the future,
    including considerations for improving and expanding
    broadband services as needed;
    ``(B) participation by multiple stakeholders,
    including local and regional partners;
    ``(C) leverage of applicable regional resources;
    ``(D) investment from strategic partners, such as--
    ``(i) private organizations;
    ``(ii) cooperatives;
    ``(iii) other government entities;
    ``(iv) Indian Tribes; and
    ``(v) philanthropic organizations;
    ``(E) clear objectives with the ability to establish
    measurable performance metrics;
    ``(F) action steps for implementation; and
    ``(G) any other elements necessary to ensure that
    the plan results in a comprehensive and strategic
    approach to rural economic development, as determined by
    the Secretary.
    ``(3) Coordination.--The Secretary shall coordinate with
    Indian Tribes and local, State, regional, and Federal partners
    to develop strategic community investment plans under this
    subsection.
    ``(4) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
    to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $5,000,000 for
    each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, to remain available
    until expended.''.
    SEC. 6402. EXPANDING ACCESS TO CREDIT FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES.

    (a) Certain Programs Under the Consolidated Farm and Rural
    Development Act.--Section 343(a)(13) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
    Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)) is amended--
    (1) in subparagraph (B)--
    (A) in the heading, by striking ``and guaranteed'';
    and
    (B) in the text--
    (i) by striking ``and guaranteed''; and
    (ii) by striking ``(1), (2), and (24)'' and
    inserting ``(1) and (2)''; and
    (2) in subparagraph (C)--
    (A) by striking ``and guaranteed''; and
    (B) by striking ``(21), and (24)'' and inserting
    ``and (21)''.

    (b) Population Caps for Guaranteed Lending.--Section 306(a)(24) of
    such Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(24)) is amended by adding at the end the
    following:
    ``(D) Priority.--
    ``(i) Water or waste facility.--The Secretary
    shall prioritize water and waste facility projects
    under this paragraph in rural areas with a
    population of not more than 10,000 people.
    ``(ii) Community facility.--Of the funds made
    available to carry out this paragraph for
    community

    [[Page 4758]]

    facility loan guarantees for a fiscal year the
    following amounts shall be reserved for projects
    in rural areas with a population of not more than
    20,000 inhabitants:
    ``(I) 100 percent of the first
    $200,000,000 so made available;
    ``(II) 50 percent of the next
    $200,000,000 so made available; and
    ``(III) 25 percent of all amounts
    exceeding $400,000,000 so made
    available,
    except that, to the extent that the Secretary
    demonstrates that the funds so reserved are not
    needed to finance a community facility project in
    such a rural area, the Secretary may use the funds
    for other community facility projects in
    accordance with this paragraph.''.
    SEC. 6403. WATER, WASTE DISPOSAL, AND WASTEWATER FACILITY GRANTS.

    Section 306(a)(2)(B) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
    Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(2)(B)) is amended--
    (1) in clause (iii), by striking ``$100,000'' each place it
    appears and inserting ``$200,000''; and
    (2) in clause (vii), by striking ``$30,000,000 for each of
    fiscal years 2008 through 2018'' and inserting ``$15,000,000 for
    each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023''.
    SEC. 6404. RURAL WATER AND WASTEWATER TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND
    TRAINING PROGRAMS.

    Section 306(a)(14) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
    Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(14)) is amended--
    (1) in subparagraph (A)--
    (A) in clause (ii), by striking ``and'' at the end;
    (B) in clause (iii), by striking the period and
    inserting a semicolon; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(iv) identify options to enhance the long-
    term sustainability of rural water and waste
    systems, including operational practices, revenue
    enhancements, partnerships, consolidation,
    regionalization, or contract services; and
    ``(v) address the contamination of drinking
    water and surface water supplies by emerging
    contaminants, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl
    substances.''; and
    (2) in subparagraph (C)--
    (A) by striking ``1 nor more than 3'' and inserting
    ``3 percent and not more than 5''; and
    (B) by striking ``1 per centum'' and inserting ``3
    percent''.
    SEC. 6405. RURAL WATER AND WASTEWATER CIRCUIT RIDER PROGRAM.

    Section 306(a)(22)(B) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
    Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(22)(B)) is amended by striking ``$20,000,000 for
    fiscal year 2014 and each fiscal year thereafter'' and inserting
    ``$25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023''.

    [[Page 4759]]

    SEC. 6406. TRIBAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY
    FACILITIES.

    Section 306(a)(25)(C) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
    Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(25)(C)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and
    inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 6407. EMERGENCY AND IMMINENT COMMUNITY WATER ASSISTANCE GRANT
    PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Section 306A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
    Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926a) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``; and'' and
    inserting the following: ``, particularly to projects to address
    contamination that--
    ``(A) poses a threat to human health or the
    environment; and
    ``(B) was caused by circumstances beyond the control
    of the applicant for a grant, including circumstances
    that occurred over a period of time; and'';
    (2) in subsection (d)(1)(D), by inserting ``, other than
    those covered above for not to exceed 120 days when a more
    permanent solution is not feasible in a shorter time frame.
    Where drinking water supplies are inadequate due to an event, as
    determined by the Secretary, including drought, severe weather,
    or contamination, the Secretary may provide potable water for an
    additional period of time not to exceed an additional 120 days
    in order to protect public health'' before the period;
    (3) in subsection (e)(1)(B), by striking ``according to the
    most recent decennial census of the United States'';
    (4) in subsection (f)(1), by striking ``$500,000'' and
    inserting ``$1,000,000''; and
    (5) in subsection (i)--
    (A) in paragraph (1)--
    (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``3 nor
    more than 5'' and inserting ``5 percent and not
    more than 7''; and
    (ii) by striking subparagraph (B) and
    inserting the following:
    ``(B) Release.--
    ``(i) In general.--Funds reserved under
    subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year shall be
    reserved only until July 1 of the fiscal year.
    ``(ii) Exception.--Notwithstanding clause (i),
    in response to an eligible community where the
    drinking water supplies are inadequate, as
    determined by the Secretary, due to an event,
    including drought, severe weather, or
    contamination, the Secretary may use funds
    described in subparagraph (A) from July 1 through
    September 30 each fiscal year to provide potable
    water under this section in order to protect
    public health.''; and
    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``$35,000,000 for
    each of fiscal years 2008 through 2018'' and inserting
    ``$50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through
    2023''.

    (b) Interagency Task Force on Rural Water Quality.--
    (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
    enactment of this section, the Secretary shall coordinate

    [[Page 4760]]

    an interagency task force to examine drinking water and surface
    water contamination in rural communities, particularly rural
    communities that are in close proximity to active or
    decommissioned military installations in the United States.
    (2) Membership.--The interagency task force shall consist
    of--
    (A) the Secretary;
    (B) the Secretary of the Army, acting through the
    Chief of Engineers;
    (C) the Secretary of Health and Human Services,
    acting through--
    (i) the Director of the Agency for Toxic
    Substances and Disease Registry; and
    (ii) the Director of the Centers for Disease
    Control and Prevention;
    (D) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development;
    (E) the Secretary of the Interior, acting through--
    (i) the Director of the United States Fish and
    Wildlife Service; and
    (ii) the Director of the United States
    Geological Survey;
    (F) the Administrator of the Environmental
    Protection Agency; and
    (G) representatives from rural drinking and
    wastewater entities, State and community regulators, and
    appropriate scientific experts that reflect a diverse
    cross-section of the rural communities described in
    paragraph (1).
    (3) Report.--
    (A) In general.--Not later than 360 days after the
    date of enactment of this section, the task force shall
    submit to the committees described in subparagraph (B) a
    report that--
    (i) examines, and identifies issues relating
    to, water contamination in rural communities,
    particularly rural communities that are in close
    proximity to active or decommissioned military
    installations in the United States;
    (ii) reviews the extent to which Federal,
    State, and local government agencies coordinate
    with one another to address the issues identified
    under clause (i);
    (iii) recommends how Federal, State, and local
    government agencies can work together in the most
    effective, efficient, and cost-effective manner
    practicable, to address the issues identified
    under clause (i); and
    (iv) recommends changes to existing statutory
    requirements, regulatory requirements, or both, to
    improve interagency coordination and
    responsiveness to address the issues identified
    under clause (i).
    (B) Committees described.--The committees referred
    to in subparagraph (A) are--
    (i) the Committee on Agriculture of the House
    of Representatives;
    (ii) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition,
    and Forestry of the Senate;

    [[Page 4761]]

    (iii) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of
    the House of Representatives;
    (iv) the Committee on Environment and Public
    Works of the Senate;
    (v) the Committee on Armed Services of the
    House of Representatives; and
    (vi) the Committee on Armed Services of the
    Senate.
    SEC. 6408. WATER SYSTEMS FOR RURAL AND NATIVE VILLAGES IN ALASKA.

    Section 306D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 1926d) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``Alaska for'' and
    inserting ``Alaska, a consortium formed pursuant to section 325
    of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies
    Appropriations Act, 1998 (Public Law 105-83; 111 Stat. 1597),
    and Native villages (as defined in section 3 of the Alaska
    Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1602)) for'';
    (2) in subsection (b), by inserting ``for any grant awarded
    under subsection (a)'' before the period at the end; and
    (3) in subsection (d)--
    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2018'' and
    inserting ``2023''; and
    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``Alaska'' and
    inserting ``Alaska, and not more than 2 percent of the
    amount made available under paragraph (1) for a fiscal
    year may be used by a consortium formed pursuant to
    section 325 of the Department of the Interior and
    Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998 (Public Law
    105-83; 111 Stat. 1597),''.
    SEC. 6409. RURAL DECENTRALIZED WATER SYSTEMS.

    Section 306E of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 1926e) is amended--
    (1) by striking the section heading and inserting ``rural
    decentralized water systems'';
    (2) in subsection (a), by striking ``100'' and inserting
    ``60'';
    (3) in subsection (b)--
    (A) in paragraph (1)--
    (i) by inserting ``and subgrants'' after
    ``loans''; and
    (ii) by inserting ``and individually owned
    household decentralized wastewater systems'' after
    ``well systems'';
    (B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the
    following:
    ``(2) Terms and amounts.--
    ``(A) Terms of loans.--A loan made with grant funds
    under this section--
    ``(i) shall have an interest rate of 1
    percent; and
    ``(ii) shall have a term not to exceed 20
    years.
    ``(B) Amounts.--A loan or subgrant made with grant
    funds under this section shall not exceed $15,000 for
    each water well system or decentralized wastewater
    system described in paragraph (1).''; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(4) Ground well water contamination.--In the event of
    ground well water contamination, the Secretary shall allow a
    loan or subgrant to be made with grant funds under this

    [[Page 4762]]

    section for the installation of water treatment where needed
    beyond the point of entry, with or without the installation of a
    new water well system.'';
    (4) in subsection (c), by striking ``productive use of
    individually-owned household water well systems'' and inserting
    ``effective use of individually owned household water well
    systems, individually owned household decentralized wastewater
    systems,''; and
    (5) in subsection (d)--
    (A) by striking ``$5,000,000'' and inserting
    ``$20,000,000''; and
    (B) by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and inserting
    ``2019 through 2023''.
    SEC. 6410. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT GRANTS.

    Section 310B(b)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
    Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(b)(2)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.
    SEC. 6411. RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT GRANTS.

    Section 310B(c)(4)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
    Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(c)(4)(A)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and
    inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 6412. RURAL COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS.

    (a) In General.--Section 310B(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
    Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(e)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (10), by inserting ``(including research
    and analysis based on data from the latest available Economic
    Census conducted by the Bureau of the Census)'' after ``conduct
    research''; and
    (2) in paragraph (13), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.

    (b) Technical Correction.--Section 310B(e)(11)(B)(i) of such Act (7
    U.S.C. 1932(e)(11)(B)(i)) is amended by striking ``(12)'' and inserting
    ``(13)''.
    SEC. 6413. LOCALLY OR REGIONALLY PRODUCED AGRICULTURAL FOOD
    PRODUCTS.

    Section 310B(g)(9)(B)(iv)(I) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
    Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(g)(9)(B)(iv)(I)) is amended by striking
    ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 6414. APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER FOR RURAL AREAS
    PROGRAM.

    Section 310B(i)(4) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
    Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(i)(4)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.
    SEC. 6415. RURAL ECONOMIC AREA PARTNERSHIP ZONES.

    Section 310B(j) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
    (7 U.S.C. 1932(j)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.
    SEC. 6416. INTEMEDIARY RELENDING PROGRAM.

    Section 310H of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 1936b) is amended--
    (1) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (i);
    (2) by inserting after subsection (d) the following:

    [[Page 4763]]

    ``(e) Limitation on Loan Amounts.--The maximum amount of a loan by
    an eligible entity described in subsection (b) to individuals and
    entities for a project under subsection (c), including the unpaid
    balance of any existing loans, shall be the lesser of--
    ``(1) $400,000; and
    ``(2) 50 percent of the loan to the eligible entity under
    subsection (a).

    ``(f) Applications.--
    ``(1) In general.--To be eligible to receive a loan or loan
    guarantee under subsection (a), an eligible entity described in
    subsection (b) shall submit to the Secretary an application at
    such time, in such manner, and containing such information as
    the Secretary may require.
    ``(2) Evaluation.--In evaluating applications submitted
    under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--
    ``(A)(i) take into consideration the previous
    performance of an eligible entity in carrying out
    projects under subsection (c); and
    ``(ii) in the case of satisfactory performance under
    clause (i), require the eligible entity to contribute
    less equity for subsequent loans without modifying the
    priority given to subsequent applications; and
    ``(B) in assigning priorities to applications,
    require an eligible entity to demonstrate that it has a
    governing or advisory board made up of business, civic,
    and community leaders who are representative of the
    communities of the service area, without limitation to
    the size of the service area.

    ``(g) Return of Equity.--The Secretary shall establish a schedule
    that is consistent with the amortization schedules of the portfolio of
    loans made or guaranteed under subsection (a) for the return of any
    equity contribution made under this section by an eligible entity
    described in subsection (b), if the eligible entity is--
    ``(1) current on all principal and interest payments; and
    ``(2) in compliance with loan covenants.

    ``(h) Regulations.--The Secretary shall promulgate regulations and
    establish procedures reducing the administrative requirements on
    eligible entities described in subsection (b), including regulations to
    carry out the amendments made to this section by the Agriculture
    Improvement Act of 2018.''; and
    (3) in subsection (i) (as so redesignated), by striking
    ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 6417. ACCESS TO INFORMATION TO VERIFY INCOME FOR PARTICIPANTS
    IN CERTAIN RURAL HOUSING PROGRAMS.

    Section 331 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 1981), as amended by section 6210(a) of this Act, is amended by
    adding at the end the following:
    ``(f) Access to Information to Verify Income for Participants in
    Certain Rural Housing Programs.--The Secretary and the designees of the
    Secretary are hereby granted the same access to information and subject
    to the same requirements applicable to the Secretary of Housing and
    Urban Development as provided in section 453 of the Social Security Act
    (42 U.S.C. 653) and section 6103(l)(7)(D)(ix) of the Internal Revenue
    Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 6103(l)(7)(D)(ix)) to verify income for
    individuals participating in

    [[Page 4764]]

    sections 502, 504, 521, and 542 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C.
    1472, 1474, 1490a, and 1490r), notwithstanding section 453(l) of the
    Social Security Act.''.
    SEC. 6418. PROVIDING FOR ADDITIONAL FEES FOR GUARANTEED LOANS
    UNDER THE CONSOLIDATED FARM AND RURAL
    DEVELOPMENT ACT.

    Section 333 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 1983) is amended--
    (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (5);
    (2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (6) and
    inserting ``; and''; and
    (3) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(7) in the case of an insured or guaranteed loan issued or
    modified under section 306(a), charge and collect from the
    lender fees in such amounts as to bring down the costs of
    subsidies for the insured or guaranteed loan, except that the
    fees shall not act as a bar to participation in the programs nor
    be inconsistent with current practices in the marketplace.''.
    SEC. 6419. RURAL BUSINESS-COOPERATIVE SERVICE PROGRAMS TECHNICAL
    ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING.

    The Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act is amended by
    inserting after section 367, as added by section 5306 of this Act, the
    following:
    ``SEC. 368. <>  RURAL BUSINESS-COOPERATIVE
    SERVICE PROGRAMS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND
    TRAINING.

    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary may make grants to public bodies,
    private nonprofit corporations, economic development authorities,
    institutions of higher education, federally recognized Indian Tribes,
    and rural cooperatives for the purpose of providing or obtaining
    technical assistance and training to support funding applications for
    programs carried out by the Secretary, acting through the Administrator
    of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
    ``(b) Purposes.--A grant under subsection (a) may be used--
    ``(1) to assist communities in identifying and planning for
    business and economic development needs;
    ``(2) to identify public and private resources to finance
    business and small and emerging business needs;
    ``(3) to prepare reports and surveys necessary to request
    financial assistance for businesses in rural communities; and
    ``(4) to prepare applications for financial assistance.

    ``(c) Selection Priority.--In selecting recipients of grants under
    this section, the Secretary shall give priority to grants serving
    persistent poverty counties and high poverty communities, as determined
    by the Secretary.
    ``(d) Funding.--
    ``(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated to
    carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019
    through 2023, to remain available until expended.
    ``(2) Availability.--Any amounts authorized to be
    appropriated under paragraph (1) for any fiscal year that are
    not appropriated for that fiscal year may be appropriated for
    the immediately succeeding fiscal year.''.

    [[Page 4765]]

    SEC. 6420. NATIONAL RURAL DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP.

    Section 378 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 2008m) is amended in each of subsections (g)(1) and (h), by
    striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023'' each place it appears.
    SEC. 6421. GRANTS FOR NOAA WEATHER RADIO TRANSMITTERS.

    Section 379B(d) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
    (7 U.S.C. 2008p(d)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.
    SEC. 6422. RURAL MICROENTREPRENEUR ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

    Section 379E of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 2008s) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (b)(4)(B)(ii)--
    (A) in the clause heading, by striking ``Maximum
    amount'' and inserting ``Amount'';
    (B) by inserting ``not less than 20 percent and''
    before ``not more than 25 percent''; and
    (C) by striking the period at the end and inserting
    the following: ``, subject to--
    ``(I) satisfactory performance by
    the microenterprise development
    organization under this section, and
    ``(II) the availability of
    funding.''; and
    (2) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:

    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
    appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal
    years 2019 through 2023.''.
    SEC. 6423. HEALTH CARE SERVICES.

    Section 379G(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
    (7 U.S.C. 2008u(e)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.
    SEC. 6424. RURAL INNOVATION STRONGER ECONOMY GRANT PROGRAM.

    Subtitle D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 1981 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``SEC. 379I. <>  RURAL INNOVATION STRONGER
    ECONOMY GRANT PROGRAM.

    ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
    ``(1) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means a
    rural jobs accelerator partnership established after the date of
    enactment of this section that--
    ``(A) organizes key community and regional
    stakeholders into a working group that--
    ``(i) focuses on the shared goals and needs of
    the industry clusters that are objectively
    identified as existing, emerging, or declining;
    ``(ii) represents a region defined by the
    partnership in accordance with subparagraph (B);
    ``(iii) includes 1 or more representatives
    of--
    ``(I) an institution of higher
    education (as defined in section 101 of
    the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
    U.S.C. 1001));

    [[Page 4766]]

    ``(II) a private entity; or
    ``(III) a government entity; and
    ``(iv) has, as a lead applicant--
    ``(I) a District Organization (as
    defined in section 300.3 of title 13,
    Code of Federal Regulations (or a
    successor regulation));
    ``(II) an Indian tribe (as defined
    in section 4 of the Indian Self-
    Determination and Education Assistance
    Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)), or a consortium
    of Indian tribes;
    ``(III) a State or a political
    subdivision of a State, including a
    special purpose unit of a State or local
    government engaged in economic
    development activities, or a consortium
    of political subdivisions;
    ``(IV) an institution of higher
    education (as defined in section 101 of
    the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
    U.S.C. 1001)) or a consortium of
    institutions of higher education; or
    ``(V) a public or private nonprofit
    organization; and
    ``(B) subject to approval by the Secretary, may--
    ``(i) serve a region that is--
    ``(I) a single jurisdiction; or
    ``(II) if the region is a rural
    area, multijurisdictional; and
    ``(ii) define the region that the partnership
    represents, if the region--
    ``(I) is large enough to contain
    critical elements of the industry
    cluster prioritized by the partnership;
    ``(II) is small enough to enable
    close collaboration among members of the
    partnership;
    ``(III) includes a majority of
    communities that are located in--
    ``(aa) a nonmetropolitan
    area that qualifies as a low-
    income community (as defined in
    section 45D(e) of the Internal
    Revenue Code of 1986); and
    ``(bb) an area that has
    access to or has a plan to
    achieve broadband service
    (within the meaning of title VI
    of the Rural Electrification Act
    of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb et
    seq.)); and
    ``(IV)(aa) has a population of
    50,000 or fewer inhabitants; or
    ``(bb) for a region with a
    population of more than 50,000
    inhabitants, is the subject of a
    positive determination by the Secretary
    with respect to a rural-in-character
    petition, including such a petition
    submitted concurrently with the
    application of the partnership for a
    grant under this section.
    ``(2) Industry cluster.--The term `industry cluster' means a
    broadly defined network of interconnected firms and supporting
    institutions in related industries that accelerate innovation,
    business formation, and job creation by taking advantage of
    assets and strengths of a region in the business environment.

    [[Page 4767]]

    ``(3) High-wage job.--The term `high-wage job' means a job
    that provides a wage that is greater than the median wage for
    the applicable region, as determined by the Secretary.
    ``(4) Jobs accelerator.--The term `jobs accelerator' means a
    jobs accelerator center or program located in or serving a low-
    income rural community that may provide co-working space, in-
    demand skills training, entrepreneurship support, and any other
    services described in subsection (d)(1)(B).
    ``(5) Small and disadvantaged business.--The term `small and
    disadvantaged business' has the meaning given the term `small
    business concern owned and controlled by socially and
    economically disadvantaged individuals' in section 8(d)(3)(C) of
    the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(3)(C)).

    ``(b) Establishment.--
    ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a grant
    program under which the Secretary shall award grants, on a
    competitive basis, to eligible entities to establish jobs
    accelerators, including related programming, that--
    ``(A) improve the ability of distressed rural
    communities to create high-wage jobs, accelerate the
    formation of new businesses with high-growth potential,
    and strengthen regional economies, including by helping
    to build capacity in the applicable region to achieve
    those goals; and
    ``(B) help rural communities identify and maximize
    local assets and connect to regional opportunities,
    networks, and industry clusters that demonstrate high
    growth potential.
    ``(2) Cost-sharing.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Federal share of the cost of
    any activity carried out using a grant made under
    paragraph (1) shall be not greater than 80 percent.
    ``(B) In-kind contributions.--The non-Federal share
    of the total cost of any activity carried out using a
    grant made under paragraph (1) may be in the form of
    donations or in-kind contributions of goods or services
    fairly valued.
    ``(3) Selection criteria.--In selecting eligible entities to
    receive grants under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall
    consider--
    ``(A) the commitment of participating core
    stakeholders in the jobs accelerator partnership,
    including a demonstration that--
    ``(i) investment organizations, including
    venture development organizations, venture capital
    firms, revolving loan funders, angel investment
    groups, community lenders, community development
    financial institutions, rural business investment
    companies, small business investment companies (as
    defined in section 103 of the Small Business
    Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 662)),
    philanthropic organizations, and other
    institutions focused on expanding access to
    capital, are committed partners in the jobs
    accelerator partnership and willing to potentially
    invest in projects emerging from the jobs
    accelerator; and
    ``(ii) institutions of higher education,
    applied research institutions, workforce
    development entities, and community-based
    organizations are willing to partner with the jobs
    accelerator to provide workers

    [[Page 4768]]

    with skills relevant to the industry cluster needs
    of the region, with an emphasis on the use of on-
    the-job training, registered apprenticeships,
    customized training, classroom occupational
    training, or incumbent worker training;
    ``(B) the ability of the eligible entity to provide
    the non-Federal share as required under paragraph (2);
    ``(C) the identification of a targeted industry
    cluster;
    ``(D) the ability of the partnership to link rural
    communities to markets, networks, industry clusters, and
    other regional opportunities and assets;
    ``(E) other grants or loans of the Secretary and
    other Federal agencies that the jobs accelerator would
    be able to leverage; and
    ``(F) prospects for the proposed center and related
    programming to have sustainability beyond the full
    maximum length of assistance under this subsection,
    including the maximum number of renewals.
    ``(4) Grant term and renewals.--
    ``(A) Term.--The initial term of a grant under
    paragraph (1) shall be 4 years.
    ``(B) Renewal.--The Secretary may extend the term of
    a grant under paragraph (1) for an additional period of
    not longer than 2 years if the Secretary is satisfied,
    using the evaluation under subsection (e)(2), that the
    grant recipient has successfully established a jobs
    accelerator and related programming.
    ``(5) Geographic distribution.--To the maximum extent
    practicable, the Secretary shall provide grants under paragraph
    (1) for jobs accelerators and related programming in not fewer
    than 25 States at any time.

    ``(c) Grant Amount.--A grant awarded under subsection (b) may be in
    an amount equal to--
    ``(1) not less than $500,000; and
    ``(2) not more than $2,000,000.

    ``(d) Use of Funds.--
    ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), funds from a
    grant awarded under subsection (b) may be used--
    ``(A) to construct, purchase, or equip a building to
    serve as an innovation center;
    ``(B) to support programs to be carried out at, or
    in direct partnership with, the jobs accelerator that
    support the objectives of the jobs accelerator,
    including--
    ``(i) linking rural communities and
    entrepreneurs to markets, networks, industry
    clusters, and other regional opportunities to
    support high-wage job creation, new business
    formation, business expansion, and economic
    growth;
    ``(ii) integrating small businesses into a
    supply chain;
    ``(iii) creating or expanding
    commercialization activities for new business
    formation;
    ``(iv) identifying and building assets in
    rural communities that are crucial to supporting
    regional economies;
    ``(v) facilitating the repatriation of high-
    wage jobs to the United States;

    [[Page 4769]]

    ``(vi) supporting the deployment of innovative
    processes, technologies, and products;
    ``(vii) enhancing the capacity of small
    businesses in regional industry clusters,
    including small and disadvantaged businesses;
    ``(viii) increasing United States exports and
    business interaction with international buyers and
    suppliers;
    ``(ix) developing the skills and expertise of
    local workforces, entrepreneurs, and institutional
    partners to meet the needs of employers and
    prepare workers for high-wage jobs in the
    identified industry clusters, including the
    upskilling of incumbent workers;
    ``(x) ensuring rural communities have the
    capacity and ability to carry out projects
    relating to housing, community facilities,
    infrastructure, or community and economic
    development to support regional industry cluster
    growth; or
    ``(xi) any other activities that the Secretary
    may determine to be appropriate.
    ``(2) Requirement.--
    ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), not
    more than 10 percent of a grant awarded under subsection
    (b) shall be used for indirect costs associated with
    administering the grant.
    ``(B) Increase.--The Secretary may increase the
    percentage described in subparagraph (A) on a case-by-
    case basis.

    ``(e) Annual Activity Report and Evaluation.--Not later than 1 year
    after receiving a grant under this section, and annually thereafter for
    the duration of the grant, an eligible entity shall--
    ``(1) report to the Secretary on the activities funded with
    the grant; and
    ``(2)(A) evaluate the progress that the eligible entity has
    made toward the strategic objectives identified in the
    application for the grant; and
    ``(B) measure that progress using performance measures
    during the project period, which may include--
    ``(i) high-wage jobs created;
    ``(ii) high-wage jobs retained;
    ``(iii) private investment leveraged;
    ``(iv) businesses improved;
    ``(v) new business formations;
    ``(vi) new products or services commercialized;
    ``(vii) improvement of the value of existing
    products or services under development;
    ``(viii) regional collaboration, as measured by such
    metrics as--
    ``(I) the number of organizations actively
    engaged in the industry cluster;
    ``(II) the number of symposia held by the
    industry cluster, including organizations that are
    not located in the immediate region defined by the
    partnership; and
    ``(III) the number of further cooperative
    agreements;

    [[Page 4770]]

    ``(ix) the number of education and training
    activities relating to innovation;
    ``(x) the number of jobs relocated from outside of
    the United States to the region;
    ``(xi) the amount and number of new equity
    investments in industry cluster firms;
    ``(xii) the amount and number of new loans to
    industry cluster firms;
    ``(xiii) the dollar increase in exports resulting
    from the project activities;
    ``(xiv) the percentage of employees for which
    training was provided;
    ``(xv) improvement in sales of participating
    businesses;
    ``(xvi) improvement in wages paid at participating
    businesses;
    ``(xvii) improvement in income of participating
    workers; or
    ``(xviii) any other measure the Secretary determines
    to be appropriate.

    ``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
    appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal
    years 2019 through 2023.''.
    SEC. 6425. DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY.

    (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 382M(a) of the
    Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009aa-12(a)) is
    amended by striking ``2008 through 2018'' and inserting ``2019 through
    2023''.
    (b) Termination of Authority.--Section 382N of such Act (7 U.S.C.
    2009aa-13) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 6426. RURAL BUSINESS INVESTMENT PROGRAM.

    (a) Definitions.--Section 384A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
    Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009cc) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (2)--
    (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking
    ``venture''; and
    (B) by striking ``venture''; and
    (2) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
    ``(4) Equity capital.--The term `equity capital' means--
    ``(A) common or preferred stock or a similar
    instrument, including subordinated debt with equity
    features; and
    ``(B) any other type of equity-like financing that
    might be necessary to facilitate the purposes of this
    Act, excluding financing such as senior debt or other
    types of financing that competes with routine loanmaking
    of commercial lenders.''.

    (b) Purposes.--Section 384B of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2009cc-1) is
    amended--
    (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``venture''; and
    (2) in paragraph (2)--
    (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
    striking ``venture''; and
    (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``venture''.

    (c) Selection of Rural Business Investment Companies.--Section
    384D(b)(1) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2009cc-3(b)(1)) is amended by striking
    ``developmental venture'' and inserting ``developmental''.

    [[Page 4771]]

    (d) Fees.--Section 384G of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2009cc-6) is amended--
    (1) in subsections (a) and (b), by striking ``a fee that
    does not exceed $500'' each place it appears and inserting
    ``such fees as the Secretary considers appropriate, so long as
    those fees are proportionally equal for each rural business
    investment company,''; and
    (2) in subsection (c)(2)--
    (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``solely to
    cover the costs of licensing examinations'' and
    inserting ``as the Secretary considers appropriate'';
    and
    (B) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the
    following:
    ``(C) shall be in such amounts as the Secretary
    considers appropriate.''.

    (e) Limitation on Rural Business Investment Companies Controlled by
    Farm Credit System Institutions.--Section 384J(c) of such Act (7 U.S.C.
    2009cc-9(c)) is amended by striking ``25'' and inserting ``50''.
    (f) Flexibility on Sources of Investment or Capital.--Section
    384J(a) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2009cc-9(a)) is amended--
    (1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as subparagraphs
    (A) and (B), respectively, and indenting appropriately;
    (2) by striking the subsection designation and heading and
    all that follows through ``Except as'' in the matter preceding
    subparagraph (A) (as so redesignated) and inserting the
    following:

    ``(a) Investment.--
    ``(1) In general.--Except as''; and
    (3) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(2) Limitation on requirements.--The Secretary may not
    require that an entity described in paragraph (1) provide
    investment or capital that is not required of other companies
    eligible to apply to operate as a rural business investment
    company under section 384D(a).''.
    SEC. 6427. RURAL BUSINESS INVESTMENT PROGRAM.

    Section 384S of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 2009cc-18) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.

    Subtitle E--Additional Amendments to the Rural Electrification Act of
    1936

    SEC. 6501. AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 2 OF THE RURAL ELECTRIFICATION
    ACT OF 1936.

    (a) Electric Loan Refinancing.--Section 2(a) of the Rural
    Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 902(a)) is amended by striking
    ``loans in'' and inserting ``loans, or refinance loans made by the
    Secretary under this Act, in''.
    (b) Technical Assistance for Rural Electrification Loans.--Section 2
    of such Act (7 U.S.C. 902) is amended by adding at the end the
    following:
    ``(c) Technical Assistance.--Not later than 180 days after the date
    of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall enter into a
    memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of Energy

    [[Page 4772]]

    under which the Secretary of Energy shall provide technical assistance
    to the Rural Utilities Service on loans to be made under subsection (a)
    of this section and section 4(a).''.
    SEC. 6502. LOANS FOR TELEPHONE SERVICE.

    Section 201 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 922)
    is amended--
    (1) by striking the section designation and all that follows
    through ``From such sums'' and inserting the following:
    ``SEC. 201. LOANS FOR TELEPHONE SERVICE.

    ``From such sums'';
    (2) in the second sentence, by striking ``associations:''
    and all that follows through ``same subscribers.'' and inserting
    ``associations.''; and
    (3) in the sixth sentence, by striking ``, nor shall such
    loan be made in any State'' and all that follows through
    ``writing)'' in the seventh sentence and inserting the
    following: ``and''.
    SEC. 6503. CUSHION OF CREDIT PAYMENTS PROGRAM.

    Section 313(a) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C.
    940c(a)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (1)--
    (A) by striking ``(1) In general.--The'' and
    inserting the following:
    ``(1) In general.--
    ``(A) Development and promotion of program.--The'';
    and
    (B) by adding after and below the end the following:
    ``(B) Termination.--Effective on the date of
    enactment of this subparagraph, no deposits may be made
    under subparagraph (A).'';
    (2) in paragraph (2)--
    (A) by striking ``(2) Interest.--Amounts'' and
    inserting the following:
    ``(2) Interest.--
    ``(A) In general.--Amounts''; and
    (B) by adding after and below the end the following:
    ``(B) Reduction.--Notwithstanding subparagraph (A),
    amounts in each cushion of credit account shall accrue
    interest to the borrower at a rate equal to--
    ``(i) 4 percent per annum in fiscal year 2021;
    and
    ``(ii) the then applicable 1-year Treasury
    rate thereafter.''; and
    (3) in paragraph (3)--
    (A) by striking ``(3) Balance.--A'' and inserting
    the following:
    ``(3) Balance.--
    ``(A) In general.--A''; and
    (B) by after and below the end the following:
    ``(B) Prepayment.--Notwithstanding subparagraph (A)
    and subject to subparagraph (C), beginning on the date
    of the enactment of this subparagraph and ending with
    September 30, 2020, a borrower may, at the sole
    discretion of the borrower, reduce the balance of its
    cushion of credit account if the amount obtained from
    the reduction is used to prepay loans made or guaranteed
    under this Act.

    [[Page 4773]]

    ``(C) No prepayment premium.--Notwithstanding any
    other provision of this Act, no prepayment premium shall
    be imposed or collected with respect to that portion of
    a loan that is prepaid by a borrower in accordance with
    subparagraph (B).
    ``(D) Mandatory funding.--Notwithstanding section
    504 of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990, out of any
    funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the
    Secretary of the Treasury shall make available such sums
    as necessary to cover any loan modification costs as
    defined in section 502 of such Act.''.
    SEC. 6504. EXTENSION OF THE RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOAN AND
    GRANT PROGRAM.

    (a) Section 12(b)(3)(D) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7
    U.S.C. 912(b)(3)(D)) is amended by striking ``313(b)(2)(A)'' and
    inserting ``313(b)(2)''.
    (b) Section 313(b)(2) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 940c(b)(2)) is amended--
    (1) by striking all that precedes ``shall maintain'' and
    inserting the following:
    ``(2) Rural economic development subaccount.--The
    Secretary''; and
    (2) by striking ``the 5 percent'' and all that follows
    through subparagraph (E) and inserting ``5 percent.''.

    (c) Title III of such Act (7 U.S.C. 931-940h) is amended by
    inserting after section 313A the following:
    ``SEC. 313B. <>  RURAL DEVELOPMENT LOANS AND
    GRANTS.

    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall provide grants or zero
    interest loans to borrowers under this Act for the purpose of promoting
    rural economic development and job creation projects, including funding
    for project feasibility studies, start-up costs, incubator projects, and
    other reasonable expenses for the purpose of fostering rural
    development.
    ``(b) Repayments.--In the case of zero interest loans, the Secretary
    shall establish such reasonable repayment terms as will encourage
    borrower participation.
    ``(c) Proceeds.--All proceeds from the repayment of such loans made
    under this section shall be returned to the subaccount that the
    Secretary shall maintain in accordance with sections 313(b)(2) and
    313B(f).
    ``(d) Number of Grants.--Loans and grants required under this
    section shall be made to the full extent of the amounts made available
    under subsection (e).
    ``(e) Funding.--
    ``(1) Discretionary funding.--In addition to other funds
    that are available to carry out this section, there is
    authorized to be appropriated not more than $10,000,000 for each
    of fiscal years 2019 through 2023 to carry out this section, to
    remain available until expended.
    ``(2) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity
    Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall credit to the subaccount
    to use for the cost of grants and loans under this section
    $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 and 2023, to remain
    available until expended.
    ``(3) Other funds.--In addition to the funds described in
    paragraphs (1) and (2), the Secretary shall use, without

    [[Page 4774]]

    fiscal year limitation, to provide grants and loans under this
    section--
    ``(A) the interest differential sums credited to the
    subaccount described in subsection (c); and
    ``(B) subject to section 313A(e)(2), the fees
    described in subsection (c)(4) of such section.

    ``(f) Maintenance of Account.--The Secretary shall maintain the
    subaccount described in section 313(b)(2), as in effect in fiscal year
    2017, for purposes of carrying out this section.''.
    (d) Section 313A of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C.
    940c-1) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (c)(4)--
    (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``maintained
    under section 313(b)(2)(A)'' and inserting ``that shall
    be maintained as required by sections 313(b)(2) and
    313B(f)''; and
    (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking
    ``313(b)(2)(B)'' and inserting ``313(b)(2)''; and
    (2) in subsection (e)(2), by striking ``maintained under
    section 313(b)(2)(A)'' and inserting ``required to be maintained
    by sections 313(b)(2) and 313B(f)''.

    (e)(1) <>  Subject to section 313B(e) of
    the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (as added by this section), the
    Secretary of Agriculture shall carry out the loan and grant program
    required under such section in the same manner as the loan and grant
    program under section 313(b)(2) of such Act is carried out on the day
    before the date of the enactment of this Act, until such time as any
    regulations necessary to carry out the amendments made by this section
    are fully implemented.

    (2) Paragraph (1) shall take effect on the date of the enactment of
    this Act.
    SEC. 6505. GUARANTEES FOR BONDS AND NOTES ISSUED FOR
    ELECTRIFICATION OR TELEPHONE PURPOSES.

    (a) In General.--Section 313A of the Rural Electrification Act of
    1936 (7 U.S.C. 940c-1) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)--
    (A) by striking ``Subject to'' and inserting the
    following:
    ``(1) Guarantees.--Subject to'';
    (B) in paragraph (1) (as so designated), by striking
    ``basis'' and all that follows through the period at the
    end and inserting ``basis, if the proceeds of the bonds
    or notes are used to make utility infrastructure loans,
    or refinance bonds or notes issued for those purposes,
    to a borrower that has at any time received, or is
    eligible to receive, a loan under this Act.''; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(2) Terms.--A bond or note guaranteed under this section
    shall, by agreement between the Secretary and the borrower--
    ``(A) be for a term of 30 years (or another term of
    years that the Secretary determines is appropriate); and
    ``(B) be repaid by the borrower--
    ``(i) in periodic installments of principal
    and interest;
    ``(ii) in periodic installments of interest
    and, at the end of the term of the bond or note,
    as applicable, by the repayment of the outstanding
    principal; or

    [[Page 4775]]

    ``(iii) through a combination of the methods
    described in clauses (i) and (ii).'';
    (2) in subsection (b)--
    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking
    ``electrification'' and all that follows through the
    period at the end and inserting ``purposes described in
    subsection (a)(1).'';
    (B) by striking paragraph (2);
    (C) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as
    paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively; and
    (D) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated)--
    (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``for
    electrification or telephone purposes'' and
    inserting ``for eligible purposes described in
    subsection (a)(1)''; and
    (ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking
    ``subsection (a)'' and inserting ``subsection
    (a)(1)''; and
    (3) in subsection (f), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.

    (b) <>  Administration.--Beginning on the
    date of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, the
    Secretary shall continue to carry out section 313A of the Rural
    Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 940c-1) (as amended by subsection
    (a)) under a Notice of Solicitation of Applications until the date on
    which any regulations necessary to carry out the amendments made by
    subsection (a) are fully implemented.
    SEC. 6506. EXPANSION OF 911 ACCESS.

    Section 315 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 940e)
    is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ``commercial or
    transportation'' and inserting ``critical transportation-
    related''; and
    (2) in subsection (d), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.
    SEC. 6507. CYBERSECURITY AND GRID SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS.

    Title III of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 931 et
    seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``SEC. 319. <>  CYBERSECURITY AND GRID SECURITY
    IMPROVEMENTS.

    ``(a) Definition of Cybersecurity and Grid Security Improvements.--
    In this section, the term `cybersecurity and grid security improvements'
    means investment in the development, expansion, and modernization of
    rural utility infrastructure that addresses known cybersecurity and grid
    security risks.
    ``(b) Loans and Loan Guarantees.--The Secretary may make or
    guarantee loans under this title and title I for cybersecurity and grid
    security improvements.''.

    Subtitle F--Program Repeals

    SEC. 6601. ELIMINATION OF UNFUNDED PROGRAMS.

    (a) Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act.--
    (1) Repealers.--The following provisions of the Consolidated
    Farm and Rural Development Act are hereby repealed:
    (A) Section 306(a)(23) (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(23)).
    (B) Section 310B(f) (7 U.S.C. 1932(f)).
    (C) Section 379 (7 U.S.C. 2008n).
    (D) Section 379A (7 U.S.C. 2008o).
    (E) Section 379C (7 U.S.C. 2008q).

    [[Page 4776]]

    (F) Section 379D (7 U.S.C. 2008r).
    (G) Section 379F (7 U.S.C. 2008t).
    (H) Subtitle I (7 U.S.C. 2009dd-2009dd-7).
    (2) Conforming amendment.--Section 333A(h) of such Act (7
    U.S.C. 1983a(h)) is amended by striking ``310B(f),''.

    (b) Rural Electrification Act of 1936.--Section 314 of the Rural
    Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 940d) is hereby repealed.
    SEC. 6602. REPEAL OF RURAL TELEPHONE BANK.

    (a) Repeal.--Title IV of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7
    U.S.C. 941-950b) <>  is repealed.

    (b) Conforming Amendments.--
    (1) Section 18 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 918) is amended in each
    of subsections (a) and (b) by striking ``and the Governor of the
    telephone bank''.
    (2) Section 204 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 925) is amended by
    striking ``and the Governor of the telephone bank''.
    (3) Section 205(a) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 926) is amended--
    (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
    striking ``and the Governor of the telephone bank''; and
    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``or the Governor
    of the telephone bank''.
    (4) Section 206(a) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 927(a)) is
    amended--
    (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
    striking ``and the Governor of the telephone bank'';
    (B) by striking paragraph (1);
    (C) in paragraph (4), by striking ``or 408''; and
    (D) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (4) as
    paragraphs (1) through (3), respectively.
    (5) Section 206(b) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 927(b)) is
    amended--
    (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
    striking ``and the Governor of the telephone bank'';
    (B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``, or a Rural
    Telephone Bank loan,''; and
    (C) in paragraph (2), by striking ``, the Rural
    Telephone Bank,''.
    (6) Section 207(1) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 928(1)) is
    amended--
    (A) by striking ``305,'' and inserting ``305 or'';
    and
    (B) by striking ``, or a loan under section 408,''.
    (7) Section 301 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 931) is amended--
    (A) in paragraph (3), by striking ``except for net
    collection proceeds previously appropriated for the
    purchase of class A stock in the Rural Telephone
    Bank,'';
    (B) by adding ``or'' at the end of paragraph (4);
    (C) by striking ``; and'' at the end of paragraph
    (5) and inserting a period; and
    (D) by striking paragraph (6).
    (8) Section 305(d)(2)(B) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 935(d)(2)(B))
    is amended--
    (A) in clause (i), by striking ``and a loan under
    section 408''; and
    (B) in clause (ii), by striking ``and under section
    408'' each place it appears.

    [[Page 4777]]

    (9) Section 305(d)(3)(C) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 935(d)(3)(C))
    is amended by striking ``and section 408(b)(4)(C), the Secretary
    and the Governor of the telephone bank'' and inserting ``the
    Secretary''.
    (10) Section 306 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 936) is amended by
    striking ``the Rural Telephone Bank, National Rural Utilities
    Cooperative Finance Corporation,'' and inserting ``the National
    Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation''.
    (11) Section 309 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 739) is amended by
    striking the last sentence.
    (12) Section 2352(b) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation,
    and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 901 note) is amended by striking
    ``the Rural Telephone Bank and''.
    (13) The first section of Public Law 92-12 (7 U.S.C. 921a)
    is repealed.
    (14) The first section of Public Law 92-324 (7 U.S.C. 921b)
    is repealed.
    (15) Section 1414 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
    of 1987 (7 U.S.C. 944a) is repealed.
    (16) Section 1411 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
    of 1987 (7 U.S.C. 948 notes) is amended by striking subsections
    (a) and (b).
    (17) Section 3.8(b)(1)(A) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12
    U.S.C. 2129(b)(1)(A)) is amended by striking ``or a loan or loan
    commitment from the Rural Telephone Bank,''.
    (18) Section 105(d) of the National Consumer Cooperative
    Bank Act (12 U.S.C. 3015(d)) is amended by striking ``the Rural
    Telephone Bank,''.
    (19) Section 9101 of title 31, United States Code, is
    amended--
    (A) in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraph (H)
    and redesignating subparagraphs (I), (J), and (K) as
    subparagraphs (H), (I), and (J), respectively; and
    (B) in paragraph (3), by striking subparagraphs (K)
    and (O) and redesignating subparagraphs (L) through (N)
    and (P) through (R) as subparagraphs (K) through (P),
    respectively.
    (20) Section 9108(d)(2) of title 31, United States Code, is
    amended by striking ``the Rural Telephone Bank (when the
    ownership, control, and operation of the Bank are converted
    under section 410(a) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7
    U.S.C. 950(a))),''.
    SEC. 6603. AMENDMENTS TO LOCAL TV ACT.

    The Launching Our Communities' Access to Local Television Act of
    2000 (title X of H.R. 5548 of the 106th Congress, as enacted by section
    1(a)(2) of Public Law 106-553; 114 Stat. 2762A-128) is amended--
    (1) by striking the title heading and inserting the
    following:

    ``TITLE X--SATELLITE CARRIER RETRANSMISSION ELIGIBILITY'';

    (2) by striking sections <>  1001 through 1007 and 1009 through 1012; and
    (3) by redesignating section 1008 as section 1001.

    [[Page 4778]]

    Subtitle G--Technical Corrections

    SEC. 6701. CORRECTIONS RELATING TO THE CONSOLIDATED FARM AND RURAL
    DEVELOPMENT ACT.

    (a)(1) Section 306(a)(19)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
    Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(19)(A)) is amended by inserting after
    ``nonprofit corporations'' the following: ``, Indian Tribes (as defined
    in section 4(e) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education
    Assistance Act)''.
    (2) <>  The amendment made by this
    subsection shall take effect as if included in section 773 of the
    Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and
    Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001 (H.R. 5426 of the 106th
    Congress, as enacted by Public Law 106-387 (114 Stat. 1549A-45)) in lieu
    of the amendment made by such section.

    (b)(1) Section 309A(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
    Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1929a(b)) is amended by striking ``and section
    308''.
    (2) <>  The amendment made by this
    subsection shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section
    661(c)(2) of the Federal Agricultural Improvement and Reform Act of 1996
    (Public Law 104-127).

    (c) Section 310B(c)(3)(A)(v) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
    Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(c)(3)(A)(v)) is amended by striking
    ``and'' after the semicolon and inserting ``or''.
    (d)(1) Section 310B(e)(5)(F) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
    Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(e)(5)(F)) is amended by inserting ``,
    except that the Secretary shall not require non-Federal financial
    support in an amount that is greater than 5 percent in the case of a
    1994 institution (as defined in section 532 of the Equity in Educational
    Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103-382))''
    before the period at the end.
    (2) <>  The amendment made by this
    subsection shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section
    6015 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Public Law
    107-171).

    (e)(1) Section 381E(d)(3) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
    Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009d(d)(3)) is amended by striking
    subparagraph (A) and redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as
    subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively.
    (2) <>  The amendment made by paragraph (1)
    shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section 6012(b) of
    the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79).

    (f)(1) Section 382A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
    Act (7 U.S.C. 2009aa) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the State
    of Alabama shall be a full member of the Delta Regional
    Authority and shall be entitled to all rights and privileges
    that said membership affords to all other participating States
    in the Delta Regional Authority.''.

    (2) <>  The amendment made by this
    subsection shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section
    153(b) of division B of H.R. 5666, as introduced in the 106th Congress,
    and as enacted by section 1(4) of the Consolidated Appropriations Act,
    2001 (Appendix D of Public Law 106-554; 114 Stat. 2763A-252).

    [[Page 4779]]

    (g) Section 382E(a)(1)(B) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
    Development Act (7 U.S.C.2009aa-4(a)(1)(B)) is amended by moving clause
    (iv) 2 ems to the right.
    (h) Section 383G(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
    Act (7 U.S.C. 2009bb-5(c)) is amended--
    (1) in the subsection heading by striking
    ``Telecommunication Renewable Energy,,'' and inserting
    ``Telecommunication, Renewable Energy,''; and
    (2) in the text, by striking ``,,'' and inserting a comma.
    SEC. 6702. CORRECTIONS RELATING TO THE RURAL ELECTRIFICATION ACT
    OF 1936.

    Section 201 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 922)
    is amended--
    (1) in the 3rd sentence by striking ``wildest'' and
    inserting ``widest''; and
    (2) in the 6th sentence, by striking ``centifies'' and
    inserting ``certifies''.

    TITLE VII--RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND RELATED MATTERS

    Subtitle A--National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
    Policy Act of 1977

    SEC. 7101. PURPOSES OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND
    EDUCATION.

    Section 1402 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3101) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (7), by striking ``and'' at the end;
    (2) in paragraph (8), by striking the period at the end and
    inserting ``; and''; and
    (3) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(9) support international collaboration that leverages
    resources and advances priority food and agricultural interests
    of the United States, such as--
    ``(A) addressing emerging plant and animal diseases;
    ``(B) improving crop varieties and animal breeds;
    and
    ``(C) developing safe, efficient, and nutritious
    food systems.''.
    SEC. 7102. MATTERS RELATED TO CERTAIN SCHOOL DESIGNATIONS AND
    DECLARATIONS.

    (a) In General.--Section 1404(14) of the National Agricultural
    Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103(14))
    is amended--
    (1) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
    ``(A) In general.--
    ``(i) Definition.--The terms `NLGCA
    Institution' and `non-land-grant college of
    agriculture' mean a public college or university
    offering a baccalaureate or higher degree in the
    study of agricultural sciences, forestry, or both
    in any area of study specified in clause (ii).

    [[Page 4780]]

    ``(ii) Clarification.--For purposes of clause
    (i), an area of study specified in this clause is
    any of the following:
    ``(I) Agriculture.
    ``(II) Agricultural business and
    management.
    ``(III) Agricultural economics.
    ``(IV) Agricultural mechanization.
    ``(V) Agricultural production
    operations.
    ``(VI) Aquaculture.
    ``(VII) Agricultural and food
    products processing.
    ``(VIII) Agricultural and domestic
    animal services.
    ``(IX) Equestrian or equine studies.
    ``(X) Applied horticulture or
    horticulture operations.
    ``(XI) Ornamental horticulture.
    ``(XII) Greenhouse operations and
    management.
    ``(XIII) Turf and turfgrass
    management.
    ``(XIV) Plant nursery operations and
    management.
    ``(XV) Floriculture or floristry
    operations and management.
    ``(XVI) International agriculture.
    ``(XVII) Agricultural public
    services.
    ``(XVIII) Agricultural and extension
    education services.
    ``(XIX) Agricultural communication
    or agricultural journalism.
    ``(XX) Animal sciences.
    ``(XXI) Food science.
    ``(XXII) Plant sciences.
    ``(XXIII) Soil sciences.
    ``(XXIV) Forestry.
    ``(XXV) Forest sciences and biology.
    ``(XXVI) Natural resources or
    conservation.
    ``(XXVII) Natural resources
    management and policy.
    ``(XXVIII) Natural resource
    economics.
    ``(XXIX) Urban forestry.
    ``(XXX) Wood science and wood
    products or pulp or paper technology.
    ``(XXXI) Range science and
    management.
    ``(XXXII) Agricultural engineering.
    ``(XXXIII) Any other area, as
    determined appropriate by the
    Secretary.''; and
    (2) in subparagraph (C)--
    (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting
    ``any institution designated under'' after ``include'';
    (B) by striking clause (i); and
    (C) in clause (ii)--
    (i) by striking ``(ii) any institution
    designated under--'';
    (ii) by striking subclause (IV);
    (iii) in subclause (II), by adding ``or'' at
    the end;

    [[Page 4781]]

    (iv) in subclause (III), by striking ``; or''
    at the end and inserting a period; and
    (v) by redesignating subclauses (I), (II), and
    (III) (as so amended) as clauses (i), (ii), and
    (iii), respectively, and by moving the margins of
    such clauses (as so redesignated) two ems to the
    left.

    (b) <>  Designation Review.--
    (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
    the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a
    process to review each designated NLGCA Institution (as defined
    in section 1404(14)(A) of the National Agricultural Research,
    Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
    3103(14)(A))) to ensure compliance with such section, as amended
    by this subsection.
    (2) Revocation.--An NLGCA Institution that the Secretary
    determines under subparagraph (A) to be not in compliance shall
    have the designation of such institution revoked.
    SEC. 7103. NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, EDUCATION,
    AND ECONOMICS ADVISORY BOARD.

    Section 1408 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (b)--
    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``25'' and
    inserting ``15''; and
    (B) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
    ``(3) Membership categories.--The Advisory Board shall
    consist of members from each of the following categories:
    ``(A) 3 members representing national farm or
    producer organizations, which may include members--
    ``(i) representing farm cooperatives;
    ``(ii) who are producers actively engaged in
    the production of a food animal commodity and who
    are recommended by a coalition of national
    livestock organizations;
    ``(iii) who are producers actively engaged in
    the production of a plant commodity and who are
    recommended by a coalition of national crop
    organizations; or
    ``(iv) who are producers actively engaged in
    aquaculture and who are recommended by a coalition
    of national aquacultural organizations.
    ``(B) 2 members representing academic or research
    societies, which may include members representing--
    ``(i) a national food animal science society;
    ``(ii) a national crop, soil, agronomy,
    horticulture, plant pathology, or weed science
    society;
    ``(iii) a national food science organization;
    ``(iv) a national human health association; or
    ``(v) a national nutritional science society.
    ``(C) 5 members representing agricultural research,
    extension, and education, which shall include each of
    the following:
    ``(i) 1 member representing the land-grant
    colleges and universities eligible to receive
    funds under the Act of July 2, 1862 (7 U.S.C. 301
    et seq.).

    [[Page 4782]]

    ``(ii) 1 member representing the land-grant
    colleges and universities eligible to receive
    funds under the Act of August 30, 1890 (7 U.S.C.
    321 et seq.), including Tuskegee University.
    ``(iii) 1 member representing the 1994
    Institutions (as defined in section 532 of the
    Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of
    1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103-382)).
    ``(iv) 1 member representing NLGCA
    Institutions or Hispanic-serving institutions.
    ``(v) 1 member representing American colleges
    of veterinary medicine.
    ``(D) 5 members representing industry, consumer, or
    rural interests, including members representing--
    ``(i) entities engaged in transportation of
    food and agricultural products to domestic and
    foreign markets;
    ``(ii) food retailing and marketing interests;
    ``(iii) food and fiber processors;
    ``(iv) rural economic development interests;
    ``(v) a national consumer interest group;
    ``(vi) a national forestry group;
    ``(vii) a national conservation or natural
    resource group;
    ``(viii) a national social science
    association;
    ``(ix) private sector organizations involved
    in international development; or
    ``(x) a national association of agricultural
    economists.'';
    (2) in subsection (c)--
    (A) in paragraph (1)--
    (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A),
    by striking ``review and'' and inserting ``make
    recommendations, review, and'';
    (ii) by striking subparagraph (A) and
    inserting the following new subparagraph:
    ``(A) long-term and short-term national policies and
    priorities consistent with the--
    ``(i) purposes specified in section 1402 for
    agricultural research, extension, education, and
    economics; and
    ``(ii) priority areas of the Agriculture and
    Food Research Initiative specified in subsection
    (b)(2) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities
    Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 3157(b)(2));''; and
    (iii) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as
    follows:
    ``(B) the annual establishment of national
    priorities that are in accordance with the priority
    areas of the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative
    specified in subsection (b)(2) of the Competitive,
    Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C.
    3157(b)(2)).'';
    (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``and make
    recommendations to the Secretary based on such
    evaluation'' after ``priorities''; and
    (C) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``and make
    recommendations on'' after ``review''; and

    [[Page 4783]]

    (3) in subsection (h), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.
    SEC. 7104. SPECIALTY CROP COMMITTEE.

    Section 1408A(a)(2) of the National Agricultural Research,
    Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123a(a)(2)) is
    amended--
    (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``speciality'' and
    inserting ``specialty'';
    (2) in subparagraph (B)--
    (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking
    ``9'' and inserting ``11''; and
    (B) in clause (i), by striking ``Three'' and
    inserting ``Five''; and
    (3) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.
    SEC. 7105. RENEWABLE ENERGY COMMITTEE DISCONTINUED.

    Subtitle B of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3121 et seq.) is amended by
    striking section <>  1408B.
    SEC. 7106. VETERINARY SERVICES GRANT PROGRAM.

    Section 1415B of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3151b) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (d)(1), by adding at the end the
    following:
    ``(F) To expose students in grades 11 and 12 to
    education and career opportunities in food animal
    medicine.''; and
    (2) in subsection (h)--
    (A) by striking the subsection designation and
    heading and inserting the following:

    ``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--
    ``(1) In general.--''; and
    (B) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(2) Priority.--From amounts made available for grants
    under this section, the Secretary shall prioritize grant awards
    for programs or activities with a focus on the practice of food
    animal medicine. ''.
    SEC. 7107. GRANTS AND FELLOWSHIPS FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
    SCIENCES EDUCATION.

    Section 1417(m)(2) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
    and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3152(m)(2)) is amended by
    striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 7108. AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD POLICY RESEARCH CENTERS.

    Section 1419A(e) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
    and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3155(e)) is amended by
    striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 7109. EDUCATION GRANTS TO ALASKA NATIVE SERVING INSTITUTIONS
    AND NATIVE HAWAIIAN SERVING
    INSTITUTIONS.

    Section 1419B of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3156) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''; and
    (2) in subsection (b)(3), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.

    [[Page 4784]]

    SEC. 7110. NEXT GENERATION AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGY CHALLENGE.

    Subtitle C of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3151 et seq.) is amended by adding
    at the end the following:
    ``SEC. 1419C. <>  NEXT GENERATION AGRICULTURE
    TECHNOLOGY CHALLENGE.

    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a next generation
    agriculture technology challenge competition to provide an incentive for
    the development of innovative mobile technology that removes barriers to
    entry in the marketplace for beginning farmers and ranchers (as defined
    in subsection (a) of section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture,
    Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279)).
    ``(b) Amount.--The Secretary may award not more than $1,000,000 in
    the aggregate to 1 or more winners of the competition under subsection
    (a).''.
    SEC. 7111. LAND-GRANT DESIGNATION.

    Subtitle C of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3151 et seq.), as amended by
    section 7110, is further amended by adding at the end the following new
    section:
    ``SEC. <>  1419D. LAND-GRANT DESIGNATION.

    ``(a) Prohibition on Designation.--
    ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
    law and except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3), beginning
    on the date of the enactment of this section, no additional
    entity may be designated as eligible to receive funds under a
    covered program.
    ``(2) 1994 institutions.--The prohibition under paragraph
    (1) with respect to the designation of an entity eligible to
    receive funds under a covered program shall not apply in the
    case of the certification of a 1994 Institution under section 2
    of Public Law 87-788 (commonly known as the ``McIntire-Stennis
    Cooperative Forestry Act'') (16 U.S.C. 582a-1).
    ``(3) Extraordinary circumstances.--In the case of
    extraordinary circumstances or a situation that would lead to an
    inequitable result, as determined by the Secretary, the
    Secretary may determine that an entity designated after the date
    of enactment of this section is eligible to receive funds under
    a covered program.

    ``(b) State Funding.--No State shall receive an increase in funding
    under a covered program as a result of the State's designation of
    additional entities as eligible to receive such funding.
    ``(c) Covered Program Defined.--For purposes of this section, the
    term `covered program' means agricultural research, extension,
    education, and related programs or grants established or available under
    any of the following:
    ``(1) Subsections (b), (c), and (d) of section 3 of the
    Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343).
    ``(2) The Hatch Act of 1887 (7 U.S.C. 361a et seq.).
    ``(3) Sections 1444, 1445, and 1447.
    ``(4) Public Law 87-788 (commonly known as the McIntire-
    Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act; 16 U.S.C. 582a et seq.).

    [[Page 4785]]

    ``(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
    construed as limiting eligibility for a capacity and infrastructure
    program specified in section 251(f)(1)(C) of the Department of
    Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971(f)(1)(C)) that is
    not a covered program.''.
    SEC. 7112. NUTRITION EDUCATION PROGRAM.

    Section 1425 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3175) is amended--
    (1) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g);
    (2) by inserting after subsection (e) the following:

    ``(f) Coordination.--Projects carried out with funds made available
    under section 3(d) of the Act of May 8, 1914 (7 U.S.C. 343(d)), to carry
    out the program established under subsection (b) may be coordinated with
    the nutrition education and obesity prevention grant program under
    section 28 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2036a) or
    another health promotion or nutrition improvement strategy, whether
    publicly or privately funded, as determined by the Secretary.''; and
    (3) in subsection (g) (as so redesignated), by striking
    ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 7113. CONTINUING ANIMAL HEALTH AND DISEASE RESEARCH PROGRAMS.

    Section 1433(c)(1) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
    and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3195(c)(1)) is amended by
    striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 7114. CARRYOVER OF FUNDS FOR EXTENSION AT 1890 LAND-GRANT
    COLLEGES, INCLUDING TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY.

    Section 1444(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
    and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3221(a)) is amended by
    striking paragraph (4).
    SEC. 7115. EXTENSION AND AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AT 1890 LAND-GRANT
    COLLEGES, INCLUDING TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY.

    (a) Extension.--Section 1444(b) of the National Agricultural
    Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3221(b))
    is amended--
    (1) in the undesignated matter following paragraph (2)(B)--
    (A) by striking ``paragraph (2) of this subsection''
    and inserting ``this paragraph''; and
    (B) by striking ``In computing'' and inserting the
    following:
    ``(C) In computing'';
    (2) in paragraph (2)--
    (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``Of the
    remainder'' and inserting ``Except as provided in
    paragraph (4), of the remainder''; and
    (B) by striking ``(2) any funds'' and inserting the
    following:
    ``(3) Additional amount.--Any funds'';
    (3) in paragraph (1)--
    (A) by striking ``are allocated'' and inserting
    ``were allocated''; and
    (B) by striking ``; and'' and inserting ``, as so
    designated as of that date.'';

    [[Page 4786]]

    (4) by striking ``(b) Beginning'' in the matter preceding
    paragraph (1) and all that follows through ``any funds'' in
    paragraph (1) and inserting the following:

    ``(b) Distribution of Funds.--
    ``(1) In general.--Funds made available under this section
    shall be distributed among eligible institutions in accordance
    with this subsection.
    ``(2) Base amount.--Any funds''; and
    (5) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(4) Special amounts.--
    ``(A) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
    ``(i) Covered fiscal year.--The term `covered
    fiscal year' means the fiscal year for which the
    qualified eligible institution first received an
    allocation of $3,000,000 under subparagraph
    (B)(i).
    ``(ii) Other eligible institution.--The term
    `other eligible institution' means an eligible
    institution, other than the qualified eligible
    institution, receiving an allocation of funds
    under this section.
    ``(iii) Qualified eligible institution.--The
    term `qualified eligible institution' means the
    eligible institution described in subparagraph
    (B)(i).
    ``(B) Fiscal year 2019, 2020, 2021, or 2022.--
    ``(i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), for
    1 of fiscal year 2019, 2020, 2021, or 2022, if the
    calculation under paragraph (3)(B) would result in
    a distribution for a fiscal year of less than
    $3,000,000 to an eligible institution that first
    received funds under this section on a date
    occurring after the date of enactment of the
    Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79; 128
    Stat. 649) and before September 30, 2018, that
    institution shall receive an allocation of
    $3,000,000 for that fiscal year.
    ``(ii) Limitation.--Clause (i) shall apply
    only if amounts are appropriated under this
    section in an amount sufficient to provide that
    each other eligible institution receiving an
    allocation of funds under this section for fiscal
    year 2019, 2020, 2021, or 2022, as applicable,
    receives not less than the amount of funds
    received by that other eligible institution under
    this section for the preceding fiscal year.
    ``(C) Subsequent fiscal years.--
    ``(i) Minimum additional funding amounts.--
    Subject to clauses (ii) and (iii), for each fiscal
    year following the covered fiscal year--
    ``(I) the qualified eligible
    institution shall receive an allocation
    under this subsection of at least
    $3,000,000; and
    ``(II) each other eligible
    institution shall receive an allocation
    under this subsection of at least the
    amount received by such other eligible
    institution under this subsection for
    the covered fiscal year.
    ``(ii) Shortfall of special amounts.--
    ``(I) Applicability.--This clause
    shall apply to any fiscal year following
    the covered fiscal year and for which
    the total amount appropriated under

    [[Page 4787]]

    this section is insufficient to provide
    for the minimum additional funding
    amounts described in clause (i).
    ``(II) Reductions in allocations.--
    In the case of a fiscal year to which
    this clause applies, reductions in
    allocations shall be made proportionally
    from the qualified eligible institution
    and from each other eligible institution
    based on the increased amounts (if any)
    that the qualified eligible institution
    and each other eligible institution were
    allocated for the covered fiscal year as
    compared to the fiscal year immediately
    preceding the covered fiscal year.
    ``(iii) Effect of census.--Clauses (i) and
    (ii) shall not apply in any fiscal year for which
    a shortfall in the minimum additional funding
    amounts described in clause (i) is attributable to
    the incorporation of new census data into the
    calculation under paragraph (3), as determined by
    the Secretary.''.

    (b) Research.--Section 1445(b) of the National Agricultural
    Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222(b))
    is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (2)--
    (A) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(D) Special amounts.--
    ``(i) Definitions.--In this subparagraph:
    ``(I) Covered fiscal year.--The term
    `covered fiscal year' means the fiscal
    year for which the qualified eligible
    institution first received an allocation
    of $3,000,000 under clause (ii)(I).
    ``(II) Other eligible institution.--
    The term `other eligible institution'
    means an eligible institution, other
    than the qualified eligible institution,
    receiving an allocation of funds under
    this section.
    ``(III) Qualified eligible
    institution.--The term `qualified
    eligible institution' means the eligible
    institution described in clause (ii)(I).
    ``(ii) Fiscal year 2019, 2020, 2021, or
    2022.--
    ``(I) In general.--Subject to
    subclause (II), for 1 of fiscal year
    2019, 2020, 2021, or 2022, if the
    calculation under subparagraph (C) would
    result in a distribution for a fiscal
    year of less than $3,000,000 to an
    eligible institution that first received
    funds under this section on a date
    occurring after the date of enactment of
    the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law
    113-79; 128 Stat. 649) and before
    September 30, 2018, that institution
    shall receive an allocation of
    $3,000,000 for that fiscal year.
    ``(II) Limitation.--Subclause (I)
    shall apply only if amounts are
    appropriated under this section in an
    amount sufficient to provide that each
    other eligible institution receiving an
    allocation of funds under this section
    for fiscal year 2019, 2020, 2021, or
    2022, as applicable, receives not less
    than the amount of funds received by
    that other eligible

    [[Page 4788]]

    institution under this section for the
    preceding fiscal year.
    ``(iii) Subsequent fiscal years.--
    ``(I) Minimum additional funding
    amounts.--Subject to subclauses (II) and
    (III), for each fiscal year following
    the covered fiscal year--
    ``(aa) the qualified
    eligible institution shall
    receive an allocation under this
    paragraph of at least
    $3,000,000; and
    ``(bb) each other eligible
    institution shall receive an
    allocation under this paragraph
    of at least the amount received
    by such other eligible
    institution under this
    subsection for the covered
    fiscal year.
    ``(II) Shortfall of special
    amounts.--
    ``(aa) Applicability.--This
    subclause shall apply to any
    fiscal year following the
    covered fiscal year and for
    which the total amount
    appropriated under this
    subsection is insufficient to
    provide for the minimum
    additional funding amounts
    described in subclause (I).
    ``(bb) Reductions in
    allocations.--In the case of a
    fiscal year to which this
    subclause applies, reductions in
    allocations shall be made
    proportionally from the
    qualified eligible institution
    and from each other eligible
    institution based on the
    increased amounts (if any) that
    the qualified eligible
    institution and each other
    eligible institution were
    allocated for the covered fiscal
    year as compared to the fiscal
    year immediately preceding the
    covered fiscal year.
    ``(III) Effect of census.--
    Subclauses (I) and (II) shall not apply
    in any fiscal year for which a shortfall
    in the minimum additional funding
    amounts described in subclause (I) is
    attributable to the incorporation of new
    census data into the calculation under
    paragraph (3)(C), as determined by the
    Secretary.'';
    (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``(B) Of
    funds'' and inserting the following:
    ``(C) Additional amount.--Except as provided in
    subparagraph (D), of funds'';
    (C) in subparagraph (A)--
    (i) by striking ``are allocated'' and
    inserting ``were allocated'';
    (ii) by inserting ``, as so designated as of
    that date'' before the period at the end; and
    (iii) by striking ``(A) Funds'' and inserting
    the following:
    ``(B) Base amount.--Funds''; and
    (D) in the matter preceding subparagraph (B) (as so
    designated), by striking ``(2) The'' and all that
    follows through ``follows:'' and inserting the
    following:
    ``(3) Distributions.--

    [[Page 4789]]

    ``(A) In general.--After allocating amounts under
    paragraph (2), the remainder shall be allotted among the
    eligible institutions in accordance with this
    paragraph.'';
    (2) in paragraph (1), by striking ``(1) Three per centum''
    and inserting the following:
    ``(2) Administration.--3 percent''; and
    (3) in the matter preceding paragraph (2) (as so
    designated), by striking ``(b) Beginning'' and all that follows
    through ``follows:'' and inserting the following:

    ``(b) Distribution of Funds.--
    ``(1) In general.--Funds made available under this section
    shall be distributed among eligible institutions in accordance
    with this subsection.''.
    SEC. 7116. <>  REPORTS ON DISBURSEMENT OF
    FUNDS FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND
    EXTENSION AT 1862 AND 1890 LAND-GRANT
    COLLEGES, INCLUDING TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY.

    Not later than September 30, 2019, and each year thereafter, the
    Secretary shall annually submit to Congress a report describing the
    allocations made to, and matching funds received by, 1890 Institutions
    and 1862 Institutions (as those terms are defined in section 2 of the
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7
    U.S.C. 7601) for each of the agricultural research, extension,
    education, and related programs established under--
    (1) section 1444 of the National Agricultural Research,
    Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3221);
    (2) section 1445 of the National Agricultural Research,
    Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222);
    (3) subsections (b) and (c) of section 3 of the Smith-Lever
    Act (7 U.S.C. 343); and
    (4) the Hatch Act of 1887 (7 U.S.C. 361a et seq.).
    SEC. 7117. SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS AT 1890 INSTITUTIONS.

    Subtitle G of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 is amended by inserting after section 1445
    (7 U.S.C. 3222) the following new section:
    ``SEC. 1446. <>  SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS AT
    1890 INSTITUTIONS.

    ``(a) In General.--
    ``(1) Scholarship grant program established.--The Secretary
    shall make grants to each college or university eligible to
    receive funds under the Act of August 30, 1890 (commonly known
    as the Second Morrill Act; 7 U.S.C. 322 et seq.), including
    Tuskegee University, for purposes of awarding scholarships to
    individuals who--
    ``(A) have been accepted for admission at such
    college or university;
    ``(B) will be enrolled at such college or university
    not later than one year after the date of such
    acceptance; and
    ``(C) intend to pursue a career in the food and
    agricultural sciences, including a career in--
    ``(i) agribusiness;
    ``(ii) energy and renewable fuels; or
    ``(iii) financial management.

    [[Page 4790]]

    ``(2) Condition.--The Secretary may only award a grant under
    this subsection to a college or university described in
    paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines that such college or
    university has established a competitive scholarship awards
    process for the award of scholarships to individuals described
    in such paragraph.
    ``(3) Annual limitation.--Of the funds made available under
    subsection (b)(1), the Secretary may use not more than
    $10,000,000 to award grants under this subsection for the
    academic year beginning on July 1, 2020, and each of the three
    succeeding academic years.
    ``(4) Amount of grant.--Each grant made under this section
    shall be in an amount of not less than $500,000.

    ``(b) Funding.--
    ``(1) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity
    Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to carry
    out this section $40,000,000 not later than October 1, 2019, to
    remain available until expended.
    ``(2) Discretionary funding.--In addition to amounts made
    available under paragraph (1), there is authorized to be
    appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of
    fiscal years 2020 through 2023.
    ``(3) Administrative expenses.--Of the funds made available
    under paragraphs (1) and (2) to carry out this section for a
    fiscal year, not more than 4 percent may be used for expenses
    related to administering the program under this section.

    ``(c) Report.--Beginning on the date that is two years after the
    date on which the first grant is awarded under subsection (a), and every
    two years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
    Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
    Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report detailing--
    ``(1) the amount of funds provided to each eligible college
    or university under this section;
    ``(2) the number of scholarships awarded under each grant
    each fiscal year; and
    ``(3) the amount of each such scholarship.''.
    SEC. 7118. GRANTS TO UPGRADE AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD SCIENCES
    FACILITIES AT 1890 LAND-GRANT COLLEGES,
    INCLUDING TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY.

    Section 1447(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
    and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222b(b)) is amended by
    striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 7119. GRANTS TO UPGRADE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SCIENCES
    FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT AT INSULAR AREA
    LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS.

    Section 1447B(d) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
    and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222b-2(d)) is amended by
    striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 7120. NEW BEGINNING FOR TRIBAL STUDENTS.

    Subtitle G of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3221 et seq.) is amended by adding
    at the end the following:

    [[Page 4791]]

    ``SEC. 1450. <>  NEW BEGINNING FOR TRIBAL
    STUDENTS.

    ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
    ``(1) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian tribe' has the meaning
    given such term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination
    and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)).
    ``(2) Land-grant college or university.--The term `land-
    grant college or university' includes a 1994 Institution (as
    defined in section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant
    Status Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-382; 7 U.S.C. 301 note)).
    ``(3) Tribal student.--The term `Tribal student' means a
    student at a land-grant college or university that is a member
    of an Indian tribe.

    ``(b) New Beginning Initiative.--
    ``(1) Authorization.--The Secretary may make competitive
    grants to land-grant colleges and universities to provide
    identifiable support specifically targeted for Tribal students.
    ``(2) Application.--A land-grant college or university that
    desires to receive a grant under this section shall submit an
    application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and
    accompanied by such information as the Secretary may require.
    ``(3) Use of funds.--A land-grant college or university that
    receives a grant under this section shall use the grant funds to
    support Tribal students through--
    ``(A) recruiting;
    ``(B) tuition and related fees;
    ``(C) experiential learning; and
    ``(D) student services, including--
    ``(i) tutoring;
    ``(ii) counseling;
    ``(iii) academic advising; and
    ``(iv) other student services that would
    increase the retention and graduation rate of
    Tribal students enrolled at the land-grant college
    or university, as determined by the Secretary.
    ``(4) Matching funds.--A land-grant college or university
    that receives a grant under this section shall provide matching
    funds toward the cost of carrying out the activities described
    in this section in an amount equal to not less than 100 percent
    of the grant award.
    ``(5) Maximum amount per state.--No State shall receive,
    through grants made under this section to land-grant colleges
    and universities located in the State, more than $500,000 per
    year.

    ``(c) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of
    this section, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture
    of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture,
    Nutrition, and Forestry and the Committee on Indian Affairs of the
    Senate a report that includes an itemized list of grant funds
    distributed under this section, including the specific form of
    assistance provided under subsection (b)(3), and the number of Tribal
    students assisted and the graduation rate of Tribal students at land-
    grant colleges and universities receiving grants under this section.

    [[Page 4792]]

    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriation.--There is authorized to be
    appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal
    years 2019 through 2023.''.
    SEC. 7121. HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTIONS.

    Section 1455(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
    and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3241(c)) is amended by
    striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 7122. BINATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

    Section 1458(e) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
    and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3291(e)) is amended--
    (1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Full Payment of
    Funds Made Available for Certain'' and inserting ``Certain'' ;
    (2) by striking ``Notwithstanding'' and inserting the
    following:
    ``(1) Full payment of funds.--Notwithstanding'';
    (3) in paragraph (1) (as so designated)--
    (A) by striking ``Israel-United States'' and
    inserting ``United States-Israel''; and
    (B) by inserting ``(referred to in this subsection
    as the `BARD Fund')'' after ``Development Fund''; and
    (4) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(2) Activities.--Activities under the BARD Fund to promote
    and support agricultural research and development that are of
    mutual benefit to the United States and Israel shall--
    ``(A) accelerate the demonstration, development, and
    application of agricultural solutions resulting from or
    relating to BARD Fund programs, including BARD Fund-
    sponsored research and innovations in drip irrigation,
    pesticides, aquaculture, livestock, poultry, disease
    control, and farm equipment; and
    ``(B) encourage research carried out by
    governmental, nongovernmental, and private entities,
    including through collaboration with colleges and
    universities, research institutions, and the private
    sector.''.
    SEC. 7123. PARTNERSHIPS TO BUILD CAPACITY IN INTERNATIONAL
    AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND
    TEACHING.

    The National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
    Act of 1977 is amended by inserting after section 1458 (7 U.S.C. 3291)
    the following:
    ``SEC. 1458A. <>  PARTNERSHIPS TO BUILD
    CAPACITY IN INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL
    RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND TEACHING.

    ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
    ``(1) 1862 institution; 1890 institution; 1994
    institution.--The terms `1862 Institution', `1890 Institution',
    and `1994 Institution' have the meanings given the terms in
    section 2 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education
    Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601).
    ``(2) Covered institution.--The term `covered Institution'
    means--
    ``(A) an 1862 Institution;

    [[Page 4793]]

    ``(B) an 1890 Institution;
    ``(C) a 1994 Institution;
    ``(D) an NLGCA Institution;
    ``(E) a Hispanic-serving agricultural college or
    university; and
    ``(F) a cooperating forestry school.
    ``(3) Developing country.--The term `developing country'
    means a country, as determined by the Secretary using a gross
    national income per capita test selected by the Secretary.
    ``(4) International partner institution.--The term
    `international partner institution' means an agricultural higher
    education institution in a developing country that is
    performing, or desiring to perform, activities similar to
    agricultural research, extension, and teaching activities
    carried out through covered Institutions in the United States.

    ``(b) Authority of the Secretary.--The Secretary may promote
    cooperation and coordination between covered Institutions and
    international partner institutions through--
    ``(1) improving extension by--
    ``(A) encouraging the exchange of research materials
    and results between covered Institutions and
    international partner institutions;
    ``(B) facilitating the broad dissemination of
    agricultural research through extension; and
    ``(C) assisting with efforts to plan and initiate
    extension services in developing countries;
    ``(2) improving agricultural research by--
    ``(A) in partnership with international partner
    institutions, encouraging research that addresses
    problems affecting food production and security, human
    nutrition, agriculture, forestry, livestock, and
    fisheries, including local challenges; and
    ``(B) supporting and strengthening national
    agricultural research systems in developing countries;
    ``(3) supporting the participation of covered Institutions
    in programs of international organizations, such as the United
    Nations, the World Bank, regional development banks, and
    international agricultural research centers;
    ``(4) improving agricultural teaching and education by--
    ``(A) in partnership with international partner
    institutions, supporting education and teaching relating
    to food and agricultural sciences, including technical
    assistance, degree training, research collaborations,
    classroom instruction, workforce training, and education
    programs; and
    ``(B) assisting with efforts to increase student
    capacity, including to encourage equitable access for
    women and other underserved populations, at
    international partner institutions by promoting
    partnerships with, and improving the capacity of,
    covered Institutions;
    ``(5) assisting covered Institutions in strengthening their
    capacity for food, agricultural, and related research,
    extension, and teaching programs relevant to agricultural
    development activities in developing countries to promote the
    application of new technology to improve education delivery;
    ``(6) providing support for the internationalization of
    resident instruction programs of covered Institutions;

    [[Page 4794]]

    ``(7) establishing a program, to be coordinated by the
    Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and
    the Administrator of the Foreign Agricultural Service, to place
    interns from covered Institutions in, or in service to benefit,
    developing countries; and
    ``(8) establishing a program to provide fellowships to
    students at covered Institutions to study at foreign
    agricultural colleges and universities.

    ``(c) Enhancing Linkages.--The Secretary shall enhance the linkages
    among covered Institutions, the Federal Government, international
    research centers, counterpart research, extension, and teaching agencies
    and institutions in developed countries and developing countries--
    ``(1) to carry out the activities described in subsection
    (b); and
    ``(2) to make a substantial contribution to the cause of
    improved food and agricultural progress throughout the world.

    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
    appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal
    years 2019 through 2023.''.
    SEC. 7124. COMPETITIVE GRANTS FOR INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL
    SCIENCE AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

    Section 1459A(c)(2) of the National Agricultural Research,
    Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3292b(c)(2)) is
    amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 7125. LIMITATION ON INDIRECT COSTS FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH,
    EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION PROGRAMS.

    Section 1462 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3310) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``22 percent'' and
    inserting ``30 percent'';
    (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``Subsection (a)'' and
    inserting ``Subsections (a) and (c)''; and
    (3) by adding at the end the following:

    ``(c) Treatment of Subgrants.--In the case of a grant described in
    subsection (a), the limitation on indirect costs specified in such
    subsection shall be applied to both the initial grant award and any
    subgrant of the Federal funds provided under the initial grant award so
    that the total of all indirect costs charged against the total of the
    Federal funds provided under the initial grant award does not exceed
    such limitation.''.
    SEC. 7126. RESEARCH EQUIPMENT GRANTS.

    The National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
    Act of 1977 is amended by inserting after section 1462 (7 U.S.C. 3310)
    the following new section:
    ``SEC. 1462A. <>  RESEARCH EQUIPMENT GRANTS.

    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary may make competitive grants for the
    acquisition of special purpose scientific research equipment for use in
    the food and agricultural sciences programs of eligible institutions.
    ``(b) Maximum Amount.--The amount of a grant made to an eligible
    institution under this section may not exceed $500,000.

    [[Page 4795]]

    ``(c) Prohibition on Charge or Equipment as Indirect Costs.--The
    cost of acquisition or depreciation of equipment purchased with a grant
    under this section shall not be--
    ``(1) charged as an indirect cost against another Federal
    grant; or
    ``(2) included as part of the indirect cost pool for
    purposes of calculating the indirect cost rate of an eligible
    institution.

    ``(d) Eligible Institutions Defined.--In this section, the term
    `eligible institution' means--
    ``(1) a college or university; or
    ``(2) a State cooperative institution.

    ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
    appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal
    years 2019 through 2023.''.
    SEC. 7127. UNIVERSITY RESEARCH.

    Section 1463 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3311) is amended by striking
    ``2018'' each place it appears in subsections (a) and (b) and inserting
    ``2023''.
    SEC. 7128. EXTENSION SERVICE.

    Section 1464 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3312) is amended by striking
    ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 7129. SUPPLEMENTAL AND ALTERNATIVE CROPS; HEMP.

    Section 1473D of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319d) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)--
    (A) by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''; and
    (B) by striking ``crops,'' and inserting ``crops
    (including canola),'';
    (2) in subsection (b)--
    (A) by inserting ``for agronomic rotational purposes
    and as a habitat for honey bees and other pollinators''
    after ``alternative crops''; and
    (B) by striking ``commodities whose'' and all that
    follows through the period at the end and inserting
    ``commodities.'';
    (3) in subsection (c)(3)(E), by inserting ``(including hemp
    (as defined in section 297A of the Agricultural Marketing Act of
    1946))'' after ``material''; and
    (4) in subsection (e)--
    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'' at the
    end;
    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the
    end and inserting ``; and''; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following new
    paragraph:
    ``(3) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through
    2023.''.
    SEC. 7130. NEW ERA RURAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM.

    Section 1473E of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319e) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (b)(1)(B)--
    (A) in clause (ii), by striking ``and'' at the end;
    (B) in clause (iii), by striking the period at the
    end and inserting ``; and''; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following:

    [[Page 4796]]

    ``(iv) precision agriculture.''; and
    (2) in subsection (d), by striking ``2008 through 2012'' and
    inserting ``2019 through 2023''.
    SEC. 7131. CAPACITY BUILDING GRANTS FOR NLGCA INSTITUTIONS.

    Section 1473F(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
    and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319i(b)) is amended by
    striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 7132. AGRICULTURE ADVANCED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
    PILOT.

    Subtitle K of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3310 et seq.) is amended by adding
    at the end the following:
    ``SEC. 1473H. <>  AGRICULTURE ADVANCED
    RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
    PILOT.

    ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
    ``(1) Advanced research and development.--The term `advanced
    research and development' means research and development
    activities used to address research challenges in agriculture
    and food through--
    ``(A) targeted acceleration of novel, early stage
    innovative agricultural research with promising
    technology applications and products; or
    ``(B) development of qualified products and
    projects, agricultural technologies, or innovative
    research tools, which may include--
    ``(i) prototype testing, preclinical
    development, or field experimental use;
    ``(ii) assessing and assisting with product
    approval, clearance, or need for a license under
    an applicable law, as determined by the Director;
    or
    ``(iii) manufacturing and commercialization of
    a product.
    ``(2) Agricultural technology.--The term `agricultural
    technology' means machinery and other equipment engineered for
    an applicable and novel use in agriculture, natural resources,
    and food relating to the research and development of qualified
    products and projects.
    ``(3) Director.--The term `Director' means the Director of
    the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority
    established under subsection (b)(1).
    ``(4) Other transaction.--The term `other transaction' means
    a transaction other than a procurement contract, grant, or
    cooperative agreement, including a transaction described in
    subsection (b)(6)(A).
    ``(5) Person.--The term `person' means--
    ``(A) an individual;
    ``(B) a partnership;
    ``(C) a corporation;
    ``(D) an association;
    ``(E) an entity;
    ``(F) a public or private corporation;
    ``(G) a Federal, State, or local government agency
    or department; and

    [[Page 4797]]

    ``(H) an institution of higher education, including
    a land-grant college or university and a non-land-grant
    college of agriculture.
    ``(6) Qualified product or project.--The term `qualified
    product or project' means--
    ``(A) engineering, mechanization, or technology
    improvements that will address challenges relating to
    growing, harvesting, handling, processing, storing,
    packing, and distribution of agricultural products;
    ``(B) plant disease or plant pest recovery
    countermeasures to intentional or unintentional
    biological threats (including naturally occurring
    threats), including--
    ``(i) replacement or resistant plant cultivars
    or varieties;
    ``(ii) other enhanced management strategies,
    including novel chemical, biological, or cultural
    approaches; or
    ``(iii) diagnostic or surveillance technology;
    and
    ``(C) veterinary countermeasures to intentional or
    unintentional biological threats (including naturally
    occurring threats), including--
    ``(i) animal vaccine or therapeutic products
    (including anti-infective products); or
    ``(ii) diagnostic or surveillance technology.
    ``(7) Research tool.--The term `research tool' means a
    device, technology, procedure, biological material, reagent,
    computer system, computer software, or analytical technique that
    is developed to assist in the discovery, development, or
    manufacture of a qualified product or project.

    ``(b) Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority.--
    ``(1) Establishment.--There is established within the
    Department of Agriculture a pilot program that shall be known as
    the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority
    (referred to in this section as the `AGARDA') to carry out
    advanced research and development.
    ``(2) Goals.--The goals of the AGARDA are--
    ``(A) to develop and deploy advanced solutions to
    prevent, prepare, and protect against unintentional and
    intentional threats to agriculture and food in the
    United States;
    ``(B) to overcome barriers in the development of
    agricultural technologies, research tools, and qualified
    products and projects that enhance export
    competitiveness, environmental sustainability, and
    resilience to extreme weather;
    ``(C) to ensure that the United States maintains and
    enhances its position as a leader in developing and
    deploying agricultural technologies, research tools, and
    qualified projects and products that increase economic
    opportunities and security for farmers, ranchers, and
    rural communities; and
    ``(D) to undertake advanced research and development
    in areas in which industry by itself is not likely to do
    so because of the technological or financial
    uncertainty.
    ``(3) Leadership.--
    ``(A) In general.--The AGARDA shall be a component
    of the Office of the Chief Scientist.
    ``(B) Director.--

    [[Page 4798]]

    ``(i) In general.--The AGARDA shall be headed
    by a Director, who shall be appointed by the Chief
    Scientist.
    ``(ii) Qualifications.--The Director shall be
    an individual who, by reason of professional
    background and experience, is exceptionally
    qualified to advise the Chief Scientist on, and
    manage advanced research and development programs
    and other matters pertaining to--
    ``(I) qualified products and
    projects;
    ``(II) agricultural technologies;
    ``(III) research tools; and
    ``(IV) challenges relating to the
    matters described in subclauses (I)
    through (III).
    ``(iii) Relationship within the department of
    agriculture.--The Director shall report to the
    Chief Scientist.
    ``(4) Duties.--To achieve the goals described in paragraph
    (2), the Secretary, acting through the Director, shall
    accelerate advanced research and development by--
    ``(A) identifying and promoting advances in basic
    sciences;
    ``(B) translating scientific discoveries and
    inventions into technological innovations;
    ``(C) collaborating with other agencies, relevant
    industries, academia, international agencies, the
    Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research, and other
    relevant persons to carry out the goals described in
    paragraph (2), including convening, at a minimum, annual
    meetings or working groups to demonstrate the operation
    and effectiveness of advanced research and development
    of qualified products and projects, agricultural
    technologies, and research tools;
    ``(D) conducting ongoing searches for, and support
    calls for, potential advanced research and development
    of agricultural technologies, qualified products and
    projects, and research tools;
    ``(E) awarding grants and entering into contracts,
    cooperative agreements, or other transactions under
    paragraph (6) for advanced research and development of
    agricultural technology, qualified products and
    projects, and research tools;
    ``(F) establishing issue-based multidisciplinary
    teams to reduce the time and cost of solving specific
    problems that--
    ``(i) are composed of representatives from
    Federal and State agencies, professional groups,
    academia, and industry;
    ``(ii) seek novel and effective solutions; and
    ``(iii) encourage data sharing and translation
    of research to field use; and
    ``(G) serving as a resource for interested persons
    regarding requirements under relevant laws that impact
    the development, commercialization, and technology
    transfer of qualified products and projects,
    agricultural technologies, and research tools.
    ``(5) Priority.--In awarding grants and entering into
    contracts, cooperative agreements, or other transactions under

    [[Page 4799]]

    paragraph (4)(E), the Secretary shall give priority to projects
    that accelerate the advanced research and development of
    qualified products and projects that--
    ``(A) address critical research and development
    needs for technology for specialty crops; or
    ``(B) prevent, protect, and prepare against
    intentional and unintentional threats to agriculture and
    food.
    ``(6) Other transaction authorities.--
    ``(A) In general.--In carrying out the pilot program
    under this section, the Secretary shall have the
    authority to enter into other transactions in the same
    manner and subject to the same terms and conditions as
    transactions that the Secretary of Defense may enter
    into under section 2371 of title 10, United States Code.
    ``(B) Scope.--The authority of the Secretary to
    enter into contracts, cooperative agreements, and other
    transactions under this subsection shall be in addition
    to the authorities under this Act and title I of the
    Department of Agriculture and Related Agencies
    Appropriation Act, 1964 (7 U.S.C. 3318a), to use
    contracts, cooperative agreements, and grants in
    carrying out the pilot program under this section.
    ``(C) Guidelines.--The Secretary shall establish
    guidelines regarding the use of the authority under
    subparagraph (A).
    ``(D) Technology transfer.--In entering into other
    transactions, the Secretary may negotiate terms for
    technology transfer in the same manner as a Federal
    laboratory under paragraphs (1) through (4) of section
    12(b) of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act
    of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3710a(b)).
    ``(7) Availability of data.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall require that,
    as a condition of being awarded a contract or grant or
    entering into a cooperative agreement or other
    transaction under paragraph (4)(E), a person shall make
    available to the Secretary on an ongoing basis, and
    submit to the Secretary on request of the Secretary, all
    data relating to or resulting from the activities
    carried out by the person pursuant to this section.
    ``(B) Exemption from disclosure.--
    ``(i) In general.--This subparagraph shall be
    considered a statute described in section
    552(b)(3)(B) of title 5, United States Code.
    ``(ii) Exemption.--The following information
    shall be exempt from disclosure under section 552
    of title 5, United States Code, and withheld from
    the public:
    ``(I) Specific technical data or
    scientific information that is created
    or obtained under this section that
    reveals significant and not otherwise
    publicly known vulnerabilities of
    existing agriculture and food defenses
    against biological, chemical, nuclear,
    or radiological threats.
    ``(II) Trade secrets or commercial
    or financial information that is
    privileged or confidential (within the
    meaning of section 552(b)(4) of title 5,
    United States Code) and obtained in the
    conduct

    [[Page 4800]]

    of research or as a result of activities
    under this section from a non-Federal
    party participating in a contract,
    grant, cooperative agreement, or other
    transaction under this section.
    ``(iii) Limitation.--Information that results
    from research and development activities conducted
    under this section and that would be a trade
    secret or commercial or financial information that
    is privileged or confidential if the information
    had been obtained from a non-Federal party
    participating in a cooperative agreement or other
    transaction shall be withheld from disclosure
    under subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5,
    United States Code, for 5 years.
    ``(8) Milestone-based payments allowed.--In awarding
    contracts and grants and entering into cooperative agreements or
    other transactions under paragraph (4)(E), the Secretary may--
    ``(A) use milestone-based awards and payments; and
    ``(B) terminate a project for not meeting technical
    milestones.
    ``(9) Use of existing personnel authorities.--In carrying
    out this subsection, the Secretary may appoint highly qualified
    individuals to scientific or professional positions on the same
    terms and conditions as provided in subsections (b)(3), (b)(4),
    (c), (d), (e), and (f) of section 620 of the Agricultural
    Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C.
    7657).
    ``(10) Report and evaluation.--
    ``(A) Report.--The Secretary shall submit to the
    Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives
    and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
    Forestry of the Senate an annual report examining the
    actions undertaken and results generated by the AGARDA.
    ``(B) Evaluation.--After the date on which the
    AGARDA has been in operation for 3 years, the
    Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct
    an evaluation--
    ``(i) to be completed and submitted to the
    Committee on Agriculture of the House of
    Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture,
    Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate not later
    than 1 year after the date on which the
    Comptroller General began conducting the
    evaluation;
    ``(ii) describing the extent to which the
    AGARDA is achieving the goals described in
    paragraph (2); and
    ``(iii) including a recommendation on whether
    the AGARDA should be continued, terminated, or
    expanded.

    ``(c) Strategic Plan.--
    ``(1) In general.--Not later than 360 days after the date of
    enactment of this section, the Secretary shall develop and make
    publicly available a strategic plan describing the strategic
    vision that the AGARDA shall use--
    ``(A) to make determinations for future investments
    during the period of effectiveness of this section; and
    ``(B) to achieve the goals described in subsection
    (b)(2).
    ``(2) Dissemination.--The Secretary shall disseminate the
    information contained in the strategic plan under paragraph

    [[Page 4801]]

    (1) to persons who may have the capacity to substantially
    contribute to the activities described in that strategic plan.
    ``(3) Coordination; consultation.--The Secretary shall--
    ``(A) update and coordinate the strategic
    coordination plan under section 221(d)(7) of the
    Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994
    with the strategic plan developed under paragraph (1)
    for activities relating to agriculture and food defense
    countermeasure development and procurement; and
    ``(B) in developing the strategic plan under
    paragraph (1), consult with--
    ``(i) the National Agricultural Research,
    Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board
    established under section 1408(a);
    ``(ii) the specialty crops committee
    established under section 1408A(a)(1);
    ``(iii) relevant agriculture research agencies
    of the Federal Government;
    ``(iv) the National Academies of Sciences,
    Engineering, and Medicine;
    ``(v) the National Veterinary Stockpile Intra-
    Government Advisory Committee for Strategic
    Steering; and
    ``(vi) other appropriate parties, as
    determined by the Secretary.

    ``(d) Funds.--
    ``(1) Establishment.--There is established in the Treasury
    the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Fund, which
    shall be administered by the Secretary, acting through the
    Director--
    ``(A) for the purpose of carrying out this section;
    and
    ``(B) in the same manner and subject to the same
    terms and conditions as are applicable to the Secretary
    of Defense under section 2371 of title 10, United States
    Code.
    ``(2) Deposits into fund.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the
    Director, may accept and deposit into the Fund monies
    received pursuant to cost recovery, contribution, or
    royalty payments under a contract, grant, cooperative
    agreement, or other transaction under this section.
    ``(B) Availability of amounts in fund.--Amounts
    deposited into the fund shall remain available until
    expended, without further appropriation, and may be used
    to carry out the purposes of this section.
    ``(C) Clarification.--Nothing in this paragraph
    authorizes the use of the funds of the Commodity Credit
    Corporation to carry out this section.
    ``(3) Funding.--In addition to funds otherwise deposited in
    the Fund under paragraph (1) or (2), there is authorized to be
    appropriated to the Fund $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years
    2019 through 2023, to remain available until expended.

    ``(e) Termination of Effectiveness.--
    ``(1) In general.--Except as provided under paragraph (2),
    the authority provided by this section terminates on the date
    that is 5 years after the date of the enactment of the
    Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018.

    [[Page 4802]]

    ``(2) Exceptions.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply with
    respect to--
    ``(A) subsection (b)(7)(B); and
    ``(B) grants awarded or contracts, cooperative
    agreements, or other transactions entered into before
    the end of the 5-year period referred to in such
    clause.''.
    SEC. 7133. AQUACULTURE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.

    Section 1477(a)(2) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
    and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3324(a)(2)) is amended by
    striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 7134. RANGELAND RESEARCH PROGRAMS.

    Section 1483(a)(2) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
    and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3336(a)(2)) is amended by
    striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 7135. SPECIAL AUTHORIZATION FOR BIOSECURITY PLANNING AND
    RESPONSE.

    Section 1484 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3351) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)--
    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'' at the
    end;
    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the
    end and inserting ``; and''; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following new
    paragraph:
    ``(3) $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through
    2023.''; and
    (2) in subsection (b)--
    (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
    inserting ``and cooperative agreements'' after
    ``competitive grants'';
    (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``make competitive
    grants'' and inserting ``award competitive grants and
    cooperative agreements''; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following new
    paragraph:
    ``(5) To coordinate the tactical science activities of the
    Research, Education, and Economics mission area of the
    Department that protect the integrity, reliability,
    sustainability, and profitability of the food and agricultural
    system of the United States against biosecurity threats from
    pests, diseases, contaminants, and disasters.''.
    SEC. 7136. DISTANCE EDUCATION AND RESIDENT INSTRUCTION GRANTS
    PROGRAM FOR INSULAR AREA INSTITUTIONS OF
    HIGHER EDUCATION.

    (a) Distance Education Grants for Insular Areas.--Section 1490(f)(2)
    of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
    Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3362(f)(2)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and
    inserting ``2023''.
    (b) Resident Instruction Grants for Insular Areas.--Section
    1491(c)(2) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3363(c)(2)) is amended by striking
    ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

    [[Page 4803]]

    Subtitle B--Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990

    SEC. 7201. BEST UTILIZATION OF BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS.

    Section 1624 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
    of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5814) is amended in the first sentence by striking
    ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 7202. INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS.

    Section 1627(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade
    Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5821(d)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and
    inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 7203. SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND
    TRANSFER PROGRAM.

    Section 1628(f)(2) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade
    Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5831(f)(2)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and
    inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 7204. NATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM.

    Section 1629(i) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade
    Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5832(i)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and
    inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 7205. NATIONAL STRATEGIC GERMPLASM AND CULTIVAR COLLECTION
    ASSESSMENT AND UTILIZATION PLAN.

    (a) In General.--Section 1632(d) of the Food, Agriculture,
    Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5841(d)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (5), by striking ``and'' at the end;
    (2) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (7); and
    (3) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following:
    ``(6) develop and implement a national strategic germplasm
    and cultivar collection assessment and utilization plan that
    takes into consideration the resources and research necessary to
    address the significant backlog of characterization and
    maintenance of existing accessions considered to be critical to
    preserve the viability of, and public access to, germplasm and
    cultivars; and''.

    (b) Plan Publication.--Section 1633 of the Food, Agriculture,
    Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5842) is amended by adding
    at the end the following:
    ``(f) Plan Publication.--On completion of the development of the
    plan described in section 1632(d)(6), the Secretary shall make the plan
    available to the public.''.
    SEC. 7206. NATIONAL GENETICS RESOURCES PROGRAM.

    (a) Advisory Council.--Section 1634 of the Food, Agriculture,
    Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5843) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)--
    (A) in the first sentence, by striking ``The
    Secretary'' and inserting the following:
    ``(1) In general.--The Secretary'';
    (B) in the second sentence of paragraph (1) (as so
    designated), by striking ``The advisory'' and inserting
    the following:
    ``(2) Membership.--The advisory'';

    [[Page 4804]]

    (C) in paragraph (2) (as so designated), by striking
    ``nine'' and inserting ``13''; and
    (D) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(3) Recommendations.--
    ``(A) In general.--In making recommendations under
    paragraph (1), the advisory council shall include
    recommendations on--
    ``(i) the state of public cultivar
    development, including--
    ``(I) an analysis of existing
    cultivar research investments;
    ``(II) the research gaps relating to
    the development of cultivars across a
    diverse range of crops; and
    ``(III) an assessment of the state
    of commercialization of federally funded
    cultivars;
    ``(ii) the training and resources needed to
    meet future breeding challenges;
    ``(iii) the appropriate levels of Federal
    funding for cultivar development for underserved
    crops and geographic areas; and
    ``(iv) the development of the plan described
    in section 1632(d)(6).''; and
    (2) in subsection (c)--
    (A) in paragraph (1)--
    (i) by striking ``Two-thirds'' and inserting
    ``6''; and
    (ii) by inserting ``economics and policy,''
    after ``agricultural sciences,'';
    (B) in paragraph (2)--
    (i) by striking ``One-third'' and inserting
    ``3''; and
    (ii) by inserting ``community development,''
    after ``public policy,''; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(3) 4 of the members shall be appointed from among
    individuals with expertise in public cultivar and animal breed
    development.
    ``(4) 4 of the members shall be appointed from among
    individuals representing--
    ``(A) 1862 Institutions (as defined in section 2 of
    the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education
    Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601));
    ``(B) 1890 Institutions (as defined in section 2 of
    the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education
    Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601));
    ``(C) Hispanic-serving institutions (as defined in
    section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research,
    Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
    3103)); or
    ``(D) 1994 Institutions (as defined in section 532
    of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of
    1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103-382)).''.

    (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 1635(b)(2) of the
    Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C.
    5844(b)(2)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

    [[Page 4805]]

    SEC. 7207. NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL WEATHER INFORMATION SYSTEM.

    Section 1641(c) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade
    Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5855(c)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and
    inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 7208. AGRICULTURAL GENOME TO PHENOME INITIATIVE.

    Section 1671 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
    of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5924) is amended--
    (1) in the section heading, by inserting ``to phenome''
    after ``genome'';
    (2) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:

    ``(a) Goals.--The goals of this section are--
    ``(1) to expand knowledge concerning genomes and phenomes of
    crops and animals of importance to the agriculture sector of the
    United States;
    ``(2) to understand how variable weather, environments, and
    production systems impact the growth and productivity of
    specific varieties of crops and species of animals in order to
    provide greater accuracy in predicting crop and animal
    performance under variable conditions;
    ``(3) to support research that leverages plant and animal
    genomic information with phenotypic and environmental data
    through an interdisciplinary framework, leading to a novel
    understanding of plant and animal processes that affect growth,
    productivity, and the ability to predict performance, which will
    result in the deployment of superior varieties and species to
    producers and improved crop and animal management
    recommendations for farmers and ranchers;
    ``(4) to catalyze and coordinate research that links
    genomics and predictive phenomics at different sites across the
    United States to achieve advances in crops and animals that
    generate societal benefits;
    ``(5) to combine fields such as genetics, genomics, plant
    physiology, agronomy, climatology, and crop modeling with
    computation and informatics, statistics, and engineering;
    ``(6) to combine fields such as genetics, genomics, animal
    physiology, meat science, animal nutrition, and veterinary
    science with computation and informatics, statistics, and
    engineering;
    ``(7) to focus on crops and animals that will yield
    scientifically important results that will enhance the
    usefulness of many other crops and animals;
    ``(8) to build on genomic research, such as the Plant Genome
    Research Project and the National Animal Genome Research
    Program, to understand gene function in production environments
    that is expected to have considerable returns for crops and
    animals of importance to the agriculture of the United States;
    ``(9) to develop improved data analytics to enhance
    understanding of the biological function of genes;
    ``(10) to allow resources developed under this section,
    including data, software, germplasm, and other biological
    materials, to be openly accessible to all persons, subject to
    any confidentiality requirements imposed by law; and
    ``(11) to encourage international partnerships with each
    partner country responsible for financing its own research.'';

    [[Page 4806]]

    (3) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:

    ``(b) Duties of Secretary.--The Secretary of Agriculture (referred
    to in this section as the `Secretary') shall conduct a research
    initiative, to be known as the `Agricultural Genome to Phenome
    Initiative', for the purpose of--
    ``(1) studying agriculturally significant crops and animals
    in production environments to achieve sustainable and secure
    agricultural production;
    ``(2) ensuring that current gaps in existing knowledge of
    agricultural crop and animal genetics and phenomics are filled;
    ``(3) identifying and developing a functional understanding
    of relevant genes from animals and agronomically relevant genes
    from crops that are of importance to the agriculture sector of
    the United States;
    ``(4) ensuring future genetic improvement of crops and
    animals of importance to the agriculture sector of the United
    States;
    ``(5) studying the relevance of diverse germplasm as a
    source of unique genes that may be of importance in the future;
    ``(6) enhancing genetics to reduce the economic impact of
    pathogens on crops and animals of importance to the agriculture
    sector of the United States;
    ``(7) disseminating findings to relevant audiences; and
    ``(8) otherwise carrying out this section.'';
    (4) in subsection (c)(1), by inserting ``, acting through
    the National Institute of Food and Agriculture,'' after ``The
    Secretary'';
    (5) in subsection (e), by inserting ``to Phenome'' after
    ``Genome''; and
    (6) by adding at the end the following:

    ``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
    appropriated to carry out this section $40,000,000 for each of fiscal
    years 2019 through 2023.''.
    SEC. 7209. HIGH-PRIORITY RESEARCH AND EXTENSION INITIATIVES.

    Section 1672 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
    of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (d)--
    (A) in paragraph (8)--
    (i) in the heading, by striking ``Alfalfa and
    forage'' and inserting ``Alfalfa seed and alfalfa
    forage systems'';
    (ii) by striking ``alfalfa and forage'' and
    inserting ``alfalfa seed and alfalfa forage
    systems''; and
    (iii) by striking ``alfalfa and other forages,
    and'' and inserting ``alfalfa seed and other
    alfalfa forage''; and
    (B) by adding at the end the following new
    paragraphs:
    ``(11) Macadamia tree health initiative.--Research and
    extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes
    of--
    ``(A) developing and disseminating science-based
    tools and treatments to combat the macadamia felted
    coccid (Eriococcus ironsidei); and
    ``(B) establishing an areawide integrated pest
    management program in areas affected by, or areas at
    risk of being affected by, the macadamia felted coccid.

    [[Page 4807]]

    ``(12) National turfgrass research initiative.--Research and
    extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes
    of--
    ``(A) carrying out or enhancing research related to
    turfgrass and sod issues;
    ``(B) enhancing production and uses of turfgrass for
    the general public;
    ``(C) identifying new turfgrass varieties with
    superior drought, heat, cold, and pest tolerance to
    reduce water, fertilizer, and pesticide use;
    ``(D) selecting genetically superior turfgrasses and
    developing improved technologies for managing
    commercial, residential, and recreational turfgrass
    areas;
    ``(E) producing turfgrasses that--
    ``(i) aid in mitigating soil erosion;
    ``(ii) protect against pollutant runoff into
    waterways; or
    ``(iii) provide other environmental benefits;
    ``(F) investigating, preserving, and protecting
    native plant species, including grasses not currently
    utilized in turfgrass systems;
    ``(G) creating systems for more economical and
    viable turfgrass seed and sod production throughout the
    United States; and
    ``(H) investigating the turfgrass phytobiome and
    developing biologic products to enhance soil, enrich
    plants, and mitigate pests.
    ``(13) Fertilizer management initiative.--
    ``(A) In general.--Research and extension grants may
    be made under this section for the purpose of carrying
    out research to improve fertilizer use efficiency in
    crops--
    ``(i) to maximize crop yield; and
    ``(ii) to minimize nutrient losses to surface
    and groundwater and the atmosphere.
    ``(B) Priority.--In awarding grants under
    subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall give priority to
    research examining the impact of the source, rate,
    timing, and placement of plant nutrients.
    ``(14) Cattle fever tick program.--Research and extension
    grants may be made under this section to study cattle fever
    ticks--
    ``(A) to facilitate the understanding of the role of
    wildlife in the persistence and spread of cattle fever
    ticks;
    ``(B) to develop advanced methods for eradication of
    cattle fever ticks, including--
    ``(i) alternative treatment methods for cattle
    and other susceptible species;
    ``(ii) field treatment for premises, including
    corral pens and pasture loafing areas;
    ``(iii) methods for treatment and control on
    infested wildlife;
    ``(iv) biological control agents; and
    ``(v) new and improved vaccines;
    ``(C) to evaluate rangeland vegetation that impacts
    the survival of cattle fever ticks;

    [[Page 4808]]

    ``(D) to improve management of diseases relating to
    cattle fever ticks that are associated with wildlife,
    livestock, and human health;
    ``(E) to improve diagnostic detection of tick-
    infested or infected animals and pastures; and
    ``(F) to conduct outreach to impacted ranchers,
    hunters, and landowners to integrate tactics and
    document sustainability of best practices.
    ``(15) Laying hen and turkey research program.--Research
    grants may be made under this section for the purpose of
    improving the efficiency and sustainability of laying hen and
    turkey production through integrated, collaborative research and
    technology transfer. Emphasis may be placed on laying hen and
    turkey disease prevention, antimicrobial resistance, nutrition,
    gut health, and alternative housing systems under extreme
    seasonal weather conditions.
    ``(16) Chronic wasting disease.--Research and extension
    grants may be made under this section for the purposes of
    supporting research projects at land-grant colleges and
    universities (as defined in section 1404 of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
    1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)) with established deer research programs
    for the purposes of treating, mitigating, or eliminating chronic
    wasting disease.
    ``(17) Algae agriculture research program.--Research and
    extension grants may be made under this section for the
    development and testing of algae and algae systems (including
    micro- and macro-algae systems).
    ``(18) Nutrient management.--Research and extension grants
    may be made under this section for the purposes of examining
    nutrient management based on the source, rate, timing, and
    placement of crop nutrients.
    ``(19) Dryland farming agricultural systems.--Research and
    extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes
    of carrying out or enhancing research on the utilization of big
    data for more precise management of dryland farming agricultural
    systems.
    ``(20) Hop plant health initiative.--Research and extension
    grants may be made under this section for the purposes of
    developing and disseminating science-based tools and treatments
    to combat diseases of hops caused by the plant pathogens
    Podosphaera macularis and Pseudoperonospora humuli.'';
    (2) in subsection (e)(5), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023'';
    (3) in subsection (f)(5), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023'';
    (4) in subsection (g)--
    (A) in paragraphs (1)(B), (2)(B), and (3), by
    striking ``2018'' each place it appears and inserting
    ``2023'';
    (B) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as
    paragraphs (5) and (6), respectively; and
    (C) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following
    new paragraph:
    ``(4) Enhanced coordination of honeybee and pollinator
    research.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Chief Scientist of the
    Department of Agriculture shall coordinate research,
    extension, education, and economic activities in the
    Department of

    [[Page 4809]]

    Agriculture relating to native and managed pollinator
    health and habitat.
    ``(B) Duties.--In carrying out subparagraph (A), the
    Chief Scientist shall--
    ``(i) assign an individual to serve in the
    Office of the Chief Scientist as a Honeybee and
    Pollinator Research Coordinator who shall be
    responsible for leading the efforts of the Chief
    Scientist in carrying out such subparagraph;
    ``(ii) implement and coordinate pollinator
    health research efforts of the Department, as
    recommended by the Pollinator Health Task Force;
    ``(iii) establish annual strategic priorities
    and goals for the Department for native and
    managed pollinator research;
    ``(iv) communicate such priorities and goals
    to each agency or office of the Department of
    Agriculture, the managed pollinator industry, and
    relevant grant recipients under programs
    administered by the Secretary; and
    ``(v) coordinate and identify all research on
    native and managed pollinator health needed and
    conducted by the Department of Agriculture and
    relevant grant recipients under programs
    administered by the Secretary to ensure
    consistency and reduce unintended duplication of
    effort.
    ``(C) Research.--In coordinating research activities
    under subparagraph (A), the Chief Scientist shall ensure
    that such research--
    ``(i) identifies and addresses the multiple
    stressors on pollinator health, including pests
    and pathogens, reduced habitat, lack of
    nutritional resources, and exposure to pesticides;
    ``(ii) evaluates stewardship and management
    practices of managed pollinators that would impact
    managed pollinator health;
    ``(iii) documents the prevalence of major
    pests, such as varroa destructor (commonly
    referred to as the varroa mite), and diseases that
    are transported between States through practices
    involving managed pollinators;
    ``(iv) evaluates the impact of overcrowding of
    colonies for pollination services and the impact
    of such overcrowding on pollinator health status
    and pollinator health recovery;
    ``(v) evaluates and reports on the health
    differences of managed pollinators in--
    ``(I) crops not requiring contract
    pollination;
    ``(II) crops requiring contract
    pollination; and
    ``(III) native habitat;
    ``(vi) evaluates the impact of horticultural
    and agricultural pest management practices on
    native and managed pollinator colonies in diverse
    agroecosystems;
    ``(vii) documents pesticide residues that
    are--
    ``(I) found in native and managed
    pollinator colonies; and

    [[Page 4810]]

    ``(II) associated with typical
    localized commercial crop pest
    management practices;
    ``(viii) with respect to native and managed
    pollinator colonies visiting crops for crop
    pollination or honey production purposes,
    documents--
    ``(I) the strength and health of
    such colonies;
    ``(II) the survival, growth,
    reproduction, and production of such
    colonies;
    ``(III) pests, pathogens, and
    viruses that affect such colonies;
    ``(IV) environmental conditions of
    such colonies;
    ``(V) beekeeper practices; and
    ``(VI) any other relevant
    information, as determined by the Chief
    Scientist;
    ``(ix) documents, with respect to healthy
    populations of managed pollinators, best
    management practices and other practices for
    managed pollinators and crop managers;
    ``(x) evaluates the effectiveness of--
    ``(I) conservation practices that
    target the specific needs of native and
    managed pollinator habitats;
    ``(II) incentives that allow for the
    expansion of native and managed
    pollinator forage acreage; and
    ``(III) managed pollinator breeding
    practices and efforts to, with respect
    to managed pollinators, avoid creating a
    genetic bottleneck and improve genetic
    diversity;
    ``(xi) in the case of commercially managed
    pollinator colonies, continues to gather data--
    ``(I) on an annual basis with
    respect to losses of such colonies,
    splits of such colonies, and the total
    number of pollinator colonies;
    ``(II) on rising input costs; and
    ``(III) overall economic value to
    the food economy; and
    ``(xii) addresses any other issue relating to
    native and managed pollinators, as determined by
    the Chief Scientist, in consultation with
    scientific experts.
    ``(D) Publication.--The Chief Scientist, to the
    maximum extent practicable, shall--
    ``(i) make publicly available the results of
    the research described in subparagraph (C); and
    ``(ii) in the case of the research described
    in subparagraph (C)(vi), publish any data or
    reports that were produced by the Department of
    Agriculture but not made publicly available during
    the period beginning on January 1, 2008, and
    ending on the date of the enactment of the
    Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018.''; and
    (5) in subsection (h), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.

    [[Page 4811]]

    SEC. 7210. ORGANIC AGRICULTURE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION INITIATIVE.

    Section 1672B of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
    of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925b) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)--
    (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
    (i) by inserting ``using funds made available
    under subsection (e),'' after ``Board,''; and
    (ii) by inserting ``in each of fiscal years
    2019 through 2023'' after ``grants''; and
    (B) in paragraph (7), by inserting ``, soil
    health,'' after ``conservation''; and
    (2) in subsection (e)--
    (A) in paragraph (1)--
    (i) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and''
    at the end;
    (ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking the
    period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
    (iii) by adding at the end the following new
    subparagraphs:
    ``(D) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019
    through 2020;
    ``(E) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;
    ``(F) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; and
    ``(G) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2023 and each
    fiscal year thereafter.''; and
    (B) in paragraph (2)--
    (i) in the paragraph heading, by striking
    ``for fiscal years 2014 through 2018''; and
    (ii) by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.
    SEC. 7211. FARM BUSINESS MANAGEMENT.

    Section 1672D of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
    of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925f) is amended--
    (1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary may make competitive research and
    extension grants for the purpose of improving the farm management
    knowledge and skills of agricultural producers by maintaining and
    expanding a national, publicly available farm financial management
    database to support improved farm management.'';
    (2) in subsection (b)--
    (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and producer''
    and inserting ``educational programs and''; and
    (B) in paragraph (4), by striking ``use and
    support'' and inserting ``contribute data to''; and
    (3) in subsection (d)(2), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.
    SEC. 7212. URBAN, INDOOR, AND OTHER EMERGING AGRICULTURAL
    PRODUCTION RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND
    EXTENSION INITIATIVE.

    (a) In General.--The Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
    of 1990 is amended by inserting after section 1672D (7 U.S.C. 5925f) the
    following:

    [[Page 4812]]

    ``SEC. 1672E. <>  URBAN, INDOOR, AND OTHER
    EMERGING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION
    RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION
    INITIATIVE.

    ``(a) Competitive Research and Extension Grants Authorized.--In
    consultation with the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
    Advisory Committee established under section 222(b) of the Department of
    Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994, the Secretary may make
    competitive grants to support research, education, and extension
    activities for the purposes of facilitating the development of urban,
    indoor, and other emerging agricultural production, harvesting,
    transportation, aggregation, packaging, distribution, and markets,
    including by--
    ``(1) assessing and developing strategies to remediate
    contaminated sites;
    ``(2) determining and developing the best production
    management and integrated pest management practices;
    ``(3) identifying and promoting the horticultural, social,
    and economic factors that contribute to successful urban,
    indoor, and other emerging agricultural production;
    ``(4) analyzing the means by which new agricultural sites
    are determined, including an evaluation of soil quality,
    condition of a building, or local community needs;
    ``(5) exploring new technologies that minimize energy,
    lighting systems, water, and other inputs for increased food
    production;
    ``(6) examining building material efficiencies and
    structural upgrades for the purpose of optimizing growth of
    agricultural products;
    ``(7) developing new crop varieties and agricultural
    products to connect to new markets; or
    ``(8) examining the impacts of crop exposure to urban
    elements on environmental quality and food safety.

    ``(b) Grant Types and Process.--Subparagraphs (A) through (E) of
    paragraph (4), paragraph (7), and paragraph (11)(B) of subsection (b) of
    the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C.
    3157) shall apply with respect to the making of grants under this
    section.
    ``(c) Priority.--The Secretary may give priority to grant proposals
    that involve--
    ``(1) the cooperation of multiple entities; or
    ``(2) States or regions with a high concentration of or
    significant interest in urban farms, rooftop farms, and indoor
    production facilities.

    ``(d) Funding.--
    ``(1) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity
    Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this
    section $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2019, to remain available
    until expended.
    ``(2) Authorization of appropriations.--In addition to
    amounts made available under paragraph (1), there is authorized
    to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for
    each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.''.

    (b) Data Collection on Urban, Indoor, and Emerging Agricultural
    Production.--
    (1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of
    enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct as a follow-
    on study to the census of agriculture conducted in the

    [[Page 4813]]

    calendar year 2017 under section 2 of the Census of Agriculture
    Act of 1997 (7 U.S.C. 2204g) a census of urban, indoor, and
    other emerging agricultural production, including information
    about--
    (A) community gardens and farms located in urban
    areas, suburbs, and urban clusters;
    (B) rooftop farms, outdoor vertical production, and
    green walls;
    (C) indoor farms, greenhouses, and high-tech
    vertical technology farms;
    (D) hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic farm
    facilities; and
    (E) other innovations in agricultural production, as
    determined by the Secretary.
    (2) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized to
    be appropriated to carry out this subsection $14,000,000 for the
    period of fiscal years 2019 through 2021.
    SEC. 7213. CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE AT 1890 INSTITUTIONS.

    Section 1673 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
    of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5926) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(d) Centers of Excellence at 1890s Institutions.--
    ``(1) Recognition.--The Secretary shall recognize not less
    than 3 centers of excellence, each led by an 1890 Institution
    (as defined in section 2 of the Agricultural Research,
    Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601)), to
    focus on 1 or more of the areas described in paragraph (2).
    ``(2) Areas of focus.--
    ``(A) Student success and workforce development.--A
    center of excellence established under paragraph (1) may
    engage in activities to ensure that students have the
    skills and education needed to work in agriculture and
    food industries, agriculture science, technology,
    engineering, mathematics, and related fields of study.
    ``(B) Nutrition, health, wellness, and quality of
    life.--A center of excellence established under
    paragraph (1) may carry out research, education, and
    extension programs that increase access to healthy food,
    improve nutrition, mitigate preventive disease, and
    develop strategies to assist limited resource
    individuals in accessing health and nutrition resources.
    ``(C) Farming systems, rural prosperity, and
    economic sustainability.--A center of excellence
    established under paragraph (1) may share best practices
    with farmers to improve agricultural production,
    processing, and marketing, reduce urban food deserts,
    examine new uses for traditional and nontraditional
    crops, animals, and natural resources, and continue
    activities carried out by the Center for Innovative and
    Sustainable Small Farms, Ranches, and Forest Lands.
    ``(D) Global food security and defense.--A center of
    excellence established under paragraph (1) may engage in
    international partnerships that strengthen agricultural
    development in developing countries, partner with
    international researchers regarding new and emerging
    animal

    [[Page 4814]]

    and plant pests and diseases, engage in agricultural
    disaster recovery, and continue activities carried out
    by the Center for International Engagement.
    ``(E) Natural resources, energy, and environment.--A
    center of excellence established under paragraph (1) may
    focus on protecting and managing domestic natural
    resources for current and future production of food and
    agricultural products.
    ``(F) Emerging technologies.--A center of excellence
    established under paragraph (1) may focus on the
    development of emerging technologies to increase
    agricultural productivity, enhance small farm economic
    viability, and improve rural communities by developing
    genetic and sensor technologies for food and agriculture
    and providing technology training to farmers.
    ``(3) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
    to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $10,000,000 for
    each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.
    ``(4) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
    enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, and every
    year thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
    Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
    Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report
    describing--
    ``(A) the resources invested in the centers of
    excellence established under paragraph (1); and
    ``(B) the work being done by those centers of
    excellence.''.
    SEC. 7214. CLARIFICATION OF VETERAN ELIGIBILITY FOR ASSISTIVE
    TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM FOR FARMERS WITH
    DISABILITIES.

    Section 1680 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
    of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5933) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following
    new paragraph:
    ``(7) Clarification of application of provisions to veterans
    with disabilities.--This subsection shall apply with respect to
    veterans with disabilities, and their families, who--
    ``(A) are engaged in farming or farm-related
    occupations; or
    ``(B) are pursuing new farming opportunities.'';
    (2) in subsection (b)--
    (A) by inserting ``(including veterans)'' after
    ``individuals''; and
    (B) by inserting ``or, in the case of veterans with
    disabilities, who are pursuing new farming
    opportunities'' before the period at the end; and
    (3) in subsection (c)(1)(B), by striking ``2018'' and
    inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 7215. NATIONAL RURAL INFORMATION CENTER CLEARINGHOUSE.

    Section 2381(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade
    Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 3125b(e)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and
    inserting ``2023''.

    [[Page 4815]]

    Subtitle C--Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act
    of 1998

    SEC. 7301. NATIONAL FOOD SAFETY TRAINING, EDUCATION, EXTENSION,
    OUTREACH, AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
    PROGRAM.

    (a) Ending Limitation on Funding.--Section 405(e)(3) of the
    Agricultural Research, Extension, And Education Reform Act of 1998 (7
    U.S.C. 7625(e)(3)) is amended to read as follows:
    ``(3) Term of grant.--A grant under this section shall have
    a term that is not more than 3 years.''.

    (b) National Food Safety Training, Education, Extension, Outreach,
    and Technical Assistance Program.--Section 405(j) of the Agricultural
    Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7625(j))
    is amended by striking ``there are authorized'' and all that follows
    through the period at the end and inserting ``there is authorized to be
    appropriated $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.''.
    SEC. 7302. INTEGRATED RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION
    COMPETITIVE GRANTS PROGRAM.

    Section 406(e) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7626(e)) is amended by striking
    ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 7303. SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH REGARDING DISEASES OF WHEAT,
    TRITICALE, AND BARLEY CAUSED BY FUSARIUM
    GRAMINEARUM OR BY TILLETIA INDICA.

    Section 408 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education
    Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7628) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (e)--
    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'' at the
    end;
    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the
    end and inserting ``; and''; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(3) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through
    2023.''; and
    (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:

    ``(f) Limitation on Indirect Costs.--A recipient of a grant under
    this section may not use more than 10 percent of the funds provided by
    the grant for the indirect costs of carrying out the initiatives
    described in subsection (a).''.
    SEC. 7304. GRANTS FOR YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS.

    Section 410(d)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7630(d)(2)) is amended by
    striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 7305. SPECIALTY CROP RESEARCH INITIATIVE.

    (a) Industry Needs.--Section 412(b) of the Agricultural Research,
    Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7632(b)) is
    amended--
    (1) in paragraph (1)--
    (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) through (E)
    as subparagraphs (C) through (F); and
    (B) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the
    following:

    [[Page 4816]]

    ``(B) size-controlling rootstock systems for
    perennial crops;'';
    (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``including threats to
    specialty crop pollinators;'' and inserting the following:
    ``including--
    ``(A) threats to specialty crop pollinators;
    ``(B) emerging and invasive species; and
    ``(C) a more effective understanding and utilization
    of existing natural enemy complexes;'';
    (3) in paragraph (3)--
    (A) by striking ``efforts to improve'' and inserting
    the following: ``efforts--
    ``(A) to improve'';
    (B) in subparagraph (A) (as so designated), by
    adding ``and'' at the end; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(B) to achieve a better understanding of--
    ``(i) the soil rhizosphere microbiome;
    ``(ii) pesticide application systems and
    certified drift-reduction technologies; and
    ``(iii) systems to improve and extend the
    storage life of specialty crops;''; and
    (4) in paragraph (4), by striking ``including improved
    mechanization and technologies that delay or inhibit ripening;
    and'' and inserting the following: ``including--
    ``(A) mechanization and automation of labor-
    intensive tasks in production and processing;
    ``(B) technologies that delay or inhibit ripening;
    ``(C) decision support systems driven by phenology
    and environmental factors;
    ``(D) improved monitoring systems for agricultural
    pests; and
    ``(E) effective systems for preharvest and
    postharvest management of quarantine pests; and''.

    (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 412(k)(2) of the
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7
    U.S.C. 7632(k)(2)) is amended--
    (1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``2018'' and
    inserting ``2023''; and
    (2) by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 7306. FOOD ANIMAL RESIDUE AVOIDANCE DATABASE PROGRAM.

    Section 604(e) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7642(e)) is amended by striking
    ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 7307. OFFICE OF PEST MANAGEMENT POLICY.

    Section 614(f)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7653(f)(2)) is amended by
    striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 7308. FORESTRY PRODUCTS ADVANCED UTILIZATION RESEARCH.

    Section 617(f)(1) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7655b(f)(1)) is amended by
    striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

    [[Page 4817]]

    Subtitle D--Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008

    PART I--AGRICULTURAL SECURITY

    SEC. 7401. AGRICULTURAL BIOSECURITY COMMUNICATION CENTER.

    Section 14112(c)(2) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of
    2008 (7 U.S.C. 8912(c)(2)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.
    SEC. 7402. ASSISTANCE TO BUILD LOCAL CAPACITY IN AGRICULTURAL
    BIOSECURITY PLANNING, PREPARATION, AND
    RESPONSE.

    Section 14113 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7
    U.S.C. 8913) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)(2)(B), by striking ``2018'' and
    inserting ``2023''; and
    (2) in subsection (b)(2)(B), by striking ``2018'' and
    inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 7403. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURAL
    COUNTERMEASURES.

    Section 14121(b)(2) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of
    2008 (7 U.S.C. 8921(b)(2)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.
    SEC. 7404. AGRICULTURAL BIOSECURITY GRANT PROGRAM.

    Section 14122(e)(2) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of
    2008 (7 U.S.C. 8922(e)(2)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.

    PART II--MISCELLANEOUS

    SEC. 7411. GRAZINGLANDS RESEARCH LABORATORY.

    Section 7502 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008
    (Public Law 110-246; 122 Stat. 2019) is amended by striking ``10-year
    period'' and inserting ``15-year period''.
    SEC. 7412. FARM AND RANCH STRESS ASSISTANCE NETWORK.

    Section 7522 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7
    U.S.C. 5936) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``to support cooperative
    programs between State cooperative extension services and
    nonprofit organizations'' and inserting ``to eligible entities
    described in subsection (c)'';
    (2) in subsection (b)--
    (A) by striking paragraph (5);
    (B) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) as
    subparagraphs (A) through (D), respectively, and
    indenting the subparagraphs appropriately;
    (C) by striking subparagraph (B) (as so
    redesignated) and inserting the following:
    ``(B) training, including training programs and
    workshops, for--
    ``(i) advocates for individuals who are
    engaged in farming, ranching, and other
    occupations relating to agriculture; and

    [[Page 4818]]

    ``(ii) other individuals and entities that may
    assist individuals who--
    ``(I) are engaged in farming,
    ranching, and other occupations relating
    to agriculture; and
    ``(II) are in crisis;'';
    (D) in subparagraph (C) (as so redesignated), by
    adding ``and'' after the semicolon at the end;
    (E) in subparagraph (D) (as so redesignated), by
    striking ``activities; and'' and inserting ``activities,
    including the dissemination of information and
    materials; or'';
    (F) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) (as so
    redesignated), by striking ``be used to initiate'' and
    inserting the following: ``be used--
    ``(1) to initiate''; and
    (G) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(2) to enter into contracts, on a multiyear basis, with
    community-based, direct-service organizations to initiate,
    expand, or sustain programs described in paragraph (1) and
    subsection (a).''; and
    (3) by striking subsections (c) and (d) and inserting the
    following:

    ``(c) Eligible Recipients.--The Secretary may award a grant under
    this section to--
    ``(1) an Indian tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian
    Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C.
    5304));
    ``(2) a State department of agriculture;
    ``(3) a State cooperative extension service;
    ``(4) a qualified nonprofit organization, as determined by
    the Secretary;
    ``(5) an entity providing appropriate services, as
    determined by the Secretary, in 1 or more States; or
    ``(6) a partnership carried out by 2 or more entities
    described in paragraphs (1) through (5).

    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
    appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $10,000,000 for
    each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.
    ``(e) Report to Congress.--
    ``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
    enactment of this subsection, the Secretary, in coordination
    with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall submit to
    Congress and any other relevant Federal department or agency,
    and make publicly available, a report describing the state of
    behavioral and mental health of individuals who are engaged in
    farming, ranching, and other occupations relating to
    agriculture.
    ``(2) Contents.--The report under paragraph (1) shall
    include--
    ``(A) an inventory and assessment of efforts to
    support the behavioral and mental health of individuals
    who are engaged in farming, ranching, and other
    occupations relating to agriculture by--
    ``(i) the Federal Government, States, and
    units of local government;
    ``(ii) communities comprised of those
    individuals;
    ``(iii) health care providers;
    ``(iv) State cooperative extension services;
    and

    [[Page 4819]]

    ``(v) other appropriate entities, as
    determined by the Secretary;
    ``(B) a description of the challenges faced by
    individuals who are engaged in farming, ranching, and
    other occupations relating to agriculture that may
    impact the behavioral and mental health of farmers and
    ranchers;
    ``(C) a description of how the Department of
    Agriculture can improve coordination and cooperation
    with Federal health departments and agencies, including
    the Department of Health and Human Services, the
    Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
    Administration, the Health Resources and Services
    Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and
    Prevention, and the National Institutes of Health, to
    best address the behavioral and mental health of
    individuals who are engaged in farming, ranching, and
    other occupations relating to agriculture;
    ``(D) a long-term strategy for responding to the
    challenges described under subparagraph (B) and
    recommendations based on best practices for further
    action to be carried out by appropriate Federal
    departments or agencies to improve Federal Government
    response and seek to prevent suicide among individuals
    who are engaged in farming, ranching, and other
    occupations relating to agriculture; and
    ``(E) an evaluation of the impact that behavioral
    and mental health challenges and outcomes (including
    suicide) among individuals who are engaged in farming,
    ranching, and other agriculture related occupations have
    on--
    ``(i) the agricultural workforce;
    ``(ii) agricultural production;
    ``(iii) rural families and communities; and
    ``(iv) succession planning.

    ``(f) State Defined.--For purposes of this section, the term `State'
    has the meaning given such term in section 1404 of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7
    U.S.C. 3103).''.
    SEC. 7413. NATURAL PRODUCTS RESEARCH PROGRAM.

    Section 7525(e) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7
    U.S.C. 5937(e)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 7414. SUN GRANT PROGRAM.

    Section 7526(g) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7
    U.S.C. 8114(g)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

    Subtitle E--Amendments to Other Laws

    SEC. 7501. CRITICAL AGRICULTURAL MATERIALS ACT.

    (a) Hemp Research.--Section 5(b)(9) of the Critical Agricultural
    Materials Act (7 U.S.C. 178c(b)(9)) is amended by inserting ``, and
    including hemp (as defined in section 297A of the Agricultural Marketing
    Act of 1946)'' after ``hydrocarbon-containing plants''.
    (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 16(a)(2) of the
    Critical Agricultural Materials Act (7 U.S.C. 178n(a)(2)) is amended by
    striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

    [[Page 4820]]

    SEC. 7502. EQUITY IN EDUCATIONAL LAND-GRANT STATUS ACT OF 1994.

    (a) 1994 Institution Defined.--
    (1) In general.--Section 532 of the Equity in Educational
    Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law
    103-382) is amended to read as follows:
    ``SEC. 532. DEFINITION OF 1994 INSTITUTION.

    ``In this part, the term `1994 Institution' means any of the
    following colleges:
    ``(1) Aaniiih Nakoda College.
    ``(2) Bay Mills Community College.
    ``(3) Blackfeet Community College.
    ``(4) Cankdeska Cikana Community College.
    ``(5) Chief Dull Knife College.
    ``(6) College of Menominee Nation.
    ``(7) College of the Muscogee Nation.
    ``(8) D-Q University.
    ``(9) Dine College.
    ``(10) Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College.
    ``(11) Fort Peck Community College.
    ``(12) Haskell Indian Nations University.
    ``(13) Ilisagvik College.
    ``(14) Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native
    Culture and Arts Development.
    ``(15) Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College.
    ``(16) Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College.
    ``(17) Leech Lake Tribal College.
    ``(18) Little Big Horn College.
    ``(19) Little Priest Tribal College.
    ``(20) Navajo Technical University.
    ``(21) Nebraska Indian Community College.
    ``(22) Northwest Indian College.
    ``(23) Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College.
    ``(24) Oglala Lakota College.
    ``(25) Red Lake Nation College.
    ``(26) Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College.
    ``(27) Salish Kootenai College.
    ``(28) Sinte Gleska University.
    ``(29) Sisseton Wahpeton College.
    ``(30) Sitting Bull College.
    ``(31) Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute.
    ``(32) Stone Child College.
    ``(33) Tohono O'odham Community College.
    ``(34) Turtle Mountain Community College.
    ``(35) United Tribes Technical College.
    ``(36) White Earth Tribal and Community College.''.
    (2) <>  Effective date.--The
    amendment made by paragraph (1) shall take effect on the date of
    the enactment of this Act.

    (b) Endowment for 1994 Institutions.--Section 533(b) of the Equity
    in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public
    Law 103-382) is amended in the first sentence by striking ``2018'' and
    inserting ``2023''.
    (c) Institutional Capacity Building Grants.--Section 535 of the
    Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note;
    Public Law 103-382) is amended by striking ``2018''

    [[Page 4821]]

    each place it appears in subsections (b)(1) and (c) and inserting
    ``2023''.
    (d) Research Grants.--Section 536(c) of the Equity in Educational
    Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103-382) is
    amended in the first sentence by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.
    SEC. 7503. RESEARCH FACILITIES ACT.

    (a) Agricultural Research Facility Defined.--The Research Facilities
    Act is amended--
    (1) in section 2(1) (7 U.S.C. 390(1)) by striking ``a
    college, university, or nonprofit institution'' and inserting
    ``an entity eligible to receive funds under a capacity and
    infrastructure program (as defined in section 251(f)(1)(C) of
    the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7
    U.S.C. 6971(f)(1)(C)))''; and
    (2) in section 3(c)(2)(D) (7 U.S.C. 390a(c)(2)(D)), by
    striking ``recipient college, university, or nonprofit
    institution'' and inserting ``recipient entity''.

    (b) Long-term Support.--Section 3(c)(2)(D) of the Research
    Facilities Act (7 U.S.C. 390a(c)(2)(D)), as amended by subsection (a),
    is further amended by striking ``operating costs'' and inserting
    ``operating and maintenance costs''.
    (c) Competitive Grant Program.--The Research Facilities Act is
    amended by inserting after section 3 (7 U.S.C. 390a) the following new
    section:
    ``SEC. 4. <>  COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM.

    ``The Secretary shall establish a program to make competitive grants
    to assist in the construction, alteration, acquisition, modernization,
    renovation, or remodeling of agricultural research facilities.''.
    (d) Authorization of Appropriations and Funding Limitations.--
    Section 6 of the Research Facilities Act (7 U.S.C. 390d) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)--
    (A) by striking ``subsection (b),'' and inserting
    ``subsections (b), (c), and (d),'';
    (B) by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following new sentence:
    ``Funds appropriated pursuant to the preceding sentence
    shall be available until expended.''; and
    (2) by adding at the end the following new subsections:

    ``(c) Maximum Amount.--Not more than 25 percent of the funds made
    available pursuant to subsection (a) for any fiscal year shall be used
    for any single agricultural research facility project.
    ``(d) Project Limitation.--An entity eligible to receive funds under
    this Act may receive funds for only one project at a time.''.
    SEC. 7504. AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE.

    Subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research
    Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 3157(b)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (2)--
    (A) in subparagraph (D)--
    (i) by redesignating clauses (iii) through
    (vii) as clauses (iv) through (viii),
    respectively; and
    (ii) by inserting after clause (ii) the
    following new clause:

    [[Page 4822]]

    ``(iii) soil health;'';
    (B) in subparagraph (E)--
    (i) in clause (iii), by striking ``and'' at
    the end;
    (ii) in clause (iv), by striking the period at
    the end and inserting ``; and''; and
    (iii) by adding at the end the following new
    clause:
    ``(v) tools that accelerate the use of
    automation or mechanization for labor-intensive
    tasks in the production and distribution of
    crops.''; and
    (C) in subparagraph (F)--
    (i) in clause (vi), by striking ``and'' at the
    end;
    (ii) in clause (vii), by striking the period
    at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
    (iii) by adding at the end the following new
    clause:
    ``(viii) barriers and bridges to entry and
    farm viability for young, beginning, socially
    disadvantaged, veteran, and immigrant farmers and
    ranchers, including farm succession, transition,
    transfer, entry, and profitability issues.'';
    (2) in paragraph (6)--
    (A) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' at the
    end;
    (B) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at
    the end and inserting ``; and''; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(F) to an institution to carry out collaboration
    in biomedical and agricultural research using existing
    research models.''; and
    (3) in paragraph (11)(A)--
    (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking
    ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''; and
    (B) in clause (ii), by striking ``4'' and inserting
    ``5''.
    SEC. 7505. EXTENSION DESIGN AND DEMONSTRATION INITIATIVE.

    (a) In General.--The Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research
    Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 3157) is amended by inserting after subsection (c)
    the following:
    ``(d) Extension Design and Demonstration Initiative.--
    ``(1) Purpose.--The purpose of this subsection is to
    encourage the design of adaptive prototype systems for improving
    extension and education that seek to advance the application,
    translation, and demonstration of scientific discoveries and
    other agricultural research for the adoption and understanding
    of food, agricultural, and natural resources practices,
    techniques, methods, and technologies using digital or other
    novel platforms.
    ``(2) Grants.--The Secretary shall award grants each fiscal
    year on a competitive basis--
    ``(A) for the design of 1 or more extension and
    education prototype systems--
    ``(i) that leverage digital platforms or other
    novel means of translating, delivering, or
    demonstrating agricultural research; and
    ``(ii) to adapt, apply, translate, or
    demonstrate scientific findings, data, technology,
    and other research outcomes to producers, the
    agricultural industry, and other interested
    persons or organizations; and

    [[Page 4823]]

    ``(B) to demonstrate, by incorporating analytics and
    specific metrics, the value, impact, and return on the
    Federal investment of a prototype system designed under
    subparagraph (A) as a model for use by other eligible
    entities described in paragraph (3) for improving,
    modernizing, and adapting applied research,
    demonstration, and extension services.
    ``(3) Eligible entities.--An entity that is eligible to
    receive a grant under paragraph (2) is--
    ``(A) a State agricultural experiment station (as
    defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural
    Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7
    U.S.C. 3103));
    ``(B) a cooperative extension service (as defined in
    such section); and
    ``(C) a land-grant college or university (as defined
    in such section) .
    ``(4) Requirement.--The Secretary shall award grants under
    paragraph (2) to not fewer than 2 and not more than 5 eligible
    entities described in paragraph (3) that represent a diversity
    of regions, commodities, and agricultural or food production
    issues.
    ``(5) Term.--The term of a grant awarded under paragraph (2)
    shall be not longer than 5 years.
    ``(6) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
    to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $5,000,000 for
    each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, to remain available
    until expended.''.

    (b) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--The Competitive, Special,
    and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 3157) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (c)(2), in the matter preceding
    subparagraph (A), by striking ``subsection--'' and all that
    follows through ``for the planning'' in subparagraph (B) and
    inserting ``subsection for the planning''; and
    (2) in subsection (h), by inserting ``, (d),'' after
    ``subsections (b)''.
    SEC. 7506. REPEAL OF REVIEW OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE.

    Section 7404 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
    (7 U.S.C. 3101 note; Public Law 107-171) is repealed.
    SEC. 7507. BIOMASS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

    Section 9008 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
    (7 U.S.C. 8108) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)(1)--
    (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``or'' at the
    end;
    (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at
    the end and inserting ``; or''; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(C) carbon dioxide that--
    ``(i) is intended for permanent sequestration
    or utilization; and
    ``(ii) is a byproduct of the production of the
    products described in subparagraphs (A) and
    (B).'';
    (2) in subsection (d)(2)(A)--
    (A) in clause (xii), by striking ``and'' at the end;

    [[Page 4824]]

    (B) by redesignating clause (xiii) as clause (xiv);
    and
    (C) by inserting after clause (xii) the following:
    ``(xiii) an individual with expertise in
    carbon dioxide capture, utilization, and
    sequestration; and'';
    (3) in subsection (e)--
    (A) in paragraph (2)(B)--
    (i) in clause (ii), by striking ``and'' at the
    end; and
    (ii) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(iv) to permanently sequester or utilize
    carbon dioxide described in subsection (a)(1)(C);
    and''; and
    (B) in paragraph (3)(B)--
    (i) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' at the
    end;
    (ii) in clause (ii), by striking the period at
    the end and inserting ``; and''; and
    (iii) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(iii) the development of technologies to
    permanently sequester or utilize carbon dioxide
    described in subsection (a)(1)(C).''; and
    (4) in subsection (h)(2), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.
    SEC. 7508. REINSTATEMENT OF MATCHING REQUIREMENT FOR FEDERAL FUNDS
    USED IN EXTENSION WORK AT THE UNIVERSITY
    OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

    (a) In General.--Section 209(c) of the District of Columbia Public
    Postsecondary Education Reorganization Act (Public Law 93-471; sec. 38-
    1202.09(c), D.C. Official Code) is amended by inserting after the first
    sentence the following: ``Such sums may be used to pay not more than \1/
    2\ of the total cost of providing such extension work.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take
    effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.
    SEC. 7509. RENEWABLE RESOURCES EXTENSION ACT OF 1978.

    (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 6 of the Renewable
    Resources Extension Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1675) is amended in the first
    sentence by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    (b) Termination Date.--Section 8 of the Renewable Resources
    Extension Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1671 note; Public Law 95-306) is
    amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 7510. NATIONAL AQUACULTURE ACT OF 1980.

    Section 10 of the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 (16 U.S.C. 2809)
    is amended by striking ``2018'' each place it appears and inserting
    ``2023''.
    SEC. 7511. FEDERAL AGRICULTURE RESEARCH FACILITIES.

    Section 1431 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Teaching Policy Act Amendments of 1985 (title XIV of Public Law 99-198;
    99 Stat. 1556) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

    [[Page 4825]]

    Subtitle F--Other Matters

    SEC. 7601. ENHANCED USE LEASE AUTHORITY PROGRAM.

    (a) Transition to Permanent Program.--Section 308 of the Federal
    Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act
    of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 3125a note) is amended--
    (1) in the section heading, by striking ``pilot''; and
    (2) in subsection (a), by striking ``pilot''.

    (b) Termination of Authority Extended.--Section 308(b)(6)(A) of the
    Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture
    Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 3125a note) is amended by striking
    ``on the date that is 10 years after the date of enactment of this
    section'' and inserting ``on September 30, 2023''.
    (c) Reports.--Section 308(d)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform
    and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 3125a
    note) is amended by striking ``Not later than 6, 8, and 10 years after
    the date of enactment of this section'' and inserting ``Not later than
    September 30, 2021''.
    SEC. 7602. TRANSFER OF ADMINISTRATIVE JURISDICTION OVER PORTION OF
    HENRY A. WALLACE BELTSVILLE AGRICULTURAL
    RESEARCH CENTER, BELTSVILLE, MARYLAND.

    (a) Transfer Authorized.--Subject to subsection (e), the Secretary
    may transfer to the Secretary of the Treasury administrative
    jurisdiction over a parcel of real property at the Henry A. Wallace
    Beltsville Agricultural Research Center consisting of approximately 100
    acres, which was originally acquired by the United States through land
    acquisitions in 1910 and 1925, and is generally located off of Poultry
    Road lying between Powder Mill Road and Odell Road in Beltsville,
    Maryland, for the purpose of facilitating the establishment of Bureau of
    Engraving and Printing facilities on the parcel.
    (b) Legal Description and Map.--
    (1) Preparation.--The Secretary shall prepare a legal
    description and map of the parcel of real property to be
    transferred under subsection (a).
    (2) Force of law.--The legal description and map prepared
    under paragraph (1) shall have the same force and effect as if
    included in this Act, except that the Secretary may correct
    errors in the legal description and map.

    (c) Terms and Conditions.--The transfer of administrative
    jurisdiction under subsection (a) shall be subject to easements, valid
    existing rights, and such other reservations, terms, and conditions as
    the Secretary considers to be necessary.
    (d) Waiver.--The parcel of real property under subsection (a) is
    exempt from Federal screening for other possible use due to an
    identified Federal need for the parcel as the site of Bureau of
    Engraving and Printing facilities.
    (e) Conditions for Transfer.--As a condition of the transfer of
    administrative jurisdiction under subsection (a) with respect to the
    parcel described in such subsection--
    (1) the Secretary of the Treasury shall agree to pay the
    Secretary the costs incurred to carry out such transfer,
    including the costs for--

    [[Page 4826]]

    (A) any environmental or administrative analysis
    required by law with respect to the parcel to be so
    transferred;
    (B) a survey of such parcel, if necessary; and
    (C) any hazardous substances assessment of the
    parcel to be so transferred; and
    (2) except as provided in subsection (d), the Secretary
    shall enter into a binding memorandum of agreement with the
    Secretary of the Treasury regarding the responsibilities,
    including financial responsibilities, of each party for
    evaluating and, if necessary, remediating or otherwise
    addressing hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants
    found at the parcel described in subsection (a).

    (f) Hazardous Materials.--Nothing in this section, or the amendments
    made by this section, amends, alters, or affects the relevant Federal
    and State environmental laws, including the Comprehensive Environmental
    Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601 et
    seq.), or the application of such laws to the parcel of real property
    transferred under subsection (a).
    SEC. 7603. FOUNDATION FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE RESEARCH.

    Section 7601 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 5939) is
    amended--
    (1) in subsection (d)(1)--
    (A) in subparagraph (B)--
    (i) in clause (ii), by striking ``conflicts;''
    and inserting ``conflicts, specifically at the
    Department of Agriculture; and''; and
    (ii) by adding at the end the following new
    clause:
    ``(iii) document the consultation process and
    include a summary of the results in the annual
    report required in subsection (f)(3)(B)''; and
    (B) in subparagraph (D), by inserting ``and
    agriculture stakeholders'' after ``community'';
    (2) in subsection (e)--
    (A) in paragraph (2)(C)(ii)(I), by inserting
    ``agriculture or'' before ``agricultural research''; and
    (B) in paragraph (4)(A)--
    (i) in clause (iii), by striking ``and'' at
    the end;
    (ii) by redesignating clause (iv) as clause
    (v); and
    (iii) by inserting after clause (iii) the
    following:
    ``(iv) actively solicit and accept funds,
    gifts, grants, devises, or bequests of real or
    personal property made to the Foundation,
    including from private entities; and'';
    (3) in subsection (f)--
    (A) in paragraph (2)(A)(iii), by striking ``any'';
    and
    (B) in paragraph (3)(B)--
    (i) in clause (i)(I)--
    (I) in the matter preceding item
    (aa), by inserting ``and post online''
    before ``a report'';
    (II) in item (aa), by striking
    ``accomplishments; and'' and inserting
    ``accomplishments and how those
    activities align to the challenges
    identified in the strategic plan under
    clause (iv);'';

    [[Page 4827]]

    (III) in item (bb), by striking the
    period at the end and inserting ``;
    and''; and
    (IV) by adding at the end the
    following:
    ``(cc) a description of
    available agricultural research
    programs and priorities for the
    upcoming fiscal year.''; and
    (ii) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(iii) Stakeholder notice.--The Foundation
    shall publish an annual notice with a description
    of agricultural research priorities under this
    section for the upcoming fiscal year, including--
    ``(I) a schedule for funding
    competitions;
    ``(II) a discussion of how
    applications for funding will be
    evaluated; and
    ``(III) how the Foundation will
    communicate information about funded
    awards to the public to ensure that
    grantees and partners understand the
    objectives of the Foundation.
    ``(iv) Strategic plan.--Not later than 1 year
    after the date of enactment of the Agriculture
    Improvement Act of 2018, the Foundation shall
    submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the
    House of Representatives and the Committee on
    Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate
    a strategic plan describing a path for the
    Foundation to become self-sustaining, including--
    ``(I) a forecast of major
    agricultural challenge opportunities
    identified by the scientific advisory
    councils of the Foundation and approved
    by the Board, including short- and long-
    term objectives;
    ``(II) an overview of the efforts
    that the Foundation will take to be
    transparent in each of the processes of
    the Foundation, including--
    ``(aa) processes relating to
    grant awards, including the
    selection, review, and
    notification processes;
    ``(bb) communication of
    past, current, and future
    research priorities; and
    ``(cc) plans to solicit and
    respond to public input on the
    opportunities identified in the
    strategic plan;
    ``(III) a description of financial
    goals and benchmarks for the next 10
    years, including a detailed plan for--
    ``(aa) raising funds in
    amounts greater than the amounts
    required under subsection
    (g)(1)(B);
    ``(bb) soliciting additional
    resources pursuant to
    subsections (e)(4)(A)(iv) and
    (f)(2)(A)(iii); and
    ``(cc) managing and
    leveraging such resources
    pursuant to subsection
    (f)(2)(A)(vii); and
    ``(IV) other related issues, as
    determined by the Board.''; and
    (4) in subsection (g)(1)--

    [[Page 4828]]

    (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking
    ``Mandatory funding'' and inserting ``Funding'';
    (B) in subparagraph (A)--
    (i) by striking ``On the date'' and inserting
    the following:
    ``(i) Establishment funding.--On the date'';
    and
    (ii) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(ii) Enhanced funding.--On the date on which
    the strategic plan described in subsection
    (f)(3)(B)(iv) is submitted, of the funds of the
    Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall
    transfer to the Foundation to carry out this
    section $185,000,000, to remain available until
    expended.''; and
    (C) in subparagraph (B)--
    (i) by striking ``The Foundation'' and
    inserting the following:
    ``(i) In general.--The Foundation'';
    (ii) in clause (i) (as so designated)--
    (I) by striking ``purposes'' and
    inserting ``purposes, duties, and
    powers''; and
    (II) by striking ``non-Federal
    matching funds for each expenditure''
    and inserting ``matching funds from a
    non-Federal source, including an
    agricultural commodity promotion,
    research, and information program''; and
    (iii) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(ii) Effect.--Nothing in this section
    requires the Foundation to require a matching
    contribution from an individual grantee as a
    condition of receiving a grant under this
    section.''.
    SEC. 7604. ASSISTANCE FOR FORESTRY RESEARCH UNDER THE MCINTIRE-
    STENNIS COOPERATIVE FORESTRY ACT.

    Section 2 of Public Law 87-788 (commonly known as the ``McIntire-
    Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act'') (16 U.S.C. 582a-1) is amended in the
    second sentence--
    (1) by striking ``and'' before ``1890 Institutions''; and
    (2) by inserting ``and 1994 Institutions (as defined in
    section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act
    of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103-382)) that offer an
    associate's degree or a baccalaureate degree in forestry,''
    before ``and (b)''.
    SEC. 7605. LEGITIMACY OF INDUSTRIAL HEMP RESEARCH.

    (a) In General.--Section 7606 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7
    U.S.C. 5940) is amended--
    (1) by redesignating subsections (a) and (b) as subsections
    (b) and (a), respectively, and moving the subsections so as to
    appear in alphabetical order;
    (2) in subsection (a) (as so redesignated)--
    (A) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4);
    and
    (B) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
    ``(3) State.--The term `State' has the meaning given such
    term in section 297A of the Agricultural Marketing Act of
    1946.'';

    [[Page 4829]]

    (3) in subsection (b) (as so redesignated), in the
    subsection heading, by striking ``In General'' and inserting
    ``Industrial Hemp Research''; and
    (4) by adding at the end the following:

    ``(c) Study and Report.--
    ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct a study of
    agricultural pilot programs--
    ``(A) to determine the economic viability of the
    domestic production and sale of industrial hemp; and
    ``(B) that shall include a review of--
    ``(i) each agricultural pilot program; and
    ``(ii) any other agricultural or academic
    research relating to industrial hemp.
    ``(2) Report.--Not later than 12 months after the date of
    enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall submit to
    Congress a report describing the results of the study conducted
    under paragraph (1).''.

    (b) <>  Repeal.--Effective on the date that
    is 1 year after the date on which the Secretary establishes a plan under
    section 297C of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, section 7606 of
    the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 5940) is repealed.
    SEC. 7606. COLLECTION OF DATA RELATING TO BARLEY AREA PLANTED AND
    HARVESTED.

    For all acreage reports published after the date of enactment of
    this Act, the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the
    National Agricultural Statistics Service, shall include the State of New
    York in the States surveyed to produce the table entitled ``Barley Area
    Planted and Harvested'' in those reports.
    SEC. 7607. COLLECTION OF DATA RELATING TO THE SIZE AND LOCATION OF
    DAIRY FARMS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 60 days after the date on which the
    2017 Census of Agriculture is released, the Secretary, acting through
    the Administrator of the Economic Research Service, shall update the
    report entitled ``Changes in the Size and Location of US Dairy Farms''
    contained in the report of the Economic Research Service entitled
    ``Profits, Costs, and the Changing Structure of Dairy Farming'' and
    published in September 2007.
    (b) Requirement.--In updating the report described in subsection
    (a), the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, use the
    same unit of measurement for reporting the full range of herd sizes in
    Table 1 and Table 2 of the report while maintaining confidentiality of
    individual producers.
    SEC. 7608. AGRICULTURE INNOVATION CENTER DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM.

    Section 6402 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
    (7 U.S.C. 1632b) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (d)(2)--
    (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
    striking ``representatives of each of the following
    groups'' and inserting ``a diverse group of
    representatives of public and private entities,
    including the following:'';
    (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``The 2'' and
    inserting ``Two'';
    (C) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``or a State
    legislator,'' after ``agency,''; and

    [[Page 4830]]

    (D) by amending subparagraph (C) to read as follows:
    ``(C) Four entities representing commodities
    produced in the State.'';
    (2) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``subsection (i)'' and
    inserting ``subsection (g)''; and
    (3) by striking subsections (g), (h), and (i) and inserting
    the following new subsection:

    ``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
    appropriated to carry out this section $15,000,000 for each of fiscal
    years 2019 through 2023.''.
    SEC. 7609. SMITH-LEVER COMMUNITY EXTENSION PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Section 3(d) of the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C.
    343(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: ``A
    1994 Institution (as defined in section 532 of the Equity in Educational
    Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103-382))
    may compete for and receive funds directly from the Secretary of
    Agriculture for the Children, Youth, and Families at Risk funding
    program and the Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 533(a)(2)(A) of the Equity in
    Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law
    103-382) is amended by striking clause (ii) and inserting the following:
    ``(ii) the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 341 et
    seq.), except as provided under--
    ``(I) section 3(b)(3) of that Act (7
    U.S.C. 343(b)(3)); or
    ``(II) the third sentence of section
    3(d) of that Act (7 U.S.C. 343(d));
    or''.
    SEC. 7610. <>  MECHANIZATION AND
    AUTOMATION FOR SPECIALTY CROPS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment
    of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a review of the programs of the
    Department of Agriculture that affect the production or processing of
    specialty crops.
    (b) Requirements.--The review under subsection (a) shall identify--
    (1) programs that currently are, or previously have been,
    effectively used to accelerate the development and use of
    automation or mechanization in the production or processing of
    specialty crops; and
    (2) programs that may be more effectively used to accelerate
    the development and use of automation or mechanization in the
    production or processing of specialty crops.

    (c) Strategy.--With respect to programs identified under subsection
    (b), the Secretary shall develop and implement a strategy to accelerate
    the development and use of automation and mechanization in the
    production or processing of specialty crops.
    SEC. 7611. EXPERIENCED SERVICES PROGRAM.

    Section 1252 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3851) is
    amended--
    (1) in the section heading, by striking ``agriculture
    conservation'';
    (2) in subsection (a)--
    (A) in the first sentence--
    (i) by striking ``a conservation'' and
    inserting ``an'';

    [[Page 4831]]

    (ii) by striking ``(in this section referred
    to as the `ACES Program')'' and inserting
    ``(referred to in this section as the
    `program')''; and
    (iii) by striking ``provide technical'' and
    inserting the following: ``provide--
    ``(1) technical''; and
    (B) in paragraph (1) (as so designated)--
    (i) by striking ``Secretary. Such technical
    services may include'' and inserting ``Secretary,
    including'';
    (ii) by striking the period at the end and
    inserting ``; and''; and
    (iii) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(2) technical, professional, and administrative services
    to support the research, education, and economics mission area
    of the Department of Agriculture (including the Agricultural
    Research Service, the Economic Research Service, the National
    Agricultural Library, the National Agricultural Statistics
    Service, the Office of the Chief Scientist, and the National
    Institute of Food and Agriculture), including--
    ``(A) supporting agricultural research and
    information;
    ``(B) advancing scientific knowledge relating to
    agriculture;
    ``(C) enhancing access to agricultural information;
    ``(D) providing statistical information and research
    results to farmers, ranchers, agribusiness, and public
    officials; and
    ``(E) assisting research, education, and extension
    programs in land-grant colleges and universities (as
    defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural
    Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7
    U.S.C. 3103)).'';
    (3) by striking ``ACES'' each place it appears;
    (4) by striking ``technical services'' each place it appears
    (other than in subsection (a)) and inserting ``technical,
    professional, or administrative services, as applicable,''; and
    (5) in subsection (c)--
    (A) in paragraph (1)--
    (i) by striking the paragraph heading and
    inserting ``Conservation technical services.--'';
    and
    (ii) by inserting ``with respect to subsection
    (a)(1),'' before ``the Secretary''; and
    (B) by adding at the end the following new
    paragraph:
    ``(3) Research, education, and economics services.--With
    respect to services referred to in subsection (a)(2), the
    Secretary may carry out the program under the mission area
    referred to in such subsection to the extent that funds are
    specifically appropriated to provide such services under such
    mission area.''.
    SEC. 7612. SIMPLIFIED PLAN OF WORK.

    (a) Smith-Lever Act.--The Smith-Lever Act is amended--
    (1) in section 3(h)(2) (7 U.S.C. 343(h)(2)), by striking
    subparagraph (D); and
    (2) in section 4(c) (7 U.S.C. 344(c)), by striking
    paragraphs (1) through (5) and inserting the following new
    paragraphs:
    ``(1) A summary of planned projects or programs in the State
    using formula funds.

    [[Page 4832]]

    ``(2) A description of the manner in which the State will
    meet the requirements of section 3(h).
    ``(3) A description of the manner in which the State will
    meet the requirements of section 3(i)(2) of the Hatch Act of
    1887 (7 U.S.C. 361c(i)(2)).
    ``(4) A description of matching funds provided by the State
    with respect to the previous fiscal year.''.

    (b) Hatch Act.--The Hatch Act of 1887 is amended--
    (1) in section 3 (7 U.S.C. 361c)--
    (A) by amending subsection (h) to read as follows:

    ``(h) Peer Review.--Research carried out under subsection (c)(3)
    shall be subject to scientific peer review. The review of a project
    conducted under this subsection shall be considered to satisfy the merit
    review requirements of section 103(e) of the Agricultural Research,
    Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7613(e)).''; and
    (B) in subsection (i)(2), by striking subparagraph
    (D); and
    (2) in section 7(e) (7 U.S.C. 361g(e)), by striking
    paragraphs (1) through (4) and inserting the following new
    paragraphs:
    ``(1) A summary of planned projects or programs in the State
    using formula funds.
    ``(2) A description of the manner in which the State will
    meet the requirements of subsections (c)(3) and (i)(2) of
    section 3.
    ``(3) A description of matching funds provided by the State
    with respect to the previous fiscal year.''.

    (c) Extension and Research at 1890 Institutions.--
    (1) Extension.--Section 1444(d)(3) of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
    1977 (7 U.S.C. 3221(d)(3)) is amended by striking subparagraphs
    (A) through (E) and inserting the following new subparagraphs:
    ``(A) A summary of planned projects or programs in
    the State using formula funds.
    ``(B) A description of matching funds provided by
    the State with respect to the previous fiscal year.''.
    (2) Research.--Section 1445(c)(3) of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
    1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222(c)(3)) is amended by striking subparagraphs
    (A) through (E) and inserting the following new subparagraphs:
    ``(A) A summary of planned projects or programs in
    the State using formula funds.
    ``(B) A description of matching funds provided by
    the State with respect to the previous fiscal year.''.
    SEC. 7613. <>  REVIEW OF LAND-GRANT TIME
    AND EFFORT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary, in consultation with the Office of
    Management and Budget, shall review and revise current reporting
    requirements related to compensation charges, documentation of personnel
    expenses, and other requirements that are commonly referred to as time
    and effort reporting for entities that receive funds under a program
    referred to in clause (iii), (iv), (vii), (viii), or (xii) of section
    251(f)(1)(C) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994
    (7 U.S.C. 6971(f)(1)(C)).
    (b) Revisions.--The Secretary shall ensure that any revision made
    pursuant to subsection (a)--

    [[Page 4833]]

    (1) is developed in collaboration with entities described in
    subsection (a); and
    (2) reduces the amount of paperwork and time required by the
    requirements referred to in such subsection, as such
    requirements are in effect on the date of the enactment of this
    Act.
    SEC. 7614. MATCHING FUNDS REQUIREMENT.

    (a) Repeal.--Subtitle P of the National Agricultural Research,
    Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3371) is repealed.
    (b) Conforming Amendments.--
    (1) National agricultural research, extension, and teaching
    policy act of 1977.--
    (A) Grants to enhance research capacity in schools
    of veterinary medicine.--Section 1415(a) of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
    Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3151(a)) is amended--
    (i) by striking ``The Secretary'' and
    inserting the following:
    ``(1) In general.--The Secretary''; and
    (ii) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(2) Matching requirement.--A State receiving a grant under
    paragraph (1) shall provide State matching funds equal to not
    less than the amount of the grant.''.
    (B) Aquaculture assistance grant program.--Section
    1475(b) of the National Agricultural Research,
    Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
    3322(b)) is amended by striking ``The Secretary'' and
    all that follows through the period at the end and
    inserting the following:
    ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (3), the Secretary
    may make competitive grants to entities eligible for grants
    under paragraph (2) for research and extension to facilitate or
    expand promising advances in the production and marketing of
    aquacultural food species and products and to enhance the safety
    and wholesomeness of those species and products, including the
    development of reliable supplies of seed stock and therapeutic
    compounds.
    ``(2) Eligible entities.--The Secretary may make a
    competitive grant under paragraph (1) to--
    ``(A) a land-grant or seagrant college or
    university;
    ``(B) a State agricultural experiment station;
    ``(C) a college, university, or Federal laboratory
    having a demonstrable capacity to conduct aquacultural
    research, as determined by the Secretary; or
    ``(D) a nonprofit private research institution.
    ``(3) Matching state grants.--
    ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
    subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall not make a grant
    under paragraph (1) unless the State in which the grant
    recipient is located makes a grant to that recipient in
    an amount equal to not less than the amount of the grant
    under paragraph (1) (of which State amount an in-kind
    contribution shall not exceed 50 percent).
    ``(B) Federal laboratories.--Subparagraph (A) shall
    not apply to a grant to a Federal laboratory.''.

    [[Page 4834]]

    (C) Rangeland research.--Section 1480 of the
    National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
    Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3333) is amended--
    (i) by striking ``The Secretary'' and
    inserting ``(a) In General.--The Secretary''; and
    (ii) by adding at the end the following new
    subsection:

    ``(b) Matching Requirements.--
    ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), this
    grant program shall be based on a matching formula of 50 percent
    Federal and 50 percent non-Federal funding (including funding
    from an agricultural commodity promotion, research, and
    information program).
    ``(2) Exception.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a grant
    to a Federal laboratory or a grant under subsection (a)(2).''.
    (2) Food, agriculture, conservation, and trade act of
    1990.--
    (A) Federal-state matching grant program.--Section
    1623(d)(2) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
    Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5813(d)(2)) is amended by
    striking the second sentence.
    (B) Agricultural genome initiative.--Section 1671 of
    the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of
    1990 (7 U.S.C. 5924) (as amended by section 7208) is
    amended--
    (i) by redesignating subsection (f) as
    subsection (g); and
    (ii) by inserting after subsection (e) the
    following:

    ``(f) Matching Funds Requirement.--
    ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (3), with respect to
    a grant or cooperative agreement under this section that
    provides a particular benefit to a specific agricultural
    commodity, the recipient of funds under the grant or cooperative
    agreement shall provide non-Federal matching funds (including
    funds from an agricultural commodity promotion, research, and
    information program) equal to not less than the amount provided
    under the grant or cooperative agreement.
    ``(2) In-kind support.--Non-Federal matching funds described
    in paragraph (1) may include in-kind support.
    ``(3) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the matching funds
    requirement under paragraph (1) with respect to a research
    project if the Secretary determines that--
    ``(A) the results of the project are of a particular
    benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, but those
    results are likely to be applicable to agricultural
    commodities generally; or
    ``(B)(i) the project--
    ``(I) involves a minor commodity; and
    ``(II) deals with scientifically important
    research; and
    ``(ii) the recipient is unable to satisfy the
    matching funds requirement.''.
    (C) High-priority research and extension
    initiatives.--Section 1672(a) of the Food, Agriculture,
    Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925(a))
    is amended--
    (i) by striking ``The Secretary of
    Agriculture'' and inserting the following:

    [[Page 4835]]

    ``(1) In general.--The Secretary of Agriculture'';
    (ii) in paragraph (1) (as so designated), in
    the second sentence, by striking ``The Secretary
    shall'' and inserting the following:
    ``(3) Consultation.--The Secretary shall''; and
    (iii) by inserting after paragraph (1) the
    following:
    ``(2) Matching funds requirement.--
    ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (C), an
    entity receiving a grant under paragraph (1) shall
    provide non-Federal matching funds (including funds from
    an agricultural commodity promotion, research, and
    information program) equal to not less than the amount
    of the grant.
    ``(B) In-kind support.--Non-Federal matching funds
    described in subparagraph (A) may include in-kind
    support.
    ``(C) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the matching
    funds requirement under subparagraph (A) with respect to
    a research project if the Secretary determines that--
    ``(i) the results of the project are of a
    particular benefit to a specific agricultural
    commodity, but those results are likely to be
    applicable to agricultural commodities generally;
    or
    ``(ii)(I) the project--
    ``(aa) involves a minor commodity;
    and
    ``(bb) deals with scientifically
    important research; and
    ``(II) the recipient is unable to satisfy the
    matching funds requirement.''.
    (D) Organic agriculture research and extension
    initiative.--Section 1672B of the Food, Agriculture,
    Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925b) (as
    amended by section 7210) is amended--
    (i) by redesignating subsections (c), (d), and
    (e) as subsections (d), (e), and (f),
    respectively; and
    (ii) by inserting after subsection (b) the
    following:

    ``(c) Matching Requirement.--
    ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (3), an entity
    receiving a grant under subsection (a) shall provide non-Federal
    matching funds (including funds from an agricultural commodity
    promotion, research, and information program) equal to not less
    than the amount of the grant.
    ``(2) In-kind support.--Non-Federal matching funds described
    in paragraph (1) may include in-kind support.
    ``(3) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the matching funds
    requirement under paragraph (1) with respect to a research
    project if the Secretary determines that--
    ``(A) the results of the project are of a particular
    benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, but those
    results are likely to be applicable to agricultural
    commodities generally; or
    ``(B)(i) the project--
    ``(I) involves a minor commodity; and
    ``(II) deals with scientifically important
    research; and
    ``(ii) the recipient is unable to satisfy the
    matching funds requirement.''.
    (3) Agricultural research, extension, and education reform
    act of 1998.--

    [[Page 4836]]

    (A) Integrated research, education, and extension
    competitive grants program.--Section 406 of the
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform
    Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7626) is amended--
    (i) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e)
    as subsections (e) and (f), respectively; and
    (ii) by inserting after subsection (c) the
    following:

    ``(d) Matching Funds Requirement.--
    ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (3), with respect to
    a grant under this section that provides a particular benefit to
    a specific agricultural commodity, the recipient of the grant
    shall provide non-Federal matching funds (including funds from
    an agricultural commodity promotion, research, and information
    program) equal to not less than the amount of the grant.
    ``(2) In-kind support.--Non-Federal matching funds described
    in paragraph (1) may include in-kind support.
    ``(3) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the matching funds
    requirement under paragraph (1) with respect to a grant if the
    Secretary determines that--
    ``(A) the results of the grant are of a particular
    benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, but those
    results are likely to be applicable to agricultural
    commodities generally; or
    ``(B)(i) the grant--
    ``(I) involves a minor commodity; and
    ``(II) deals with scientifically important
    research; and
    ``(ii) the recipient is unable to satisfy the
    matching funds requirement.''.
    (B) Specialty crop research initiative.--Section
    412(g) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and
    Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7632(g)) is
    amended--
    (i) by redesignating paragraph (3) as
    paragraph (4); and
    (ii) by inserting after paragraph (2) the
    following:
    ``(3) Matching requirement.--
    ``(A) In general.--An entity receiving a grant under
    this section shall provide non-Federal matching funds
    (including funds from an agricultural commodity
    promotion, research, and information program) equal to
    not less than the amount of the grant.
    ``(B) In-kind support.--Non-Federal matching funds
    described in subparagraph (A) may include in-kind
    support.''.
    (4) Other laws.--
    (A) Sun grant program.--Section 7526(c)(1)(C)(iv) of
    the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
    8114(c)(1)(C)(iv)) is amended by striking subclause
    (IV).
    (B) Agriculture and food research initiative.--
    Subsection (b)(9) of the Competitive, Special, and
    Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 3157(b)(9)) is
    amended--
    (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking clause
    (iii);
    (ii) in subparagraph (B)--
    (I) in clause (i), by striking
    ``clauses (ii) and (iii),'' and
    inserting ``clause (ii),''; and
    (II) by striking clause (iii); and
    (iii) by adding at the end the following:

    [[Page 4837]]

    ``(C) Applied research.--An entity receiving a grant
    under paragraph (5)(B) for applied research that is
    commodity-specific and not of national scope shall
    provide non-Federal matching funds equal to not less
    than the amount of the grant.''.

    (c) <>  Application of Amendments.--
    (1) Awards made after date of enactment.--The amendments
    made by subsections (a) and (b) shall apply with respect to
    grants, cooperative agreements, or other awards described in
    subsection (b) that are made after the date of the enactment of
    this Act.
    (2) Awards made on or before date of enactment.--
    Notwithstanding the amendments made by subsections (a) and (b),
    a matching funds requirement in effect on the day before the
    date of enactment of this Act under a provision of law amended
    by subsection (a) or (b) shall continue to apply to a grant,
    cooperative agreement, or other award described in subsection
    (b) that is made on or before the date of the enactment of this
    Act.

    TITLE VIII--FORESTRY

    Subtitle A--Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978

    SEC. 8101. SUPPORT FOR STATE ASSESSMENTS AND STRATEGIES FOR FOREST
    RESOURCES.

    Section 2A(f)(1) of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978
    (16 U.S.C. 2101a(f)(1)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.
    SEC. 8102. STATE AND PRIVATE FOREST LANDSCAPE-SCALE RESTORATION
    PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Section 13A of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance
    Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2109a) is amended to read as follows:
    ``SEC. 13A. STATE AND PRIVATE FOREST LANDSCAPE-SCALE RESTORATION
    PROGRAM.

    ``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to encourage
    collaborative, science-based restoration of priority forest landscapes.
    ``(b) Definitions.--In this section:
    ``(1) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian tribe' has the meaning
    given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and
    Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
    ``(2) Nonindustrial private forest land.--The term
    `nonindustrial private forest land' means land that--
    ``(A) is rural, as determined by the Secretary;
    ``(B) has existing tree cover or is suitable for
    growing trees; and
    ``(C) is owned by any private individual, group,
    association, corporation, Indian tribe, or other private
    legal entity.
    ``(3) State forest land.--The term `State forest land' means
    land that--
    ``(A) is rural, as determined by the Secretary; and

    [[Page 4838]]

    ``(B) is under State or local governmental ownership
    and considered to be non-Federal forest land.

    ``(c) Establishment.--The Secretary, in consultation with State
    foresters or appropriate State agencies, shall establish a competitive
    grant program to provide financial and technical assistance to encourage
    collaborative, science-based restoration of priority forest landscapes.
    ``(d) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this
    section, an applicant shall submit to the Secretary, through the State
    forester or appropriate State agency, a State and private forest
    landscape-scale restoration proposal based on a restoration strategy
    that--
    ``(1) is complete or substantially complete;
    ``(2) is for a multiyear period;
    ``(3) covers nonindustrial private forest land or State
    forest land;
    ``(4) is accessible by wood-processing infrastructure; and
    ``(5) is based on the best available science.

    ``(e) Plan Criteria.--A State and private forest landscape-scale
    restoration proposal submitted under this section shall include plans--
    ``(1) to reduce the risk of uncharacteristic wildfires;
    ``(2) to improve fish and wildlife habitats, including the
    habitats of threatened and endangered species;
    ``(3) to maintain or improve water quality and watershed
    function;
    ``(4) to mitigate invasive species, insect infestation, and
    disease;
    ``(5) to improve important forest ecosystems;
    ``(6) to measure ecological and economic benefits, including
    air quality and soil quality and productivity; and
    ``(7) to take other relevant actions, as determined by the
    Secretary.

    ``(f) Priorities.--In making grants under this section, the
    Secretary shall give priority to plans that--
    ``(1) further a statewide forest assessment and resource
    strategy;
    ``(2) promote cross boundary landscape collaboration; and
    ``(3) leverage public and private resources.

    ``(g) Collaboration and Consultation.--The Chief of the Forest
    Service, the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and
    relevant stakeholders shall collaborate and consult on an ongoing basis
    regarding--
    ``(1) administration of the program established under this
    section; and
    ``(2) identification of other applicable resources for
    landscape-scale restoration.

    ``(h) Matching Funds Required.--As a condition of receiving a grant
    under this section, the Secretary shall require the recipient of the
    grant to provide funds or in-kind support from non-Federal sources in an
    amount that is at least equal to the amount of Federal funds.
    ``(i) Coordination and Proximity Encouraged.--In making grants under
    this section, the Secretary may consider coordination with and proximity
    to other landscape-scale projects on other land under the jurisdiction
    of the Secretary, the Secretary of the Interior, or a Governor of a
    State, including under--

    [[Page 4839]]

    ``(1) the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program
    established under section 4003 of the Omnibus Public Land
    Management Act of 2009 (16 U.S.C. 7303);
    ``(2) landscape areas designated for insect and disease
    treatments under section 602 of the Healthy Forests Restoration
    Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591a);
    ``(3) good neighbor authority under section 19;
    ``(4) stewardship end result contracting projects authorized
    under section 604 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003
    (16 U.S.C. 6591c);
    ``(5) appropriate State-level programs; and
    ``(6) other relevant programs, as determined by the
    Secretary.

    ``(j) Regulations.--The Secretary shall promulgate such regulations
    as the Secretary determines necessary to carry out this section.
    ``(k) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of
    this section, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture
    of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture,
    Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report on--
    ``(1) the status of development, execution, and
    administration of selected projects;
    ``(2) the accounting of program funding expenditures; and
    ``(3) specific accomplishments that have resulted from
    landscape-scale projects.

    ``(l) Fund.--
    ``(1) In general.--There is established in the Treasury a
    fund, to be known as the `State and Private Forest Landscape-
    Scale Restoration Fund' (referred to in this subsection as the
    `Fund'), to be used by the Secretary to make grants under this
    section.
    ``(2) Contents.--The Fund shall consist of such amounts as
    are appropriated to the Fund under paragraph (3).
    ``(3) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
    to be appropriated to the Fund $20,000,000 for each fiscal year
    beginning with the first full fiscal year after the date of
    enactment of this subsection through fiscal year 2023, to remain
    available until expended.''.

    (b) Conforming Amendments.--
    (1) Section 13B of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act
    of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2109b) is repealed.
    (2) Section 19(a)(4)(C) of the Cooperative Forestry
    Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2113(a)(4)(C)) is amended by
    striking ``sections 13A and 13B'' and inserting ``section 13A''.

    Subtitle B--Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of
    1978

    SEC. 8201. REPEAL OF RECYCLING RESEARCH.

    Section 9 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research
    Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1648) is repealed.
    SEC. 8202. REPEAL OF FORESTRY STUDENT GRANT PROGRAM.

    Section 10 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research
    Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1649) is repealed.

    [[Page 4840]]

    Subtitle C--Global Climate Change Prevention Act of 1990

    SEC. 8301. REPEALS RELATING TO BIOMASS.

    (a) Biomass Energy Demonstration Projects.--Section 2410 of the
    Global Climate Change Prevention Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6708) is
    repealed.
    (b) Interagency Cooperation to Maximize Biomass Growth.--Section
    2411 of the Global Climate Change Prevention Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6709)
    is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking ``to--''
    and all that follows through ``such forests and lands'' in paragraph (2)
    and inserting ``to develop a program to manage forests and land on
    Department of Defense military installations''.

    Subtitle D--Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003

    SEC. 8401. PROMOTING CROSS-BOUNDARY WILDFIRE MITIGATION.

    Section 103 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16
    U.S.C. 6513) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(e) Cross-boundary Hazardous Fuel Reduction Projects.--
    ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
    ``(A) Hazardous fuel reduction project.--The term
    `hazardous fuel reduction project' means a hazardous
    fuel reduction project described in paragraph (2).
    ``(B) Non-federal land.--The term `non-Federal land'
    includes--
    ``(i) State land;
    ``(ii) county land;
    ``(iii) Tribal land;
    ``(iv) private land; and
    ``(v) other non-Federal land.
    ``(2) Grants.--The Secretary may make grants to State
    foresters to support hazardous fuel reduction projects that
    incorporate treatments in landscapes across ownership boundaries
    on Federal and non-Federal land, particularly in areas
    identified as priorities in applicable State-wide forest
    resource assessments or strategies under section 2A(a) of the
    Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C.
    2101a(a)), as mutually agreed to by the State forester and the
    Regional Forester.
    ``(3) Land treatments.--To conduct and fund treatments for
    hazardous fuel reduction projects carried out by State foresters
    using grants under paragraph (2), the Secretary may use the
    authorities of the Secretary relating to cooperation and
    technical and financial assistance, including the good neighbor
    authority under--
    ``(A) section 8206 of the Agricultural Act of 2014
    (16 U.S.C. 2113a); and
    ``(B) section 331 of the Department of the Interior
    and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001 (16 U.S.C.
    1011 note; Public Law 106-291).

    [[Page 4841]]

    ``(4) Cooperation.--In carrying out a hazardous fuel
    reduction project using a grant under paragraph (2) on non-
    Federal land, the State forester, in consultation with the
    Secretary--
    ``(A) shall consult with any applicable owners of
    the non-Federal land; and
    ``(B) shall not implement the hazardous fuel
    reduction project on non-Federal land without the
    consent of the owner of the non-Federal land.
    ``(5) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
    to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $20,000,000 for
    each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.''.
    SEC. 8402. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR HAZARDOUS FUEL
    REDUCTION ON FEDERAL LAND.

    Section 108 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16
    U.S.C. 6518) is amended by striking ``$760,000,000 for each fiscal
    year'' and inserting ``$660,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019
    through 2023''.
    SEC. 8403. REPEAL OF BIOMASS COMMERCIAL UTILIZATION GRANT PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Section 203 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act
    of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6531) is repealed.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents for the Healthy
    Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6501 note; Public Law 108-
    148) is amended by striking the item relating to section 203.
    SEC. 8404. WATER SOURCE PROTECTION PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Title III of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of
    2003 (16 U.S.C. 6541 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
    following:
    ``SEC. 303. <>  WATER SOURCE PROTECTION
    PROGRAM.

    ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
    ``(1) End water user.--The term `end water user' means a
    non-Federal entity, including--
    ``(A) a State;
    ``(B) a political subdivision of a State;
    ``(C) an Indian tribe;
    ``(D) a utility;
    ``(E) a municipal water system;
    ``(F) an irrigation district;
    ``(G) a nonprofit organization; and
    ``(H) a corporation.
    ``(2) Forest management activity.--The term `forest
    management activity' means a project carried out by the
    Secretary on National Forest System land.
    ``(3) Forest plan.--The term `forest plan' means a land
    management plan prepared by the Forest Service for a unit of the
    National Forest System pursuant to section 6 of the Forest and
    Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C.
    1604).
    ``(4) Non-federal partner.--The term `non-Federal partner'
    means an end water user with whom the Secretary has entered into
    a partnership agreement under subsection (c)(1).

    [[Page 4842]]

    ``(5) Program.--The term `Program' means the Water Source
    Protection Program established under subsection (b).
    ``(6) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary
    of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service.
    ``(7) Water source management plan.--The term `water source
    management plan' means the water source management plan
    developed under subsection (d)(1).

    ``(b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish and maintain a
    program, to be known as the `Water Source Protection Program', to carry
    out watershed protection and restoration projects on National Forest
    System land.
    ``(c) Water Source Investment Partnerships.--
    ``(1) In general.--In carrying out the Program, the
    Secretary may enter into water source investment partnership
    agreements with end water users to protect and restore the
    condition of National Forest watersheds that provide water to
    the end water users.
    ``(2) Form.--A partnership agreement described in paragraph
    (1) may take the form of--
    ``(A) a memorandum of understanding;
    ``(B) a cost-share or collection agreement;
    ``(C) a long-term funding matching commitment; or
    ``(D) another appropriate instrument, as determined
    by the Secretary.

    ``(d) Water Source Management Plan.--
    ``(1) In general.--In carrying out the Program, the
    Secretary, in cooperation with the non-Federal partners and
    applicable State, local, and Tribal governments, may develop a
    water source management plan that describes the proposed
    implementation of watershed protection and restoration projects
    under the Program.
    ``(2) Requirement.--A water source management plan shall be
    conducted in a manner consistent with the forest plan applicable
    to the National Forest System land on which the watershed
    protection and restoration project is carried out.
    ``(3) Environmental analysis.--The Secretary may conduct a
    single environmental impact statement or similar analysis
    required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
    U.S.C. 4321 et seq.)--
    ``(A) for each watershed protection and restoration
    project included in the water source management plan; or
    ``(B) as part of the development of, or after the
    finalization of, the water source management plan.

    ``(e) Forest Management Activities.--
    ``(1) In general.--To the extent that forest management
    activities are necessary to protect, maintain, or enhance water
    quality, and in accordance with paragraph (2), the Secretary
    shall carry out forest management activities as part of
    watershed protection and restoration projects carried out on
    National Forest System land, with the primary purpose of--
    ``(A) protecting a municipal water supply system;
    ``(B) restoring forest health from insect
    infestations and disease; or
    ``(C) any combination of the purposes described in
    subparagraphs (A) and (B).

    [[Page 4843]]

    ``(2) Compliance.--The Secretary shall carry out forest
    management activities under paragraph (1) in accordance with--
    ``(A) this Act;
    ``(B) the applicable water source management plan;
    ``(C) the applicable forest plan; and
    ``(D) other applicable laws.

    ``(f) Endangered Species Act of 1973.--In carrying out the Program,
    the Secretary may use the Manual on Adaptive Management of the
    Department of the Interior, including any associated guidance, to comply
    with the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
    ``(g) Funds and Services.--
    ``(1) In general.--In carrying out the Program, the
    Secretary may accept and use funding, services, and other forms
    of investment and assistance from non-Federal partners to
    implement the water source management plan.
    ``(2) Matching funds required.--The Secretary shall require
    the contribution of funds or in-kind support from non-Federal
    partners to be in an amount that is at least equal to the amount
    of Federal funds.
    ``(3) Manner of use.--The Secretary may accept and use
    investments described in paragraph (1) directly or indirectly
    through the National Forest Foundation.
    ``(4) Water source protection fund.--
    ``(A) In general.--Subject to the availability of
    appropriations, the Secretary may establish a Water
    Source Protection Fund to match funds or in-kind support
    contributed by non-Federal partners under paragraph (1).
    ``(B) Use of appropriated funds.--There is
    authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section
    $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.
    ``(C) Partnership agreements.--The Secretary may
    make multiyear commitments, if necessary, to implement 1
    or more partnership agreements under subsection (c).''.

    (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents for the Healthy
    Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6501 note; Public Law 108-
    148) is amended by striking the item relating to section 303 and
    inserting the following:

    ``Sec. 303. Water Source Protection Program.''.

    SEC. 8405. WATERSHED CONDITION FRAMEWORK.

    (a) In General.--Title III of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of
    2003 (16 U.S.C. 6541 et seq.) (as amended by section 8404(a)) is amended
    by adding at the end the following:
    ``SEC. 304. <>  WATERSHED CONDITION FRAMEWORK.

    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the
    Chief of the Forest Service (referred to in this section as the
    `Secretary'), may establish and maintain a Watershed Condition Framework
    for National Forest System land--
    ``(1) to evaluate and classify the condition of watersheds,
    taking into consideration--
    ``(A) water quality and quantity;
    ``(B) aquatic habitat and biota;
    ``(C) riparian and wetland vegetation;
    ``(D) the presence of roads and trails;

    [[Page 4844]]

    ``(E) soil type and condition;
    ``(F) groundwater-dependent ecosystems;
    ``(G) relevant terrestrial indicators, such as fire
    regime, risk of catastrophic fire, forest and rangeland
    vegetation, invasive species, and insects and disease;
    and
    ``(H) other significant factors, as determined by
    the Secretary;
    ``(2) to identify for protection and restoration up to 5
    priority watersheds in each National Forest, and up to 2
    priority watersheds in each national grassland, taking into
    consideration the impact of the condition of the watershed
    condition on--
    ``(A) wildfire behavior;
    ``(B) flood risk;
    ``(C) fish and wildlife;
    ``(D) drinking water supplies;
    ``(E) irrigation water supplies;
    ``(F) forest-dependent communities; and
    ``(G) other significant impacts, as determined by
    the Secretary;
    ``(3) to develop a watershed protection and restoration
    action plan for each priority watershed that--
    ``(A) takes into account existing restoration
    activities being implemented in the watershed; and
    ``(B) includes, at a minimum--
    ``(i) the major stressors responsible for the
    impaired condition of the watershed;
    ``(ii) a set of essential projects that, once
    completed, will address the identified stressors
    and improve watershed conditions;
    ``(iii) a proposed implementation schedule;
    ``(iv) potential partners and funding sources;
    and
    ``(v) a monitoring and evaluation program;
    ``(4) to prioritize protection and restoration activities
    for each watershed restoration action plan;
    ``(5) to implement each watershed protection and restoration
    action plan; and
    ``(6) to monitor the effectiveness of protection and
    restoration actions and indicators of watershed health.

    ``(b) Coordination.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary
    shall--
    ``(1) coordinate with interested non-Federal landowners and
    State, Tribal, and local governments within the relevant
    watershed; and
    ``(2) provide for an active and ongoing public engagement
    process.

    ``(c) Emergency Designation.--Notwithstanding paragraph (2) of
    subsection (a), the Secretary may identify a watershed as a priority for
    rehabilitation in the Watershed Condition Framework without using the
    process described in that subsection if a Forest Supervisor determines
    that--
    ``(1) a wildfire has significantly diminished the condition
    of the watershed; and
    ``(2) the emergency stabilization activities of the Burned
    Area Emergency Response Team are insufficient to return the
    watershed to proper function.''.

    (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents for the Healthy
    Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6501 note;

    [[Page 4845]]

    Public Law 108-148) (as amended by section 8404(b)) is amended by
    inserting after the item relating to section 303 the following:

    ``Sec. 304. Watershed Condition Framework.''.

    SEC. 8406. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS TO COMBAT INSECT
    INFESTATIONS AND RELATED DISEASES.

    (a) In General.--Section 406 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act
    of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6556) is amended to read as follows:
    ``SEC. 406. TERMINATION OF EFFECTIVENESS.

    ``The authority provided by this title terminates effective October
    1, 2023.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents for the Healthy
    Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6501 note; Public Law 108-
    148) is amended by striking the item relating to section 406 and
    inserting the following:

    ``Sec. 406. Termination of effectiveness.''.

    SEC. 8407. HEALTHY FORESTS RESTORATION ACT OF 2003 AMENDMENTS.

    (a) Healthy Forests Reserve Program.--
    (1) Additional purpose of program.--Section 501(a) of the
    Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6571(a)) is
    amended--
    (A) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (2);
    (B) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4);
    and
    (C) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following
    new paragraph:
    ``(3) to conserve forest land that provides habitat for
    species described in section 502(b); and''.
    (2) Eligibility for enrollment.--Subsection (b) of section
    502 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C.
    6572) is amended to read as follows:

    ``(b) Eligibility.--To be eligible for enrollment in the healthy
    forests reserve program, land shall be private forest land, or private
    land being restored to forest land, the enrollment of which will
    maintain, restore, enhance, or otherwise measurably--
    ``(1) increase the likelihood of recovery of a species that
    is listed as endangered or threatened under section 4 of the
    Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533); or
    ``(2) improve the well-being of a species that--
    ``(A) is--
    ``(i) not listed as endangered or threatened
    under such section; and
    ``(ii) a candidate for such listing, a State-
    listed species, or a special concern species; or
    ``(B) is deemed a species of greatest conservation
    need by a State wildlife action plan.''.
    (3) Other enrollment considerations.--Section 502(c) of the
    Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6572(c)) is
    amended--
    (A) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (1);
    (B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3);
    and
    (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following
    new paragraph:

    [[Page 4846]]

    ``(2) conserve forest land that provides habitat for species
    described in subsection (b); and''.
    (4) Elimination of limitation on use of easements.--Section
    502(e) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C.
    6572(e)) is amended by striking paragraph (2) and redesignating
    paragraph (3) as paragraph (2).
    (5) Enrollment of acreage owned by an indian tribe.--
    Paragraph (2) of section 502(e) of the Healthy Forests
    Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6572(e)) (as redesignated by
    paragraph (4)) is amended, in subparagraph (B), by striking
    clauses (ii) and (iii) and inserting the following new clauses:
    ``(ii) a 10-year cost-share agreement;
    ``(iii) a permanent easement; or
    ``(iv) any combination of the options
    described in clauses (i) through (iii).''.
    (6) Enrollment priority.--Section 502(f)(1)(B) of the
    Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C.
    6572(f)(1)(B)) is amended by striking clause (ii) and inserting
    the following:
    ``(ii)(I) are candidates for such listing,
    State-listed species, or special concern species;
    or
    ``(II) are deemed a species of greatest
    conservation need under a State wildlife action
    plan.''.
    (7) Restoration plans.--Subsection (b) of section 503 of the
    Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6573) is
    amended to read as follows:

    ``(b) Practices.--The restoration plan shall require such
    restoration practices and measures as are necessary to restore and
    enhance habitat for species described in section 502(b), including the
    following:
    ``(1) Land management practices.
    ``(2) Vegetative treatments.
    ``(3) Structural practices and measures.
    ``(4) Practices to increase carbon sequestration.
    ``(5) Practices to improve biological diversity.
    ``(6) Other practices and measures.''.
    (8) Funding.--Section 508(b) of the Healthy Forests
    Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6578(b)) is amended--
    (A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Fiscal
    Years 2014 Through 2018'' and inserting ``Authorization
    of Appropriations''; and
    (B) by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    (9) Technical correction.--Section 503(a) of the Healthy
    Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6573(a)) is amended
    by striking ``Secretary of Interior'' and inserting ``Secretary
    of the Interior''.

    (b) Insect and Disease Infestation.--
    (1) Treatment of areas.--Section 602(d)(1) of the Healthy
    Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591a(d)(1)) is
    amended by striking ``subsection (b) to reduce the risk or
    extent of, or increase the resilience to, insect or disease
    infestation in the areas.'' and inserting the following:
    ``subsection (b)--
    ``(A) to reduce the risk or extent of, or increase
    the resilience to, insect or disease infestation; or
    ``(B) to reduce hazardous fuels.''.

    [[Page 4847]]

    (2) Extension of authority.--Section 602(d)(2) of the
    Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591a(d)(2))
    is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 8408. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR DESIGNATION OF
    TREATMENT AREAS.

    Section 602 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16
    U.S.C. 6591a) is amended by striking subsection (f).

    Subtitle E--Repeal or Reauthorization of Miscellaneous Forestry Programs

    SEC. 8501. REPEAL OF REVISION OF STRATEGIC PLAN FOR FOREST
    INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS.

    Section 8301 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 1642 note;
    Public Law 113-79) is repealed.
    SEC. 8502. SEMIARID AGROFORESTRY RESEARCH CENTER.

    Section 1243(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade
    Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 1642 note; Public Law 101-624) is amended by
    striking ``annually'' and inserting ``for each of fiscal years 2019
    through 2023''.
    SEC. 8503. NATIONAL FOREST FOUNDATION ACT.

    (a) Matching Funds.--Section 405(b) of the National Forest
    Foundation Act (16 U.S.C. 583j-3(b)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and
    inserting ``2023''.
    (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 410(b) of the National
    Forest Foundation Act (16 U.S.C. 583j-8(b)) is amended by striking
    ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 8504. CONVEYANCE OF FOREST SERVICE ADMINISTRATIVE SITES.

    Section 503(f) of the Forest Service Facility Realignment and
    Enhancement Act of 2005 (16 U.S.C. 580d note; Public Law 109-54) is
    amended by striking ``2016'' and inserting ``2023''.

    Subtitle F--Forest Management

    SEC. 8601. <>  DEFINITION OF NATIONAL
    FOREST SYSTEM.

    In this subtitle, the term ``National Forest System'' has the
    meaning given the term in section 11(a) of the Forest and Rangeland
    Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1609(a)).

    PART I--EXPEDITED ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS AND AVAILABILITY OF CATEGORICAL
    EXCLUSIONS TO EXPEDITE FOREST MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

    SEC. 8611. CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FOR GREATER SAGE-GROUSE AND MULE
    DEER HABITAT.

    (a) In General.--Title VI of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of
    2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
    following:

    [[Page 4848]]

    ``SEC. 606. <>  CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FOR
    GREATER SAGE-GROUSE AND MULE DEER HABITAT.

    ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
    ``(1) Covered vegetation management activity.--
    ``(A) In general.--The term `covered vegetation
    management activity' means any activity described in
    subparagraph (B) that--
    ``(i)(I) is carried out on National Forest
    System land administered by the Forest Service; or
    ``(II) is carried out on public land
    administered by the Bureau of Land Management;
    ``(ii) with respect to public land, meets the
    objectives of the order of the Secretary of the
    Interior numbered 3336 and dated January 5, 2015;
    ``(iii) conforms to an applicable forest plan
    or land use plan;
    ``(iv) protects, restores, or improves greater
    sage-grouse or mule deer habitat in a sagebrush
    steppe ecosystem as described in--
    ``(I) Circular 1416 of the United
    States Geological Survey entitled
    `Restoration Handbook for Sagebrush
    Steppe Ecosystems with Emphasis on
    Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat--Part 1.
    Concepts for Understanding and Applying
    Restoration' (2015); or
    ``(II) the habitat guidelines for
    mule deer published by the Mule Deer
    Working Group of the Western Association
    of Fish and Wildlife Agencies;
    ``(v) will not permanently impair--
    ``(I) the natural state of the
    treated area;
    ``(II) outstanding opportunities for
    solitude;
    ``(III) outstanding opportunities
    for primitive, unconfined recreation;
    ``(IV) economic opportunities
    consistent with multiple-use management;
    or
    ``(V) the identified values of a
    unit of the National Landscape
    Conservation System;
    ``(vi)(I) restores native vegetation following
    a natural disturbance;
    ``(II) prevents the expansion into greater
    sage-grouse or mule deer habitat of--
    ``(aa) juniper, pinyon pine, or
    other associated conifers; or
    ``(bb) nonnative or invasive
    vegetation;
    ``(III) reduces the risk of loss of greater
    sage-grouse or mule deer habitat from wildfire or
    any other natural disturbance; or
    ``(IV) provides emergency stabilization of
    soil resources after a natural disturbance; and
    ``(vii) provides for the conduct of
    restoration treatments that--
    ``(I) maximize the retention of old-
    growth and large trees, as appropriate
    for the forest type;
    ``(II) consider the best available
    scientific information to maintain or
    restore the ecological integrity,
    including maintaining or restoring
    structure, function, composition, and
    connectivity;

    [[Page 4849]]

    ``(III) are developed and
    implemented through a collaborative
    process that--
    ``(aa) includes multiple
    interested persons representing
    diverse interests; and
    ``(bb)(AA) is transparent
    and nonexclusive; or
    ``(BB) meets the
    requirements for a resource
    advisory committee under
    subsections (c) through (f) of
    section 205 of the Secure Rural
    Schools and Community Self-
    Determination Act of 2000 (16
    U.S.C. 7125); and
    ``(IV) may include the
    implementation of a proposal that
    complies with the eligibility
    requirements of the Collaborative Forest
    Landscape Restoration Program under
    section 4003(b) of the Omnibus Public
    Land Management Act of 2009 (16 U.S.C.
    7303(b)).
    ``(B) Description of activities.--An activity
    referred to in subparagraph (A) is--
    ``(i) manual cutting and removal of juniper
    trees, pinyon pine trees, other associated
    conifers, or other nonnative or invasive
    vegetation;
    ``(ii) mechanical mastication, cutting, or
    mowing, mechanical piling and burning, chaining,
    broadcast burning, or yarding;
    ``(iii) removal of cheat grass, medusa head
    rye, or other nonnative, invasive vegetation;
    ``(iv) collection and seeding or planting of
    native vegetation using a manual, mechanical, or
    aerial method;
    ``(v) seeding of nonnative, noninvasive,
    ruderal vegetation only for the purpose of
    emergency stabilization;
    ``(vi) targeted use of an herbicide, subject
    to the condition that the use shall be in
    accordance with applicable legal requirements,
    Federal agency procedures, and land use plans;
    ``(vii) targeted livestock grazing to mitigate
    hazardous fuels and control noxious and invasive
    weeds;
    ``(viii) temporary removal of wild horses or
    burros in the area in which the activity is being
    carried out to ensure treatment objectives are
    met;
    ``(ix) in coordination with the affected
    permit holder, modification or adjustment of
    permissible usage under an annual plan of use of a
    grazing permit issued by the Secretary concerned
    to achieve restoration treatment objectives;
    ``(x) installation of new, or modification of
    existing, fencing or water sources intended to
    control use or improve wildlife habitat; or
    ``(xi) necessary maintenance of, repairs to,
    rehabilitation of, or reconstruction of an
    existing permanent road or construction of
    temporary roads to accomplish the activities
    described in this subparagraph.
    ``(C) Exclusions.--The term `covered vegetation
    management activity' does not include--

    [[Page 4850]]

    ``(i) any activity conducted in a wilderness
    area or wilderness study area;
    ``(ii) any activity for the construction of a
    permanent road or permanent trail;
    ``(iii) any activity conducted on Federal land
    on which, by Act of Congress or Presidential
    proclamation, the removal of vegetation is
    restricted or prohibited;
    ``(iv) any activity conducted in an area in
    which activities under subparagraph (B) would be
    inconsistent with the applicable land and resource
    management plan; or
    ``(v) any activity conducted in an inventoried
    roadless area.
    ``(2) Secretary concerned.--The term `Secretary concerned'
    means--
    ``(A) the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to
    National Forest System land; and
    ``(B) the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to
    public land.
    ``(3) Temporary road.--The term `temporary road' means a
    road that is--
    ``(A) authorized--
    ``(i) by a contract, permit, lease, other
    written authorization; or
    ``(ii) pursuant to an emergency operation;
    ``(B) not intended to be part of the permanent
    transportation system of a Federal department or agency;
    ``(C) not necessary for long-term resource
    management;
    ``(D) designed in accordance with standards
    appropriate for the intended use of the road, taking
    into consideration--
    ``(i) safety;
    ``(ii) the cost of transportation; and
    ``(iii) impacts to land and resources; and
    ``(E) managed to minimize--
    ``(i) erosion; and
    ``(ii) the introduction or spread of invasive
    species.

    ``(b) Categorical Exclusion.--
    ``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
    enactment of this section, the Secretary concerned shall develop
    a categorical exclusion (as defined in section 1508.4 of title
    40, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation)) for
    covered vegetation management activities carried out to protect,
    restore, or improve habitat for greater sage-grouse or mule
    deer.
    ``(2) Administration.--In developing and administering the
    categorical exclusion under paragraph (1), the Secretary
    concerned shall--
    ``(A) comply with the National Environmental Policy
    Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);
    ``(B) with respect to National Forest System land,
    apply the extraordinary circumstances procedures under
    section 220.6 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations
    (or successor regulations), in determining whether to
    use the categorical exclusion;
    ``(C) with respect to public land, apply the
    extraordinary circumstances procedures under section
    46.215 of

    [[Page 4851]]

    title 43, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor
    regulations), in determining whether to use the
    categorical exclusion; and
    ``(D) consider--
    ``(i) the relative efficacy of landscape-scale
    habitat projects;
    ``(ii) the likelihood of continued declines in
    the populations of greater sage-grouse and mule
    deer in the absence of landscape-scale vegetation
    management; and
    ``(iii) the need for habitat restoration
    activities after wildfire or other natural
    disturbances.

    ``(c) Implementation of Covered Vegetative Management Activities
    Within the Range of Greater Sage-grouse and Mule Deer.--If the
    categorical exclusion developed under subsection (b) is used to
    implement a covered vegetative management activity in an area within the
    range of both greater sage-grouse and mule deer, the covered vegetative
    management activity shall protect, restore, or improve habitat
    concurrently for both greater sage-grouse and mule deer.
    ``(d) Long-term Monitoring and Maintenance.--Before commencing any
    covered vegetation management activity that is covered by the
    categorical exclusion under subsection (b), the Secretary concerned
    shall develop a long-term monitoring and maintenance plan, covering at
    least the 20-year period beginning on the date of commencement, to
    ensure that management of the treated area does not degrade the habitat
    gains secured by the covered vegetation management activity.
    ``(e) Disposal of Vegetative Material.--Subject to applicable local
    restrictions, any vegetative material resulting from a covered
    vegetation management activity that is covered by the categorical
    exclusion under subsection (b) may be--
    ``(1) used for--
    ``(A) fuel wood; or
    ``(B) other products; or
    ``(2) piled or burned, or both.

    ``(f) Treatment for Temporary Roads.--
    ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding subsection (a)(1)(B)(xi),
    any temporary road constructed in carrying out a covered
    vegetation management activity that is covered by the
    categorical exclusion under subsection (b)--
    ``(A) shall be used by the Secretary concerned for
    the covered vegetation management activity for not more
    than 2 years; and
    ``(B) shall be decommissioned by the Secretary
    concerned not later than 3 years after the earlier of
    the date on which--
    ``(i) the temporary road is no longer needed;
    and
    ``(ii) the project is completed.
    ``(2) Requirement.--A treatment under paragraph (1) shall
    include reestablishing native vegetative cover--
    ``(A) as soon as practicable; but
    ``(B) not later than 10 years after the date of
    completion of the applicable covered vegetation
    management activity.

    ``(g) Limitations.--

    [[Page 4852]]

    ``(1) Project size.--A covered vegetation management
    activity that is covered by the categorical exclusion under
    subsection (b) may not exceed 4,500 acres.
    ``(2) Location.--A covered vegetation management activity
    carried out on National Forest System land that is covered by
    the categorical exclusion under subsection (b) shall be limited
    to areas designated under section 602(b), as of the date of
    enactment of this section.''.

    (b) Conforming Amendments.--The table of contents for the Healthy
    Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6501 note; Public Law 108-
    148) is amended by adding at the end of the items relating to title VI
    the following:

    ``Sec. 602. Designation of treatment areas.
    ``Sec. 603. Administrative review.
    ``Sec. 604. Stewardship end result contracting projects.
    ``Sec. 605. Wildfire resilience projects.
    ``Sec. 606. Categorical exclusion for greater sage-grouse and mule deer
    habitat.''.

    PART II--MISCELLANEOUS FOREST MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

    SEC. 8621. ADDITIONAL AUTHORITY FOR SALE OR EXCHANGE OF SMALL
    PARCELS OF NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND.

    (a) Increase in Maximum Value of Small Parcels.--Section 3 of Public
    Law 97-465 (commonly known as the ``Small Tract Act of 1983'') (16
    U.S.C. 521e) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by
    striking ``$150,000'' and inserting ``$500,000''.
    (b) Additional Conveyance Purposes.--Section 3 of Public Law 97-465
    (16 U.S.C. 521e) (as amended by subsection (a)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``; or'' and inserting a
    semicolon;
    (2) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and
    inserting a semicolon; and
    (3) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(4) parcels of 40 acres or less that are determined by the
    Secretary--
    ``(A) to be physically isolated from other Federal
    land;
    ``(B) to be inaccessible; or
    ``(C) to have lost National Forest character;
    ``(5) parcels of 10 acres or less that are not eligible for
    conveyance under paragraph (2) but are encroached on by a
    permanent habitable improvement for which there is no evidence
    that the encroachment was intentional or negligent; or
    ``(6) parcels used as a cemetery (including a parcel of not
    more than 1 acre adjacent to the parcel used as a cemetery), a
    landfill, or a sewage treatment plant under a special use
    authorization issued or otherwise authorized by the
    Secretary.''.

    (c) Disposition of Proceeds.--Section 2 of Public Law 97-465 (16
    U.S.C. 521d) is amended--
    (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``The
    Secretary is authorized'' and inserting the following:

    ``(a) Conveyance Authority; Consideration.--The Secretary is
    authorized'';
    (2) in paragraph (2), in the second sentence, by striking
    ``The Secretary shall insert'' and inserting the following:

    [[Page 4853]]

    ``(b) Inclusion of Terms, Covenants, Conditions, and Reservations.--
    ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall insert'';
    (3) in subsection (b) (as so designated)--
    (A) by striking ``convenants'' and inserting
    ``covenants''; and
    (B) in the second sentence by striking ``The
    preceding sentence shall not'' and inserting the
    following:
    ``(2) Limitation.--Paragraph (1) shall not''; and
    (4) by adding at the end the following:

    ``(c) Disposition of Proceeds.--
    ``(1) Deposit in sisk fund.--The net proceeds derived from
    any sale or exchange conducted under paragraph (4), (5), or (6)
    of section 3 shall be deposited in the fund established under
    Public Law 90-171 (commonly known as the `Sisk Act') (16 U.S.C.
    484a).
    ``(2) Use.--Amounts deposited under paragraph (1) shall be
    available to the Secretary until expended for--
    ``(A) the acquisition of land or interests in land
    for administrative sites for the National Forest System
    in the State from which the amounts were derived;
    ``(B) the acquisition of land or interests in land
    for inclusion in the National Forest System in that
    State, including land or interests in land that enhance
    opportunities for recreational access; or
    ``(C) the reimbursement of the Secretary for costs
    incurred in preparing a sale conducted under the
    authority of section 3 if the sale is a competitive
    sale.''.
    SEC. 8622. FOREST SERVICE PARTICIPATION IN ACES PROGRAM.

    Section 8302 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 3851a) is
    amended--
    (1) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting the
    following:

    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary''; and
    (2) by adding at the end the following:

    ``(b) Termination of Effectiveness.--The authority provided to the
    Secretary to carry out this section terminates effective October 1,
    2023.''.
    SEC. 8623. <>  AUTHORIZATION FOR LEASE OF
    FOREST SERVICE SITES.

    (a) Definitions.--In this section:
    (1) Administrative site.--
    (A) In general.--The term ``administrative site''
    means--
    (i) any facility or improvement, including
    curtilage, that was acquired or is used
    specifically for purposes of administration of the
    National Forest System;
    (ii) any Federal land that--
    (I) is associated with a facility or
    improvement described in clause (i) that
    was acquired or is used specifically for
    purposes of administration of Forest
    Service activities; and
    (II) underlies or abuts the facility
    or improvement; and
    (iii) for each fiscal year, not more than 10
    isolated, undeveloped parcels of not more than 40
    acres each.
    (B) Exclusions.--The term ``administrative site''
    does not include--

    [[Page 4854]]

    (i) any land within a unit of the National
    Forest System that is exclusively designated for
    natural area or recreational purposes;
    (ii) any land within--
    (I) a component of the National
    Wilderness Preservation System;
    (II) a component of the National
    Wild and Scenic Rivers System; or
    (III) a National Monument; or
    (iii) any Federal land that the Secretary
    determines--
    (I) is needed for resource
    management purposes or to provide access
    to other land or water; or
    (II) would be in the public interest
    not to lease.
    (2) Facility or improvement.--The term ``facility or
    improvement'' includes--
    (A) a forest headquarters;
    (B) a ranger station;
    (C) a research station or laboratory;
    (D) a dwelling;
    (E) a warehouse;
    (F) a scaling station;
    (G) a fire-retardant mixing station;
    (H) a fire-lookout station;
    (I) a guard station;
    (J) a storage facility;
    (K) a telecommunication facility; and
    (L) any other administrative installation for
    conducting Forest Service activities.
    (3) Market analysis.--The term ``market analysis'' means the
    identification and study of the market for a particular economic
    good or service.

    (b) Authorization.--The Secretary may lease an administrative site
    that is under the jurisdiction of the Secretary in accordance with this
    section.
    (c) Identification of Eligible Sites.--A regional forester, in
    consultation with forest supervisors in the region, may submit to the
    Secretary a recommendation for administrative sites in the region that
    the regional forester considers eligible for leasing under this section.
    (d) Consultation With Local Government and Public Notice.--Before
    making an administrative site available for lease under this section,
    the Secretary shall--
    (1) consult with government officials of the community and
    of the State in which the administrative site is located; and
    (2) provide public notice of the proposed lease.

    (e) Lease Requirements.--
    (1) Size.--An administrative site or compound of
    administrative sites under a single lease under this section may
    not exceed 40 acres.
    (2) Configuration of administrative sites.--
    (A) In general.--To facilitate the lease of an
    administrative site under this section, the Secretary
    may configure the administrative site--

    [[Page 4855]]

    (i) to maximize the marketability of the
    administrative site; and
    (ii) to achieve management objectives.
    (B) Separate treatment of facility or improvement.--
    A facility or improvement on an administrative site to
    be leased under this section may be severed from the
    land and leased under a separate lease under this
    section.
    (3) Consideration.--
    (A) In general.--A person to which a lease of an
    administrative site is made under this section shall
    provide to the Secretary consideration described in
    subparagraph (B) in an amount that is not less than the
    market value of the administrative site, as determined
    in accordance with subparagraph (C).
    (B) Form of consideration.--The consideration
    referred to in subparagraph (A) may be--
    (i) cash;
    (ii) in-kind, including--
    (I) the construction of new
    facilities or improvements, the title to
    which shall be transferred by the lessee
    to the Secretary;
    (II) the maintenance, repair,
    improvement, or restoration of existing
    facilities or improvements; and
    (III) other services relating to
    activities that occur on the
    administrative site, as determined by
    the Secretary; or
    (iii) any combination of the consideration
    described in clauses (i) and (ii).
    (C) Determination of market value.--
    (i) In general.--The Secretary shall determine
    the market value of an administrative site to be
    leased under this section--
    (I) by conducting an appraisal in
    accordance with--
    (aa) the Uniform Appraisal
    Standards for Federal Land
    Acquisitions established in
    accordance with the Uniform
    Relocation Assistance and Real
    Property Acquisition Policies
    Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4601 et
    seq.); and
    (bb) the Uniform Standards
    of Professional Appraisal
    Practice; or
    (II) by competitive lease.
    (ii) In-kind consideration.--The Secretary
    shall determine the market value of any in-kind
    consideration under subparagraph (B)(ii).
    (4) Conditions.--The lease of an administrative site under
    this section shall be subject to such conditions, including
    bonding, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
    (5) Right of first refusal.--Subject to terms and conditions
    that the Secretary determines to be necessary, the Secretary
    shall offer to lease an administrative site to the municipality
    or county in which the administrative site is located before
    seeking to lease the administrative site to any other person.

    (f) Relation to Other Laws.--

    [[Page 4856]]

    (1) Federal property disposal.--Chapter 5 of title 40,
    United States Code, shall not apply to the lease of an
    administrative site under this section.
    (2) Lead-based paint and asbestos abatement.--
    (A) In general.--Notwithstanding any provision of
    law relating to the mitigation or abatement of lead-
    based paint or asbestos-containing building materials,
    the Secretary shall not be required to mitigate or abate
    lead-based paint or asbestos-containing building
    materials with respect to an administrative site to be
    leased under this section.
    (B) Procedures.--With respect to an administrative
    site to be leased under this section that has lead-based
    paint or asbestos-containing building materials, the
    Secretary shall--
    (i) provide notice to the person to which the
    administrative site will be leased of the presence
    of the lead-based paint or asbestos-containing
    building material; and
    (ii) obtain written assurance from that person
    that the person will comply with applicable
    Federal, State, and local laws relating to the
    management of lead-based paint and asbestos-
    containing building materials.
    (3) Environmental review.--The National Environmental Policy
    Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) shall apply to the lease of
    an administrative site under this section, except that, in any
    environmental review or analysis required under that Act for the
    lease of an administrative site under this section, the
    Secretary shall be required only--
    (A) to analyze the most reasonably foreseeable use
    of the administrative site, as determined through a
    market analysis;
    (B) to determine whether to include any conditions
    under subsection (e)(4); and
    (C) to evaluate the alternative of not leasing the
    administrative site in accordance with the National
    Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et
    seq.).
    (4) Compliance with local laws.--A person that leases an
    administrative site under this section shall comply with all
    applicable State and local zoning laws, building codes, and
    permit requirements for any construction activities that occur
    on the administrative site.

    (g) Prohibition.--No agency of the Federal Government shall make any
    cash payments to a leaseholder relating to the use or occupancy of any
    administrative site or facility that has been improved under this
    section.
    (h) Congressional Notifications.--
    (1) Anticipated use of authority.--As part of the annual
    budget justification documents provided to the Committee on
    Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Committee
    on Appropriations of the Senate, the Secretary shall include--
    (A) a list of the anticipated leases to be made,
    including the anticipated revenue that may be obtained,
    under this section;

    [[Page 4857]]

    (B) a description of the intended use of any revenue
    obtained under a lease under this section, including a
    list of any projects that cost more than $500,000; and
    (C) a description of accomplishments during previous
    years using the authority of the Secretary under this
    section.
    (2) Changes to lease list.--If the Secretary desires to
    lease an administrative site under this section that is not
    included on a list provided under paragraph (1)(A), the
    Secretary shall submit to the congressional committees described
    in paragraph (3) a notice of the proposed lease, including the
    anticipated revenue that may be obtained from the lease.
    (3) Use of authority.--Not less frequently than once each
    year, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
    Agriculture, the Committee on Appropriations, and the Committee
    on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the
    Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, the Committee
    on Appropriations, and the Committee on Energy and Natural
    Resources of the Senate a report describing each lease made by
    the Secretary under this section during the period covered by
    the report.

    (i) Expiration of Authority.--
    (1) In general.--The authority of the Secretary to make a
    lease of an administrative site under this section expires on
    October 1, 2023.
    (2) Effect on lease agreement.--Paragraph (1) shall not
    affect the authority of the Secretary to carry out this section
    in the case of any lease agreement that was entered into by the
    Secretary before October 1, 2023.
    SEC. 8624. GOOD NEIGHBOR AUTHORITY.

    (a) Inclusion of Indian Tribes.--Section 8206(a) of the Agricultural
    Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a(a)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``land and non-Federal
    land'' and inserting ``land, non-Federal land, and land owned by
    an Indian tribe'';
    (2) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``or Indian tribe'' after
    ``affected State'';
    (3) by redesignating paragraphs (6) through (8) as
    paragraphs (7) through (9), respectively; and
    (4) by inserting after paragraph (5) (as so redesignated)
    the following:
    ``(6) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian tribe' has the meaning
    given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and
    Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).''.

    (b) Inclusion of Counties.--Section 8206 of the Agricultural Act of
    2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)--
    (A) in paragraph (1)(B), by inserting ``or county,
    as applicable,'' after ``Governor'';
    (B) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (9) (as
    amended by subsection (a)) as paragraphs (3) through
    (10), respectively;
    (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
    ``(2) County.--The term `county' means--
    ``(A) the appropriate executive official of an
    affected county; or

    [[Page 4858]]

    ``(B) in any case in which multiple counties are
    affected, the appropriate executive official of a
    compact of the affected counties.''; and
    (D) in paragraph (5) (as so redesignated), by
    inserting ``or county, as applicable,'' after
    ``Governor''; and
    (2) in subsection (b)--
    (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting ``or county''
    after ``Governor'';
    (B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``cooperative
    agreement or contract entered into under subsection
    (a)'' and inserting ``good neighbor agreement'';
    (C) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``or county''
    after ``Governor''; and
    (D) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(4) Receipts.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
    any payment made by a county to the Secretary under a project
    conducted under a good neighbor agreement shall not be
    considered to be monies received from National Forest System
    land or Bureau of Land Management land, as applicable.''.

    (c) Treatment of Revenue From Timber Sale Contracts.--Section
    8206(b)(2) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a(b)(2)) is
    amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(C) Treatment of revenue.--
    ``(i) In general.--Funds received from the
    sale of timber by a Governor of a State under a
    good neighbor agreement shall be retained and used
    by the Governor--
    ``(I) to carry out authorized
    restoration services on Federal land
    under the good neighbor agreement; and
    ``(II) if there are funds remaining
    after carrying out subclause (I), to
    carry out authorized restoration
    services on Federal land within the
    State under other good neighbor
    agreements.
    ``(ii) Termination of effectiveness.--The
    authority provided by this subparagraph terminates
    effective October 1, 2023.''.
    SEC. 8625. CHATTAHOOCHEE-OCONEE NATIONAL FOREST LAND ADJUSTMENT.

    (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
    (1) certain National Forest System land in the State of
    Georgia consists of isolated tracts that are inefficient to
    manage or have lost their principal value for National Forest
    purposes;
    (2) the disposal of that National Forest System land would
    be in the public interest; and
    (3) proceeds from the sale of National Forest System land
    under subsection (b)(1) would be used best by the Forest Service
    to purchase land for National Forest purposes in the State of
    Georgia.

    (b) Land Conveyance Authority.--
    (1) In general.--Under such terms and conditions as the
    Secretary may prescribe, the Secretary may sell or exchange any
    or all rights, title, and interest of the United States in and
    to the National Forest System land described in paragraph
    (2)(A).

    [[Page 4859]]

    (2) Land authorized for disposal.--
    (A) In general.--The National Forest System land
    referred to in paragraph (1) is the 30 tracts of land
    totaling approximately 3,841 acres that are generally
    depicted on the 2 maps entitled ``Priority Land
    Adjustments, State of Georgia, U.S. Forest Service-
    Southern Region, Oconee and Chattahoochee National
    Forests, U.S. Congressional Districts-8, 9, 10 & 14''
    and dated September 24, 2013.
    (B) Maps.--The maps described in subparagraph (A)
    shall be on file and available for public inspection in
    the Office of the Forest Supervisor, Chattahoochee-
    Oconee National Forest, until such time as the land is
    sold or exchanged.
    (C) Modification of boundaries.--The Secretary may
    modify the boundaries of the National Forest System land
    described in subparagraph (A) based on land management
    considerations.
    (3) Form of conveyance.--
    (A) Quitclaim deed.--The Secretary shall convey
    National Forest System land sold or exchanged under
    paragraph (1) by quitclaim deed.
    (B) Reservations.--The Secretary may reserve any
    rights-of-way or other rights or interests in National
    Forest System land sold or exchanged under paragraph (1)
    that the Secretary considers necessary for management
    purposes or to protect the public interest.
    (4) Valuation.--
    (A) Market value.--The Secretary may not sell or
    exchange National Forest System land under paragraph (1)
    for less than market value, as determined by appraisal
    or through competitive bid.
    (B) Appraisal requirements.--Any appraisal under
    subparagraph (A) shall be--
    (i) consistent with the Uniform Appraisal
    Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions or the
    Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal
    Practice; and
    (ii) subject to the approval of the Secretary.
    (5) Consideration.--
    (A) Cash.--Consideration for a sale of National
    Forest System land or equalization of an exchange under
    paragraph (1) shall be paid in cash.
    (B) Exchange.--Notwithstanding section 206(b) of the
    Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43
    U.S.C. 1716(b)), the Secretary may accept a cash
    equalization payment in excess of 25 percent of the
    value of any National Forest System land exchanged under
    paragraph (1).
    (6) Method of sale.--
    (A) Options.--The Secretary may sell National Forest
    System land under paragraph (1) at public or private
    sale, including competitive sale by auction, bid, or
    otherwise, in accordance with such terms, conditions,
    and procedures as the Secretary determines are in the
    best interest of the United States.
    (B) Solicitations.--The Secretary may--

    [[Page 4860]]

    (i) make public or private solicitations for
    the sale or exchange of National Forest System
    land under paragraph (1); and
    (ii) reject any offer that the Secretary
    determines is not adequate or not in the public
    interest.
    (7) Brokers.--The Secretary may--
    (A) use brokers or other third parties in the sale
    or exchange of National Forest System land under
    paragraph (1); and
    (B) from the proceeds of a sale, pay reasonable
    commissions or fees.

    (c) Treatment of Proceeds.--
    (1) Deposit.--Subject to subsection (b)(7)(B), the Secretary
    shall deposit the proceeds of a sale or a cash equalization
    payment received from the sale or exchange of National Forest
    System land under subsection (b)(1) in the fund established
    under Public Law 90-171 (commonly known as the ``Sisk Act'') (16
    U.S.C. 484a).
    (2) Availability.--Subject to paragraph (3), amounts
    deposited under paragraph (1) shall be available to the
    Secretary until expended, without further appropriation, for the
    acquisition of land for National Forest purposes in the State of
    Georgia.
    (3) Private property protection.--Nothing in this section
    authorizes the use of funds deposited under paragraph (1) to be
    used to acquire land without the written consent of the owner of
    the land.
    SEC. 8626. TENNESSEE WILDERNESS.

    (a) Definitions.--In this section:
    (1) Map.--The term ``Map'' means the map entitled ``Proposed
    Wilderness Areas and Additions-Cherokee National Forest'' and
    dated January 20, 2010.
    (2) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Tennessee.

    (b) Additions to Cherokee National Forest.--
    (1) <>  Designation of
    wilderness.--In accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C.
    1131 et seq.), the following parcels of Federal land in the
    Cherokee National Forest in the State are designated as
    wilderness and as additions to the National Wilderness
    Preservation System:
    (A) Certain land comprising approximately 9,038
    acres, as generally depicted as the ``Upper Bald River
    Wilderness'' on the Map and which shall be known as the
    ``Upper Bald River Wilderness''.
    (B) Certain land comprising approximately 348 acres,
    as generally depicted as the ``Big Frog Addition'' on
    the Map and which shall be incorporated in, and shall be
    considered to be a part of, the Big Frog Wilderness.
    (C) Certain land comprising approximately 630 acres,
    as generally depicted as the ``Little Frog Mountain
    Addition NW'' on the Map and which shall be incorporated
    in, and shall be considered to be a part of, the Little
    Frog Mountain Wilderness.
    (D) Certain land comprising approximately 336 acres,
    as generally depicted as the ``Little Frog Mountain
    Addition NE'' on the Map and which shall be incorporated
    in, and

    [[Page 4861]]

    shall be considered to be a part of, the Little Frog
    Mountain Wilderness.
    (E) Certain land comprising approximately 2,922
    acres, as generally depicted as the ``Sampson Mountain
    Addition'' on the Map and which shall be incorporated
    in, and shall be considered to be a part of, the Sampson
    Mountain Wilderness.
    (F) Certain land comprising approximately 4,446
    acres, as generally depicted as the ``Big Laurel Branch
    Addition'' on the Map and which shall be incorporated
    in, and shall be considered to be a part of, the Big
    Laurel Branch Wilderness.
    (G) Certain land comprising approximately 1,836
    acres, as generally depicted as the ``Joyce Kilmer-
    Slickrock Addition'' on the Map and which shall be
    incorporated in, and shall be considered to be a part
    of, the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness.
    (2) Maps and legal descriptions.--
    (A) In general.--As soon as practicable after the
    date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall file
    maps and legal descriptions of the wilderness areas
    designated by paragraph (1) with the appropriate
    committees of Congress.
    (B) Public availability.--The maps and legal
    descriptions filed under subparagraph (A) shall be on
    file and available for public inspection in the office
    of the Chief of the Forest Service and the office of the
    Supervisor of the Cherokee National Forest.
    (C) Force of law.--The maps and legal descriptions
    filed under subparagraph (A) shall have the same force
    and effect as if included in this Act, except that the
    Secretary may correct typographical errors in the maps
    and descriptions.
    (3) Administration.--
    (A) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights,
    the Federal land designated as wilderness by paragraph
    (1) shall be administered by the Secretary in accordance
    with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), except
    that any reference in that Act to the effective date of
    that Act shall be deemed to be a reference to the date
    of enactment of this Act.
    (B) Fish and wildlife management.--In accordance
    with section 4(d)(7) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C.
    1133(d)(7)), nothing in this section affects the
    jurisdiction of the State with respect to fish and
    wildlife management, including the regulation of
    hunting, fishing, and trapping, in the wilderness areas
    designated by paragraph (1).
    SEC. 8627. KISATCHIE NATIONAL FOREST LAND CONVEYANCE.

    (a) Finding.--Congress finds that it is in the public interest to
    authorize the conveyance of certain Federal land in the Kisatchie
    National Forest in the State of Louisiana for market value
    consideration.
    (b) Definitions.--In this section:
    (1) Collins camp properties.--The term ``Collins Camp
    Properties'' means Collins Camp Properties, Inc., a corporation
    incorporated under the laws of the State.

    [[Page 4862]]

    (2) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Louisiana.

    (c) Authorization of Conveyances, Kisatchie National Forest,
    Louisiana.--
    (1) Authorization.--
    (A) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights
    and paragraph (2), the Secretary may convey the Federal
    land described in subparagraph (B) by quitclaim deed at
    public or private sale, including competitive sale by
    auction, bid, or other methods.
    (B) Description of land.--The Federal land referred
    to in subparagraph (A) consists of--
    (i) all Federal land within sec. 9, T. 10 N.,
    R. 5 W., Winn Parish, Louisiana; and
    (ii) a 2.16-acre parcel of Federal land
    located in the SW\1/4\ of sec. 4, T. 10 N., R. 5
    W., Winn Parish, Louisiana, as depicted on a
    certificate of survey dated March 7, 2007, by Glen
    L. Cannon, P.L.S. 4436.
    (2) First right of purchase.--Subject to valid existing
    rights and subsection (e), during the 1-year period beginning on
    the date of enactment of this Act, on the provision of
    consideration by the Collins Camp Properties to the Secretary,
    the Secretary shall convey, by quitclaim deed, to Collins Camp
    Properties all right, title, and interest of the United States
    in and to--
    (A) the not more than 47.92 acres of Federal land
    comprising the Collins Campsites within sec. 9, T. 10
    N., R. 5 W., in Winn Parish, Louisiana, as generally
    depicted on a certificate of survey dated February 28,
    2007, by Glen L. Cannon, P.L.S. 4436; and
    (B) the parcel of Federal land described in
    paragraph (1)(B)(ii).
    (3) Terms and conditions.--The Secretary may--
    (A) configure the Federal land to be conveyed under
    this section--
    (i) to maximize the marketability of the
    conveyance; or
    (ii) to achieve management objectives; and
    (B) establish any terms and conditions for the
    conveyances under this section that the Secretary
    determines to be in the public interest.
    (4) Consideration.--Consideration for a conveyance of
    Federal land under this section shall be--
    (A) in the form of cash; and
    (B) in an amount equal to the market value of the
    Federal land being conveyed, as determined under
    paragraph (5).
    (5) Market value.--The market value of the Federal land
    conveyed under this section shall be determined--
    (A) in the case of Federal land conveyed under
    paragraph (2), by an appraisal that is--
    (i) conducted in accordance with the Uniform
    Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions;
    and
    (ii) approved by the Secretary; or
    (B) if conveyed by a method other than the methods
    described in paragraph (2), by competitive sale.
    (6) Hazardous substances.--

    [[Page 4863]]

    (A) In general.--In any conveyance of Federal land
    under this section, the Secretary shall meet disclosure
    requirements for hazardous substances, but shall
    otherwise not be required to remediate or abate the
    substances.
    (B) Effect.--Except as provided in subparagraph (A),
    nothing in this subsection affects the application of
    the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation,
    and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.) to
    the conveyances of Federal land.

    (d) Proceeds From the Sale of Land.--The Secretary shall deposit the
    proceeds of a conveyance of Federal land under subsection (c) in the
    fund established under Public Law 90-171 (commonly known as the ``Sisk
    Act'') (16 U.S.C. 484a).
    (e) Administration.--
    (1) Costs.--As a condition of a conveyance of Federal land
    to Collins Camp Properties under subsection (c), the Secretary
    shall require Collins Camp Properties to pay at closing--
    (A) reasonable appraisal costs; and
    (B) the cost of any administrative and environmental
    analyses required by law (including regulations).
    (2) Permits.--
    (A) In general.--An offer by Collins Camp Properties
    for the acquisition of the Federal land under subsection
    (c) shall be accompanied by a written statement from
    each holder of a Forest Service special use
    authorization with respect to the Federal land that
    specifies that the holder agrees to relinquish the
    special use authorization on the conveyance of the
    Federal land to Collins Camp Properties.
    (B) Special use authorizations.--If any holder of a
    special use authorization described in subparagraph (A)
    fails to provide a written authorization in accordance
    with that subparagraph, the Secretary shall require, as
    a condition of the conveyance, that Collins Camp
    Properties administer the special use authorization
    according to the terms of the special use authorization
    until the date on which the special use authorization
    expires.
    SEC. 8628. PURCHASE OF NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE
    PROPERTY, RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

    (a) Findings.--Congress finds as follows:
    (1) Since 1935, the United States has owned a parcel of land
    in Riverside, California, consisting of approximately 8.75
    acres, more specifically described in subsection (b)(1) (in this
    section referred to as the ``property'').
    (2) The property is under the jurisdiction of the Department
    of Agriculture and has been variously used for research and
    plant materials purposes.
    (3) Since 1998, the property has been administered by the
    Natural Resources Conservation Service of the Department of
    Agriculture.
    (4) Since 2002, the property has been co-managed under a
    cooperative agreement between the Natural Resources Conservation
    Service and the Riverside Corona Resource Conservation District,
    which is a legal subdivision of the State of California under
    section 9003 of the California Public Resources Code.

    [[Page 4864]]

    (5) The Conservation District wishes to purchase the
    property and use it for conservation, environmental, and related
    educational purposes.
    (6) As provided in subsection (b), the purchase of the
    property by the Conservation District would promote the
    conservation education and related activities of the
    Conservation District and result in savings to the Federal
    Government.

    (b) Land Purchase, Natural Resources Conservation Service Property,
    Riverside County, California.--
    (1) Purchase authorized.--The Secretary shall sell and
    quitclaim to the Riverside Corona Resource Conservation District
    (in this section referred to as the ``Conservation District'')
    all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to a
    parcel of real property, including improvements thereon, that is
    located at 4500 Glenwood Drive in Riverside, California,
    consists of approximately 8.75 acres, and is administered by the
    Natural Resources Conservation Service of the Department of
    Agriculture. As necessary or desirable to facilitate the
    purchase of the property under this subsection, the Secretary or
    the Conservation District may survey all or portions of the
    property.
    (2) Consideration.--As consideration for the purchase of the
    property under this subsection, the Conservation District shall
    pay to the Secretary an amount equal to the appraised value of
    the property.
    (3) Prohibition on reservation of interest.--The Secretary
    shall not reserve any future interest in the property to be
    conveyed under this subsection, except such interest as may be
    acceptable to the Conservation District.
    (4) Hazardous substances.--Notwithstanding section 120(h) of
    the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
    Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9620(h)) or the Solid Waste
    Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.), in the case of the
    property purchased by the Conservation District under this
    subsection, the Secretary shall be only required to meet the
    disclosure requirements for hazardous substances, pollutants, or
    contaminants, but shall otherwise not be required to remediate
    or abate any such releases of hazardous substances, pollutants,
    or contaminants, including petroleum and petroleum derivatives.
    (5) Cooperative authority.--
    (A) Leases, contracts, and cooperative agreements
    authorized.--In conjunction with, or in addition to, the
    purchase of the property by the Conservation District
    under this subsection, the Secretary may enter into
    leases, contracts and cooperative agreements with the
    Conservation District.
    (B) Sole source.--Notwithstanding sections 3105,
    3301, and 3303 to 3305 of title 41, United States Code,
    or any other provision of law, the Secretary may lease
    real property from the Conservation District on a
    noncompetitive basis.
    (C) Non-exclusive authority.--The authority provided
    by this subsection is in addition to any other authority
    of the Secretary.

    [[Page 4865]]

    SEC. 8629. COLLABORATIVE FOREST LANDSCAPE RESTORATION PROGRAM.

    (a) Waiver Authority.--Section 4003(d) of the Omnibus Public Land
    Management Act of 2009 (16 U.S.C. 7303(d)) is amended by adding at the
    end the following:
    ``(4) Waiver.--
    ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B),
    after consulting with the advisory panel established
    under subsection (e), if the Secretary determines that a
    proposal that has been selected under paragraph (1) and
    is being carried out continues to meet the eligibility
    criteria established by subsection (b), the Secretary,
    on a case-by-case basis, may issue for the proposal a 1-
    time extension of the 10-year period requirement under
    paragraph (1)(B) of that subsection.
    ``(B) Limitation.--The extension described in
    subparagraph (A)--
    ``(i) shall be for the shortest period of time
    practicable to complete implementation of the
    proposal, as determined by the Secretary; and
    ``(ii) shall not exceed 10 years.''.

    (b) Waiver Limitation.--Section 4003(f)(4) of the Omnibus Public
    Land Management Act of 2009 (16 U.S.C. 7303(f)(4)) is amended by adding
    at the end the following:
    ``(C) Exception.--The limitation described in
    subparagraph (B)(i) shall not apply to a proposal for
    which a 1-time extension is granted under subsection
    (d)(4).''.

    (c) Reauthorization.--Section 4003(f)(6) of the Omnibus Public Land
    Management Act of 2009 (16 U.S.C. 7303(f)(6)) is amended by striking
    ``$40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2019'' and inserting
    ``$80,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023''.
    (d) Reporting Requirements.--Section 4003(h) of the Omnibus Public
    Land Management Act of 2009 (16 U.S.C. 7303(h)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' after the
    semicolon;
    (2) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and
    inserting ``; and'';
    (3) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs
    (4) and (5), respectively;
    (4) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
    ``(3) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
    of the Senate;''; and
    (5) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(6) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
    Representatives.''.
    SEC. 8630. <>  UTILITY INFRASTRUCTURE
    RIGHTS-OF-WAY VEGETATION MANAGEMENT
    PILOT PROGRAM.

    (a) Definitions.--In this section:
    (1) National forest system land.--
    (A) In general.--The term ``National Forest System
    land'' means land within the National Forest System, as
    defined in section 11(a) of the Forest and Rangeland
    Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C.
    1609(a)).

    [[Page 4866]]

    (B) Exclusions.--The term ``National Forest System
    land'' does not include--
    (i) a National Grassland; or
    (ii) a land utilization project on land
    designated as a National Grassland and
    administered pursuant to sections 31, 32, and 33
    of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act (7 U.S.C.
    1010, 1011, 1012).
    (2) Passing wildfire.--The term ``passing wildfire'' means a
    wildfire that originates outside of a right-of-way.
    (3) Pilot program.--The term ``pilot program'' means the
    pilot program established by the Secretary under subsection (b).
    (4) Right-of-way.--The term ``right-of-way'' means a special
    use authorization issued by the Forest Service allowing the
    placement of utility infrastructure.
    (5) Utility infrastructure.--The term ``utility
    infrastructure'' means electric transmission lines, natural gas
    infrastructure, or related structures.

    (b) Establishment.--
    (1) In general.--To encourage owners or operators of rights-
    of-way on National Forest System land to partner with the Forest
    Service to voluntarily conduct vegetation management projects on
    a proactive basis to better protect utility infrastructure from
    potential passing wildfires, the Secretary may establish a
    limited, voluntary pilot program, in the manner described in
    this section, to conduct vegetation management projects on
    National Forest System land adjacent to those rights-of-way.
    (2) Application.--The pilot program shall not apply in a
    right-of-way described in paragraph (1).

    (c) Eligible Participants.--
    (1) In general.--A participant in the pilot program shall be
    the owner or operator of a right-of-way on National Forest
    System land.
    (2) Selection priority.--In selecting participants for the
    pilot program, the Secretary shall give priority to an owner or
    operator of a right-of-way that has developed the utility
    infrastructure protection prescriptions of the owner or operator
    in coordination with Forest Service fire scientists or fire
    managers.

    (d) Vegetation Management Projects.--
    (1) In general.--A vegetation management project conducted
    under the pilot program shall involve only limited vegetation
    management activities that--
    (A) shall create the least ground disturbance and
    least disturbance to wildlife reasonably necessary to
    protect utility infrastructure from passing wildfires
    based on applicable models, including Forest Service
    fuel models;
    (B) may include thinning and treatment of surface
    fuels, ladder fuels, and activity fuels to create or
    maintain shaded fuel breaks or other appropriate
    measures recommended by Forest Service fire scientists
    or fire managers;
    (C)(i) shall only be conducted on National Forest
    System land; and
    (ii) shall not--

    [[Page 4867]]

    (I) extend for more than 150 feet from the
    electric transmission line for which the
    applicable participant has a right-of-way; or
    (II) comprise an overall width, for both sides
    of that electric transmission line, that totals
    more than 200 feet; and
    (D) shall not be conducted on--
    (i) a component of the National Wilderness
    Preservation System;
    (ii) a designated wilderness study area;
    (iii) an inventoried roadless area; or
    (iv) Federal land on which, by Act of Congress
    or Presidential proclamation, the removal of
    vegetation is restricted or prohibited.
    (2) Approval.--Each vegetation management project described
    in paragraph (1) shall be subject to approval by the Forest
    Service in accordance with this section.
    (3) Fire prevention.--In carrying out a vegetation
    management project under the pilot program, a participant shall
    adhere to--
    (A) Forest Service regulations relating to spark
    arresting devices;
    (B) Forest Service regulations limiting and
    prohibiting certain activities conducted by contractors
    in an area, based on weather conditions and fire danger;
    (C) Forest Service regulations that apply to
    contractors removing vegetation on National Forest
    System land pursuant to a timber sale or stewardship
    contract, including regulations relating to--
    (i) protection of residual trees and timber
    damaged by contractors;
    (ii) protection measures needed for plants,
    animals, cultural resources, and cave resources;
    (iii) streamcourse protection and erosion
    control;
    (iv) fire plans, precautions, and
    precautionary periods;
    (v) fire suppression costs; and
    (vi) employment of eligible workers; and
    (D) State regulations relating to the prevention of
    wildfires and contractors removing vegetation.
    (4) Treatment of slash.--In carrying out a vegetation
    management project under the pilot program, a participant shall
    treat any activity fuels in a manner that--
    (A) is satisfactory to the Forest Service;
    (B) does not result in a fire hazard; and
    (C) reduces the risk of an insect or disease
    outbreak.

    (e) Project Costs.--
    (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2) and
    subsection (f)(2), a participant in the pilot program shall be
    responsible for all costs, as determined by the Secretary,
    incurred in participating in the pilot program.
    (2) Federal funding.--The Secretary may contribute funds for
    a vegetation management project conducted under the pilot
    program if the Secretary determines that the contribution is in
    the public interest.

    (f) Liability.--

    [[Page 4868]]

    (1) Activities within rights-of-way.--Participation in the
    pilot program shall not affect any legal obligations or
    liability standards that arise under the right-of-way for
    activities in the right-of-way.
    (2) Wildfires.--
    (A) Operations fires.--
    (i) In general.--With respect to fire
    suppression costs for a wildfire caused by the
    operations of a participant in the pilot program
    (other than an operation or activity of a
    participant described in subparagraph (B) or (C)),
    the participant shall reimburse the Forest Service
    for those costs, subject to a maximum dollar
    amount to which the Forest Service and the
    participant shall agree prior to the commencement
    of the project.
    (ii) Credit for actions by participants.--
    (I) In general.--If a participant in
    the pilot program provides actions,
    supplies, or equipment for use to
    suppress a wildfire described in clause
    (i) or at the request of the Forest
    Service, the cost of those actions,
    supplies, or equipment shall be credited
    toward the maximum dollar amount
    described in that clause.
    (II) Reimbursement.--If the actual
    cost of a participant described in
    subclause (I) exceeds the maximum dollar
    amount described in clause (i), the
    Forest Service shall reimburse the
    participant for the excess.
    (B) Negligent fires.--
    (i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), if a
    wildfire is caused by the negligence of a
    participant in the pilot program, or an agent of
    the participant, including a wildfire caused by
    smoking by persons engaged in the operations of
    the participant, the participant shall bear the
    cost of damages to Forest Service resources and
    the fire suppression costs resulting from the
    wildfire.
    (ii) Limitation.--Except as provided in clause
    (iii), the costs borne by a participant under
    clause (i) shall not exceed $500,000.
    (iii) Failure to comply.--If the start or
    spread of a wildfire described in clause (i) is
    caused by the failure of the participant to comply
    with specific safety requirements expressly
    imposed by the Forest Service as a condition of
    conducting a vegetation management project under
    the pilot program or by this section, the
    participant shall bear the cost of damages to
    Forest Service resources and the fire suppression
    costs resulting from the wildfire.
    (C) Exceptions.--This paragraph shall not apply in
    the case of a wildfire caused by the felling of a tree
    by a participant in the pilot program, or an agent of
    the participant, onto an electric transmission line.
    (3) Effect.--Nothing in this subsection relieves a
    participant in the pilot program of any liabilities to which the
    participant is subject--
    (A) under State laws; or

    [[Page 4869]]

    (B) with regard to damages to property other than
    Forest Service property.

    (g) Implementation.--
    (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (3), the
    Secretary shall use the authority of the Secretary under other
    laws (including regulations) to carry out the pilot program.
    (2) Compliance with existing laws.--Except as provided in
    paragraph (3), a vegetation management project under the pilot
    program shall be--
    (A) consistent with the applicable land management
    plan for the area in which the project is located; and
    (B) carried out in accordance with all applicable
    laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act of
    1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
    (3) Modification of regulations.--In order to implement the
    pilot program in an efficient and expeditious manner, the
    Secretary may waive or modify specific provisions of the Federal
    Acquisition Regulation, including waivers or modifications to
    allow for the formation of contracts or agreements on a
    noncompetitive basis.

    (h) Treatment of Proceeds.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
    law, the Secretary may--
    (1) retain any funds provided to the Forest Service by a
    participant in the pilot program; and
    (2) use funds retained under paragraph (1), in such amounts
    as may be appropriated, to carry out the pilot program.

    (i) Report to Congress.--Not later than December 31, 2020, and 2
    years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit a report describing the
    status of the pilot program and vegetation management projects conducted
    under the pilot program to--
    (1) the Committees on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
    and Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate; and
    (2) the Committees on Agriculture and Natural Resources of
    the House of Representatives.

    (j) Duration.--The authority to carry out the pilot program,
    including any vegetation management project conducted under the pilot
    program, expires on October 1, 2023.
    SEC. 8631. OKHISSA LAKE RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LAND
    CONVEYANCE.

    (a) Definition of Alliance.--In this section, the term ``Alliance''
    means the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance.
    (b) Request.--Subject to the requirements of this section, if the
    Alliance submits a written request for conveyance by not later than 180
    days after the date of enactment of this Act and the Secretary
    determines that it is in the public interest to convey the National
    Forest System Land described in subsection (c), the Secretary shall
    convey to the Alliance all right, title, and interest of the United
    States in and to the National Forest System land described in subsection
    (c) by quitclaim deed through a public or private sale, including a
    competitive sale by auction or bid.
    (c) Description of National Forest System Land.--
    (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the National
    Forest System land referred to in subsection (b) is the
    approximately 150 acres of real property located in sec. 6, T. 5
    N. R. 4 E., Franklin County, Mississippi, and further described
    as--

    [[Page 4870]]

    (A) the portion of the NW\1/4\ NW\1/4\ lying south
    of the south boundary of Berrytown Road;
    (B) the portion of the W\1/2\ NE\1/4\ NW\1/4\ lying
    south of the south boundary of Berrytown Road;
    (C) the portion of the SW\1/4\ NW\1/4\ lying east of
    the east boundary of U.S. Highway 98;
    (D) the W\1/2\ SE\1/4\ NW\1/4\;
    (E) the portion of the NW\1/4\ SW\1/4\ lying east of
    the east boundary of U.S. Highway 98;
    (F) the portion of the NE\1/4\ SW\1/4\ commencing at
    the southwest corner of the NE\1/4\ SW\1/4\, said point
    being the point of beginning, thence running east 330
    feet along the south boundary of the NE\1/4\ SW\1/4\ to
    a point in Lake Okhissa, thence running northeasterly to
    a point in Lake Okhissa on the east boundary of the
    NE\1/4\ SW\1/4\ 330 feet south of the northeast corner
    thereof, thence running north 330 feet along the east
    boundary of the NE\1/4\ SW\1/4\ to the northeast corner
    thereof, thence running west along the north boundary of
    the NE\1/4\ SW\1/4\ to the NW corner thereof; thence
    running south along the west boundary of the NE\1/4\
    SW\1/4\ to the point of beginning; and
    (G) the portion of the SE\1/4\ SE\1/4\ NW\1/4\
    commencing at the southeast corner of the SE\1/4\ NW\1/
    4\, said point being the point of beginning, and running
    northwesterly to the northwest corner of the SE\1/4\
    SE1\/4\ NW\1/4\, thence running south along the west
    boundary of the SE\1/4\ SE\1/4\ NW\1/4\ to the southwest
    corner thereof, thence running east along the south
    boundary of the SE\1/4\ SE\1/4\ NW\1/4\ to the point of
    beginning.
    (2) Survey.--The exact acreage and legal description of the
    National Forest System land to be conveyed under this section
    shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary.

    (d) Consideration.--
    (1) In general.--The consideration for the conveyance of any
    National Forest System land under this section shall be--
    (A) provided in the form of cash; and
    (B) in an amount equal to the fair market value of
    the National Forest System land being conveyed, as
    determined under paragraph (2).
    (2) Fair market value determination.--The fair market value
    of the National Forest System land conveyed under this section
    shall be determined--
    (A) in the case of a method of conveyance described
    in subsection (b), by an appraisal that is--
    (i) conducted in accordance with the Uniform
    Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions;
    and
    (ii) approved by the Secretary; or
    (B) in the case of a conveyance by a method other
    than a method described in subsection (b), by
    competitive sale.

    (e) Terms and Conditions.--The conveyance under this section shall
    be subject to--
    (1) valid existing rights; and

    [[Page 4871]]

    (2) such other terms and conditions as the Secretary
    considers to be appropriate to protect the interests of the
    United States.

    (f) Proceeds From Sale.--The Secretary shall deposit the proceeds of
    the conveyance of any National Forest System land under this section in
    the fund established under Public Law 90-171 (commonly known as the
    ``Sisk Act'') (16 U.S.C. 484a).
    (g) Costs.--As a condition for the conveyance under this section,
    the Secretary shall require the Alliance to pay at closing--
    (1) any reasonable appraisal costs; and
    (2) the costs of any administrative or environmental
    analysis required by applicable law (including regulations).
    SEC. 8632. <>  REMOTE SENSING
    TECHNOLOGIES.

    The Chief of the Forest Service shall--
    (1) continue to find efficiencies in the operations of the
    forest inventory and analysis program under section 3(e) of the
    Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978
    (16 U.S.C. 1642(e)) through the improved use and integration of
    advanced remote sensing technologies to provide estimates for
    State- and national-level inventories, where appropriate; and
    (2) partner with States and other interested stakeholders to
    carry out the program described in paragraph (1).

    PART III--TIMBER INNOVATION

    SEC. 8641. <>  DEFINITIONS.

    In this part:
    (1) Innovative wood product.--The term ``innovative wood
    product'' means a type of building component or system that uses
    large panelized wood construction, including mass timber.
    (2) Mass timber.--The term ``mass timber'' includes--
    (A) cross-laminated timber;
    (B) nail laminated timber;
    (C) glue laminated timber;
    (D) laminated strand lumber; and
    (E) laminated veneer lumber.
    (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary,
    acting through the Research and Development deputy area and the
    State and Private Forestry deputy area of the Forest Service.
    (4) Tall wood building.--The term ``tall wood building''
    means a building designed to be--
    (A) constructed with mass timber; and
    (B) more than 85 feet in height.
    SEC. 8642. <>  CLARIFICATION OF RESEARCH AND
    DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR WOOD BUILDING
    CONSTRUCTION.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary shall conduct performance-driven
    research and development, education, and technical assistance for the
    purpose of facilitating the use of innovative wood products in wood
    building construction in the United States.
    (b) Activities.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary
    shall--

    [[Page 4872]]

    (1) after receipt of input and guidance from, and
    collaboration with, the wood products industry, conservation
    organizations, and institutions of higher education, conduct
    research and development, education, and technical assistance at
    the Forest Products Laboratory or through the State and Private
    Forestry deputy area that meets measurable performance goals for
    the achievement of the priorities described in subsection (c);
    and
    (2) after coordination and collaboration with the wood
    products industry and conservation organizations, make
    competitive grants to institutions of higher education to
    conduct research and development, education, and technical
    assistance that meets measurable performance goals for the
    achievement of the priorities described in subsection (c).

    (c) Priorities.--The research and development, education, and
    technical assistance conducted under subsection (a) shall give priority
    to--
    (1) ways to improve the commercialization of innovative wood
    products;
    (2) analyzing the safety of tall wood building materials;
    (3) calculations by the Forest Products Laboratory of the
    lifecycle environmental footprint, from extraction of raw
    materials through the manufacturing process, of tall wood
    building construction;
    (4) analyzing methods to reduce the lifecycle environmental
    footprint of tall wood building construction;
    (5) analyzing the potential implications of the use of
    innovative wood products in building construction on wildlife;
    and
    (6) 1 or more other research areas identified by the
    Secretary, in consultation with conservation organizations,
    institutions of higher education, and the wood products
    industry.

    (d) Timeframe.--To the maximum extent practicable, the measurable
    performance goals for the research and development, education, and
    technical assistance conducted under subsection (a) shall be achievable
    within a 5-year timeframe.
    SEC. 8643. <>  WOOD INNOVATION GRANT PROGRAM.

    (a) Definitions.--In this section:
    (1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
    (A) an individual;
    (B) a public or private entity (including a center
    of excellence that consists of 1 or more partnerships
    between forestry, engineering, architecture, or business
    schools at 1 or more institutions of higher education);
    or
    (C) a State, local, or Tribal government.
    (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary,
    acting through the Chief of the Forest Service.

    (b) Grant Program.--
    (1) In general.--The Secretary, in carrying out the wood
    innovation grant program of the Secretary described in the
    notice of the Secretary entitled ``Request for Proposals: 2016
    Wood Innovations Funding Opportunity'' (80 Fed. Reg. 63498
    (October 20, 2015)), may make a wood innovation grant to 1 or
    more eligible entities each year for the purpose of advancing
    the use of innovative wood products.
    (2) Proposals.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this
    subsection, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary

    [[Page 4873]]

    a proposal at such time, in such manner, and containing such
    information as the Secretary may require.

    (c) Incentivizing Use of Existing Milling Capacity.--In selecting
    among proposals of eligible entities under subsection (b)(2), the
    Secretary shall give priority to proposals that include the use or
    retrofitting (or both) of existing sawmill facilities located in
    counties in which the average annual unemployment rate exceeded the
    national average unemployment rate by more than 1 percent in the
    previous calendar year.
    (d) Matching Requirement.--As a condition of receiving a grant under
    subsection (b), an eligible entity shall provide funds equal to the
    amount received by the eligible entity under the grant, to be derived
    from non-Federal sources.
    SEC. 8644. COMMUNITY WOOD ENERGY AND WOOD INNOVATION PROGRAM.

    Section 9013 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
    (7 U.S.C. 8113) is amended to read as follows:
    ``SEC. 9013. COMMUNITY WOOD ENERGY AND WOOD INNOVATION PROGRAM.

    ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
    ``(1) Community wood energy system.--
    ``(A) In general.--The term `community wood energy
    system' means an energy system that--
    ``(i) produces thermal energy or combined
    thermal energy and electricity where thermal is
    the primary energy output;
    ``(ii) services public facilities owned or
    operated by State or local governments (including
    schools, town halls, libraries, and other public
    buildings) or private or nonprofit facilities
    (including commercial and business facilities,
    such as hospitals, office buildings, apartment
    buildings, and manufacturing and industrial
    buildings); and
    ``(iii) uses woody biomass, including
    residuals--
    ``(I) that have not been adulterated
    with glue or other chemical treatments
    from wood processing facilities, as the
    primary fuel; and
    ``(II) for which the use of that
    biomass for energy production does not
    cause conversion of forests to nonforest
    use.
    ``(B) Inclusions.--The term `community wood energy
    system' includes single-facility central heating,
    district heating systems serving multiple buildings,
    combined heat and electric systems where thermal energy
    is the primary energy output, and other related biomass
    energy systems.
    ``(2) Innovative wood product facility.--The term
    `innovative wood product facility' means a manufacturing or
    processing plant or mill that produces--
    ``(A) building components or systems that use large
    panelized wood construction, including mass timber;
    ``(B) wood products derived from nanotechnology or
    other new technology processes, as determined by the
    Secretary; or
    ``(C) other innovative wood products that use low-
    value, low-quality wood, as determined by the Secretary.
    ``(3) Mass timber.--The term `mass timber' includes--

    [[Page 4874]]

    ``(A) cross-laminated timber;
    ``(B) nail-laminated timber;
    ``(C) glue-laminated timber;
    ``(D) laminated strand lumber; and
    ``(E) laminated veneer lumber.
    ``(4) Program.--The term `Program' means the Community Wood
    Energy and Wood Innovation Program established under subsection
    (b).

    ``(b) Competitive Grant Program.--The Secretary, acting through the
    Chief of the Forest Service, shall establish a competitive grant program
    to be known as the `Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Program'.
    ``(c) Matching Grants.--
    ``(1) In general.--Under the Program, the Secretary shall
    make grants to cover not more than 35 percent of the capital
    cost for installing a community wood energy system or building
    an innovative wood product facility.
    ``(2) Special circumstances.--The Secretary may establish
    special circumstances, such as in the case of a community wood
    energy system project or innovative wood product facility
    project involving a school or hospital in a low-income
    community, under which grants under the Program may cover up to
    50 percent of the capital cost.
    ``(3) Source of matching funds.--Matching funds required
    pursuant to this subsection from a grant recipient shall be
    derived from non-Federal funds.

    ``(d) Project Cap.--The total amount of grants under the Program for
    a community wood energy system project or innovative wood product
    facility project may not exceed--
    ``(1) in the case of grants under the general authority
    provided under subsection (c)(1), $1,000,000; and
    ``(2) in the case of grants for which the special
    circumstances apply under subsection (c)(2), $1,500,000.

    ``(e) Selection Criteria.--In selecting applicants for grants under
    the Program, the Secretary shall consider the following:
    ``(1) The energy efficiency of the proposed community wood
    energy system or innovative wood product facility.
    ``(2) The cost effectiveness of the proposed community wood
    energy system or innovative wood product facility.
    ``(3) The extent to which the proposed community wood energy
    system or innovative wood product facility represents the best
    available commercial technology.
    ``(4) The extent to which the proposed community wood energy
    system uses the most stringent control technology that has been
    required or achieved in practice for a wood-fired boiler of
    similar size and type.
    ``(5)(A) The extent to which the proposed community wood
    energy system will displace conventional fossil fuel generation.
    ``(B) Whether the proposed community wood energy system
    minimizes emission increases to the greatest extent possible.
    ``(6) The extent to which the proposed community wood energy
    system will increase delivered thermal efficiency of the systems
    replaced.
    ``(7) The extent to which the applicant has demonstrated a
    high likelihood of project success by completing detailed
    engineering and design work in advance of the grant application.

    [[Page 4875]]

    ``(8) Other technical, economic, conservation, and
    environmental criteria that the Secretary considers appropriate.

    ``(f) Grant Priorities.--In selecting applicants for grants under
    the Program, the Secretary shall give priority to proposals that use the
    most stringent control technology that has been required or achieved in
    practice for a wood-fired boiler and--
    ``(1) would be carried out in a location where markets are
    needed for the low-value, low-quality wood;
    ``(2) would be carried out in a location with limited access
    to natural gas pipelines;
    ``(3) would include the use or retrofitting (or both) of
    existing sawmill facilities located in a location where the
    average annual unemployment rate exceeded the national average
    unemployment rate by more than 1 percent during the previous
    calendar year; or
    ``(4) would be carried out in a location where the project
    will aid with forest restoration.

    ``(g) Limitations.--
    ``(1) Capacity of community wood energy systems.--A
    community wood energy system acquired with grant funds under the
    Program shall not exceed nameplate capacity of 5 megawatts of
    thermal energy or combined thermal and electric energy.
    ``(2) Funding for innovative wood product facilities.--Not
    more than 25 percent of funds provided as grants under the
    Program for a fiscal year may go to applicants proposing
    innovative wood product facilities, unless the Secretary has
    received an insufficient number of qualified proposals for
    community wood energy systems.

    ``(h) Funding.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out
    the Program $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.''.

    Subtitle G--Other Matters

    SEC. 8701. RURAL REVITALIZATION TECHNOLOGIES.

    Section 2371(d)(2) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade
    Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6601(d)(2)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and
    inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 8702. RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMITTEES.

    Section 205 of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-
    Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7125) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (d)--
    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Each'' and
    inserting ``Except as provided in paragraph (6), each'';
    (B) in paragraph (2), in the matter preceding
    subparagraph (A), by striking ``Committee'' and
    inserting ``Except as provided in paragraph (6),
    committee''; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(6) Committee composition waiver authority.--
    ``(A) Notice.--On notice from the applicable
    regional forester that an adequate number of qualified
    candidates are not interested or available to serve on a
    resource advisory committee, the Secretary concerned
    shall publish

    [[Page 4876]]

    a notice in the Federal Register seeking candidates for
    the resource advisory committee.
    ``(B) Modification of membership requirements.--If,
    by the date that is 30 days after the date of
    publication of notice under subparagraph (A), an
    inadequate number of qualified candidates have applied
    to serve on a resource advisory committee, the Secretary
    concerned may reduce--
    ``(i) the membership requirement under
    paragraph (1) to not fewer than 9; and
    ``(ii) the membership requirements under
    subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of paragraph (2)
    to 3 in each category described in that paragraph,
    except that where a vacancy exists on a resource
    advisory committee, the Secretary concerned may
    not reject a qualified applicant from any
    category.
    ``(C) Termination of authority.--The authority
    provided under this paragraph terminates on October 1,
    2023.''; and
    (2) by adding at the end the following:

    ``(g) Regional Appointment Pilot Program.--
    ``(1) Definition of applicable designee.--In this
    subsection, the term `applicable designee' means the applicable
    regional forester.
    ``(2) Pilot program.--The Secretary concerned shall carry
    out a pilot program (referred to in this subsection as the
    `pilot program') to allow an applicable designee to appoint
    members of resource advisory committees.
    ``(3) Geographic limitation.--The pilot program shall only
    apply to resource advisory committees chartered in--
    ``(A) the State of Montana; and
    ``(B) the State of Arizona.
    ``(4) Responsibilities of applicable designee.--
    ``(A) Review.--Before appointing a member of a
    resource advisory committee under the pilot program, an
    applicable designee shall conduct the review and
    analysis that would otherwise be conducted for an
    appointment to a resource advisory committee if the
    pilot program was not in effect, including any review
    and analysis with respect to civil rights and budgetary
    requirements.
    ``(B) Savings clause.--Nothing in this subsection
    relieves an applicable designee from any requirement
    developed by the Secretary concerned for making an
    appointment to a resource advisory committee that is in
    effect on the date of enactment of this subsection,
    including any requirement for advertising a vacancy.
    ``(5) Termination of effectiveness.--The authority provided
    under this subsection terminates on October 1, 2023.
    ``(6) Report to congress.--Not later than the date that is
    180 days after the date described in paragraph (5), the
    Secretary concerned shall submit to Congress a report that
    includes--
    ``(A) with respect to appointments made under the
    pilot program compared to appointments to resource
    advisory committees not made under the pilot program, a
    description of the extent to which--
    ``(i) appointments were faster or slower; and

    [[Page 4877]]

    ``(ii) the requirements described in paragraph
    (4) differ; and
    ``(B) a recommendation with respect to whether
    Congress should terminate, continue, modify, or expand
    the pilot program.''.
    SEC. 8703. <>  TRIBAL FOREST MANAGEMENT
    DEMONSTRATION PROJECT.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary may
    carry out demonstration projects by which federally recognized Indian
    Tribes or Tribal organizations may contract to perform administrative,
    management, and other functions of programs of the Tribal Forest
    Protection Act of 2004 (25 U.S.C. 3115a et seq.) through contracts
    entered into under the Indian Self-Determination and Education
    Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304 et seq.).
    (b) Requirements.--With respect to any contract or project carried
    out under subsection (a)--
    (1) on National Forest System land, the Secretary shall
    carry out all functions delegated to the Secretary of the
    Interior under the Indian Self-Determination and Education
    Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304 et seq.);
    (2) the Secretary or the Secretary of the Interior, as
    applicable, shall make any decisions required to be made under--
    (A) the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
    (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); and
    (B) the Tribal Forest Protection Act of 2004 (25
    U.S.C. 3115a et seq.); and
    (3) the contract or project shall be entered into under, and
    in accordance with, section 403(b)(2) of the Indian Self-
    Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C.
    5363(b)(2)).
    SEC. 8704. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

    (a) Wildfire Suppression Funding and Forest Management Activities
    Act.--
    (1) In general.--The Wildfire Suppression Funding and Forest
    Management Activities Act (Public Law 115-141) is amended--
    (A) in section 102(a)(2), <>
    by striking ``the date of enactment'' and inserting
    ``the date of the enactment''; and
    (B) <>  in section 401(a)(1),
    by inserting ``of 2000'' after ``Self-Determination
    Act''.
    (2) <>  Effective date.--The
    amendments made by paragraph (1) shall take effect as if enacted
    as part of the Wildfire Suppression Funding and Forest
    Management Activities Act (Public Law 115-141).

    (b) Agricultural Act of 2014.--Section 8206(a) of the Agricultural
    Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a(a)) (as amended by section 8624(b)) is
    amended--
    (1) in paragraph (4)(B)(i)(II), by striking ``Good Neighbor
    Authority Improvement Act'' and inserting ``Wildfire Suppression
    Funding and Forest Management Activities Act''; and
    (2) in paragraph (8), by striking ``Good Neighbor Authority
    Improvement Act'' and inserting ``Wildfire Suppression Funding
    and Forest Management Activities Act''.

    [[Page 4878]]

    SEC. 8705. <>  STREAMLINING THE FOREST
    SERVICE PROCESS FOR CONSIDERATION OF
    COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY LOCATION
    APPLICATIONS.

    (a) Definitions.--In this section:
    (1) Communications facility.--The term ``communications
    facility'' includes--
    (A) any infrastructure, including any transmitting
    device, tower, or support structure, and any equipment,
    switches, wiring, cabling, power sources, shelters, or
    cabinets, associated with the licensed or permitted
    unlicensed wireless or wireline transmission of
    writings, signs, signals, data, images, pictures, and
    sounds of all kinds; and
    (B) any antenna or apparatus that--
    (i) is designed for the purpose of emitting
    radio frequency;
    (ii) is designed to be operated, or is
    operating, from a fixed location pursuant to
    authorization by the Federal Communications
    Commission or is using duly authorized devices
    that do not require individual licenses; and
    (iii) is added to a tower, building, or other
    structure.
    (2) Communications site.--The term ``communications site''
    means an area of covered land designated for communications
    uses.
    (3) Communications use.--The term ``communications use''
    means the placement and operation of a communications facility.
    (4) Communications use authorization.--The term
    ``communications use authorization'' means an easement, right-
    of-way, lease, license, or other authorization to locate or
    modify a communications facility on covered land by the Forest
    Service for the primary purpose of authorizing the occupancy and
    use of the covered land for communications use.
    (5) Covered land.--The term ``covered land'' means National
    Forest System land.
    (6) Forest service.--The term ``Forest Service'' means the
    United States Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture.
    (7) Organizational unit.--The term ``organizational unit''
    means, within the Forest Service--
    (A) a regional office;
    (B) the headquarters;
    (C) a management unit; or
    (D) a ranger district office.

    (b) Regulations.--Notwithstanding section 6409 of the Middle Class
    Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (47 U.S.C. 1455) or section 606
    of the Repack Airwaves Yielding Better Access for Users of Modern
    Services Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-141), not later than 1 year after
    the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue
    regulations--
    (1) to streamline the process for considering applications
    to locate or modify communications facilities on covered land;
    (2) to ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that the
    process is uniform and standardized across the organizational
    units of the Forest Service; and

    [[Page 4879]]

    (3) to require that the applications described in paragraph
    (1) be considered and granted on a competitively neutral,
    technology neutral, and non-discriminatory basis.

    (c) Requirements.--The regulations issued under subsection (b) shall
    include the following:
    (1) Procedures for the tracking of applications described in
    subsection (b)(1), including--
    (A) identifying the number of applications--
    (i) received;
    (ii) approved; and
    (iii) denied;
    (B) in the case of an application that is denied,
    describing the reasons for the denial; and
    (C) describing the amount of time between the
    receipt of an application and the issuance of a final
    decision on an application.
    (2) Provision for minimum lease terms of not less than 15
    years for leases with respect to the location of communications
    facilities on covered land.
    (3) A structure of fees for--
    (A) submitting an application described in
    subsection (b)(1), based on the cost to the Forest
    Service of considering such an application; and
    (B) issuing communications use authorizations, based
    on the cost to the Forest Service of any maintenance or
    other activities required to be performed by the Forest
    Service as a result of the location or modification of
    the communications facility.
    (4) Provision for prioritization or streamlining of the
    consideration of applications to locate or modify communications
    facilities on covered land in a previously disturbed right-of-
    way.

    (d) Additional Considerations.--In issuing regulations under
    subsection (b), the Secretary shall consider--
    (1) how discrete reviews in considering an application
    described in subsection (b)(1) can be conducted simultaneously,
    rather than sequentially, by any organizational units of the
    Forest Service that must approve the location or modification;
    and
    (2) how to eliminate overlapping requirements among the
    organizational units of the Forest Service with respect to the
    location or modification of a communications facility on covered
    land administered by those organizational units.

    (e) Communication of Streamlined Process to Organizational Units.--
    The Secretary shall, with respect to the regulations issued under
    subsection (b)--
    (1) communicate the regulations to the organizational units
    of the Forest Service; and
    (2) ensure that the organizational units of the Forest
    Service follow the regulations.

    (f) Deposit and Availability of Fees.--
    (1) Special account.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall
    establish a special account in the Treasury for the Forest
    Service for the deposit of fees collected by the Forest Service
    under subsection (c)(3) for communications use authorizations on
    covered land granted, issued, or executed by the Forest Service.

    [[Page 4880]]

    (2) Requirements for fees collected.--Fees collected by the
    Forest Service under subsection (c)(3) shall be--
    (A) based on the costs described in subsection
    (c)(3); and
    (B) competitively neutral, technology neutral, and
    nondiscriminatory with respect to other users of the
    communications site.
    (3) Deposit of fees.--Fees collected by the Forest Service
    under subsection (c)(3) shall be deposited in the special
    account established for the Forest Service under paragraph (1).
    (4) Availability of fees.--Amounts deposited in the special
    account for the Forest Service shall be available, to the extent
    and in such amounts as are provided in advance in appropriation
    Acts, to the Secretary to cover costs incurred by the Forest
    Service described in subsection (c)(3), including the following:
    (A) Preparing needs assessments or other
    programmatic analyses necessary to designate
    communications sites and issue communications use
    authorizations.
    (B) Developing management plans for communications
    sites.
    (C) Training for management of communications sites.
    (D) Obtaining or improving access to communications
    sites.
    (5) No additional appropriations authorized.--Except as
    provided in paragraph (4), no other amounts are authorized to be
    appropriated to carry out this section.

    (g) Savings Provisions.--
    (1) Real property authorities.--Nothing in this section, or
    the amendments made by this section, shall be construed as
    providing any executive agency with any new leasing or other
    real property authorities not existing prior to the date of
    enactment of this Act.
    (2) Effect on other laws.--Nothing in this section, or the
    amendments made by this section, and no actions taken pursuant
    to this section, or the amendments made by this section, shall
    impact a decision or determination by any executive agency to
    sell, dispose of, declare excess or surplus, lease, reuse, or
    redevelop any Federal real property pursuant to title 40, United
    States Code, the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016
    (40 U.S.C. 1303 note; Public Law 114-287), or any other law
    governing real property activities of the Federal Government. No
    agreement entered into pursuant to this section, or the
    amendments made by this section, may obligate the Federal
    Government to hold, control, or otherwise retain or use real
    property that may otherwise be deemed as excess, surplus, or
    that could otherwise be sold, leased, or redeveloped.
    SEC. 8706. <>  REPORT ON WILDFIRE, INSECT
    INFESTATION, AND DISEASE PREVENTION ON
    FEDERAL LAND.

    Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act
    and every year thereafter, the Secretary and the Secretary of Interior
    shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
    Representatives, the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of
    Representatives, the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
    of the Senate, and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the
    Senate a jointly written report on--

    [[Page 4881]]

    (1) the number of acres of Federal land treated by the
    Secretary or the Secretary of the Interior for wildfire, insect
    infestation, or disease prevention;
    (2) the number of acres of Federal land categorized as a
    high or extreme fire risk;
    (3) the total timber production from Federal land;
    (4) the number of acres and average fire intensity of
    wildfires affecting Federal land treated for wildfire, insect
    infestation, or disease prevention;
    (5) the number of acres and average fire intensity of
    wildfires affecting Federal land not treated for wildfire,
    insect infestation, or disease prevention;
    (6) the Federal response time for each fire on greater than
    25,000 acres;
    (7) the number of miles of roads and trails on Federal land
    in need of maintenance;
    (8) the number of miles of roads on Federal land in need of
    decommissioning;
    (9) the maintenance backlog, as of the date of the report,
    for roads, trails, and recreational facilities on Federal land;
    (10) other measures needed to maintain, improve, or restore
    water quality on Federal land; and
    (11) other measures needed to improve ecosystem function or
    resiliency on Federal land.
    SEC. 8707. WEST FORK FIRE STATION.

    (a) Definitions.--In this section:
    (1) County.--The term ``County'' means Dolores County,
    Colorado.
    (2) West fork fire station conveyance parcel.--The term
    ``West Fork Fire Station Conveyance Parcel'' means the parcel of
    approximately 3.61 acres of National Forest System land in the
    County, as depicted on the map entitled ``Map for West Fork Fire
    Station Conveyance Parcel'' and dated November 21, 2017.

    (b) Conveyance of West Fork Fire Station Conveyance Parcel, Dolores
    County, Colorado.--
    (1) In general.--On receipt of a request from the County and
    subject to such terms and conditions as are mutually
    satisfactory to the Secretary and the County, including such
    additional terms as the Secretary determines to be necessary,
    the Secretary shall convey to the County without consideration
    all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to
    the West Fork Fire Station Conveyance Parcel.
    (2) Costs.--Any costs relating to the conveyance under
    paragraph (1), including processing and transaction costs, shall
    be paid by the County.
    (3) Use of land.--The land conveyed to the County under
    paragraph (1) shall be used by the County only for a fire
    station, related infrastructure, and roads to facilitate access
    to and through the West Fork Fire Station Conveyance Parcel.
    (4) Reversion.--If any portion of the land conveyed under
    paragraph (1) is used in a manner that is inconsistent with the
    use described in paragraph (3), the land shall, at the
    discretion of the Secretary, revert to the United States.

    [[Page 4882]]

    SEC. 8708. COMPETITIVE FORESTRY, NATURAL RESOURCES, AND
    ENVIRONMENTAL GRANTS PROGRAM.

    Section 1232 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
    of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 582a-8) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a) by inserting ``or forest restoration''
    after ``research''; and
    (2) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:

    ``(c) Priorities.--
    ``(1) Research.--In awarding the initial grants under
    subsection (a) the Secretary shall give priority to applicants
    who will use such grants for research concerning--
    ``(A) the biology of forest organisms, including
    physiology, genetic mechanisms, and biotechnology;
    ``(B) ecosystem function and management, including
    forest ecosystem research, biodiversity, forest
    productivity, pest management, water resources, and
    alternative silvicultural systems;
    ``(C) wood as a raw material, including forest
    products and harvesting;
    ``(D) human forest interactions, including outdoor
    recreation, public policy formulation, economics,
    sociology, and administrative behavior;
    ``(E) international trade, competition, and
    cooperation related to forest products;
    ``(F) alternative native crops, products, and
    services that can be produced from renewable natural
    resources associated with privately held forest lands;
    ``(G) viable economic production and marketing
    systems for alternative natural resource products and
    services;
    ``(H) economic and environmental benefits of various
    conservation practices on forest lands;
    ``(I) genetic tree improvement; and
    ``(J) market expansion.
    ``(2) Forest restoration.--Grants may be used to support
    programs that restore forest tree species native to American
    forests that may have suffered severe levels of mortality caused
    by non-native insects, plant pathogens, or others pests.
    ``(A) Required component of forest restoration
    strategy.--To receive a grant under this subsection, an
    eligible institution shall demonstrate that it offers a
    program with a forest restoration strategy that
    incorporates not less than one of the following
    components:
    ``(i) Collection and conservation of native
    tree genetic material.
    ``(ii) Production of propagules of native
    trees in numbers large enough for landscape scale
    restoration.
    ``(iii) Site preparation of former of native
    tree habitat.
    ``(iv) Planting of native tree seedlings.
    ``(v) Post-planting maintenance of native
    trees.
    ``(B) Award of grants.--The Secretary shall award
    competitive grants under this subsection based on the
    degree to which the applicant addresses the following
    criteria:
    ``(i) Risk posed to the forests of that State
    by non-native pests, as measured by such factors
    as the number of such pests present in the State.

    [[Page 4883]]

    ``(ii) The proportion of the State's forest
    composed of species vulnerable to non-native pests
    present in the United States.
    ``(iii) The pests' rate of spread via natural
    or human-assisted means.''.

    TITLE IX--ENERGY

    SEC. 9001. DEFINITIONS.

    Section 9001 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
    (7 U.S.C. 8101) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (4)(A), by striking ``agricultural
    materials'' and inserting ``agricultural materials, renewable
    chemicals,'';
    (2) in paragraph (7)(A), by striking ``into biofuels and
    biobased products; and'' and inserting the following: ``or an
    intermediate ingredient or feedstock of renewable biomass into
    any 1 or more, or a combination, of--
    ``(i) biofuels;
    ``(ii) renewable chemicals; or
    ``(iii) biobased products; and''; and
    (3) in paragraph (16)--
    (A) in subparagraph (A)--
    (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by
    striking ``(B)'' and inserting ``(C)''; and
    (ii) by striking ``that--'' in the matter
    preceding clause (i) and all that follows through
    the period at the end of clause (ii) and inserting
    ``that produces usable energy from a renewable
    energy source.'';
    (B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as
    subparagraph (C); and
    (C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the
    following:
    ``(B) Inclusions.--The term `renewable energy
    system' includes--
    ``(i) distribution components necessary to
    move energy produced by a system described in
    subparagraph (A) to the initial point of sale; and
    ``(ii) other components and ancillary
    infrastructure of a system described in
    subparagraph (A), such as a storage system.''.
    SEC. 9002. BIOBASED MARKETS PROGRAM.

    Section 9002 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
    (7 U.S.C. 8102) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (b)(2)(A), by adding at the end the
    following:
    ``(iii) Renewable chemicals.--Not later than
    180 days after the date of enactment of this
    clause, the Secretary shall update the criteria
    issued under clause (i) to provide criteria for
    determining which renewable chemicals may qualify
    to receive the label under paragraph (1).'';
    (2) by amending subsection (f) to read as follows:

    ``(f) Manufacturers of Renewable Chemicals and Biobased Products.--

    [[Page 4884]]

    ``(1) NAICS codes.--The Secretary and the Secretary of
    Commerce shall jointly develop North American Industry
    Classification System codes for--
    ``(A) renewable chemicals manufacturers; and
    ``(B) biobased products manufacturers.
    ``(2) National testing center registry.--The Secretary shall
    establish a national registry of testing centers for biobased
    products that will serve biobased product manufacturers.'';
    (3) by redesignating subsections (h) through (j) as
    subsections (j) through (l), respectively;
    (4) by inserting after subsection (g) the following:

    ``(h) Streamlining.--
    ``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
    enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall establish
    guidelines for an integrated process under which biobased
    products may be, in 1 expedited approval process--
    ``(A) determined to be eligible for a Federal
    procurement preference under subsection (a); and
    ``(B) approved to use the `USDA Certified Biobased
    Product' label under subsection (b).
    ``(2) Initiation.--The Secretary shall ensure that a review
    of a biobased product under the integrated qualification process
    established pursuant to paragraph (1) may be initiated on
    receipt of a recommendation or petition from a manufacturer,
    vendor, or other interested party.
    ``(3) Product designations.--The Secretary may issue a
    product designation pursuant to subsection (a)(3)(B), or approve
    the use of the `USDA Certified Biobased Product' label under
    subsection (b), through streamlined procedures, which shall not
    be subject to chapter 7 of title 5, United States Code.

    ``(i) Requirement of Procuring Agencies.--A procuring agency (as
    defined in subsection (a)(1)) shall not establish regulations, guidance,
    or criteria regarding the procurement of biobased products, pursuant to
    this section or any other law, that impose limitations on that
    procurement that are more restrictive than the limitations established
    by the Secretary under the regulations to implement this section.'';
    (5) in subsection (k) (as so redesignated)--
    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2018'' and
    inserting ``2023''; and
    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``$2,000,000 for
    each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018'' and inserting
    ``$3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through
    2023''; and
    (6) by adding at the end the following:

    ``(m) Rural Development Mission Area.--In carrying out this section,
    except as provided in subsection (g), the Secretary shall act through
    the rural development mission area.''.
    SEC. 9003. BIOREFINERY ASSISTANCE.

    Section 9003 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
    (7 U.S.C. 8103) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (b)(3)--
    (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``produces an
    advanced biofuel; and'' and inserting the following:
    ``produces any 1 or more, or a combination, of--
    ``(i) an advanced biofuel;

    [[Page 4885]]

    ``(ii) a renewable chemical;
    or
    ``(iii) a biobased product;
    and''; and
    (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``produces an
    advanced biofuel.'' and inserting the following:
    ``produces any 1 or more, or a combination, of--
    ``(i) an advanced biofuel;
    ``(ii) a renewable chemical;
    or
    ``(iii) a biobased
    product.''; and
    (2) in subsection (g)--
    (A) in paragraph (1)(A)--
    (i) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' at the
    end;
    (ii) in clause (ii), by striking the period at
    the end and inserting a semicolon; and
    (iii) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(iii) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2019; and
    ``(iv) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2020.'';
    and
    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2018'' and
    inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 9004. REPOWERING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

    Section 9004 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
    (7 U.S.C. 8104) is repealed.
    SEC. 9005. BIOENERGY PROGRAM FOR ADVANCED BIOFUELS.

    Section 9005 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
    (7 U.S.C. 8105) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (e)--
    (A) by striking ``The Secretary may'' and inserting
    the following new paragraph:
    ``(1) Amount.--The Secretary shall''; and
    (B) by adding at the end the following new
    paragraph:
    ``(2) Feedstock.--The total amount of payments made in a
    fiscal year under this section to one or more eligible producers
    for the production of advanced biofuels derived from a single
    eligible commodity, including intermediate ingredients of that
    single commodity or use of that single commodity and its
    intermediate ingredients in combination with another commodity,
    shall not exceed one-third of the total amount of funds made
    available under subsection (g).''; and
    (2) in subsection (g)--
    (A) in paragraph (1)--
    (i) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and''
    at the end;
    (ii) in subparagraph (E), by striking the
    period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
    (iii) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(F) $7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019
    through 2023.''; and
    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2014 through
    2018'' and inserting ``2019 through 2023''.
    SEC. 9006. BIODIESEL FUEL EDUCATION PROGRAM.

    Section 9006(d) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
    2002 (7 U.S.C. 8106(d)) is amended to read as follows:
    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
    appropriated to carry out this section $2,000,000 for each of fiscal
    years 2019 through 2023.''.

    [[Page 4886]]

    SEC. 9007. RURAL ENERGY FOR AMERICA PROGRAM.

    Section 9007 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
    (7 U.S.C. 8107) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (c)--
    (A) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
    ``(1) In general.--
    ``(A) Assistance.--In addition to any similar
    authority, the Secretary shall provide--
    ``(i) loan guarantees and grants to
    agricultural producers and rural small
    businesses--
    ``(I) to purchase renewable energy
    systems, including systems that may be
    used to produce and sell electricity;
    and
    ``(II) to make energy efficiency
    improvements; and
    ``(ii) loan guarantees to agricultural
    producers to purchase and install energy efficient
    equipment or systems for agricultural production
    or processing that exceed--
    ``(I) energy efficiency building
    codes, if applicable;
    ``(II) Federal or State energy
    efficiency standards, if applicable; and
    ``(III) other energy efficiency
    standards determined appropriate by the
    Secretary.
    ``(B) Limitations.--With respect to loan guarantees
    under subparagraph (A)(ii)--
    ``(i) if no codes or standards described in
    such subparagraph apply to the energy efficient
    equipment or system to be purchased or installed
    pursuant to such subparagraph, the Secretary shall
    require, to the maximum extent practicable, such
    equipment or system to meet the same efficiency
    measurements as the most efficient available
    equipment or system in the market; and
    ``(ii) the Secretary shall not provide such a
    loan guarantee for the purchase or installation of
    any energy efficient equipment or system unless
    more than one type of such equipment or system is
    available in the market.''; and
    (B) in paragraph (3), by adding at the end the
    following:
    ``(D) Loan guarantees for energy efficient equipment
    to agricultural producers.--Using funds made available
    under paragraphs (1) and (3) of subsection (f), in each
    fiscal year the Secretary may use for loan guarantees
    under paragraph (1)(A)(ii) an amount that does not
    exceed 15 percent of such funds.'';
    (2) in subsection (e), by striking ``subsection (g)'' each
    place it appears and inserting ``subsection (f)'';
    (3) by striking subsection (f) and redesignating subsection
    (g) as subsection (f); and
    (4) in subsection (f)(3) (as so redesignated), by striking
    ``2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``2019 through 2023''.
    SEC. 9008. RURAL ENERGY SELF-SUFFICIENCY INITIATIVE.

    Section 9009 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
    (7 U.S.C. 8109) is repealed.

    [[Page 4887]]

    SEC. 9009. FEEDSTOCK FLEXIBILITY.

    Section 9010(b) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
    2002 (7 U.S.C. 8110(b)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''; and
    (2) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.
    SEC. 9010. BIOMASS CROP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

    Section 9011 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
    (7 U.S.C. 8111) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)(6)--
    (A) in subparagraph (B)--
    (i) in clause (ii)(II), by striking ``and'' at
    the end;
    (ii) in clause (iii), by striking the period
    at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
    (iii) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(iv) algae.''; and
    (B) in subparagraph (C)--
    (i) by striking clause (iv); and
    (ii) by redesignating clauses (v) through
    (vii) as clauses (iv) through (vi), respectively;
    and
    (2) in subsection (f)--
    (A) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
    ``(1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
    to be appropriated to carry out this section $25,000,000 for
    each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.''; and
    (B) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
    ``(3) Technical assistance.--Effective for fiscal year 2014
    and each subsequent fiscal year, funds made available under this
    subsection shall be available for the provision of technical
    assistance with respect to activities authorized under this
    section.''.
    SEC. 9011. CARBON UTILIZATION AND BIOGAS EDUCATION PROGRAM.

    Title IX of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7
    U.S.C. 8101 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``SEC. 9014. <>  CARBON UTILIZATION AND BIOGAS
    EDUCATION PROGRAM.

    ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
    ``(1) Carbon dioxide.--The term `carbon dioxide' means
    carbon dioxide that is produced as a byproduct of the production
    of a biobased product.
    ``(2) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means an
    entity that--
    ``(A) is--
    ``(i) an organization described in section
    501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and
    exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of that
    Code; or
    ``(ii) an institution of higher education (as
    defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education
    Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)));
    ``(B) has demonstrated knowledge about--
    ``(i) sequestration and utilization of carbon
    dioxide; or
    ``(ii) aggregation of organic waste from
    multiple sources into a single biogas system; and

    [[Page 4888]]

    ``(C) has a demonstrated ability to conduct
    educational and technical support programs.

    ``(b) Establishment.--The Secretary, in consultation with the
    Secretary of Energy, shall make competitive grants to eligible
    entities--
    ``(1) to provide education to the public about the economic
    and emissions benefits of permanent sequestration or utilization
    of carbon dioxide with a primary objective of providing benefits
    and opportunities for rural businesses, rural communities, and
    utilities serving rural communities; or
    ``(2) to provide education to agricultural producers and
    other stakeholders about opportunities for aggregation of
    organic waste from multiple sources into a single biogas system.

    ``(c) Funding.--There are authorized to be appropriated for each of
    fiscal years 2019 through 2023--
    ``(1) $1,000,000 to carry out subsection (b)(1); and
    ``(2) $1,000,000 to carry out subsection (b)(2).''.

    TITLE X--HORTICULTURE

    SEC. 10101. SPECIALTY CROPS MARKET NEWS ALLOCATION.

    Section 10107(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008
    (7 U.S.C. 1622b(b)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.
    SEC. 10102. <>  LOCAL AGRICULTURE MARKET
    PROGRAM.

    (a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to combine the purposes
    and coordinate the functions, as in effect on the day before the date of
    enactment of this Act, of--
    (1) the Farmers' Market and Local Food Promotion Program
    established under section 6 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct
    Marketing Act of 1976 (7 U.S.C. 3005); and
    (2) the value-added agricultural product market development
    grants under section 231(b) of the Agricultural Risk Protection
    Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C. 1632a(b)).

    (b) Local Agriculture Market Program.--Subtitle A of the
    Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.) is amended by
    adding at the end the following:
    ``SEC. 210A. <>  LOCAL AGRICULTURE MARKET
    PROGRAM.

    ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
    ``(1) Beginning farmer or rancher.--The term `beginning
    farmer or rancher' has the meaning given the term in section
    343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
    U.S.C. 1991(a)).
    ``(2) Direct producer-to-consumer marketing.--The term
    `direct producer-to-consumer marketing' has the meaning given
    the term `direct marketing from farmers to consumers' in section
    3 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 (7
    U.S.C. 3002).
    ``(3) Family farm.--The term `family farm' has the meaning
    given the term in section 231(a) of the Agricultural Risk
    Protection Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C. 1632a(a)).
    ``(4) Food council.--The term `food council' means a food
    policy council or food and farm system network, as determined by
    the Secretary, that--
    ``(A) represents--

    [[Page 4889]]

    ``(i) multiple organizations involved in the
    production, processing, and consumption of food;
    and
    ``(ii) local, Tribal, or State governments;
    and
    ``(B) addresses food and farm-related issues and
    needs within city, county, State, Tribal region,
    multicounty region, or other region designated by the
    food council or food system network.
    ``(5) Majority-controlled producer-based business venture.--
    ``(A) In general.--The term `majority-controlled
    producer-based business venture' means a venture greater
    than 50 percent of the ownership and control of which is
    held by--
    ``(i) 1 or more producers; or
    ``(ii) 1 or more entities, 100 percent of the
    ownership and control of which is held by 1 or
    more producers.
    ``(B) Entity described.--For purposes of
    subparagraph (A), the term `entity' means--
    ``(i) a partnership;
    ``(ii) a limited liability corporation;
    ``(iii) a limited liability partnership; and
    ``(iv) a corporation.
    ``(6) Mid-tier value chain.--The term `mid-tier value chain'
    means a local or regional supply network that links independent
    producers with businesses and cooperatives that market value-
    added agricultural products in a manner that--
    ``(A) targets and strengthens the profitability and
    competitiveness of small and medium-sized farms and
    ranches that are structured as a family farm; and
    ``(B) obtains agreement from an eligible
    agricultural producer group, farmer or rancher
    cooperative, or majority-controlled producer-based
    business venture that is engaged in the value chain on a
    marketing strategy.
    ``(7) Partnership.--The term `partnership' means a
    partnership entered into under an agreement between--
    ``(A) 1 or more eligible partners (as defined in
    subsection (e)(1)); and
    ``(B) 1 or more eligible entities (as defined in
    subsection (e)(1)).
    ``(8) Program.--The term `Program' means the Local
    Agriculture Market Program established under subsection (b).
    ``(9) Regional food chain coordination.--The term `regional
    food chain coordination' means coordination and collaboration
    along the supply chain to increase connections between producers
    and markets.
    ``(10) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary
    of Agriculture.
    ``(11) Socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher.--The term
    `socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher' has the meaning given
    the term in section 355(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
    Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2003(e)).
    ``(12) Value-added agricultural product.--The term `value-
    added agricultural product' means any agricultural commodity or
    product that--
    ``(A)(i) has undergone a change in physical state;

    [[Page 4890]]

    ``(ii) was produced in a manner that enhances the
    value of the agricultural commodity or product, as
    demonstrated through a business plan that shows the
    enhanced value, as determined by the Secretary;
    ``(iii) is physically segregated in a manner that
    results in the enhancement of the value of the
    agricultural commodity or product;
    ``(iv) is a source of farm- or ranch-based renewable
    energy, including E-85 fuel; or
    ``(v) is aggregated and marketed as a locally
    produced agricultural food product; and
    ``(B) as a result of the change in physical state or
    the manner in which the agricultural commodity or
    product was produced, marketed, or segregated--
    ``(i) the customer base for the agricultural
    commodity or product is expanded; and
    ``(ii) a greater portion of the revenue
    derived from the marketing, processing, or
    physical segregation of the agricultural commodity
    or product is available to the producer of the
    commodity or product.
    ``(13) Veteran farmer or rancher.--The term `veteran farmer
    or rancher' has the meaning given the term in section 2501(a) of
    the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7
    U.S.C. 2279(a)).

    ``(b) Establishment and Purpose.--The Secretary shall establish a
    program, to be known as the `Local Agriculture Market Program', that--
    ``(1) supports the development, coordination, and expansion
    of--
    ``(A) direct producer-to-consumer marketing;
    ``(B) local and regional food markets and
    enterprises; and
    ``(C) value-added agricultural products;
    ``(2) connects and cultivates regional food economies
    through public-private partnerships;
    ``(3) supports the development of business plans,
    feasibility studies, and strategies for value-added agricultural
    production and local and regional food system infrastructure;
    ``(4) strengthens capacity and regional food system
    development through community collaboration and expansion of
    mid-tier value chains;
    ``(5) improves income and economic opportunities for
    producers and food businesses through job creation; and
    ``(6) simplifies the application processes and the reporting
    processes for the Program.

    ``(c) Administration.--In administering the Program, the Secretary
    shall--
    ``(1) streamline the Program to better support the
    activities carried out by the recipient of a grant under the
    Program;
    ``(2) connect producers with local food markets and value-
    added agricultural product opportunities;
    ``(3) partner with cooperative extension services, as
    appropriate, to provide Program technical assistance and
    outreach to Program stakeholders; and
    ``(4) ensure that the Rural Business-Cooperative Service and
    Agricultural Marketing Service provide Program technical
    assistance and outreach to Program stakeholders.

    [[Page 4891]]

    ``(d) Grants.--
    ``(1) In general.--Under the Program, the Secretary may,
    using funds made available under subsection (i), provide grants
    for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, in accordance with
    the purposes of the Program described in subsection (b), for the
    conduct of activities described in paragraph (2).
    ``(2) Eligible activities.--The recipient of a grant may use
    a grant provided under paragraph (1)--
    ``(A) to support and promote--
    ``(i) domestic direct producer-to-consumer
    marketing;
    ``(ii) farmers' markets;
    ``(iii) roadside stands;
    ``(iv) agritourism activities,
    ``(v) community-supported agriculture
    programs; or
    ``(vi) online sales;
    ``(B) to support local and regional food business
    enterprises that engage as intermediaries in indirect
    producer-to-consumer marketing;
    ``(C) to support the processing, aggregation,
    distribution, and storage of--
    ``(i) local and regional food products that
    are marketed locally or regionally; and
    ``(ii) value-added agricultural products;
    ``(D) to encourage the development of value-added
    agricultural products;
    ``(E) to assist with business development plans and
    feasibility studies;
    ``(F) to develop marketing strategies for producers
    of local food products and value-added agricultural
    products in new and existing markets;
    ``(G) to facilitate regional food chain coordination
    and mid-tier value chain development;
    ``(H) to promote new business opportunities and
    marketing strategies to reduce on-farm food waste;
    ``(I) to respond to changing technology needs in
    direct producer-to-consumer marketing; or
    ``(J) to cover expenses relating to costs incurred
    in--
    ``(i) obtaining food safety certification; and
    ``(ii) making changes and upgrades to
    practices and equipment to improve food safety.
    ``(3) Criteria and guidelines.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish
    criteria and guidelines for the submission, evaluation,
    and funding of proposed projects under paragraph (1) as
    the Secretary determines are appropriate.
    ``(B) Producer or food business benefits.--
    ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in
    clause (ii), an application submitted for a grant
    under paragraph (1) shall include a description of
    the direct or indirect producer or food business
    benefits intended by the applicant to result from
    the proposed project within a reasonable period of
    time after the receipt of the grant.
    ``(ii) Exception.--Clause (i) shall not apply
    to a planning or feasibility project.

    [[Page 4892]]

    ``(4) Amount.--Unless otherwise determined by the Secretary,
    the amount of a grant under this subsection shall be not more
    than $500,000.
    ``(5) Value-added producer grants.--In the case of a grant
    provided under paragraph (1) to an eligible entity described in
    subparagraph (B), the following shall apply:
    ``(A) Administration.--The Secretary shall carry out
    this subsection through the Administrator of the Rural
    Business-Cooperative Service, in coordination with the
    Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service.
    ``(B) Eligible entities.--An entity shall be
    eligible for a grant under this paragraph if the entity
    is--
    ``(i) an independent producer (as determined
    by the Secretary) of a value-added agricultural
    product; or
    ``(ii) an agricultural producer group, farmer
    or rancher cooperative, or majority-controlled
    producer-based business venture (as determined by
    the Secretary).
    ``(C) Priorities.--The Secretary shall give priority
    to applications--
    ``(i) in the case of an application submitted
    by a producer, that are submitted by, or serve--
    ``(I) beginning farmers or ranchers;
    ``(II) socially disadvantaged
    farmers or ranchers;
    ``(III) operators of small or medium
    sized farms or ranches that are
    structured as family farms; or
    ``(IV) veteran farmers or ranchers;
    and
    ``(ii) in the case of an application submitted
    by an eligible entity described in subparagraph
    (B)(ii), that provide the greatest contribution to
    creating or increasing marketing opportunities for
    producers described in subclauses (I) through (IV)
    of clause (i).
    ``(D) Limitation on use of funds.--
    ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in
    clause (ii), an eligible entity described in
    subparagraph (B) may not use a grant for the
    purchase or construction of a building, general
    purpose equipment, or structure.
    ``(ii) Exception.--An eligible entity
    described in subparagraph (B) may use not more
    than $6,500 of the amount of a grant for an
    eligible activity described in paragraph (2)(J) to
    purchase or upgrade equipment to improve food
    safety.
    ``(E) Matching funds.--An eligible entity described
    in subparagraph (B) receiving a grant shall contribute
    an amount of non-Federal funds that is at least equal to
    the amount of Federal funds received.
    ``(6) Farmers' markets and local food promotion program.--In
    the case of a grant provided under paragraph (1) to an eligible
    entity described in subparagraph (B), the following shall apply:
    ``(A) Administration.--The Secretary shall carry out
    this subsection through the Administrator of the
    Agricultural Marketing Service, in coordination with the
    Administrator of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service.

    [[Page 4893]]

    ``(B) Eligible entities.--An entity shall be
    eligible to receive a grant under this paragraph if the
    entity is--
    ``(i) an agricultural cooperative or other
    agricultural business entity or a producer network
    or association, including a community-supported
    agriculture network or association;
    ``(ii) a local or Tribal government;
    ``(iii) a nonprofit corporation;
    ``(iv) a public benefit corporation;
    ``(v) an economic development corporation;
    ``(vi) a regional farmers' market authority;
    ``(vii) a food council; or
    ``(viii) such other entity as the Secretary
    may designate.
    ``(C) Priorities.--The Secretary shall give priority
    to applications that--
    ``(i) benefit underserved communities,
    including communities that are located in areas of
    concentrated poverty with limited access to fresh
    locally or regionally grown food; or
    ``(ii) are used to carry out eligible
    activities under a partnership agreement under
    subsection (e) and have not received benefits from
    the Program in the recent past.
    ``(D) Limitation on use of funds.--
    ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in
    clause (ii), an eligible entity described in
    subparagraph (B) may not use a grant for the
    purchase or construction of a building, general
    purpose equipment, or structure.
    ``(ii) Exception.--An eligible entity
    described in subparagraph (B) may use not more
    than $6,500 of the amount of a grant for an
    eligible activity described in paragraph (2)(J) to
    purchase or upgrade equipment to improve food
    safety.
    ``(E) Matching funds.--An eligible entity described
    in subparagraph (B) receiving a grant shall provide
    matching funds in the form of cash or an in-kind
    contribution in an amount that is equal to 25 percent of
    the total amount of the Federal portion of the grant.

    ``(e) Partnerships.--
    ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
    ``(A) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity'
    means--
    ``(i) a producer;
    ``(ii) a producer network or association;
    ``(iii) a farmer or rancher cooperative;
    ``(iv) a majority-controlled producer-based
    business venture;
    ``(v) a food council;
    ``(vi) a local or Tribal government;
    ``(vii) a nonprofit corporation;
    ``(viii) an economic development corporation;
    ``(ix) a public benefit corporation;
    ``(x) a community-supported agriculture
    network or association; and
    ``(xi) a regional farmers' market authority.

    [[Page 4894]]

    ``(B) Eligible partner.--The term `eligible partner'
    means--
    ``(i) a State agency or regional authority;
    ``(ii) a philanthropic organization;
    ``(iii) a private corporation;
    ``(iv) an institution of higher education;
    ``(v) a commercial, Federal, or Farm Credit
    System lending institution; and
    ``(vi) another entity, as determined by the
    Secretary.
    ``(2) Grants to support partnerships.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the
    Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service, in
    accordance with the purposes of the Program described in
    subsection (b), shall, using funds made available under
    subsection (i), provide grants for each of fiscal years
    2019 through 2023 to support partnerships to plan and
    develop a local or regional food system.
    ``(B) Geographical diversity.--To the maximum extent
    practicable, the Secretary shall ensure geographical
    diversity in selecting partnerships to receive grants
    under subparagraph (A).
    ``(3) Authorities of partnerships.--A partnership receiving
    a grant under paragraph (2) may--
    ``(A) determine the scope of the regional food
    system to be developed, including goals, outreach
    objectives, and eligible activities to be carried out;
    ``(B) determine the local, regional, State, multi-
    State, or other geographic area covered;
    ``(C) create and conduct a feasibility study,
    implementation plan, and assessment of eligible
    activities under the partnership agreement;
    ``(D) conduct outreach and education to other
    eligible entities and eligible partners for potential
    participation in the partnership agreement and eligible
    activities;
    ``(E) describe measures to be taken through the
    partnership agreement to obtain funding for the eligible
    activities to be carried out under the partnership
    agreement;
    ``(F) at the request of a producer or eligible
    entity desiring to participate in eligible activities
    under the partnership agreement, act on behalf of the
    producer or eligible entity in applying for a grant
    under subsection (d);
    ``(G) monitor, evaluate, and periodically report to
    the Secretary on progress made toward achieving the
    objectives of eligible activities under the partnership
    agreement; or
    ``(H) at the conclusion of the partnership
    agreement, submit to the Secretary a report describing--
    ``(i) the results and effects of the
    partnership agreement; and
    ``(ii) funds provided under paragraph (4).
    ``(4) Contribution.--A partnership receiving a grant under
    paragraph (2) shall provide funding in an amount equal to not
    less than 25 percent of the total amount of the Federal portion
    of the grant.
    ``(5) Applications.--
    ``(A) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant
    under paragraph (2), a partnership shall submit to the

    [[Page 4895]]

    Secretary an application at such time, in such manner,
    and containing such information as the Secretary
    considers necessary to evaluate and select applications.
    ``(B) Competitive process.--The Secretary--
    ``(i) shall conduct a competitive process to
    select applications submitted under subparagraph
    (A);
    ``(ii) may assess and rank applications with
    similar purposes as a group; and
    ``(iii) shall make public the criteria to be
    used in evaluating applications prior to accepting
    applications.
    ``(C) Priority to certain applications.--The
    Secretary may give priority to applications submitted
    under subparagraph (A) that--
    ``(i)(I) leverage significant non-Federal
    financial and technical resources; and
    ``(II) coordinate with other local, State,
    Tribal, or national efforts;
    ``(ii) cover an area that includes distressed
    low-income rural or urban communities, including
    areas with persistent poverty; or
    ``(iii) have multiple entities and partners in
    a partnership.
    ``(D) Producer or food business benefits.--
    ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in
    clause (ii), an application submitted under
    subparagraph (A) shall include a description of
    the direct or indirect producer or food business
    benefits intended by the eligible entity to result
    from the proposed project within a reasonable
    period of time after the receipt of a grant.
    ``(ii) Exception.--Clause (i) shall not apply
    to a planning or feasibility project.
    ``(6) Technical assistance.--On request of an eligible
    entity, an eligible partner, or a partnership, the Secretary may
    provide technical assistance in carrying out a partnership
    agreement.

    ``(f) Simplification of Application and Reporting Processes.--
    ``(1) Applications.--The Secretary shall establish a
    simplified application form for eligible entities that--
    ``(A) request less than $50,000 under subsection
    (d); or
    ``(B) apply for grants under subsection (d) under a
    single application through partnership agreements under
    subsection (e).
    ``(2) Reporting.--The Secretary shall--
    ``(A) streamline and simplify the reporting process
    for eligible entities; and
    ``(B) obtain from eligible entities and maintain
    such information as the Secretary determines is
    necessary to administer and evaluate the Program.

    ``(g) Interdepartmental Coordination.--In carrying out the Program,
    to the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall ensure
    coordination among Federal agencies.
    ``(h) Evaluation.--

    [[Page 4896]]

    ``(1) In general.--Using amounts made available under
    subsection (i)(3)(E), the Secretary shall conduct an evaluation
    of the Program that--
    ``(A) measures the economic impact of the Program on
    new and existing market outcomes;
    ``(B) measures the effectiveness of the Program in
    improving and expanding--
    ``(i) the regional food economy through public
    and private partnerships;
    ``(ii) the production of value-added
    agricultural products;
    ``(iii) producer-to-consumer marketing,
    including direct producer-to-consumer marketing;
    ``(iv) local and regional food systems,
    including regional food chain coordination and
    business development;
    ``(v) new business opportunities and marketing
    strategies to reduce on-farm food waste;
    ``(vi) the use of new technologies in
    producer-to-consumer marketing, including direct
    producer-to-consumer marketing; and
    ``(vii) the workforce and capacity of regional
    food systems; and
    ``(C) provides a description of--
    ``(i) each partnership agreement; and
    ``(ii) each grant provided under subsection
    (d).
    ``(2) Report.--Not later than 4 years after the date of
    enactment of this section, the Secretary shall submit to the
    Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the
    Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate
    a report describing the evaluation conducted under paragraph
    (1), including a thorough analysis of the outcomes of the
    evaluation.

    ``(i) Funding.--
    ``(1) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity
    Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this
    section $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year
    thereafter, to remain available until expended.
    ``(2) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
    to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for
    fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter, to remain
    available until expended.
    ``(3) Allocation of funds.--
    ``(A) Value-added producer grants.--
    ``(i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), of
    the funds made available to carry out this section
    for a fiscal year, 35 percent shall be used for
    grants under subsection (d)(5).
    ``(ii) Reservation of funds.--
    ``(I) Majority-controlled producer-
    based business ventures.--The total
    amount of grants under subsection (d)(5)
    provided to majority-controlled
    producer-based business ventures for a
    fiscal year shall not exceed 10 percent
    of the amount allocated under clause
    (i).
    ``(II) Beginning, veteran, and
    socially disadvantaged farmers and
    ranchers.--Of the

    [[Page 4897]]

    funds made available for grants under
    subsection (d)(5), 10 percent shall be
    reserved for grants provided to
    beginning, veteran, and socially
    disadvantaged farmers or ranchers.
    ``(III) Mid-tier value chains.--Of
    the funds made available for grants
    under subsection (d)(5), 10 percent
    shall be reserved for grants to develop
    mid-tier value chains.
    ``(IV) Food safety assistance.--Of
    the funds made available for grants
    under subsection (d)(5), not more than
    25 percent shall be reserved for grants
    for eligible activities described in
    subsection (d)(2)(J).
    ``(B) Farmers' market and local food promotion
    grants.--Of the funds made available to carry out this
    section for a fiscal year, 47 percent shall be used for
    grants under subsection (d)(6).
    ``(C) Regional partnerships.--Of the funds made
    available to carry out this section for a fiscal year,
    10 percent shall be used to provide grants to support
    partnerships under subsection (e).
    ``(D) Unobligated funds.--Any funds under
    subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) that are not obligated for
    the uses described in that subparagraph, as applicable,
    by September 30 of the fiscal year for which the funds
    were made available--
    ``(i) shall be available to the agency
    carrying out the Program with the unobligated
    funds to carry out any function of the Program, as
    determined by the Secretary; and
    ``(ii) may carry over to the next fiscal year.
    ``(E) Administrative expenses.--Not greater than 8
    percent of amounts made available to provide grants
    under subsections (d) and (e) for a fiscal year may be
    used for administrative expenses.''.

    (c) Conforming Amendments.--
    (1) Agricultural marketing resource center pilot project.--
    Section 231 of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 (7
    U.S.C. 1632a) is amended--
    (A) by striking the section heading and inserting
    ``agricultural marketing resource center pilot
    project.'';
    (B) by striking subsections (a), (b), (d), and (e);
    (C) in subsection (c)--
    (i) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as
    subsections (a) and (b), respectively, and
    indenting appropriately; and
    (ii) by striking the subsection designation
    and heading;
    (D) in subsection (a) (as so redesignated)--
    (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A),
    by striking ``Notwithstanding'' and all that
    follows through ``paragraph (2)'' and inserting
    the following: ``The Secretary shall not use more
    than 2.5 percent of the funds made available to
    carry out the Local Agriculture Market Program
    established under section 210A of the Agricultural
    Marketing Act of 1946 to establish

    [[Page 4898]]

    a pilot project (to be known as the `Agricultural
    Marketing Resource Center') at an eligible
    institution described in subsection (b)''; and
    (ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and
    (B) as paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively, and
    indenting appropriately; and
    (E) in subsection (b) (as so redesignated)--
    (i) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through
    (C) as paragraphs (1) through (3), respectively,
    and indenting appropriately; and
    (ii) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated), by
    striking ``paragraph (1)(A)'' and inserting
    ``subsection (a)(1)''.
    (2) Agriculture innovation center demonstration program.--
    Section 6402(f) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
    2002 (7 U.S.C. 1632b(f)) is amended in the matter preceding
    paragraph (1) by striking ``section 231(d) of the Agricultural
    Risk Protection Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note; Public Law 106-
    224))'' and inserting ``section 210A(d)(2) of the Agricultural
    Marketing Act of 1946''.
    (3) Local food production and program evaluation.--Section
    10016(b)(3)(B) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C.
    2204h(b)(2)(B)) is amended by striking ``Farmers' Market and
    Local Food Promotion Program established under section 6 of the
    Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 (7 U.S.C.
    3005)'' and inserting ``Local Agriculture Market Program
    established under section 210A of the Agricultural Marketing Act
    of 1946''.
    (4) Program metrics.--Section 6209(a) of the Agricultural
    Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 2207b(a)) is amended by striking paragraph
    (1) and inserting the following:
    ``(1) section 210A of the Agricultural Marketing Act of
    1946;''.
    (5) Farmer-to-consumer direct marketing act of 1976.--
    (A) Section 4 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct
    Marketing Act of 1976 (7 U.S.C. 3003) is amended--
    (i) by striking ``The Secretary'' and
    inserting the following:

    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary''; and
    (ii) by adding at the end the following:

    ``(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
    appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.''.
    (B) Sections 6, 7, and 8 of the Farmer-to-Consumer
    Direct Marketing Act of 1976 (7 U.S.C. 3005, 3006; 90
    Stat. 1983) are repealed.
    SEC. 10103. ORGANIC PRODUCTION AND MARKET DATA INITIATIVES.

    Section 7407(d) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
    2002 (7 U.S.C. 5925c(d)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (1)--
    (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``through
    fiscal year 2012''; and
    (B) by striking ``$5,000,000, to remain available
    until expended.'' and inserting the following: ``, to
    remain available until expended--

    [[Page 4899]]

    ``(A) $5,000,000 for each of the periods of fiscal
    years 2008 through 2012 and 2014 through 2018; and
    ``(B) $5,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2019
    through 2023.'';
    (2) by striking paragraph (2);
    (3) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2); and
    (4) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated)--
    (A) by striking ``paragraphs (1) and (2)'' and
    inserting ``paragraph (1)''; and
    (B) by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 10104. <>  ORGANIC CERTIFICATION.

    (a) Exclusions From Certification.--Not later than 1 year after the
    date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue regulations to
    limit the type of organic operations that are excluded from
    certification under section 205.101 of title 7, Code of Federal
    Regulations, and from certification under any other related sections
    under part 205 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations.
    (b) Definitions.--Section 2103 of the Organic Foods Production Act
    of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6502) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (3)--
    (A) by striking ``The term'' and inserting the
    following:
    ``(A) In general.--The term''; and
    (B) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(B) Foreign operations.--When used in the context
    of a certifying agent operating in a foreign country,
    the term `certifying agent' includes any person
    (including a private entity)--
    ``(i) accredited in accordance with section
    2115(d); or
    ``(ii) accredited by a foreign government that
    acted under an equivalency agreement negotiated
    between the United States and the foreign
    government from which the agricultural product is
    imported.'';
    (2) by redesignating paragraphs (13) through (21) as
    paragraphs (14) through (22), respectively; and
    (3) by inserting after paragraph (12) the following:
    ``(13) National organic program import certificate.--The
    term `national organic program import certificate' means a form
    developed for purposes of the program under this title--
    ``(A) to provide documentation sufficient to verify
    that an agricultural product imported for sale in the
    United States satisfies the requirement under section
    2115(c);
    ``(B) which shall include, at a minimum, information
    sufficient to indicate, with respect to the agricultural
    product--
    ``(i) the origin;
    ``(ii) the destination;
    ``(iii) the certifying agent issuing the
    national organic program import certificate;
    ``(iv) the harmonized tariff code, if a
    harmonized tariff code exists for the agricultural
    product;
    ``(v) the total weight; and
    ``(vi) the organic standard to which the
    agricultural product is certified; and

    [[Page 4900]]

    ``(C) that is not more than otherwise required under
    an equivalency agreement negotiated between the United
    States and the foreign government.''.

    (c) Accreditation Program.--Section 2115 of the Organic Foods
    Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6514) is amended by striking subsection
    (c) and inserting the following:
    ``(c) Additional Documentation and Verification.--The Secretary,
    acting through the Deputy Administrator of the national organic program
    established under this title, has the authority, and shall grant a
    certifying agent the authority, to require producers and handlers to
    provide additional documentation or verification before granting a
    certification under section 2104, in the case of a compliance risk with
    respect to meeting the national standards for organic production
    established under section 2105, as determined by the Secretary or the
    certifying agent.
    ``(d) Accreditation of Foreign Organic Certification Program.--
    ``(1) In general.--For an agricultural product being
    imported into the United States to be represented as organically
    produced, the Secretary shall require the agricultural product
    to be accompanied by a complete and valid national organic
    import certificate, which shall be available as an electronic
    record.
    ``(2) Tracking system.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a
    system to track national organic import certificates.
    ``(B) Integration.--In establishing the system under
    subparagraph (A), the Secretary may integrate the system
    into any existing information tracking systems for
    imports of agricultural products.

    ``(e) Duration of Accreditation.--An accreditation made under this
    section--
    ``(1) subject to paragraph (2), shall be for a period of not
    more than 5 years, as determined appropriate by the Secretary;
    ``(2) in the case of a certifying agent operating in a
    foreign country, shall be for a period of time that is
    consistent with the certification of a domestic certifying
    agent, as determined appropriate by the Secretary; and
    ``(3) may be renewed.''.

    (d) Requirements of Certifying Agents.--Section 2116 of the Organic
    Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6515) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (i)--
    (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``or an entity
    acting as an agent of the certifying agent'' after ``a
    certifying agent'';
    (B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3);
    and
    (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
    ``(2) Oversight of certifying offices and foreign
    operations.--
    ``(A) In general.--If the Secretary determines that
    an office of a certifying agent or entity described in
    paragraph (1) is not complying with the provisions of
    this title, the Secretary may suspend the operations of
    the certifying agent or the noncompliant office,
    including--
    ``(i) an office operating in a foreign
    country; and

    [[Page 4901]]

    ``(ii) an office operating in the United
    States, including an office acting on behalf of a
    foreign-domiciled entity.
    ``(B) Process for resuming operations following
    suspension.--The Secretary shall provide for a process
    that is otherwise consistent with this section that
    authorizes a suspended office to resume operations.'';
    and
    (2) by adding at the end the following:

    ``(j) Notice.--Not later than 90 days after the date on which a new
    certifying office performing certification activities opens, an
    accredited certifying agent shall notify the Secretary of the
    opening.''.
    (e) Certain Employees Eligible to Serve as National Organic
    Standards Board Members.--Section 2119(b) of the Organic Foods
    Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6518(b)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``, or employees of such
    individuals'' after ``operation'';
    (2) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``, or employees of such
    individuals'' after ``operation''; and
    (3) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``, or an employee of
    such individual'' after ``products''.

    (f) National Organic Standards Board.--Section 2119(i) of the
    Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6518(i)) is amended--
    (1) by striking ``Two-thirds'' and inserting the following:
    ``(1) In general.--\2/3\''; and
    (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(2) National list.--Any vote on a motion proposing to
    amend the national list shall be considered to be a decisive
    vote that requires \2/3\ of the votes cast at a meeting of the
    Board at which a quorum is present to prevail.''.

    (g) Investigations.--Section 2120(b) of the Organic Foods Production
    Act (7 U.S.C. 6519(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(3) Information sharing during active investigation.--In
    carrying out this title, all parties to an active investigation
    (including certifying agents, State organic certification
    programs, and the national organic program) shall share
    confidential business information with Federal Government
    officers and employees involved in the investigation as
    necessary to fully investigate and enforce potential violations
    of this title.''.

    (h) Data Organization and Access.--Section 2122 of the Organic Foods
    Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6521) is amended by adding at the end
    the following:
    ``(c) Access to Data Documentation Systems.--The Secretary shall
    have access to available data from cross-border documentation systems
    administered by other Federal agencies, including the Automated
    Commercial Environment system of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
    ``(d) Reports.--
    ``(1) In general.--Not later than March 1, 2020, and
    annually thereafter through March 1, 2023, the Secretary shall
    submit to Congress, and make publicly available on the website
    of the Department of Agriculture, a report describing national
    organic program activities with respect to all domestic and

    [[Page 4902]]

    overseas investigations and compliance actions taken pursuant to
    this title during the preceding year.
    ``(2) Requirements.--The data described in paragraph (1)
    shall be broken down by agricultural product, quantity, value,
    and month.
    ``(3) Exception.--Any data determined by the Secretary to be
    confidential business information shall not be provided in the
    report under paragraph (1).''.

    (i) Organic Agricultural Product Imports Interagency Working
    Group.--The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 is amended by inserting
    after section 2122 (7 U.S.C. 6521) the following:
    ``SEC. 2122A. <>  ORGANIC AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT
    IMPORTS INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP.

    ``(a) Establishment.--
    ``(1) In general.--The Secretary and the Secretary of
    Homeland Security shall jointly establish a working group to
    facilitate coordination and information sharing between the
    Department of Agriculture and U.S. Customs and Border Protection
    relating to imports of organically produced agricultural
    products (referred to in this section as the `working group').
    ``(2) Members.--The working group--
    ``(A) shall include--
    ``(i) the Secretary (or a designee); and
    ``(ii) the Secretary of Homeland Security (or
    a designee); and
    ``(B) shall not include any non-Federal officer or
    employee.
    ``(3) Duties.--The working group shall facilitate
    coordination and information sharing between the Department of
    Agriculture and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for the
    purposes of--
    ``(A) identifying imports of organically produced
    agricultural products;
    ``(B) verifying the authenticity of organically
    produced agricultural product import documentation, such
    as national organic program import certificates;
    ``(C) ensuring imported agricultural products
    represented as organically produced meet the
    requirements under this title;
    ``(D) collecting and organizing quantitative data on
    imports of organically produced agricultural products;
    and
    ``(E) requesting feedback from stakeholders on how
    to improve the oversight of imports of organically
    produced agricultural products.
    ``(4) Designated employees and officials.--An employee or
    official designated to carry out the duties of the Secretary or
    the Secretary of Homeland Security on the working group under
    subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (2) shall be an employee or
    official compensated at a rate of pay not less than the minimum
    annual rate of basic pay for GS-12 under section 5332 of title
    5, United States Code.

    ``(b) Reports.--On an annual basis, the working group shall submit
    to Congress and make publicly available on the websites

    [[Page 4903]]

    of the Department of Agriculture and U.S. Customs and Border Protection
    the following reports:
    ``(1) Organic trade enforcement interagency coordination
    report.--A report--
    ``(A) identifying existing barriers to cooperation
    between the agencies involved in agricultural product
    import inspection, trade data collection and
    organization, and organically produced agricultural
    product trade enforcement, including--
    ``(i) U.S. Customs and Border Protection;
    ``(ii) the Agricultural Marketing Service; and
    ``(iii) the Animal and Plant Health Inspection
    Service;
    ``(B) assessing progress toward integrating organic
    trade enforcement into import inspection procedures of
    U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Animal and
    Plant Health Inspection Service, including an assessment
    of--
    ``(i) the status of the development of systems
    for--
    ``(I) tracking the fumigation of
    imports of organically produced
    agricultural products into the United
    States; and
    ``(II) electronically verifying
    national organic program import
    certificate authenticity; and
    ``(ii) training of U.S. Customs and Border
    Protection personnel on--
    ``(I) the use of the systems
    described in clause (i); and
    ``(II) requirements and protocols
    under this title;
    ``(C) establishing methodology for ensuring imports
    of agricultural products represented as organically
    produced meet the requirements under this title;
    ``(D) recommending steps to improve the
    documentation and traceability of imported organically
    produced agricultural products;
    ``(E) recommending and describing steps for--
    ``(i) improving compliance with the
    requirements of this title for all agricultural
    products imported into the United States and
    represented as organically produced; and
    ``(ii) ensuring accurate labeling and
    marketing of imported agricultural products
    represented as organically produced by the
    exporter; and
    ``(F) describing staffing needs and additional
    resources at U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the
    Department of Agriculture needed to ensure compliance.
    ``(2) Report on enforcement actions taken on organic
    imports.--A report--
    ``(A) providing detailed quantitative data (broken
    down by agricultural product, quantity, value, month,
    and origin) on imports of agricultural products
    represented as organically produced found to be
    fraudulent or lacking any documentation required under
    this title at the port of entry during the report year;
    ``(B) providing data on domestic enforcement actions
    taken on imported agricultural products represented as
    organically produced, including the number and type of

    [[Page 4904]]

    actions taken by United States officials at ports of
    entry in response to violations of this title;
    ``(C) providing data on fumigation of agricultural
    products represented as organically produced at ports of
    entry and notifications of fumigation actions to
    shipment owners, broken down by product variety and
    country of origin; and
    ``(D) providing information on enforcement
    activities under this title involving overseas
    investigations and compliance actions taken within that
    year, including--
    ``(i) the number of investigations by country;
    and
    ``(ii) a descriptive summary of compliance
    actions taken by certifying agents in each
    country.''.

    (j) Authorization of Appropriations for National Organic Program.--
    Section 2123 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6522)
    is amended--
    (1) by striking the section heading and inserting
    ``funding'';
    (2) in subsection (b), by striking paragraphs (1) through
    (7) and inserting the following:
    ``(1) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2018;
    ``(2) $16,500,000 for fiscal year 2019;
    ``(3) $18,000,000 for fiscal year 2020;
    ``(4) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;
    ``(5) $22,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; and
    ``(6) $24,000,000 for fiscal year 2023.''; and
    (3) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:

    ``(c) Modernization and Improvement of International Trade
    Technology Systems and Data Collection.--
    ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a new
    system or modify an existing data collection and organization
    system to collect and organize in a single system quantitative
    data on imports of each organically produced agricultural
    product accepted into the United States.
    ``(2) Activities.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the
    Secretary shall modernize trade and transaction certificates to
    ensure full traceability to the port of entry without unduly
    hindering trade or commerce, such as through an electronic trade
    document exchange system.
    ``(3) Access.--The single system established under paragraph
    (1) shall be accessible by any agency with the direct authority
    to engage in--
    ``(A) inspection of imports of agricultural
    products;
    ``(B) trade data collection and organization; or
    ``(C) enforcement of trade requirements for
    organically produced agricultural products.
    ``(4) Funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit
    Corporation, the Secretary shall make available $5,000,000 for
    fiscal year 2019 for the purposes of--
    ``(A) carrying out this subsection; and
    ``(B) maintaining the database and technology
    upgrades previously carried out under this subsection,
    as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of
    the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018.
    ``(5) Availability.--The amounts made available under
    paragraph (4) are in addition to any other funds made available

    [[Page 4905]]

    for the purposes described in that paragraph and shall remain
    available until expended.''.

    (k) <>  Trade Savings Provision.--The
    amendments made by subsection (i) shall be carried out in a manner
    consistent with United States obligations under international
    agreements.
    SEC. 10105. NATIONAL ORGANIC CERTIFICATION COST-SHARE PROGRAM.

    (a) Elimination of Directed Delegation.--Section 10606(a) of the
    Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 6523(a)) is
    amended by striking ``(acting through the Agricultural Marketing
    Service)''.
    (b) Funding.--Section 10606 of the Farm Security and Rural
    Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 6523) is amended by striking subsection
    (d) and inserting the following:
    ``(d) Mandatory Funding.--
    ``(1) In general.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit
    Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to carry out
    this section--
    ``(A) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 and
    2020;
    ``(B) $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2021; and
    ``(C) $8,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 and
    2023.
    ``(2) Availability.--Amounts made available under paragraph
    (1) shall remain available until expended.''.
    SEC. 10106. FOOD SAFETY EDUCATION INITIATIVES.

    Section 10105(c) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008
    (7 U.S.C. 7655a(c)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting
    ``2023''.
    SEC. 10107. SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANTS.

    Section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7
    U.S.C. 1621 note; Public Law 108-465) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)--
    (A) by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''; and
    (B) by striking ``solely to enhance the
    competitiveness of specialty crops.'' and inserting the
    following: ``to enhance the competitiveness of specialty
    crops, including--
    ``(1) by leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty
    crops;
    ``(2) by assisting producers with research and development
    relevant to specialty crops;
    ``(3) by expanding availability and access to specialty
    crops;
    ``(4) by addressing local, regional, and national challenges
    confronting specialty crop producers; and
    ``(5) for such other purposes determined to be appropriate
    by the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with specialty
    crop stakeholders and relevant State departments of
    agriculture.'';
    (2) in subsection (j)--
    (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (5) as
    subparagraphs (A) through (E), respectively, and
    indenting appropriately;
    (B) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) (as so
    redesignated), by striking ``Not later'' and inserting
    the following:
    ``(1) In general.--Not later''; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following:

    [[Page 4906]]

    ``(2) Administration of multistate projects from
    nonparticipating states.--The Secretary of Agriculture may
    directly administer all aspects of multistate projects under
    this subsection for applicants in a nonparticipating State.'';
    (3) in subsection (k), by adding at the end the following:
    ``(3) Evaluation.--
    ``(A) Performance measures and review.--
    ``(i) Development.--The Secretary of
    Agriculture and the State departments of
    agriculture, in consultation with specialty crop
    stakeholders, shall develop performance measures
    to be used as the sole means of performing any
    evaluation of the grant program established under
    this section.
    ``(ii) Review.--The Secretary of Agriculture,
    in consultation with the State departments of
    agriculture, shall periodically evaluate the
    performance of the grant program established under
    this section.
    ``(B) Cooperative agreements.--The Secretary of
    Agriculture may enter into cooperative agreements--
    ``(i) to develop the performance measures
    under subparagraph (A)(i); or
    ``(ii) to evaluate the overall performance of
    the grant program established under this
    section.''; and
    (4) in subsection (l)(2)(E), by inserting ``and each fiscal
    year thereafter'' after ``2018''.
    SEC. 10108. AMENDMENTS TO THE PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION ACT.

    (a) Asexually Reproduced Defined.--Section 41(a) of the Plant
    Variety Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 2401(a)) is amended--
    (1) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5),
    (6), (7), (8), and (9) as paragraphs (2), (3), (4), (5), (6),
    (7), (8), (9), and (10), respectively; and
    (2) by inserting before paragraph (2), as so redesignated,
    the following new paragraph:
    ``(1) Asexually reproduced.--The term `asexually reproduced'
    means produced by a method of plant propagation using vegetative
    material (other than seed) from a single parent, including
    cuttings, grafting, tissue culture, and propagation by root
    division.''.

    (b) Right to Plant Variety Protection; Plant Varieties
    Protectable.--Section 42(a) of the Plant Variety Protection Act (7
    U.S.C. 2402(a)) is amended by striking ``or tuber propagated'' and
    inserting ``, tuber propagated, or asexually reproduced''.
    (c) Infringement of Plant Variety Protection.--Section 111(a)(3) of
    the Plant Variety Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 2541(a)(3)) is amended by
    inserting ``or asexually'' after ``sexually''.
    (d) False Marketing; Cease and Desist Orders.--Section 128(a) of the
    Plant Variety Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 2568(a)) is amended, in the
    matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting ``or asexually'' after
    ``sexually''.
    SEC. 10109. MULTIPLE CROP AND PESTICIDE USE SURVEY.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Director of the
    Office of Pest Management Policy, shall conduct a multiple crop and
    pesticide use survey of farmers to collect data for risk assessment
    modeling and mitigation for an active ingredient.

    [[Page 4907]]

    (b) Submission.--The Secretary shall submit to the Administrator of
    the Environmental Protection Agency and make publicly available the
    survey described in subsection (a).
    (c) Funding.--
    (1) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit
    Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section
    $500,000 for fiscal year 2019, to remain available until
    expended.
    (2) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized to
    be appropriated to carry out this section $2,500,000, to remain
    available until expended.

    (d) Confidentiality of Information.--Section 1770 of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 2276) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)--
    (A) by striking ``(a) In the case'' and inserting
    the following:

    ``(a) In General.--In the case''; and
    (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``subsection
    (d)(12)'' and inserting ``paragraph (12) or (13) of
    subsection (d)''; and
    (2) in subsection (d)--
    (A) by striking ``(d) For purposes'' and inserting
    the following:

    ``(d) Provisions of Law References.--For purposes'';
    (B) in paragraph (11), by striking ``or'' at the
    end;
    (C) in paragraph (12), by striking the period at the
    end and inserting ``; or''; and
    (D) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(13) section 10109 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of
    2018.''.
    SEC. 10110. REPORT ON THE ARRIVAL IN THE UNITED STATES OF FOREST
    PESTS THROUGH RESTRICTIONS ON THE
    IMPORTATION OF CERTAIN PLANTS FOR
    PLANTING.

    Not later than March 1, 2021, the Secretary shall submit to Congress
    a report--
    (1) evaluating the effectiveness of the Federal Government
    in intercepting pests in international shipping and on plants
    for planting;
    (2) describing the geographic sources of intercepted pests
    and the commodities or plant species most often associated with
    infested shipments;
    (3) quantifying the detection of forest pests in the
    national surveillance networks, including the Cooperative
    Agricultural Pest Survey and the Early Detection and Rapid
    Response network of the Forest Service;
    (4) describing new outbreaks of forest pests in the United
    States and the spread of existing infestations;
    (5) describing how the numbers of such interceptions,
    detections, and outbreaks described in a preceding paragraph
    have changed since January 1, 2018;
    (6) containing proposed additional actions to further reduce
    the rate of arrival for forest pests across the borders of the
    United States;
    (7) identifying current challenges with intercepting,
    detecting, and addressing outbreaks of tree and wood pests, as
    well as challenges in achieving compliance with the Plant

    [[Page 4908]]

    Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.) and recommendations with
    respect to such challenges; and
    (8) describing the coordination and collaboration occurring
    between the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the
    Forest Service with respect to--
    (A) identifying and prioritizing critical detection,
    surveillance, and eradication needs for tree and wood
    pests; and
    (B) identifying the actions each agency takes within
    their respective missions to address identified
    priorities.
    SEC. 10111. REPORT ON PLANT BIOSTIMULANTS.

    (a) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment
    of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the President and
    Congress that identifies any potential regulatory, non-regulatory, and
    legislative recommendations, including the appropriateness of any
    definitions for plant biostimulant, to ensure the efficient and
    appropriate review, approval, uniform national labeling, and
    availability of plant biostimulant products to agricultural producers.
    (b) Consultation.--The Secretary shall prepare the report required
    by subsection (a) in consultation with the Administrator of the
    Environmental Protection Agency, the several States, industry
    stakeholders, and such other stakeholders as the Secretary determines
    necessary.
    (c) Plant Biostimulant.--For the purposes of the report under
    subsection (a), the Secretary--
    (1) shall consider ``plant biostimulant'' to be a substance
    or micro-organism that, when applied to seeds, plants, or the
    rhizosphere, stimulates natural processes to enhance or benefit
    nutrient uptake, nutrient efficiency, tolerance to abiotic
    stress, or crop quality and yield; and
    (2) may modify the description of plant biostimulant, as
    appropriate.
    SEC. 10112. CLARIFICATION OF USE OF FUNDS FOR TECHNICAL
    ASSISTANCE.

    Section 11 of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act (15
    U.S.C. 714i) is amended in the last sentence by inserting after
    ``activities'' the following: ``but excluding any amounts used to
    provide technical assistance under title X of the Agriculture
    Improvement Act of 2018 or an amendment made by that title''.
    SEC. 10113. HEMP PRODUCTION.

    The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.) is
    amended by adding at the end the following:

    ``Subtitle G--Hemp Production

    ``SEC. 297A. <>  DEFINITIONS.

    ``In this subtitle:
    ``(1) Hemp.--The term `hemp' means the plant Cannabis sativa
    L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and
    all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts,
    and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9
    tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent
    on a dry weight basis.

    [[Page 4909]]

    ``(2) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian tribe' has the meaning
    given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and
    Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
    ``(3) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary
    of Agriculture.
    ``(4) State.--The term `State' means--
    ``(A) a State;
    ``(B) the District of Columbia;
    ``(C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and
    ``(D) any other territory or possession of the
    United States.
    ``(5) State department of agriculture.--The term `State
    department of agriculture' means the agency, commission, or
    department of a State government responsible for agriculture in
    the State.
    ``(6) Tribal government.--The term `Tribal government' means
    the governing body of an Indian tribe.
    ``SEC. 297B. <>  STATE AND TRIBAL PLANS.

    ``(a) Submission.--
    ``(1) In general.--A State or Indian tribe desiring to have
    primary regulatory authority over the production of hemp in the
    State or territory of the Indian tribe shall submit to the
    Secretary, through the State department of agriculture (in
    consultation with the Governor and chief law enforcement officer
    of the State) or the Tribal government, as applicable, a plan
    under which the State or Indian tribe monitors and regulates
    that production as described in paragraph (2).
    ``(2) Contents.--A State or Tribal plan referred to in
    paragraph (1)--
    ``(A) shall only be required to include--
    ``(i) a practice to maintain relevant
    information regarding land on which hemp is
    produced in the State or territory of the Indian
    tribe, including a legal description of the land,
    for a period of not less than 3 calendar years;
    ``(ii) a procedure for testing, using post-
    decarboxylation or other similarly reliable
    methods, delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol
    concentration levels of hemp produced in the State
    or territory of the Indian tribe;
    ``(iii) a procedure for the effective disposal
    of--
    ``(I) plants, whether growing or
    not, that are produced in violation of
    this subtitle; and
    ``(II) products derived from those
    plants;
    ``(iv) a procedure to comply with the
    enforcement procedures under subsection (e);
    ``(v) a procedure for conducting annual
    inspections of, at a minimum, a random sample of
    hemp producers to verify that hemp is not produced
    in violation of this subtitle;
    ``(vi) a procedure for submitting the
    information described in section 297C(d)(2), as
    applicable, to the Secretary not more than 30 days
    after the date on which the information is
    received; and

    [[Page 4910]]

    ``(vii) a certification that the State or
    Indian tribe has the resources and personnel to
    carry out the practices and procedures described
    in clauses (i) through (vi); and
    ``(B) may include any other practice or procedure
    established by a State or Indian tribe, as applicable,
    to the extent that the practice or procedure is
    consistent with this subtitle.
    ``(3) Relation to state and tribal law.--
    ``(A) No preemption.--Nothing in this subsection
    preempts or limits any law of a State or Indian tribe
    that--
    ``(i) regulates the production of hemp; and
    ``(ii) is more stringent than this subtitle.
    ``(B) References in plans.--A State or Tribal plan
    referred to in paragraph (1) may include a reference to
    a law of the State or Indian tribe regulating the
    production of hemp, to the extent that law is consistent
    with this subtitle.

    ``(b) Approval.--
    ``(1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after receipt of a
    State or Tribal plan under subsection (a), the Secretary shall--
    ``(A) approve the State or Tribal plan if the State
    or Tribal plan complies with subsection (a); or
    ``(B) disapprove the State or Tribal plan only if
    the State or Tribal plan does not comply with subsection
    (a).
    ``(2) Amended plans.--If the Secretary disapproves a State
    or Tribal plan under paragraph (1)(B), the State, through the
    State department of agriculture (in consultation with the
    Governor and chief law enforcement officer of the State) or the
    Tribal government, as applicable, may submit to the Secretary an
    amended State or Tribal plan that complies with subsection (a).
    ``(3) Consultation.--The Secretary shall consult with the
    Attorney General in carrying out this subsection.

    ``(c) Audit of State Compliance.--
    ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may conduct an audit of the
    compliance of a State or Indian tribe with a State or Tribal
    plan approved under subsection (b).
    ``(2) Noncompliance.--If the Secretary determines under an
    audit conducted under paragraph (1) that a State or Indian tribe
    is not materially in compliance with a State or Tribal plan--
    ``(A) the Secretary shall collaborate with the State
    or Indian tribe to develop a corrective action plan in
    the case of a first instance of noncompliance; and
    ``(B) the Secretary may revoke approval of the State
    or Tribal plan in the case of a second or subsequent
    instance of noncompliance.

    ``(d) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary may provide technical
    assistance to a State or Indian tribe in the development of a State or
    Tribal plan under subsection (a).
    ``(e) Violations.--
    ``(1) In general.--A violation of a State or Tribal plan
    approved under subsection (b) shall be subject to enforcement
    solely in accordance with this subsection.
    ``(2) Negligent violation.--

    [[Page 4911]]

    ``(A) In general.--A hemp producer in a State or the
    territory of an Indian tribe for which a State or Tribal
    plan is approved under subsection (b) shall be subject
    to subparagraph (B) of this paragraph if the State
    department of agriculture or Tribal government, as
    applicable, determines that the hemp producer has
    negligently violated the State or Tribal plan, including
    by negligently--
    ``(i) failing to provide a legal description
    of land on which the producer produces hemp;
    ``(ii) failing to obtain a license or other
    required authorization from the State department
    of agriculture or Tribal government, as
    applicable; or
    ``(iii) producing Cannabis sativa L. with a
    delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of more
    than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.
    ``(B) Corrective action plan.--A hemp producer
    described in subparagraph (A) shall comply with a plan
    established by the State department of agriculture or
    Tribal government, as applicable, to correct the
    negligent violation, including--
    ``(i) a reasonable date by which the hemp
    producer shall correct the negligent violation;
    and
    ``(ii) a requirement that the hemp producer
    shall periodically report to the State department
    of agriculture or Tribal government, as
    applicable, on the compliance of the hemp producer
    with the State or Tribal plan for a period of not
    less than the next 2 calendar years.
    ``(C) Result of negligent violation.--A hemp
    producer that negligently violates a State or Tribal
    plan under subparagraph (A) shall not as a result of
    that violation be subject to any criminal enforcement
    action by the Federal Government or any State
    government, Tribal government, or local government.
    ``(D) Repeat violations.--A hemp producer that
    negligently violates a State or Tribal plan under
    subparagraph (A) 3 times in a 5-year period shall be
    ineligible to produce hemp for a period of 5 years
    beginning on the date of the third violation.
    ``(3) Other violations.--
    ``(A) In general.--If the State department of
    agriculture or Tribal government in a State or the
    territory of an Indian tribe for which a State or Tribal
    plan is approved under subsection (b), as applicable,
    determines that a hemp producer in the State or
    territory has violated the State or Tribal plan with a
    culpable mental state greater than negligence--
    ``(i) the State department of agriculture or
    Tribal government, as applicable, shall
    immediately report the hemp producer to--
    ``(I) the Attorney General; and
    ``(II) the chief law enforcement
    officer of the State or Indian tribe, as
    applicable; and
    ``(ii) paragraph (1) of this subsection shall
    not apply to the violation.
    ``(B) Felony.--

    [[Page 4912]]

    ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in
    clause (ii), any person convicted of a felony
    relating to a controlled substance under State or
    Federal law before, on, or after the date of
    enactment of this subtitle shall be ineligible,
    during the 10-year period following the date of
    the conviction--
    ``(I) to participate in the program
    established under this section or
    section 297C; and
    ``(II) to produce hemp under any
    regulations or guidelines issued under
    section 297D(a).
    ``(ii) Exception.--Clause (i) shall not apply
    to any person growing hemp lawfully with a
    license, registration, or authorization under a
    pilot program authorized by section 7606 of the
    Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 5940) before
    the date of enactment of this subtitle.
    ``(C) False statement.--Any person who materially
    falsifies any information contained in an application to
    participate in the program established under this
    section shall be ineligible to participate in that
    program.

    ``(f) Effect.--Nothing in this section prohibits the production of
    hemp in a State or the territory of an Indian tribe--
    ``(1) for which a State or Tribal plan is not approved under
    this section, if the production of hemp is in accordance with
    section 297C or other Federal laws (including regulations); and
    ``(2) if the production of hemp is not otherwise prohibited
    by the State or Indian tribe.
    ``SEC. 297C. <>  DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

    ``(a) Department of Agriculture Plan.--
    ``(1) In general.--In the case of a State or Indian tribe
    for which a State or Tribal plan is not approved under section
    297B, the production of hemp in that State or the territory of
    that Indian tribe shall be subject to a plan established by the
    Secretary to monitor and regulate that production in accordance
    with paragraph (2).
    ``(2) Content.--A plan established by the Secretary under
    paragraph (1) shall include--
    ``(A) a practice to maintain relevant information
    regarding land on which hemp is produced in the State or
    territory of the Indian tribe, including a legal
    description of the land, for a period of not less than 3
    calendar years;
    ``(B) a procedure for testing, using post-
    decarboxylation or other similarly reliable methods,
    delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration levels of
    hemp produced in the State or territory of the Indian
    tribe;
    ``(C) a procedure for the effective disposal of--
    ``(i) plants, whether growing or not, that are
    produced in violation of this subtitle; and
    ``(ii) products derived from those plants;
    ``(D) a procedure to comply with the enforcement
    procedures under subsection (c)(2);
    ``(E) a procedure for conducting annual inspections
    of, at a minimum, a random sample of hemp producers to
    verify that hemp is not produced in violation of this
    subtitle; and

    [[Page 4913]]

    ``(F) such other practices or procedures as the
    Secretary considers to be appropriate, to the extent
    that the practice or procedure is consistent with this
    subtitle.

    ``(b) Licensing.--The Secretary shall establish a procedure to issue
    licenses to hemp producers in accordance with a plan established under
    subsection (a).
    ``(c) Violations.--
    ``(1) In general.--In the case of a State or Indian tribe
    for which a State or Tribal plan is not approved under section
    297B, it shall be unlawful to produce hemp in that State or the
    territory of that Indian tribe without a license issued by the
    Secretary under subsection (b).
    ``(2) Negligent and other violations.--A violation of a plan
    established under subsection (a) shall be subject to enforcement
    in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 297B(e),
    except that the Secretary shall carry out that enforcement
    instead of a State department of agriculture or Tribal
    government.
    ``(3) Reporting to attorney general.--In the case of a State
    or Indian tribe covered by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall
    report the production of hemp without a license issued by the
    Secretary under subsection (b) to the Attorney General.

    ``(d) Information Sharing for Law Enforcement.--
    ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
    ``(A) collect the information described in paragraph
    (2); and
    ``(B) make the information collected under
    subparagraph (A) accessible in real time to Federal,
    State, territorial, and local law enforcement.
    ``(2) Content.--The information collected by the Secretary
    under paragraph (1) shall include--
    ``(A) contact information for each hemp producer in
    a State or the territory of an Indian tribe for which--
    ``(i) a State or Tribal plan is approved under
    section 297B(b); or
    ``(ii) a plan is established by the Secretary
    under this section;
    ``(B) a legal description of the land on which hemp
    is grown by each hemp producer described in subparagraph
    (A); and
    ``(C) for each hemp producer described in
    subparagraph (A)--
    ``(i) the status of--
    ``(I) a license or other required
    authorization from the State department
    of agriculture or Tribal government, as
    applicable; or
    ``(II) a license from the Secretary;
    and
    ``(ii) any changes to the status.
    ``SEC. 297D. <>  REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES;
    EFFECT ON OTHER LAW.

    ``(a) Promulgation of Regulations and Guidelines; Report.--
    ``(1) Regulations and guidelines.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall promulgate
    regulations and guidelines to implement this subtitle as
    expeditiously as practicable.

    [[Page 4914]]

    ``(B) Consultation with attorney general.--The
    Secretary shall consult with the Attorney General on the
    promulgation of regulations and guidelines under
    subparagraph (A).
    ``(2) Report.--The Secretary shall annually submit to the
    Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the
    Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate
    a report containing updates on the implementation of this
    subtitle.

    ``(b) Authority.--Subject to subsection (c)(3)(B), the Secretary
    shall have sole authority to promulgate Federal regulations and
    guidelines that relate to the production of hemp, including Federal
    regulations and guidelines that relate to the implementation of sections
    297B and 297C.
    ``(c) Effect on Other Law.--Nothing in this subtitle shall affect or
    modify--
    ``(1) the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C.
    301 et seq.);
    ``(2) section 351 of the Public Health Service Act (42
    U.S.C. 262); or
    ``(3) the authority of the Commissioner of Food and Drugs
    and the Secretary of Health and Human Services--
    ``(A) under--
    ``(i) the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
    (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.); or
    ``(ii) section 351 of the Public Health
    Service Act (42 U.S.C. 262); or
    ``(B) to promulgate Federal regulations and
    guidelines that relate to the production of hemp under
    the Act described in subparagraph (A)(i) or the section
    described in subparagraph (A)(ii).
    ``SEC. 297E. <>  AUTHORIZATION OF
    APPROPRIATIONS.

    ``There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary
    to carry out this subtitle.''.
    SEC. 10114. <>  INTERSTATE COMMERCE.

    (a) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this title or an amendment
    made by this title prohibits the interstate commerce of hemp (as defined
    in section 297A of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (as added by
    section 10113)) or hemp products.
    (b) Transportation of Hemp and Hemp Products.--No State or Indian
    Tribe shall prohibit the transportation or shipment of hemp or hemp
    products produced in accordance with subtitle G of the Agricultural
    Marketing Act of 1946 (as added by section 10113) through the State or
    the territory of the Indian Tribe, as applicable.
    SEC. 10115. FIFRA INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP.

    Section 3(c) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide
    Act (7 U.S.C. 13a(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(11) Interagency working group.--
    ``(A) Definition of covered agency.--In this
    paragraph, the term `covered agency' means any of the
    following:
    ``(i) The Department of Agriculture.
    ``(ii) The Department of Commerce.

    [[Page 4915]]

    ``(iii) The Department of the Interior.
    ``(iv) The Council on Environmental Quality.
    ``(v) The Environmental Protection Agency.
    ``(B) Establishment.--The Administrator shall
    establish an interagency working group, to be comprised
    of representatives from each covered agency, to provide
    recommendations regarding, and to implement a strategy
    for improving, the consultation process required under
    section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16
    U.S.C. 1536) for pesticide registration and registration
    review.
    ``(C) Duties.--The interagency working group
    established under subparagraph (B) shall--
    ``(i) analyze relevant Federal law (including
    regulations) and case law for purposes of
    providing an outline of the legal and regulatory
    framework for the consultation process referred to
    in that subparagraph, including--
    ``(I) requirements under this Act
    and the Endangered Species Act of 1973
    (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.);
    ``(II) Federal case law regarding
    the intersection of this Act and the
    Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16
    U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); and
    ``(III) Federal regulations relating
    to the pesticide consultation process;
    ``(ii) provide advice regarding methods of--
    ``(I) defining the scope of actions
    of the covered agencies that are subject
    to the consultation requirement referred
    to in subparagraph (B); and
    ``(II) properly identifying and
    classifying effects of actions of the
    covered agencies with respect to that
    consultation requirement;
    ``(iii) identify the obligations and
    limitations under Federal law of each covered
    agency for purposes of providing a legal and
    regulatory framework for developing the
    recommendations referred to in subparagraph (B);
    ``(iv) review practices for the consultation
    referred to in subparagraph (B) to identify
    problem areas, areas for improvement, and best
    practices for conducting that consultation among
    the covered agencies;
    ``(v) develop scientific and policy approaches
    to increase the accuracy and timeliness of the
    process for that consultation, in accordance with
    requirements of this Act and the Endangered
    Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.),
    including--
    ``(I) processes to efficiently share
    data and coordinate analyses among the
    Department of Agriculture, the
    Department of Commerce, the Department
    of the Interior, and the Environmental
    Protection Agency;
    ``(II) a streamlined process for
    identifying which actions require no
    consultation, informal consultation, or
    formal consultation;
    ``(III) an approach that will
    provide clarity with respect to what
    constitutes the best scientific

    [[Page 4916]]

    and commercial data available in the
    fields of pesticide use and ecological
    risk assessment, pursuant to section
    7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of
    1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536(a)(2)); and
    ``(IV) approaches that enable the
    Environmental Protection Agency to
    better assist the Department of the
    Interior and the Department of Commerce
    in carrying out obligations under that
    section in a timely and efficient
    manner; and
    ``(vi) propose and implement a strategy to
    implement approaches to consultations under the
    Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et
    seq.) and document that strategy in a memorandum
    of understanding, revised regulations, or another
    appropriate format to promote durable cooperation
    among the covered agencies.
    ``(D) Reports.--
    ``(i) Progress reports.--
    ``(I) In general.--Not later than 18
    months after the date of enactment of
    this paragraph, the Administrator, in
    coordination with the head of each other
    covered agency, shall submit to the
    Committee on Agriculture of the House of
    Representatives and the Committee on
    Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of
    the Senate a report describing the
    progress of the working group in
    developing the recommendations under
    subparagraph (B).
    ``(II) Requirements.--The report
    under this clause shall--
    ``(aa) reflect the
    perspectives of each covered
    agency; and
    ``(bb) identify areas of new
    consensus and continuing topics
    of disagreement and debate.
    ``(ii) Results.--
    ``(I) In general.--Not later than 1
    year after the date of enactment of this
    paragraph, the Administrator, in
    coordination with the head of each other
    covered agency, shall submit to the
    Committee on Agriculture of the House of
    Representatives and the Committee on
    Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of
    the Senate a report describing--
    ``(aa) the recommendations
    developed under subparagraph
    (B); and
    ``(bb) plans for
    implementation of those
    recommendations.
    ``(II) Requirements.--The report
    under this clause shall--
    ``(aa) reflect the
    perspectives of each covered
    agency; and
    ``(bb) identify areas of
    consensus and continuing topics
    of disagreement and debate, if
    any.
    ``(iii) Implementation.--Not later than 1 year
    after the date of submission of the report under
    clause (i), the Administrator, in coordination
    with the head

    [[Page 4917]]

    of each other covered agency, shall submit to the
    Committee on Agriculture of the House of
    Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture,
    Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report
    describing--
    ``(I) the implementation of the
    recommendations referred to in that
    clause;
    ``(II) the extent to which that
    implementation improved the consultation
    process referred to in subparagraph (B);
    and
    ``(III) any additional
    recommendations for improvements to the
    process described in subparagraph (B).
    ``(iv) Other reports.--Not later than the date
    that is 180 days after the date of submission of
    the report under clause (iii), and not less
    frequently than once every 180 days thereafter
    during the 5-year period beginning on that date,
    the Administrator, in coordination with the head
    of each other covered agency, shall submit to the
    Committee on Agriculture of the House of
    Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture,
    Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report
    describing--
    ``(I) the implementation of the
    recommendations referred to in that
    clause;
    ``(II) the extent to which that
    implementation improved the consultation
    process referred to in subparagraph (B);
    and
    ``(III) any additional
    recommendations for improvements to the
    process described in subparagraph (B).
    ``(E) Consultation with private sector.--In carrying
    out the duties under this paragraph, the working group
    shall, as appropriate--
    ``(i) consult with, representatives of
    interested industry stakeholders and
    nongovernmental organizations; and
    ``(ii) take into consideration factors, such
    as actual and potential differences in interest
    between, and the views of, those stakeholders and
    organizations.
    ``(F) Federal advisory committee act.--The Federal
    Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply
    to the working group established under this paragraph.
    ``(G) Savings clause.--Nothing in this paragraph
    supersedes any provision of--
    ``(i) this Act; or
    ``(ii) the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16
    U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), including the requirements
    under section 7 of that Act (16 U.S.C. 1536).''.
    SEC. 10116. STUDY ON METHYL BROMIDE USE IN RESPONSE TO AN
    EMERGENCY EVENT.

    (a) Definitions.--In this section:
    (1) Emergency event.--The term ``emergency event'' means a
    situation--
    (A) that occurs at a location on which a plant or
    commodity is grown or produced or facility providing for
    the

    [[Page 4918]]

    storage of, or other services with respect to, a plant
    or commodity;
    (B) for which the lack of availability of methyl
    bromide for a particular use would result in significant
    economic loss to the owner, lessee, or operator of the
    location or facility or the owner, grower, or purchaser
    of the plant or commodity; and
    (C) that, in light of the specific agricultural,
    meteorological, or other conditions presented, requires
    the use of methyl bromide to control a pest or disease
    in the location or facility because there are no
    technically feasible alternatives to methyl bromide
    easily accessible by an entity referred to in
    subparagraph (B) at the time and location of the event
    that--
    (i) are registered under the Federal
    Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7
    U.S.C. 136 et seq.) for the intended use or pest
    to be so controlled; and
    (ii) would adequately control the pest or
    disease presented at the location or facility.
    (2) Pest.--The term ``pest'' has the meaning given the term
    in section 2 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
    Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136).

    (b) Study.--
    (1) In general.--The Secretary, in consultation with the
    Secretary of State and the Administrator of the Environmental
    Protection Agency, shall complete a study on the potential use
    of methyl bromide in response to an emergency event.
    (2) Requirements.--The study under paragraph (1) shall
    include--
    (A) a risk-benefit analysis of authorizing State,
    local, or Tribal authorities, in accordance with
    appropriate requirements and criteria, such as the
    recommendations developed under subparagraph (E)--
    (i) to determine when the use of methyl
    bromide is required; and
    (ii) to authorize such use;
    (B) a risk-benefit analysis of authorizing the
    Secretary, in accordance with appropriate requirements
    and criteria, such as the recommendations developed
    under subparagraph (E)--
    (i) to determine when the use of methyl
    bromide is required; and
    (ii) to authorize such use;
    (C) a historic estimate of situations occurring on
    or after September 15, 1997, that could have been deemed
    emergency events;
    (D) a detailed assessment of the adherence of the
    United States to international obligations of the United
    States with respect to the prevention of ozone
    depletion; and
    (E) an assessment and recommendations on appropriate
    requirements and criteria to be met to authorize the use
    of methyl bromide in response to an emergency event
    (including any recommendations for revising the
    definition of the term ``emergency event'' in subsection
    (a)) in a manner that fully complies with the Montreal
    Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer,
    including

    [[Page 4919]]

    Decision IX/7 of the Ninth Meeting of the Conference of
    the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that
    Deplete the Ozone Layer.

    (c) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of
    this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report on the study under
    subsection (b) to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
    Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and
    Nutrition of the Senate.

    TITLE XI--CROP INSURANCE

    SEC. 11101. DEFINITIONS.

    Section 502(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1502(b))
    is amended--
    (1) by redesignating paragraphs (6), (7), (8), (9), (10),
    and (11) as paragraphs (7), (8), (10), (11), (12), and (13)
    respectively;
    (2) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following:
    ``(6) Cover crop termination.--The term `cover crop
    termination' means a practice that historically and under
    reasonable circumstances results in the termination of the
    growth of a cover crop.''; and
    (3) by inserting after paragraph (8) (as so redesignated)
    the following:
    ``(9) Hemp.--The term `hemp' has the meaning given the term
    in section 297A of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946.''.
    SEC. 11102. DATA COLLECTION.

    Section 506(h)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
    1506(h)(2)) is amended--
    (1) by striking ``The Corporation'' and inserting the
    following:
    ``(A) In general.--The Corporation''; and
    (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(B) National agricultural statistics service.--
    Data collected by the National Agricultural Statistics
    Service, whether published or unpublished, shall be--
    ``(i) provided in an aggregate form to the
    Corporation for the purpose of providing insurance
    under this subtitle; and
    ``(ii) kept confidential by the Corporation in
    the same manner and to the same extent as is
    required under--
    ``(I) section 1770 of the Food
    Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 2276);
    and
    ``(II) the Confidential Information
    Protection and Statistical Efficiency
    Act of 2002 (44 U.S.C. 3501 note; Public
    Law 107-347).
    ``(C) Noninsured crop disaster assistance program.--
    In collecting data under this subsection, the Secretary
    shall ensure that--
    ``(i) appropriate data are collected through
    the noninsured crop disaster assistance program
    established by section 196 of the Federal
    Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7
    U.S.C. 7333); and

    [[Page 4920]]

    ``(ii) not less frequently than annually, the
    Farm Service Agency shares, and the Corporation
    considers, the data described in clause (i).''.
    SEC. 11103. SHARING OF RECORDS.

    Section 506(h)(3) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
    1506(h)(3)) is amended by inserting ``applicants who have received
    payment under section 522(b)(2)(E),'' after ``divisions,''.
    SEC. 11104. USE OF RESOURCES.

    Section 507(f) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1507(f))
    is amended--
    (1) by striking paragraphs (3) and (4) and inserting the
    following:
    ``(3) the Farm Service Agency, in assisting the Board in--
    ``(A) the determination of individual producer
    yields;
    ``(B) sharing information on beginning farmers and
    ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers;
    ``(C) investigating potential waste, fraud, or
    abuse;
    ``(D) sharing information to support the transition
    of crops and counties from the noninsured crop disaster
    assistance program established by section 196 of the
    Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996
    (7 U.S.C. 7333) to insurance under this subtitle; and
    ``(E) serving as a local point of contact for the
    dissemination of information on risk management options
    available to farmers and ranchers; and
    ``(4) other Federal agencies, in assisting the Board in any
    way the Board determines is necessary in carrying out this
    subtitle.'';
    (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``(2) the'' and inserting
    the following:
    ``(2) the''; and
    (3) by striking ``(f) The Board'' in the matter preceding
    paragraph (1) and all that follows through the semicolon at the
    end of paragraph (1) and inserting the following:

    ``(f) Use of Resources, Data, Boards, and Committees of Federal
    Agencies.--If the Board determines it is necessary, the Board shall use,
    to the maximum extent practicable, the resources, data, boards, and the
    committees of--
    ``(1) the Natural Resources Conservation Service, in
    assisting the Board in--
    ``(A) the classification of land as to risk and
    production capability; and
    ``(B) the consideration of acceptable conservation
    practices, including good farming practices with respect
    to conservation (such as cover crop termination);''.
    SEC. 11105. SPECIALTY CROPS.

    (a) Specialty Crops Coordinator.--Section 507(g) of the Federal Crop
    Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1507(g)) is amended--
    (1) by striking the subsection designation and all that
    follows through ``The Corporation'' in paragraph (1) and
    inserting the following:

    ``(g) Specialty Crops Coordinator.--
    ``(1) In general.--The Corporation''; and
    (2) by adding at the end the following:

    [[Page 4921]]

    ``(4) Specialty crop liaisons.--The Specialty Crops
    Coordinator shall--
    ``(A) designate a Specialty Crops Liaison in each
    regional field office; and
    ``(B) share the contact information of the Specialty
    Crops Liaisons with specialty crop producers.
    ``(5) Website.--The Specialty Crops Coordinator shall
    establish a website focused on the efforts of the Corporation to
    provide and expand crop insurance for specialty crop
    producers.''.

    (b) Addition of Specialty Crops and Other Value-added Crops.--
    Section 508(a)(6) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
    1508(a)(6)) is amended--
    (1) in the paragraph heading, by adding at the end the
    following: ``(including value-added crops)'';
    (2) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the
    following:
    ``(A) Annual review.--Not later than 1 year after
    the date of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act
    of 2018, and annually thereafter, the manager of the
    Corporation shall prepare, to the maximum extent
    practicable, based on data shared from the noninsured
    crop disaster assistance program established by section
    196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform
    Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333), written agreements, or
    other data, and present to the Board not less than 1 of
    each of the following:
    ``(i) Research and development for a policy or
    plan of insurance for a commodity for which there
    is no existing policy or plan of insurance.
    ``(ii) Expansion of an existing policy or plan
    of insurance to additional counties or States,
    including malting barley endorsements or contract
    options.
    ``(iii) Research and development for a new
    policy or plan of insurance, or endorsement, for
    commodities with existing policies or plans of
    insurance, such as dollar plans.'';
    (3) in subparagraph (B), in the subparagraph heading, by
    striking ``Addition of new crops'' and inserting ``Report''; and
    (4) by striking subparagraphs (C) and (D).
    SEC. 11106. INSURANCE PERIOD.

    Section 508(a)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
    1508(a)(2)) is amended by striking ``and sweet potatoes'' and inserting
    ``sweet potatoes, and hemp''.
    SEC. 11107. COVER CROPS.

    Section 508(a) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(a))
    is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (3)(B), in the subparagraph heading, by
    inserting ``determination review'' after ``practices''; and
    (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(11) Cover crops.--
    ``(A) In general.--The voluntary practice of cover
    cropping shall be considered a good farming practice
    under paragraph (3)(A)(iii) if the cover crop is
    terminated in accordance with subparagraph (B).
    ``(B) Termination.--

    [[Page 4922]]

    ``(i) In general.--The termination of a cover
    crop shall be carried out according to--
    ``(I) guidelines established by the
    Secretary; or
    ``(II) an exception to the
    guidelines approved under clause (ii).
    ``(ii) Exception to guidelines.--The
    Corporation shall approve an exception to the
    guidelines under clause (i)(I) if that exception
    is recommended by--
    ``(I) the Natural Resources
    Conservation Service; or
    ``(II) an agricultural expert, as
    determined by the Corporation, unless
    the exception is determined to be
    unreasonable by the Corporation.
    ``(C) Insurability of subsequent crop.--Cover crop
    termination shall not affect the insurability of a
    subsequently planted insurable crop if the cover crop is
    terminated in accordance with subparagraph (B).
    ``(D) Summer fallow.--In a county in which summer
    fallow is an insurable practice, a cover crop in that
    county that is terminated in accordance with
    subparagraph (B) shall be considered as summer fallow
    for the purpose of insurability.''.
    SEC. 11108. UNDERSERVED PRODUCERS.

    Section 508(a)(7) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
    1508(a)(7)) is amended--
    (1) in the paragraph heading, by inserting ``and underserved
    producers'' after ``states'';
    (2) in subparagraph (A)--
    (A) by striking the designation and heading and all
    that follows through ``the term'' and inserting the
    following:
    ``(A) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
    ``(i) Adequately served.--The term'';
    (B) in clause (i) (as so designated), by striking
    ``participation rate'' and inserting ``participation
    rate, by crop,''; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(ii) Underserved producer.--The term
    `underserved producer' means an individual
    (including a member of an Indian Tribe) that is--
    ``(I) a beginning farmer or rancher;
    ``(II) a veteran farmer or rancher;
    or
    ``(III) a socially disadvantaged
    farmer or rancher.'';
    (3) in subparagraph (B)--
    (A) by striking ``The Board'' and inserting ``Using
    resources and information available to the Board or the
    Secretary, the Board''; and
    (B) by striking ``subtitle'' and inserting
    ``subtitle, including policies and plans of insurance
    for underserved producers,''; and
    (4) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the
    following:
    ``(C) Report.--
    ``(i) In general.--Not later than 30 days
    after completion of the review under subparagraph
    (B), and

    [[Page 4923]]

    not less frequently than once every 3 years
    thereafter, the Board shall make publicly
    available and submit to the Committee on
    Agriculture of the House of Representatives and
    the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
    Forestry of the Senate a report describing the
    results of the review.
    ``(ii) Recommendations.--The report under
    clause (i) shall include recommendations to
    increase participation in States and among
    underserved producers that are not adequately
    served by the policies and plans of insurance,
    including any plans for administrative action or
    recommendations for Congressional action.''.
    SEC. 11109. TREATMENT OF FORAGE AND GRAZING.

    (a) Availability of Catastrophic Risk Protection for Crops and
    Grasses Used for Grazing.--Section 508(b)(1) of the Federal Crop
    Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(b)(1)) is amended--
    (1) by striking ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
    subparagraph (B), the'' and inserting ``The''; and
    (2) by striking subparagraph (B).

    (b) Coverage for Forage and Grazing.--The Federal Crop Insurance Act
    is amended by inserting after section 508C (7 U.S.C. 1508c) the
    following new section:
    ``SEC. 508D. <>  COVERAGE FOR FORAGE AND
    GRAZING.

    ``Notwithstanding section 508A, and in addition to any other
    available coverage, for crops that can be both grazed and mechanically
    harvested on the same acres during the same growing season, producers
    shall be allowed to purchase separate policies for each intended use, as
    determined by the Corporation, and any indemnity paid under those
    policies for each intended use shall not be considered to be for the
    same loss for the purposes of section 508(n).''.
    SEC. 11110. ADMINISTRATIVE BASIC FEE.

    Section 508(b)(5)(A) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
    1508(b)(5)(A)) is amended by striking ``$300'' and inserting ``$655''.
    SEC. 11111. ENTERPRISE UNITS.

    Section 508(e)(5) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
    1508(e)(5)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(E) Enterprise units across county lines.--The
    Corporation may allow a producer to establish a single
    enterprise unit by combining an enterprise unit with--
    ``(i) 1 or more other enterprise units in 1 or
    more other counties; or
    ``(ii) all basic units and all optional units
    in 1 or more other counties.''.
    SEC. 11112. CONTINUED AUTHORITY.

    Section 508(g) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(g))
    is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
    ``(6) Continued authority.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall establish--
    ``(i) underwriting rules that limit the
    decrease in the actual production history of a
    producer, at the election of the producer, to not
    more than 10 percent of the actual production
    history of the previous crop

    [[Page 4924]]

    year provided that the production decline was the
    result of drought, flood, natural disaster, or
    other insurable loss (as determined by the
    Corporation); and
    ``(ii) actuarially sound premiums to cover
    additional risk.
    ``(B) Other authority.--The authority provided under
    subparagraph (A) is in addition to any other authority
    that adjusts the actual production history of the
    producer under this Act.
    ``(C) Effect.--Nothing in this paragraph shall be
    construed to require a change in the administration of
    any provision of this Act as the Act was administered
    for the 2018 reinsurance year.''.
    SEC. 11113. SUBMISSION OF POLICIES AND MATERIALS TO BOARD.

    Section 508(h) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(h))
    is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (1)(B)--
    (A) by redesignating clauses (i) through (iii) as
    subclauses (I) through (III), respectively, and
    indenting appropriately;
    (B) in the matter preceding subclause (I) (as so
    redesignated), by striking ``The Corporation shall'' and
    inserting the following:
    ``(i) In general.--The Corporation shall'';
    (C) in clause (i)(I) (as so redesignated), by
    inserting ``subject to clause (ii),'' before ``will
    likely''; and
    (D) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(ii) Waiver for hemp.--The Corporation may
    waive the viability and marketability requirement
    under clause (i)(I) in the case of a policy or
    pilot program relating to the production of
    hemp.''; and
    (2) in paragraph (3)(C)--
    (A) in clause (ii), by striking ``and'' at the end;
    (B) in clause (iii), by striking the period at the
    end and inserting ``; and''; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(iv) in the case of reviewing policies and
    other materials relating to the production of
    hemp, may waive the viability and marketability
    requirement under subparagraph (A)(ii)(I).''.
    SEC. 11114. CROP PRODUCTION ON NATIVE SOD.

    Section 508(o)(2)(A) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
    1508(o)(2)(A)) is amended--
    (1) by striking ``During the'' and inserting the following:
    ``(i) First 4 crop years.--During the'';
    (2) in clause (i) (as so designated), by striking ``after
    the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014'' and
    inserting ``beginning on February 8, 2014, and ending on the
    date of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018'';
    and
    (3) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(ii) Subsequent crop years.--Native sod
    acreage that has been tilled for the production of
    an insurable crop after the date of enactment of
    the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 shall be
    subject to a reduction in benefits under this
    subtitle as described in this paragraph for not
    more than 4 cumulative years--

    [[Page 4925]]

    ``(I) during the first 10 years
    after initial tillage; and
    ``(II) during each of which a crop
    on that acreage is insured under
    subsection (c).''.
    SEC. 11115. USE OF NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS SERVICE DATA
    TO COMBAT WASTE, FRAUD, AND ABUSE.

    Section 515 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1515) is
    amended--
    (1) in subsection (d)(1)--
    (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the
    end;
    (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at
    the end and inserting ``; and''; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(D) using published aggregate data from the
    National Agricultural Statistics Service or any other
    data source to--
    ``(i) detect yield disparities or other data
    anomalies that indicate potential fraud; and
    ``(ii) target the relevant counties, crops,
    regions, companies, or agents associated with that
    potential fraud for audits and other enforcement
    actions.''; and
    (2) in subsection (f)(2)(A), by striking ``pursuant to''
    each place it appears and inserting ``under''.
    SEC. 11116. SUBMISSION OF INFORMATION TO CORPORATION.

    Section 515(g) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1515(g))
    is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following:
    ``(D) The actual production history to be used to
    establish insurable yields.''; and
    (2) in paragraph (2)--
    (A) by striking ``The information required by
    paragraph (1)'' and inserting the following:
    ``(A) In general.--The information required to be
    submitted under subparagraphs (A) through (C) of
    paragraph (1)''; and
    (B) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(B) Actual production history.--
    ``(i) In general.--The information required to
    be submitted under paragraph (1)(D) with respect
    to an applicable policy or plan of insurance for a
    covered commodity (as defined in section 1111 of
    the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9011))
    shall be submitted so as to ensure receipt by the
    Corporation not later than the Saturday of the
    week containing the calendar day that is 30 days
    after the applicable production reporting date for
    the crop to be insured.
    ``(ii) Correction of errors.--Nothing in
    clause (i) limits the ability of an approved
    insurance provider to correct any error in the
    information submitted under paragraph (1)(D) after
    receipt of the information by the Corporation in
    accordance with clause (i).''.
    SEC. 11117. CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR LOSS ADJUSTERS AND AGENTS.

    Section 515 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1515) is
    amended--

    [[Page 4926]]

    (1) by redesignating subsection (k) as subsection (l); and
    (2) by inserting after subsection (j) the following:

    ``(k) Continuing Education for Loss Adjusters and Agents.--
    ``(1) In general.--The Corporation shall establish
    requirements for continuing education for loss adjusters and
    agents of approved insurance providers.
    ``(2) Requirements.--The requirements for continuing
    education described in paragraph (1) shall ensure that loss
    adjusters and agents of approved insurance providers are
    familiar with--
    ``(A) the policies and plans of insurance available
    under this Act, including the regulations promulgated to
    carry out this Act;
    ``(B) efforts to promote program integrity through
    the elimination of waste, fraud, and abuse; and
    ``(C) other aspects of adjusting, delivering, and
    servicing policies and plans of insurance by adjustors
    and agents, as determined by the Secretary, including
    conservation activities and agronomic practices
    (including organic and sustainable practices) that are
    common and appropriate to the area in which the insured
    crop being inspected is produced.''.
    SEC. 11118. PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION.

    Section 516(b)(2)(C)(i) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
    1516(b)(2)(C)(i)) is amended by striking ``$9,000,000'' and inserting
    ``$7,000,000''.
    SEC. 11119. AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY.

    Section 518 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1518) is
    amended by inserting ``hemp,'' before ``aquacultural species''.
    SEC. 11120. MAINTENANCE OF POLICIES.

    (a) In General.--Section 522(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7
    U.S.C. 1522(b)) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (1), by amending subparagraph (B) to read
    as follows:
    ``(B) Reimbursement.--
    ``(i) In general.--An applicant who submits a
    policy under section 508(h) shall be eligible for
    the reimbursement of reasonable research and
    development costs if the policy is approved by the
    Board for sale to producers.
    ``(ii) Reasonable costs.--For the purpose of
    reimbursing research and development and
    maintenance costs under this section, costs of the
    applicant shall be considered reasonable costs if
    the costs are based on--
    ``(I) for any employees or
    contracted personnel, wage rates equal
    to not more than 2 times the hourly wage
    rate plus benefits, as provided by the
    Bureau of Labor Statistics for the year
    in which such costs are incurred,
    calculated using the formula applied to
    an applicant by the Corporation in
    reviewing proposed project budgets under
    this section on October 1, 2016; and

    [[Page 4927]]

    ``(II) other actual documented costs
    incurred by the applicant.''; and
    (2) in paragraph (4)--
    (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``approved
    insurance provider'' and inserting ``applicant''; and
    (B) in subparagraph (D)--
    (i) in clause (i), by striking ``determined by
    the approved insurance provider'' and inserting
    ``determined by the applicant''; and
    (ii) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(iii) Review.--After the Board approves the
    amount of a fee under clause (ii), the fee shall
    remain in effect and not be reviewed by the Board
    unless--
    ``(I) the applicant petitions the
    Board for reconsideration of the fee;
    ``(II) a substantial change is made
    to the policy, as determined by the
    Board; or
    ``(III) there is substantial
    evidence that the fee is inhibiting
    sales or use of the policy, as
    determined by the Board.''.

    (b) <>  Applicability.--
    (1) In general.--The amendments made by this section shall
    apply to reimbursement requests made on or after October 1,
    2016.
    (2) Resubmission of denied request.--An applicant that was
    denied all or a portion of a reimbursement request under
    paragraph (1) of section 522(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance
    Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(b)) during the period between October 1,
    2016, and the date of the enactment of this Act shall be given
    an opportunity to resubmit such request.
    SEC. 11121. REIMBURSEMENT OF RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND
    MAINTENANCE COSTS.

    Section 522(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(b))
    is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following:
    ``(K) Waiver for hemp.--The Board may waive the
    viability and marketability requirements under this
    paragraph in the case of research and development
    relating to a policy to insure the production of
    hemp.''; and
    (2) in paragraph (3)--
    (A) by striking ``The Corporation'' and inserting
    the following:
    ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the
    Corporation''; and
    (B) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(B) Waiver for hemp.--The Corporation may waive
    the marketability requirement under subparagraph (A) in
    the case of research and development relating to a
    policy to insure the production of hemp.''.
    SEC. 11122. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.

    Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(c))
    is amended--
    (1) by striking paragraphs (7) through (18) and (20) through
    (23);
    (2) by redesignating paragraphs (19) and (24) as paragraphs
    (7) and (8), respectively;

    [[Page 4928]]

    (3) in paragraph (7) (as so redesignated) (entitled ``Whole
    farm diversified risk management insurance plan''), by adding at
    the end the following:
    ``(E) Review of modifications to improve
    effectiveness.--
    ``(i) In general.--Not later than 18 months
    after the date of enactment of the Agriculture
    Improvement Act of 2018--
    ``(I) the Corporation shall hold
    stakeholder meetings to solicit producer
    and agent feedback; and
    ``(II) the Board shall--
    ``(aa) review procedures and
    paperwork requirements on agents
    and producers; and
    ``(bb) modify procedures and
    requirements, as appropriate, to
    decrease burdens and increase
    flexibility and effectiveness.
    ``(ii) Factors.--In carrying out items (aa)
    and (bb) of subclause (i)(II), the Board shall
    consider--
    ``(I) removing caps on nursery and
    livestock production;
    ``(II) allowing a waiver to expand
    operations, especially for small and
    beginning farmers;
    ``(III) minimizing paperwork for
    producers and agents;
    ``(IV) implementing an option for
    producers with less than $1,000,000 in
    gross revenue that requires
    significantly less paperwork and
    recordkeeping;
    ``(V) developing and using
    alternative records such as time-stamped
    photographs or technology applications
    to document planting and production
    history;
    ``(VI) treating the different growth
    stages of aquaculture species as
    separate crops to recognize the
    difference in perils at different phases
    of growth;
    ``(VII) moderating the impacts of
    disaster years on historic revenue, such
    as--
    ``(aa) using an average of
    the historic and projected
    revenue;
    ``(bb) counting indemnities
    as historic revenue for loss
    years;
    ``(cc) counting payments
    under section 196 of the Federal
    Agriculture Improvement and
    Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C.
    7333) as historic revenue for
    loss years; or
    ``(dd) using an assigned
    yield floor similar to the
    limitation described in section
    508(g)(6)(A)(i), as determined
    by the Secretary;
    ``(VIII) improving agent training
    and outreach to underserved regions and
    sectors such as small dairy farms; and
    ``(IX) providing coverage and
    indemnification of insurable losses--
    ``(aa) after the losses
    exceed the deductible; and

    [[Page 4929]]

    ``(bb) up to the maximum
    amount of total coverage.
    ``(F) Beginning farmer or rancher defined.--
    Notwithstanding section 502(b)(3), with respect to plans
    described under this paragraph, the term `beginning
    farmer or rancher' means a farmer or rancher who has not
    actively operated and managed a farm or ranch with a
    bona fide insurable interest in a crop or livestock as
    an owner-operator, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper for
    more than 10 crop years.''; and
    (4) by inserting after paragraph (8) (as so redesignated)
    the following:
    ``(9) Tropical storm or hurricane insurance.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall carry out
    research and development, or offer to enter into 1 or
    more contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to carry
    out research and development, regarding a policy to
    insure crops (including tomatoes, peppers, and citrus)
    against losses due to a tropical storm or hurricane.
    ``(B) Research and development.--Research and
    development under subparagraph (A) shall--
    ``(i) evaluate the effectiveness of risk
    management tools for a low frequency and
    catastrophic loss weather event; and
    ``(ii) result in a policy that provides
    protection for at least 1 of the following:
    ``(I) Production loss.
    ``(II) Revenue loss.
    ``(C) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date
    of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018,
    the Corporation shall submit to the Committee on
    Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the
    Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the
    Senate a report that describes--
    ``(i) the results of the research and
    development carried out under this paragraph; and
    ``(ii) any recommendations with respect to
    those results.
    ``(10) Quality loss.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall carry out
    research and development, or offer to enter into 1 or
    more contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to carry
    out research and development, regarding the
    establishment of each of the following alternative
    methods of adjusting for quality losses:
    ``(i) A method that does not impact the actual
    production history of a producer.
    ``(ii) A method that provides that, in
    circumstances in which a producer has suffered a
    quality loss to the insured crop of the producer
    that is insufficient to trigger an indemnity
    payment, the producer may elect to exclude that
    quality loss from the actual production history of
    the producer.
    ``(iii) 1 or more methods that combine the
    methods described in clauses (i) and (ii).
    ``(B) Requirements.--Notwithstanding subsections (g)
    and (m) of section 508, any method developed under

    [[Page 4930]]

    subparagraph (A) that is used by the Corporation shall
    be--
    ``(i) optional for a producer to use; and
    ``(ii) offered at an actuarially sound premium
    rate.
    ``(C) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date
    of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018,
    the Corporation shall submit to the Committee on
    Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the
    Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the
    Senate a report that describes--
    ``(i) the results of the research and
    development carried out under subparagraph (A);
    and
    ``(ii) any recommendations with respect to
    those results.
    ``(11) Citrus.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall carry out
    research and development, or offer to enter into 1 or
    more contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to carry
    out research and development, regarding the insurance of
    citrus fruit commodities and commodity types, including
    research and development of--
    ``(i) improvements to 1 or more existing
    policies, including the whole-farm revenue
    protection pilot policy;
    ``(ii) alternative methods of insuring revenue
    for citrus fruit commodities and commodity types;
    and
    ``(iii) the development of new, or expansion
    of existing, revenue policies for citrus fruit
    commodities and commodity types.
    ``(B) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date
    of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018,
    the Corporation shall submit to the Committee on
    Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the
    Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the
    Senate a report that describes--
    ``(i) the results of the research and
    development carried out under subparagraph (A);
    and
    ``(ii) any recommendations with respect to
    those results.
    ``(12) Hops.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall carry out
    research and development, or offer to enter into 1 or
    more contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to carry
    out research and development, regarding a policy to
    insure the production of hops or revenue derived from
    the production of hops.
    ``(B) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date
    of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018,
    the Corporation shall submit to the Committee on
    Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the
    Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the
    Senate a report that describes--
    ``(i) the results of the research and
    development carried out under subparagraph (A);
    and
    ``(ii) any recommendations with respect to
    those results.
    ``(13) Subsurface irrigation practices.--

    [[Page 4931]]

    ``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall carry out
    research and development, or offer to enter into 1 or
    more contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to carry
    out research and development, regarding the creation of
    a separate practice for subsurface irrigation, including
    the establishment of a separate transitional yield
    within a county that is reflective of the average gain
    in productivity and yield associated with the
    installation of a subsurface irrigation system.
    ``(B) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the
    date of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of
    2018, the Corporation shall submit to the Committee on
    Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the
    Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the
    Senate a report that describes--
    ``(i) the results of the research and
    development carried out under subparagraph (A);
    and
    ``(ii) any recommendations with respect to
    those results.
    ``(14) Grain sorghum.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall carry out
    research and development, or offer to enter into 1 or
    more contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to carry
    out research and development--
    ``(i) regarding improvements to 1 or more
    policies to insure irrigated grain sorghum;
    ``(ii) regarding alternative methods for
    producers with not more than 4 years of production
    history to insure irrigated grain sorghum; and
    ``(iii) to assess, by county, the difference
    in the rate, average yield, and coverage level of
    grain sorghum policies compared to policies for
    other feed grains in that county.
    ``(B) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the
    date of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of
    2018, the Corporation shall submit to the Committee on
    Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the
    Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the
    Senate a report that describes--
    ``(i) the results of the research and
    development carried out under subparagraph (A);
    and
    ``(ii) any recommendations with respect to
    those results.
    ``(15) Limited irrigation practices.--
    ``(A) Authority.--The Corporation shall--
    ``(i) consider expanding the availability of
    the limited irrigation insurance program to
    neighboring and similarly situated States (such as
    the States of Colorado and Nebraska), as
    determined by the Secretary;
    ``(ii) carry out research, or offer to enter
    into 1 or more contracts with 1 or more qualified
    persons to carry out research, on the
    marketability of the existing limited irrigation
    insurance program; and
    ``(iii) make recommendations on how to improve
    participation in that program.
    ``(B) Research.--In carrying out research under
    subparagraph (A), a qualified person shall--

    [[Page 4932]]

    ``(i) collaborate with researchers on the
    subjects of--
    ``(I) reduced irrigation practices
    or limited irrigation practices; and
    ``(II) expected yield reductions
    following the application of reduced
    irrigation;
    ``(ii) collaborate with State and Federal
    officials responsible for the collection of water
    and the regulation of water use for the purpose of
    irrigation;
    ``(iii) provide recommendations to encourage
    producers to carry out limited irrigation
    practices or reduced irrigation and water
    conservation practices; and
    ``(iv) develop web-based applications that
    will streamline access to coverage for producers
    electing to conserve water use on irrigated crops.
    ``(C) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the
    date of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of
    2018, the Corporation shall submit to the Committee on
    Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the
    Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the
    Senate a report that describes--
    ``(i) the results of the research carried out
    under subparagraphs (A) and (B);
    ``(ii) any recommendations to encourage
    producers to carry out limited irrigation
    practices or reduced irrigation and water
    conservation practices; and
    ``(iii) the actions taken by the Corporation
    to carry out the recommendations described in
    clause (ii).
    ``(16) Insurable irrigation practices for rice.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall carry out
    research and development, or offer to enter into 1 or
    more contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to carry
    out research and development, to include new and
    innovative irrigation practices under the current rice
    policy or the development of a distinct policy
    endorsement rated for rice produced using--
    ``(i) alternate wetting and drying practices
    (also referred to as `intermittent flooding'); and
    ``(ii) furrow irrigation practices.
    ``(B) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the
    date of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of
    2018, the Corporation shall submit to the Committee on
    Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the
    Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the
    Senate a report that describes--
    ``(i) the results of the research and
    development carried out under paragraph (1); and
    ``(ii) any recommendations with respect to
    those results.
    ``(17) Greenhouse policy.--
    ``(A) In general.--
    ``(i) Research and development.--The
    Corporation shall carry out research and
    development, or offer to enter into 1 or more
    contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to
    carry out research and development,

    [[Page 4933]]

    regarding a policy to insure in a controlled
    environment such as a greenhouse--
    ``(I) the production of
    floriculture, nursery, and bedding
    plants;
    ``(II) the establishment of cuttings
    or tissue culture in a growing medium;
    or
    ``(III) other similar production, as
    determined by the Secretary.
    ``(ii) Availability of policy.--
    Notwithstanding the last sentence of section
    508(a)(1), and section 508(a)(2), the Corporation
    shall make a policy described in clause (i)
    available if the requirements of section 508(h)
    are met.
    ``(B) Research and development described.--Research
    and development described in subparagraph (A)(i) shall
    evaluate the effectiveness of policies for the
    production of plants in a controlled environment,
    including policies that--
    ``(i) are based on the risk of--
    ``(I) plant diseases introduced from
    the environment;
    ``(II) contaminated cuttings,
    seedlings, or tissue culture; or
    ``(III) Federal or State quarantine
    or destruction orders associated with
    the contaminated items described in
    subclause (II);
    ``(ii) consider other causes of loss
    applicable to a controlled environment, such as a
    loss of electricity due to weather;
    ``(iii) consider appropriate best practices to
    minimize the risk of loss;
    ``(iv) consider whether to provide coverage
    for various types of plants under 1 policy or to
    provide coverage for 1 species or type of plant
    per policy;
    ``(v) have streamlined reporting and paperwork
    requirements that take into account short
    propagation schedules, variable crop years, and
    the variety of plants that may be produced in a
    single facility; and
    ``(vi) provide protection for revenue losses.
    ``(C) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date
    of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018,
    the Corporation shall submit to the Committee on
    Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the
    Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the
    Senate a report that describes--
    ``(i) the results of the research and
    development carried out under subparagraphs (A)(i)
    and (B); and
    ``(ii) any recommendations with respect to
    those results.
    ``(18) Local foods.--
    ``(A) In general.--
    ``(i) Feasibility study.--The Corporation
    shall carry out a study to determine the
    feasibility of, or offer to enter into 1 or more
    contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to
    carry out a study to determine the feasibility of,
    a policy to insure production--

    [[Page 4934]]

    ``(I) of floriculture, fruits,
    vegetables, poultry, livestock, or the
    products of floriculture, fruits,
    vegetables, poultry, or livestock; and
    ``(II) that is targeted toward local
    consumers and markets.
    ``(ii) Availability of policy.--
    Notwithstanding the last sentence of section
    508(a)(1), and section 508(a)(2), the Corporation
    shall make available a policy described in clause
    (i) if--
    ``(I) the results of the feasibility
    study under clause (i) are viable; and
    ``(II) the requirements of section
    508(h) are met.
    ``(B) Feasibility study described.--The feasibility
    study described in subparagraph (A)(i) shall evaluate
    the effectiveness of policies for production targeted
    toward local consumers and markets, including policies
    that--
    ``(i) consider small-scale production in
    various areas, including urban, suburban, and
    rural areas;
    ``(ii) consider a variety of marketing
    strategies;
    ``(iii) allow for production in soil and in
    alternative systems such as vertical systems,
    greenhouses, rooftops, or hydroponic systems;
    ``(iv) consider the price premium when
    accounting for production or revenue losses;
    ``(v) consider whether to provide coverage--
    ``(I) for various types of
    production under 1 policy; and
    ``(II) for 1 species or type of
    plant per policy; and
    ``(vi) have streamlined reporting and
    paperwork requirements.
    ``(C) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date
    of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018,
    the Corporation shall submit to the Committee on
    Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the
    Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the
    Senate a report that--
    ``(i) examines whether a version of existing
    policies such as the whole-farm revenue protection
    insurance plan may be tailored to provide improved
    coverage for producers of local foods;
    ``(ii) describes the results of the
    feasibility study carried out under subparagraph
    (A)(i); and
    ``(iii) includes any recommendations with
    respect to those results.
    ``(19) High-risk, highly productive batture land policy.--
    ``(A) In general.--
    ``(i) Research and development.--The
    Corporation shall carry out research and
    development, or offer to enter into 1 or more
    contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to
    carry out research and development, regarding a
    policy to insure producers of corn, cotton, and
    soybeans--

    [[Page 4935]]

    ``(I) with operations on highly
    productive batture land within the Lower
    Mississippi River Valley;
    ``(II) that have a history of
    production of not less than 5 years; and
    ``(III) that have been impacted by
    more frequent flooding over the past 10
    years due to sedimentation or federally
    constructed engineering improvements.
    ``(ii) Availability of policy.--
    Notwithstanding the last sentence of section
    508(a)(1), and section 508(a)(2), the Corporation
    shall make a policy described in clause (i)
    available if the requirements of section 508(h)
    are met.
    ``(B) Research and development described.--Research
    and development described in subparagraph (A)(i) shall
    evaluate the feasibility of less cost-prohibitive
    policies for batture-land producers in high risk areas,
    including policies that--
    ``(i) consider premium rate adjustments;
    ``(ii) consider automatic yield exclusion for
    consecutive-year losses; and
    ``(iii) allow for flexibility of final plant
    dates and prevent plant regulations.
    ``(C) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date
    of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018,
    the Corporation shall submit to the Committee on
    Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the
    Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the
    Senate a report that--
    ``(i) examines whether a version of existing
    policies may be tailored to provide improved
    coverage for batture-land producers;
    ``(ii) describes the results of the research
    and development carried out under subparagraphs
    (A) and (B); and
    ``(iii) includes any recommendations with
    respect to those results.''.
    SEC. 11123. FUNDING FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

    Section 522(e)(2)(A) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
    1522(e)(2)(A)) is amended--
    (1) by striking ``not more than $12,500,000 for fiscal year
    2008 and each subsequent fiscal year.'' and inserting the
    following: ``not more than--
    ``(i) $12,500,000 for each of fiscal years
    2008 through 2018; and''; and
    (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(ii) $8,000,000 for fiscal year 2019 and
    each fiscal year thereafter.''.
    SEC. 11124. TECHNICAL AMENDMENT TO PILOT PROGRAMS.

    Section 523(i)(3)(A) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
    1523(i)(3)(A)) is amended by adding a period at the end.
    SEC. 11125. EDUCATION AND RISK MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE.

    (a) Education Assistance.--Section 524(a) of the Federal Crop
    Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1524(a)) is amended--

    [[Page 4936]]

    (1) in paragraph (1)--
    (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
    striking ``paragraph (5)'' and all that follows through
    ``the Secretary'' in subparagraph (B) and inserting
    ``paragraph (4), the Secretary''; and
    (B) by striking ``paragraph (3)'' and inserting
    ``paragraph (2)'';
    (2) by striking paragraph (2);
    (3) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (5) as
    paragraphs (2) through (4), respectively;
    (4) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated), in subparagraph
    (A)--
    (A) by striking ``about the full range of'' and
    inserting ``and providing technical assistance to
    agricultural producers on a full range of farm viability
    and'';
    (B) by inserting ``business planning, enterprise
    analysis, transfer and succession planning, management
    coaching, market assessment, cash flow analysis,'' after
    ``insurance,''; and
    (C) by inserting ``conservation activities,'' after
    ``benchmarking,'';
    (5) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated)--
    (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--
    (i) by striking ``programs established under
    paragraphs (2) and (3)'' and inserting ``program
    established under paragraph (2)'';
    (ii) by inserting ``farm viability and'' after
    ``emphasis on''; and
    (iii) by inserting ``, business planning and
    technical assistance, market assessment, transfer
    and succession planning, and crop insurance
    participation'' after ``benchmarking'';
    (B) in subparagraph (D)(i), by striking ``and'' at
    the end; and
    (C) by striking subparagraph (E) and inserting the
    following:
    ``(iii) are converting production and
    marketing systems to pursue new markets; and
    ``(E) producers that are underserved by the Federal
    crop insurance program established under this subtitle,
    as determined by the Corporation.''; and
    (6) in paragraph (4) (as so redesignated)--
    (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
    striking ``transferred'' and all that follows through
    ``for the partnerships'' in subparagraph (B) and
    inserting ``transferred for the partnerships'';
    (B) by striking ``paragraph (3), $5,000,000 for
    fiscal year 2001'' and inserting ``paragraph (2),
    $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2019''; and
    (C) by striking the period at the end and inserting
    ``, of which not less than $5,000,000 shall be used to
    carry out paragraph (3)(E).''.

    (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 251(f)(1)(D)(ii) of the
    Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C.
    6971(f)(1)(D)(ii)) is amended--
    (1) by striking ``section 524(a)(3)'' and inserting
    ``section 524(a)''; and

    [[Page 4937]]

    (2) by striking ``(7 U.S.C. 1524(a)(3))'' and inserting ``(7
    U.S.C. 1524(a))''.
    SEC. 11126. REPEAL OF CROPLAND REPORT ANNUAL UPDATES.

    Section 11014 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79;
    128 Stat. 963) is amended by striking subsection (c).

    TITLE XII--MISCELLANEOUS

    Subtitle A--Livestock

    SEC. 12101. ANIMAL DISEASE PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT.

    (a) Definition.--Section 10403 of the Animal Health Protection Act
    (7 U.S.C. 8302) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(18) Veterinary countermeasure.--The term `veterinary
    countermeasure' means any biological product (including an
    animal vaccine or diagnostic), pharmaceutical product (including
    a therapeutic), non-pharmaceutical product (including a
    disinfectant), or other product or equipment to prevent, detect,
    respond to, or mitigate harm to public or animal health
    resulting from, animal pests or diseases.''.

    (b) Animal Disease Preparedness and Response.--Section 10409A of the
    Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8308A) is amended--
    (1) by striking the section heading and inserting ``animal
    disease prevention and management'';
    (2) in subsection (a), by striking ``(a) Definition of
    Eligible Laboratory.--In this section,'' and inserting the
    following:

    ``(a) National Animal Health Laboratory Network.--
    ``(1) Definition of eligible laboratory.--In this
    subsection,'';
    (3) in subsection (b)--
    (A) in paragraph (2), by redesignating subparagraphs
    (A) through (E) as clauses (i) through (v),
    respectively, and moving the margins of such clauses (as
    so redesignated) 2 ems to the right;
    (B) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as
    subparagraphs (A) through (C), respectively, and moving
    the margins of such subparagraphs (as so redesignated) 2
    ems to the right;
    (4) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as paragraphs
    (2) and (3), respectively, and moving the margins of such
    paragraphs (as so redesignated) 2 ems to the right; and
    (5) by adding at the end the following:

    ``(b) National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program.--
    ``(1) Program required.--The Secretary shall establish a
    program, to be known as the National Animal Disease Preparedness
    and Response Program (referred to in this section as `the
    Program'), to address the increasing risk of the introduction
    and spread within the United States of animal pests and diseases
    affecting the economic interests of the livestock and related
    industries of the United States, including the maintenance and
    expansion of export markets.

    [[Page 4938]]

    ``(2) Program activities.--Activities under the Program
    shall include, to the extent practicable, the following:
    ``(A) Enhancing animal pest and disease analysis and
    surveillance.
    ``(B) Expanding outreach and education.
    ``(C) Targeting domestic inspection activities at
    vulnerable points in the safeguarding continuum.
    ``(D) Enhancing and strengthening threat
    identification technology.
    ``(E) Improving biosecurity.
    ``(F) Enhancing emergency preparedness and response
    capabilities, including training additional emergency
    response personnel.
    ``(G) Conducting technology development to enhance
    electronic sharing of animal health data for risk
    analysis between State and Federal animal health
    officials.
    ``(H) Enhancing the development and effectiveness of
    animal health technologies to treat and prevent animal
    disease, including--
    ``(i) veterinary biologics and diagnostics;
    ``(ii) animal drugs for minor uses and minor
    species;
    ``(iii) animal medical devices; and
    ``(iv) emerging veterinary countermeasures.
    ``(I) Such other activities as determined
    appropriate by the Secretary, in consultation with
    eligible entities specified in paragraph (3).
    ``(3) Eligible entities.--To carry out the Program, the
    Secretary shall offer to enter into cooperative agreements or
    other legal instruments, as authorized under section 10413
    (referred to in this section as `agreements') with eligible
    entities, to be selected by the Secretary, which may include any
    of the following entities, either individually or in
    combination:
    ``(A) A State department of agriculture.
    ``(B) The office of the chief animal health official
    of a State.
    ``(C) An entity eligible to receive funds under a
    capacity and infrastructure program (as defined in
    section 251(f)(1)(C) of the Department of Agriculture
    Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971(f)(1)(C))).
    ``(D) A college of veterinary medicine, including a
    veterinary emergency team at such college.
    ``(E) A State or national livestock producer
    organization with direct and significant economic
    interest in livestock production.
    ``(F) A State emergency agency.
    ``(G) A State, national, allied, or regional
    veterinary organization or specialty board recognized by
    the American Veterinary Medical Association.
    ``(H) An Indian Tribe.
    ``(I) A Federal agency.
    ``(4) Special funding considerations.--In entering into
    agreements under this subsection, the Secretary shall give
    priority to applications submitted by--
    ``(A) a State department of agriculture or an office
    of the chief animal health official of a State; or

    [[Page 4939]]

    ``(B) an eligible entity that will carry out program
    activities in a State or region in which--
    ``(i) an animal pest or disease is a Federal
    concern; or
    ``(ii) the Secretary determines a potential
    exists for the spread of an animal pest or disease
    after taking into consideration--
    ``(I) the agricultural industries in
    the State or region;
    ``(II) factors contributing to
    animal pest or disease in the State or
    region, such as the climate, natural
    resources, and geography of, and native
    and exotic wildlife species and other
    disease vectors in, the State or region;
    and
    ``(III) the movement of animals in
    the State or region.
    ``(5) Consultation.--For purposes of setting priorities
    under this subsection, the Secretary shall consult with eligible
    entities specified in paragraph (3). The Federal Advisory
    Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to consultation
    carried out under this paragraph.
    ``(6) Application.--
    ``(A) In general.--An eligible entity specified in
    paragraph (3) seeking to enter into an agreement under
    the Program shall submit to the Secretary an application
    containing such information as the Secretary may
    require.
    ``(B) Notification.--The Secretary shall notify each
    applicant of--
    ``(i) the requirements to be imposed on the
    eligible entity that is the recipient of funds
    under the Program for auditing of, and reporting
    on, the use of such funds; and
    ``(ii) the criteria to be used to ensure
    activities supported using such funds are based on
    sound scientific data or thorough risk
    assessments.
    ``(C) Non-federal contributions.--When deciding
    whether to enter into an agreement under the Program
    with an eligible entity described in paragraph (3), the
    Secretary--
    ``(i) may take into consideration an eligible
    entity's ability to contribute non-Federal funds
    to carry out such an agreement; and
    ``(ii) shall not require such an eligible
    entity to make such a contribution as a condition
    to enter into an agreement.
    ``(7) Use of funds.--
    ``(A) Use consistent with terms of cooperative
    agreement.--The recipient of funds under the Program
    shall use the funds for the purposes and in the manner
    provided in the agreement under which the funds are
    provided.
    ``(B) Sub-agreement.--Nothing in this section
    prevents an eligible entity from using funds received
    under the Program to enter into sub-agreements with
    another eligible entity or with a political subdivision
    of a State that has legal responsibilities relating to
    animal disease prevention, surveillance, or rapid
    response.

    [[Page 4940]]

    ``(8) Reporting requirement.--Not later than 90 days after
    the date of completion of an activity conducted using funds
    provided under the Program, the recipient of such funds shall
    submit to the Secretary a report that describes the purposes and
    results of the activities.''.

    (c) National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank.--
    Section 10409A of the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8308A), as
    amended by subsection (b), is further amended by inserting after
    subsection (b) (as added by subsection (b)(5) of this section) the
    following:
    ``(c) National Animal Vaccine Bank.--
    ``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a
    national animal vaccine and veterinary countermeasures bank (to
    be known as the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary
    Countermeasures Bank and referred to in this subsection as the
    `Vaccine Bank') to benefit the domestic interests of the United
    States.
    ``(2) Elements of vaccine bank.--Through the Vaccine Bank,
    the Secretary shall--
    ``(A) maintain sufficient quantities of veterinary
    countermeasures to appropriately and rapidly respond to
    the most damaging animal diseases affecting or with
    potential to affect human health or the economy of the
    United States; and
    ``(B) leverage, when appropriate, the mechanisms and
    infrastructure that have been developed for the
    management, storage, and distribution of the National
    Veterinary Stockpile.
    ``(3) Priority for response to foot and mouth disease.--The
    Secretary shall prioritize the acquisition and maintenance of
    sufficient quantities of foot and mouth disease vaccine and
    accompanying diagnostic products for the Vaccine Bank. As part
    of such prioritization, the Secretary may offer to enter into
    one or more contracts with one or more entities that are capable
    of producing foot and mouth disease vaccine and that have surge
    production capacity of the vaccine.''.

    (d) Funding.--Section 10409A of the Animal Health Protection Act (7
    U.S.C. 8308A), as amended by subsections (b) and (c), is further amended
    by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:
    ``(d) Funding.--
    ``(1) Mandatory funding.--
    ``(A) Fiscal years 2019 through 2022.--Of the funds
    of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall
    make available to carry out this section $120,000,000
    for the period of fiscal years 2019 through 2022, of
    which not less than $5,000,000 shall be made available
    for each of those fiscal years to carry out subsection
    (b).
    ``(B) Subsequent fiscal years.--Of the funds of the
    Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make
    available to carry out this section $30,000,000 for
    fiscal year 2023 and each fiscal year thereafter, of
    which not less than $18,000,000 shall be made available
    for each of those fiscal years to carry out subsection
    (b).
    ``(2) Authorization of appropriations.--
    ``(A) National animal health laboratory network.--In
    addition to the funds made available under

    [[Page 4941]]

    paragraph (1), there is authorized to be appropriated
    $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023
    to carry out subsection (a).
    ``(B) National animal disease preparedness and
    response program; national animal vaccine and veterinary
    countermeasures bank.--In addition to the funds made
    available under paragraph (1), there is authorized to be
    appropriated such sums as are necessary for each of
    fiscal years 2019 through 2023 to carry out subsections
    (b) and (c).
    ``(C) Additionality.--The funds authorized for
    appropriation under this paragraph are in addition to
    any funds authorized or otherwise made available under
    this section or section 10417.
    ``(3) Administrative costs.--
    ``(A) Secretary.--Of the funds made available under
    this section or section 10417 to carry out the National
    Animal Health Laboratory Network under subsection (a)
    and the National Animal Disease Preparedness and
    Response Program under subsection (b), not more than 4
    percent may be retained by the Secretary to pay
    administrative costs incurred by the Secretary.
    ``(B) Eligible entities.--Of the funds made
    available under this section or section 10417 to carry
    out the National Animal Disease Preparedness and
    Response Program under subsection (b), not more than 10
    percent may be retained by an eligible entity that
    receives funds under any agreement entered into under
    such subsection, including any sub-agreement under
    paragraph (7)(B) of such subsection to pay
    administrative costs incurred by the eligible entity to
    carry out activities under the Program.
    ``(4) Duration of availability.--Funds made available under
    this subsection, including any proceeds credited under paragraph
    (5), shall remain available until expended.
    ``(5) Proceeds from veterinary countermeasures sales.--Any
    proceeds of a sale of veterinary countermeasures from the
    Vaccine Bank shall be--
    ``(A) deposited into the Treasury of the United
    States; and
    ``(B) credited to the account for the operation of
    the Vaccine Bank to be made available for expenditure
    without further appropriation.
    ``(6) Limitations on use of funds for certain purposes.--
    Funds made available under the National Animal Health Laboratory
    Network, the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response
    Program, and the Vaccine Bank shall not be used for the
    construction of a new building or facility or the acquisition or
    expansion of an existing building or facility, including site
    grading and improvement and architect fees.

    ``(e) Availability and Purpose of Funding.--
    ``(1) In general.--Using the funds made available under
    subsection (d), the Secretary of Agriculture shall offer to
    enter into contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or other
    legal instruments under subsections (a) through (c) during each
    of the fiscal years 2019 through 2023.

    [[Page 4942]]

    ``(2) Effect.--Nothing in paragraph (1) shall be construed
    to terminate a contract, grant, cooperative agreement, or other
    legal instrument entered into during the period specified in
    such paragraph.''.
    SEC. 12102. SHEEP PRODUCTION AND MARKETING GRANT PROGRAM.

    Section 209(c) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C.
    1627a(c)) is amended by striking ``$1,500,000 for fiscal year 2014'' and
    inserting ``$2,000,000 for fiscal year 2019''.
    SEC. 12103. FEASIBILITY STUDY ON LIVESTOCK DEALER STATUTORY TRUST.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary shall conduct a study to determine
    the feasibility of establishing a livestock dealer statutory trust.
    (b) Contents.--The study conducted under subsection (a) shall--
    (1) analyze how the establishment of a livestock dealer
    statutory trust would affect buyer and seller behavior in
    markets for livestock (as defined in section 2(a) of the Packers
    and Stockyards Act, 1921 (7 U.S.C. 182));
    (2) examine how the establishment of a livestock dealer
    statutory trust would affect seller recovery in the event of a
    livestock dealer payment default;
    (3) consider what potential effects a livestock dealer
    statutory trust would have on credit availability, including
    impacts on lenders and lending behavior and other industry
    participants;
    (4) examine unique circumstances common to livestock dealers
    and how those circumstances could impact the functionality of a
    livestock dealer statutory trust;
    (5) study the feasibility of the industry-wide adoption of
    electronic funds transfer or another expeditious method of
    payment to provide sellers of livestock protection from
    nonsufficient funds payments;
    (6) assess the effectiveness of statutory trusts in other
    segments of agriculture, whether similar effects could be
    experienced under a livestock dealer statutory trust, and
    whether authorizing the Secretary to appoint an independent
    trustee under the livestock dealer statutory trust would improve
    seller recovery;
    (7) consider the effects of exempting dealers with average
    annual purchases under a de minimis threshold from being subject
    to the livestock dealer statutory trust; and
    (8) analyze how the establishment of a livestock dealer
    statutory trust would affect the treatment of sellers of
    livestock as it relates to preferential transfer in bankruptcy.

    (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
    this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of
    the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture,
    Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report describing the findings
    of the study conducted under subsection (a).
    SEC. 12104. DEFINITION OF LIVESTOCK.

    Section 602(2) of the Emergency Livestock Feed Assistance Act of
    1988 (7 U.S.C. 1471(2)) is amended in the matter preceding subparagraph
    (A) by striking ``fish'' and all that follows through

    [[Page 4943]]

    ``that--'' and inserting ``llamas, alpacas, live fish, crawfish, and
    other animals that--''.
    SEC. 12105. NATIONAL AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH PLAN.

    Section 11013 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7
    U.S.C. 8322) is amended--
    (1) by striking subsection (d); and
    (2) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (d).
    SEC. 12106. VETERINARY TRAINING.

    Section 10504 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
    (7 U.S.C. 8318) is amended--
    (1) by inserting ``and veterinary teams, including those
    based at colleges of veterinary medicine,'' after
    ``veterinarians''; and
    (2) by inserting before the period at the end the following:
    ``and who are capable of providing effective services before,
    during, and after emergencies''.
    SEC. 12107. REPORT ON FSIS GUIDANCE AND OUTREACH TO SMALL MEAT
    PROCESSORS.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary shall offer to enter into a contract
    with a land-grant college or university or a non-land-grant college of
    agriculture (as those terms are defined in section 1404 of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7
    U.S.C. 3101)) to review the effectiveness of existing Food Safety and
    Inspection Service guidance materials and other tools used by small and
    very small establishments, as defined by regulations issued by the Food
    Safety and Inspection Service, operating under Federal inspection, as in
    effect on the date of enactment of this Act, including--
    (1) the effectiveness of the outreach conducted by the Food
    Safety and Inspection Service to small and very small
    establishments;
    (2) the effectiveness of the guidance materials and other
    tools used by the Food Safety and Inspection Service to assist
    small and very small establishments; and
    (3) the responsiveness of Food Safety and Inspection Service
    personnel to inquiries and issues from small and very small
    establishments.

    (b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment
    of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture
    of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture,
    Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that describes--
    (1) the results of the review conducted under subsection
    (a); and
    (2) recommendations on measures the Food Safety and
    Inspection Service should take to improve regulatory clarity and
    consistency and ensure all guidance materials and other tools
    take into account small and very small establishments.
    SEC. 12108. <>  REGIONAL CATTLE AND
    CARCASS GRADING CORRELATION AND
    TRAINING CENTERS.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish not more than 3
    regional centers, to be known as Cattle and Carcass Grading Correlation
    and Training Centers (referred to in this section as the ``Centers''),
    to provide education and training for cattle and

    [[Page 4944]]

    carcass beef graders of the Agricultural Marketing Service, cattle
    producers, and other professionals involved in the reporting, delivery,
    and grading of feeder cattle, live cattle, and carcasses--
    (1) to limit the subjectivity in the application of beef
    grading standards;
    (2) to provide producers with greater confidence in the
    price of the producers' cattle; and
    (3) to provide investors with both long and short positions
    more assurance in the cattle delivery system.

    (b) Location.--The Centers shall be located near cattle feeding and
    slaughter populations and areas shall be strategically identified in
    order to capture regional variances in cattle production.
    (c) Administration.--Each Center shall be organized and administered
    by offices of the Department of Agriculture in operation on the date on
    which the respective Center is established, or in coordination with
    other appropriate Federal agencies or academic institutions.
    (d) Training Program.--The Centers shall offer intensive
    instructional programs involving classroom and field training work for
    individuals described in subsection (a).
    (e) Coordination of Resources.--Each Center, in carrying out the
    functions of the Center, shall make use of information generated by the
    Department of Agriculture, the State agricultural extension and research
    stations, relevant designated contract markets, and the practical
    experience of area cattle producers, especially cattle producers
    cooperating in on-farm demonstrations, correlations, and research
    projects.
    (f) Prohibition on Construction.--Funds made available to carry out
    this section shall not be used for the construction of a new building or
    facility or the acquisition, expansion, remodeling, or alteration of an
    existing building or facility (including site grading and improvement,
    and architect fees). Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the
    Secretary may use funds made available to carry out this section to
    provide a Center with payment for the cost of the rental of a space
    determined to be necessary by the Center for conducting training under
    this section and may accept donations (including in-kind contributions)
    to cover such cost.

    Subtitle B--Agriculture and Food Defense

    SEC. 12201. REPEAL OF OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY.

    Section 14111 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7
    U.S.C. 8911) is repealed.
    SEC. 12202. OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY.

    Subtitle A of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of
    1994 (7 U.S.C. 6911 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
    following:
    ``SEC. 221. <>  OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY.

    ``(a) Definition of Agriculture and Food Defense.--In this section,
    the term `agriculture and food defense' means any action to prevent,
    protect against, mitigate the effects of, respond to, or recover from a
    naturally occurring, unintentional, or intentional threat to the
    agriculture and food system.

    [[Page 4945]]

    ``(b) Authorization.--The Secretary shall establish in the
    Department the Office of Homeland Security.
    ``(c) Executive Director.--The Office of Homeland Security shall be
    headed by an Executive Director, who shall be known as the Executive
    Director of Homeland Security.
    ``(d) Duties.--The Executive Director of Homeland Security shall--
    ``(1) serve as the principal advisor to the Secretary on
    homeland security, including emergency management and
    agriculture and food defense;
    ``(2) coordinate activities of the Department, including
    policies, processes, budget needs, and oversight relating to
    homeland security, including emergency management and
    agriculture and food defense;
    ``(3) act as the primary liaison on behalf of the Department
    with other Federal departments and agencies in activities
    relating to homeland security, including emergency management
    and agriculture and food defense, and provide for interagency
    coordination and data sharing;
    ``(4)(A) coordinate in the Department the gathering of
    information relevant to early warning and awareness of threats
    and risks to the food and agriculture critical infrastructure
    sector; and
    ``(B) share that information with, and provide assistance
    with interpretation and risk characterization of that
    information to, the intelligence community (as defined in
    section 3 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C.
    3003)), law enforcement agencies, the Secretary of Defense, the
    Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Health and
    Human Services, and State fusion centers (as defined in section
    210A(j) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 124h(j));
    ``(5) liaise with the Director of National Intelligence to
    assist in the development of periodic assessments and
    intelligence estimates, or other intelligence products, that
    support the defense of the food and agriculture critical
    infrastructure sector;
    ``(6) coordinate the conduct, evaluation, and improvement of
    exercises to identify and eliminate gaps in preparedness and
    response;
    ``(7) produce a Department-wide centralized strategic
    coordination plan to provide a high-level perspective of the
    operations of the Department relating to homeland security,
    including emergency management and agriculture and food defense;
    and
    ``(8) carry out other appropriate duties, as determined by
    the Secretary.

    ``(e) Agriculture and Food Threat Awareness Partnership Program.--
    ``(1) Interagency exchange program.--The Secretary, in
    partnership with the intelligence community (as defined in
    section 3 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003))
    and fusion centers (as defined in section 210A(j) of the
    Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 124h(j)) that have
    analysis and intelligence capabilities relating to the defense
    of the food and agriculture critical infrastructure sector,
    shall establish and carry out an interagency exchange program of
    personnel and information to improve communication and analysis
    for

    [[Page 4946]]

    the defense of the food and agriculture critical infrastructure
    sector.
    ``(2) Collaboration with federal, state, and local
    authorities.--To carry out the program established under
    paragraph (1), the Secretary may--
    ``(A) enter into 1 or more cooperative agreements or
    contracts with Federal, State, or local authorities that
    have analysis and intelligence capabilities and
    expertise relating to the defense of the food and
    agriculture critical infrastructure sector; and
    ``(B) carry out any other activity under any other
    authority of the Secretary that is appropriate to engage
    the authorities described in subparagraph (A) for the
    defense of the food and agriculture critical
    infrastructure sector, as determined by the
    Secretary.''.
    SEC. 12203. <>  AGRICULTURE AND FOOD DEFENSE.

    (a) Definitions.--In this section:
    (1) Animal.--The term ``animal'' has the meaning given the
    term in section 10403 of the Animal Health Protection Act (7
    U.S.C. 8302).
    (2) Disease or pest of concern.--The term ``disease or pest
    of concern'' means a plant or animal disease or pest that--
    (A) is--
    (i) a transboundary disease; or
    (ii) an established disease; and
    (B) is likely to pose a significant risk to the food
    and agriculture critical infrastructure sector that
    warrants efforts at prevention, protection, mitigation,
    response, and recovery.
    (3) Established disease.--The term ``established disease''
    means a plant or animal disease or pest that--
    (A)(i) if it becomes established, poses an imminent
    threat to agriculture in the United States; or
    (ii) has become established, as defined by the
    Secretary, within the United States; and
    (B) requires management.
    (4) High-consequence plant transboundary disease.--The term
    ``high-consequence plant transboundary disease'' means a
    transboundary disease that is--
    (A)(i) a plant disease; or
    (ii) a plant pest; and
    (B) of high consequence, as determined by the
    Secretary.
    (5) Pest.--The term ``pest''--
    (A) with respect to a plant, has the meaning given
    the term ``plant pest'' in section 403 of the Plant
    Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7702); and
    (B) with respect to an animal, has the meaning given
    the term in section 10403 of the Animal Health
    Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8302).
    (6) Plant.--The term ``plant'' has the meaning given the
    term in section 403 of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7702).
    (7) Plant health management strategy.--The term ``plant
    health management strategy'' means a strategy to timely control
    and eradicate a plant disease or plant pest outbreak,

    [[Page 4947]]

    including through mitigation (such as chemical control),
    surveillance, the use of diagnostic products and procedures, and
    the use of existing resistant seed stock.
    (8) Transboundary disease.--
    (A) In general.--The term ``transboundary disease''
    means a plant or animal disease or pest that is within 1
    or more countries outside of the United States.
    (B) Inclusion.--The term ``transboundary disease''
    includes a plant or animal disease or pest described in
    subparagraph (A) that--
    (i) has emerged within the United States; or
    (ii) has been introduced within the United
    States.
    (9) Veterinary countermeasure.--The term ``veterinary
    countermeasure'' has the meaning given such term in section
    10403 of the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8302).

    (b) Disease or Pest of Concern Response Planning.--
    (1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
    (A) establish a list of diseases or pests of concern
    by--
    (i) developing a process to solicit and
    receive expert opinion and evidence relating to
    the diseases or pests of concern entered on the
    list; and
    (ii) reviewing all available evidence relating
    to the diseases or pests of concern entered on the
    list, including classified information; and
    (B) periodically update the list established under
    subparagraph (A).
    (2) Response plans.--
    (A) Comprehensive strategic response plan or
    plans.--The Secretary shall develop, in collaboration
    with appropriate Federal, State, regional, and local
    officials, a comprehensive strategic response plan or
    plans, as appropriate, for the diseases or pests of
    concern that are entered on the list established under
    paragraph (1).
    (B) State or region response plan or plans.--The
    Secretary shall provide information to a State or region
    to assist in producing a response plan or plans that
    shall include a concept of operations for a disease or
    pest of concern or a platform concept of operations for
    responses to similar diseases or pests of concern that
    are determined to be a priority to the State or region
    that shall, as appropriate--
    (i) describe the appropriate interactions
    among, and roles of--
    (I) Federal, State, Tribal, and
    units of local government; and
    (II) plant or animal industry
    partners;
    (ii) include a decision matrix or dynamic
    decision modeling tools that, as appropriate,
    include--
    (I) information and timing
    requirements necessary for the use of
    veterinary countermeasures;
    (II) plant health management
    strategies;
    (III) deployment of other key
    materials and resources; and
    (IV) parameters for transitioning
    from outbreak response to disease
    management;

    [[Page 4948]]

    (iii) identify key response performance
    metrics to establish--
    (I) benchmarking to provide
    assessments of capabilities, capacity,
    and readiness to achieve response goals
    and objectives;
    (II) progressive exercise
    evaluation; and
    (III) continuing improvement of a
    response plan, including by providing
    for--
    (aa) ongoing exercises;
    (bb) improvement planning
    and the implementation of
    corrective actions to enhance a
    response plan over time; and
    (cc) strategic information
    to guide investment in any
    appropriate research to mitigate
    the risk of a disease or pest of
    concern; and
    (iv) be updated periodically, including in
    response to--
    (I) an exercise evaluation; or
    (II) new risk information becoming
    available regarding a disease or pest of
    concern.
    (3) Coordination of plans.--Pursuant to section 221(d)(6) of
    the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994, as
    added by section 12202, the Secretary shall, as appropriate,
    assist in coordinating with other appropriate Federal, State,
    regional, or local officials in the exercising of the plans
    developed under paragraph (2).

    (c) National Plant Diagnostic Network.--
    (1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish in the
    Department of Agriculture a National Plant Diagnostic Network to
    monitor and surveil through diagnostics threats to plant health
    from diseases or pests of concern in the United States.
    (2) Requirements.--The National Plant Diagnostic Network
    established under paragraph (1) shall--
    (A) provide for increased awareness, surveillance,
    early identification, rapid communication, warning, and
    diagnosis of a threat to plant health from a disease or
    pest of concern to protect natural and agricultural
    plant resources;
    (B) coordinate and collaborate with agencies of the
    Department of Agriculture and State agencies and
    authorities involved in plant health;
    (C) establish diagnostic laboratory standards;
    (D) establish regional hubs throughout the United
    States that provide expertise, leadership, and support
    to diagnostic labs relating to the agricultural crops
    and plants in the covered regions of those hubs; and
    (E) establish a national repository for records of
    endemic or emergent diseases and pests of concern.
    (3) Head of network.--
    (A) In general.--The Director of the National
    Institute of Food and Agriculture shall serve as the
    head of the National Plant Diagnostic Network.
    (B) Duties.--The head of the National Plant
    Diagnostic Network shall--
    (i) coordinate and collaborate with land-grant
    colleges and universities (as defined in section
    1404 of the National Agricultural Research,
    Extension, and

    [[Page 4949]]

    Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)) in
    carrying out the requirements under paragraph (2),
    including through cooperative agreements described
    in paragraph (4);
    (ii) partner with the Administrator of the
    Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for
    assistance with plant health regulation and
    inspection; and
    (iii) coordinate with other Federal agencies,
    as appropriate, in carrying out activities
    relating to the National Plant Diagnostic Network,
    including the sharing of biosurveillance
    information.
    (4) Collaboration with land-grant colleges and
    universities.--The Secretary shall seek to establish cooperative
    agreements with land-grant colleges and universities (as defined
    in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research,
    Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)) that
    have the appropriate level of skill, experience, and competence
    with plant diseases or pests of concern.
    (5) Authorization of appropriations.--In addition to the
    amount authorized to carry out this subtitle under section
    12205, there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
    subsection $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through
    2023.

    (d) National Plant Disease Recovery System.--
    (1) Recovery system.--The Secretary shall establish in the
    Department of Agriculture a National Plant Disease Recovery
    System to engage in strategic long-range planning to recover
    from high-consequence plant transboundary diseases.
    (2) Requirements.--The National Plant Disease Recovery
    System established under paragraph (1) shall--
    (A) coordinate with disease or pest of concern
    concept of operations response plans;
    (B) make long-range plans for the initiation of
    future research projects relating to high-consequence
    plant transboundary diseases;
    (C) establish research plans for long-term recovery;
    (D) plan for the identification and use of specific
    genotypes, cultivars, breeding lines, and other disease-
    resistant materials necessary for crop stabilization or
    improvement; and
    (E) establish a watch list of high-consequence plant
    transboundary diseases for the purpose of making long-
    range plans under subparagraph (B).
    SEC. 12204. BIOLOGICAL AGENTS AND TOXINS LIST.

    Section 212(a)(1)(B)(i) of the Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection
    Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8401(a)(1)(B)(i)) is amended--
    (1) in subclause (III), by striking ``and'' at the end;
    (2) by redesignating subclause (IV) as subclause (V); and
    (3) by inserting after subclause (III) the following:
    ``(IV)(aa) whether such inclusion
    would have a substantial negative impact
    on the research and development of
    solutions for the animal or plant
    disease caused by the agent or toxin;
    and
    ``(bb) whether the negative impact
    described in item (aa) would
    substantially outweigh the risk

    [[Page 4950]]

    posed by the agent or toxin to animal or
    plant health if it is not included on
    the list; and''.
    SEC. 12205. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    In addition to other amounts made available under this subtitle,
    there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subtitle
    $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.

    Subtitle C--Historically Underserved Producers

    SEC. 12301. FARMING OPPORTUNITIES TRAINING AND OUTREACH.

    (a) Repeal.--
    (1) In general.--Section 7405 of the Farm Security and Rural
    Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3319f) is repealed.
    (2) Conforming amendments.--
    (A) Section 226B(e)(2)(B) of the Department of
    Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C.
    6934(e)(2)(B)) is amended by striking ``the beginning
    farmer and rancher development program established under
    section 7405 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment
    Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3319f).'' and inserting ``the
    beginning farmer and rancher development grant program
    established under subsection (d) of section 2501 of the
    Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990
    (7 U.S.C. 2279).''.
    (B) Section 251(f)(1)(D) of the Department of
    Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C.
    6971(f)(1)(D)) is amended by striking clause (iv) and
    inserting the following:
    ``(iv) The beginning farmer and rancher
    development grant program established under
    subsection (d) of section 2501 of the Food,
    Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990
    (7 U.S.C. 2279).''.
    (C) Section 7506(e) of the Food, Conservation, and
    Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 7614c(e)) is amended--
    (i) in paragraph (2)(C)--
    (I) by striking clause (v);
    (II) by redesignating clauses (i)
    through (iv) as clauses (ii) through
    (v), respectively;
    (III) by inserting before clause
    (ii) (as so redesignated) the following:
    ``(i) each grant and cooperative agreement
    awarded under subsection (d) of section 2501 of
    the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
    of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279);'';
    (IV) in clause (ii) (as so
    redesignated), by striking
    ``450i(b)(2));'' and inserting
    ``3157(b)(2));''; and
    (V) in clause (iv) (as so
    redesignated), by adding ``and'' at the
    end; and
    (ii) in paragraph (4)--
    (I) by striking subparagraph (E);
    (II) by redesignating subparagraphs
    (A) through (D) as subparagraphs (B)
    through (E), respectively;

    [[Page 4951]]

    (III) by inserting before
    subparagraph (B) (as so redesignated)
    the following:
    ``(A) subsection (d) of section 2501 of the Food,
    Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7
    U.S.C. 2279);'';
    (IV) in subparagraph (B) (as so
    redesignated), by striking ``450i(b));''
    and inserting ``3157(b));'';
    (V) in subparagraph (D) (as so
    redesignated), by adding ``or'' at the
    end; and
    (VI) in subparagraph (E) (as so
    redesignated), by striking ``; or'' and
    inserting a period.

    (b) Outreach and Education for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and
    Ranchers, Veteran Farmers and Ranchers, and Beginning Farmers and
    Ranchers.--Section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
    Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279) is amended--
    (1) by striking the section heading and inserting ``farming
    opportunities training and outreach'';
    (2) by redesignating subsection (i) as paragraph (5) (and
    moving the margins of such paragraph 2 ems to the right) and
    moving such paragraph (as so redesignated) so as to follow
    subsection (a)(4);
    (3) by redesignating subsections (a) (as amended by
    paragraph (2)), (b), (c), (d), (e), (g), and (h) as subsections
    (c), (g), (k), (h), (a), (i), and (j), respectively, and moving
    the subsections so as to appear in alphabetical order;
    (4) by moving paragraph (5) of subsection (a) (as so
    redesignated) so as to appear at the end of subsection (c) (as
    so redesignated) and redesignating such paragraph as paragraph
    (6);
    (5) in subsection (a) (as so redesignated)--
    (A) by striking the subsection designation and
    heading and inserting the following:

    ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:'';
    (B) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4),
    and (6) as paragraphs (6), (5), (1), (3), and (4),
    respectively, and moving the paragraphs so as to appear
    in numerical order;
    (C) in paragraphs (1), (5), and (6) (as so
    redesignated), by striking ``As used in this section,
    the'' each place it appears and inserting ``The'';
    (D) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)--
    (i) in the paragraph heading, by striking
    ``agriculture'' and inserting ``agricultural'';
    and
    (ii) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A),
    by striking ``agriculture'' and inserting
    ``agricultural''; and
    (E) by inserting after paragraph (1) (as so
    redesignated) the following:
    ``(2) Beginning farmer or rancher.--The term `beginning
    farmer or rancher' means a person that--
    ``(A)(i) has not operated a farm or ranch; or
    ``(ii) has operated a farm or ranch for not more
    than 10 years; and
    ``(B) meets such other criteria as the Secretary may
    establish.'';
    (6) by inserting after subsection (a) (as so redesignated)
    the following:

    [[Page 4952]]

    ``(b) Farming Opportunities Training and Outreach.--The Secretary
    shall carry out this section to encourage and assist socially
    disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, veteran farmers and ranchers, and
    beginning farmers and ranchers in the ownership and operation of farms
    and ranches through--
    ``(1) education and training; and
    ``(2) equitable participation in all agricultural programs
    of the Department.'';
    (7) in subsection (c) (as so redesignated and as amended by
    paragraph (4))--
    (A) in the subsection heading, by inserting ``for
    Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and
    Ranchers'' after ``Assistance'';
    (B) by striking paragraph (4);
    (C) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and
    (6) as paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and (1), respectively,
    and moving the paragraphs so as to appear in numerical
    order;
    (D) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)--
    (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A),
    by striking ``The term'' and inserting ``In this
    subsection, the term'';
    (ii) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking
    ``subsection (a)'' and inserting ``this
    subsection''; and
    (iii) in subparagraph (F), by striking
    ``450b))'' and inserting ``5304))'';
    (E) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated)--
    (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A),
    by striking ``The Secretary of Agriculture shall
    carry out'' and inserting ``Using funds made
    available under subsection (l), the Secretary of
    Agriculture shall, for the period of fiscal years
    2019 through 2023, carry out''; and
    (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking
    ``agricultural'' and inserting ``agricultural,
    forestry, and related'';
    (iii) by striking ``agricultural'' and
    inserting ``agricultural, forestry, and related'';
    (F) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated), by
    striking ``(1)'' in the matter preceding subparagraph
    (A) and inserting ``(2)''; and
    (G) in paragraph (4) (as so redesignated)--
    (i) in subparagraph (A)--
    (I) by striking the subparagraph
    heading and inserting ``Outreach and
    technical assistance.--'';
    (II) by striking ``(2)'' and
    inserting ``(3)''; and
    (III) by inserting ``to socially
    disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and
    veteran farmers and ranchers'' after
    ``assistance'';
    (ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``(1)''
    and inserting ``(2)'';
    (iii) in subparagraph (D), by adding at the
    end the following:
    ``(v) The number of farms or ranches started,
    maintained, or improved as a result of funds made
    available under the program.

    [[Page 4953]]

    ``(vi) Actions taken by the Secretary in
    partnership with eligible entities to enhance
    participation in agricultural programs by veteran
    farmers or ranchers and socially disadvantaged
    farmers or ranchers.
    ``(vii) The effectiveness of the actions
    described in clause (vi).''; and
    (iv) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(E) Maximum term and amount of grant, contract, or
    agreement.--A grant, contract, or agreement entered into
    under subparagraph (A) shall be--
    ``(i) for a term of not longer than 3 years;
    and
    ``(ii) in an amount that is not more than
    $250,000 for each year of the grant, contract, or
    agreement.
    ``(F) Priority.--In making grants and entering into
    contracts and other agreements under subparagraph (A),
    the Secretary shall give priority to nongovernmental and
    community-based organizations with an expertise in
    working with socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers
    or veteran farmers and ranchers.
    ``(G) Regional balance.--To the maximum extent
    practicable, the Secretary shall ensure the geographical
    diversity of eligible entities to which grants are made
    and contracts and other agreements are entered into
    under subparagraph (A).
    ``(H) Prohibition.--A grant, contract, or other
    agreement under subparagraph (A) may not be used for the
    planning, repair, rehabilitation, acquisition, or
    construction of a building or facility.
    ``(I) Peer review.--The Secretary shall establish a
    fair and efficient external peer review process that--
    ``(i) the Secretary shall use in making grants
    and entering into contracts and other agreements
    under subparagraph (A); and
    ``(ii) shall include a broad representation of
    peers of the eligible entity.
    ``(J) Input from eligible entities.--The Secretary
    shall seek input from eligible entities providing
    technical assistance under this subsection not less than
    once each year to ensure that the program is responsive
    to the eligible entities providing that technical
    assistance.'';
    (8) by inserting after subsection (c) (as so redesignated)
    the following:

    ``(d) Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Grant Program.--
    ``(1) In general.--Using funds made available under
    subsection (l), the Secretary, acting through the Director of
    the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, shall, for the
    period of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, make competitive
    grants or enter into cooperative agreements to support new and
    established local and regional training, education, outreach,
    and technical assistance initiatives to increase opportunities
    for beginning farmers and ranchers.
    ``(2) Included programs and services.--Initiatives described
    in paragraph (1) may include programs or services, as
    appropriate, relating to--
    ``(A) basic livestock, forest management, and crop
    farming practices;

    [[Page 4954]]

    ``(B) innovative farm, ranch, and private,
    nonindustrial forest land transfer and succession
    strategies;
    ``(C) entrepreneurship and business training;
    ``(D) technical assistance to help beginning farmers
    or ranchers acquire land from retiring farmers and
    ranchers;
    ``(E) financial and risk management training,
    including the acquisition and management of agricultural
    credit;
    ``(F) natural resource management and planning;
    ``(G) diversification and marketing strategies;
    ``(H) curriculum development;
    ``(I) mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships;
    ``(J) resources and referral;
    ``(K) farm financial benchmarking;
    ``(L) agricultural rehabilitation and vocational
    training for veteran farmers and ranchers;
    ``(M) farm safety and awareness;
    ``(N) food safety and recordkeeping; and
    ``(O) other similar subject areas of use to
    beginning farmers and ranchers.
    ``(3) Eligibility.--
    ``(A) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant
    or enter into a cooperative agreement under this
    subsection, the recipient of the grant or participant in
    the cooperative agreement shall be a collaborative
    State, Tribal, local, or regionally-based network or
    partnership of public or private entities.
    ``(B) Inclusions.--A recipient of a grant or a
    participant that enters into a cooperative agreement
    described in subparagraph (A) may include--
    ``(i) a State cooperative extension service;
    ``(ii) a Federal, State, municipal, or Tribal
    agency;
    ``(iii) a community-based or nongovernmental
    organization;
    ``(iv) a college or university (including an
    institution awarding an associate's degree) or
    foundation maintained by a college or university;
    or
    ``(v) any other appropriate partner, as
    determined by the Secretary.
    ``(4) Terms of grants or cooperative agreement.--A grant or
    cooperative agreement under this subsection shall--
    ``(A) be for a term of not longer than 3 years; and
    ``(B) provide not more than $250,000 for each year.
    ``(5) Matching requirement.--
    ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
    subparagraph (B), to be eligible to receive a grant or
    enter into a cooperative agreement under this
    subsection, a recipient or participant shall provide a
    match in the form of cash or in-kind contributions in an
    amount equal to 25 percent of the funds provided by the
    grant or cooperative agreement.
    ``(B) Exception.--The Secretary may waive or reduce
    the matching requirement in subparagraph (A) if the
    Secretary determines such a waiver or modification is
    necessary to effectively reach an underserved area or
    population.

    [[Page 4955]]

    ``(6) Evaluation criteria.--In making grants or entering
    into cooperative agreements under this subsection, the Secretary
    shall evaluate, with respect to applications for the grants or
    cooperative agreements--
    ``(A) relevancy;
    ``(B) technical merit;
    ``(C) achievability;
    ``(D) the expertise and track record of 1 or more
    applicants;
    ``(E) the consultation of beginning farmers and
    ranchers in design, implementation, and decisionmaking
    relating to an initiative described in paragraph (1);
    ``(F) the adequacy of plans for--
    ``(i) a participatory evaluation process;
    ``(ii) outcome-based reporting; and
    ``(iii) the communication of findings and
    results beyond the immediate target audience; and
    ``(G) other appropriate factors, as determined by
    the Secretary.
    ``(7) Regional balance.--To the maximum extent practicable,
    the Secretary shall ensure the geographical diversity of
    recipients of grants or participants in cooperative agreements
    under this subsection.
    ``(8) Priority.--In making grants or entering into
    cooperative agreements under this subsection, the Secretary
    shall give priority to partnerships and collaborations that are
    led by or include nongovernmental, community-based organizations
    and school-based educational organizations with expertise in new
    agricultural producer training and outreach.
    ``(9) Prohibition.--A grant made or cooperative agreement
    entered into under this subsection may not be used for the
    planning, repair, rehabilitation, acquisition, or construction
    of a building or facility.
    ``(10) Coordination permitted.--A recipient of a grant or
    participant in a cooperative agreement under this subsection may
    coordinate with a recipient of a grant or cooperative agreement
    under section 1680 in addressing the needs of veteran farmers
    and ranchers with disabilities.
    ``(11) Consecutive awards.--A grant or cooperative agreement
    under this subsection may be made to a recipient or participant
    for consecutive years.
    ``(12) Peer review.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a
    fair and efficient external peer review process, which
    the Secretary shall use in making grants or entering
    into cooperative agreements under this subsection.
    ``(B) Requirement.--The peer review process under
    subparagraph (A) shall include a review panel composed
    of a broad representation of peers of the applicant for
    the grant or cooperative agreement that are not applying
    for a grant or cooperative agreement under this
    subsection.
    ``(13) Participation by other farmers and ranchers.--Nothing
    in this subsection prohibits the Secretary from allowing a
    farmer or rancher who is not a beginning farmer or rancher
    (including an owner or operator that has ended, or expects to
    end within 5 years, active labor in a farming or ranching
    operation as a producer, retiring farmers, and non-farming

    [[Page 4956]]

    landowners) from participating in a program or service under
    this subsection, to the extent that the Secretary determines
    that such participation--
    ``(A) is appropriate; and
    ``(B) will not detract from the primary purpose of
    increasing opportunities for beginning farmers and
    ranchers.
    ``(14) Education teams.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish
    beginning farmer and rancher education teams to develop
    curricula, conduct educational programs and workshops
    for beginning farmers and ranchers in diverse
    geographical areas of the United States, or provide
    training and technical assistance initiatives for
    beginning farmers or ranchers or for trainers and
    service providers that work with beginning farmers or
    ranchers.
    ``(B) Curriculum.--In promoting the development of
    curricula, educational programs and workshops, or
    training and technical assistance initiatives under
    subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall, to the maximum
    extent practicable, include content tailored to specific
    audiences of beginning farmers and ranchers, based on
    crop diversity or regional diversity.
    ``(C) Composition.--In establishing an education
    team under subparagraph (A) for a specific program or
    workshop, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent
    practicable--
    ``(i) obtain the short-term services of
    specialists with knowledge and expertise in
    programs serving beginning farmers and ranchers;
    and
    ``(ii) use officers and employees of the
    Department with direct experience in programs of
    the Department that may be taught as part of the
    curriculum for the program or workshop.
    ``(D) Cooperation.--
    ``(i) In general.--In carrying out this
    subsection, the Secretary shall cooperate, to the
    maximum extent practicable, with--
    ``(I) State cooperative extension
    services;
    ``(II) Federal, State, and Tribal
    agencies;
    ``(III) community-based and
    nongovernmental organizations;
    ``(IV) colleges and universities
    (including an institution awarding an
    associate's degree) or foundations
    maintained by a college or university;
    and
    ``(V) other appropriate partners, as
    determined by the Secretary.
    ``(ii) Cooperative agreements.--The Secretary
    may enter into a cooperative agreement to reflect
    the terms of any cooperation under subparagraph
    (A).
    ``(15) Curriculum and training clearinghouse.--The Secretary
    shall establish an online clearinghouse that makes available to
    beginning farmers and ranchers education curricula and training
    materials and programs, which may include online courses for
    direct use by beginning farmers and ranchers.

    ``(e) Application Requirements.--In making grants and entering into
    contracts and other agreements, as applicable, under

    [[Page 4957]]

    subsections (c) and (d), the Secretary shall make available a simplified
    application process for an application for a grant that requests less
    than $50,000.'';
    (9) by striking subsection (f) and inserting the following:

    ``(f) Stakeholder Input.--In carrying out this section, the
    Secretary shall seek stakeholder input from--
    ``(1) beginning farmers and ranchers;
    ``(2) socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers;
    ``(3) veteran farmers and ranchers;
    ``(4) national, State, Tribal, and local organizations and
    other persons with expertise in operating programs for--
    ``(A) beginning farmers and ranchers;
    ``(B) socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers;
    or
    ``(C) veteran farmers and ranchers;
    ``(5) the Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and
    Ranchers established under section 5(b) of the Agricultural
    Credit Improvement Act of 1992 (7 U.S.C. 1929 note; Public Law
    102-554);
    ``(6) the Advisory Committee on Minority Farmers established
    under section 14008 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of
    2008 (7 U.S.C. 2279 note; Public Law 110-246); and
    ``(7) the Tribal Advisory Committee established under
    subsection (b) of section 309 of the Federal Crop Insurance
    Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994
    (7 U.S.C. 6921).'';
    (10) in paragraph (3) of subsection (h) (as so
    redesignated), by inserting ``and not later than March 1,
    2020,'' after ``1991,''; and
    (11) by adding at the end the following:

    ``(l) Funding.--
    ``(1) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity
    Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this
    section--
    ``(A) $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 and
    2020;
    ``(B) $35,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;
    ``(C) $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; and
    ``(D) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2023 and each
    fiscal year thereafter.
    ``(2) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
    to be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for
    each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.
    ``(3) Reservation of funds.--Of the amounts made available
    to carry out this section--
    ``(A) 50 percent shall be used to carry out
    subsection (c); and
    ``(B) 50 percent shall be used to carry out
    subsection (d).
    ``(4) Allocation of funds.--
    ``(A) In general.--Not less than 5 percent of the
    amounts made available to carry out subsection (d) for a
    fiscal year shall be used to support programs and
    services that address the needs of--
    ``(i) limited resource beginning farmers and
    ranchers, as defined by the Secretary;
    ``(ii) socially disadvantaged farmers and
    ranchers that are beginning farmers and ranchers;
    and

    [[Page 4958]]

    ``(iii) farmworkers desiring to become farmers
    or ranchers.
    ``(B) Veteran farmers and ranchers.--Not less than 5
    percent of the amounts made available to carry out
    subsection (d) for a fiscal year shall be used to
    support programs and services that address the needs of
    veteran farmers and ranchers.
    ``(5) Interagency funding.--Any agency of the Department may
    participate in any grant, contract, or agreement entered into
    under this section by contributing funds, if the contributing
    agency determines that the objectives of the grant, contract, or
    agreement will further the authorized programs of the
    contributing agency.
    ``(6) Administrative expenses.--Not more than 5 percent of
    the amounts made available to carry out this section for a
    fiscal year may be used for expenses relating to the
    administration of this section.
    ``(7) Limitation on indirect costs.--A recipient of a grant
    or a party to a contract or other agreement under subsection (c)
    or (d) may not use more than 10 percent of the funds received
    for the indirect costs of carrying out a grant, contract, or
    other agreement.''.
    SEC. 12302. URBAN AGRICULTURE.

    Subtitle A of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of
    1994 (7 U.S.C. 6911 et seq.) (as amended by section 12202) is amended by
    adding at the end the following:
    ``SEC. 222. <>  OFFICE OF URBAN AGRICULTURE AND
    INNOVATIVE PRODUCTION.

    ``(a) Office.--
    ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish in the
    Department an Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative
    Production.
    ``(2) Director.--The Secretary shall appoint a senior
    official to serve as the Director of the Office of Urban
    Agriculture and Innovative Production (referred to in this
    section as the `Director').
    ``(3) Mission.--The mission of the Office of Urban
    Agriculture and Innovative Production shall be to encourage and
    promote urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural
    practices, including--
    ``(A) community gardens and farms located in urban
    areas, suburbs, and urban clusters;
    ``(B) rooftop farms, outdoor vertical production,
    and green walls;
    ``(C) indoor farms, greenhouses, and high-tech
    vertical technology farms;
    ``(D) hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic farm
    facilities; and
    ``(E) other innovations in agricultural production,
    as determined by the Secretary.
    ``(4) Responsibilities.--The Director shall be responsible
    for engaging in activities to carry out the mission described in
    paragraph (3), including by--
    ``(A) managing programs, including for community
    gardens, urban farms, rooftop agriculture, and indoor
    vertical production;

    [[Page 4959]]

    ``(B) advising the Secretary;
    ``(C) coordinating with the agencies and officials
    of the Department to update relevant programs;
    ``(D) engaging in stakeholder relations and
    developing external partnerships;
    ``(E) identifying common State and municipal best
    practices for navigating local policies;
    ``(F) coordinating networks of community gardens and
    facilitating connections to local food banks, in
    partnership with the Food and Nutrition Service; and
    ``(G) collaborating with other Federal agencies.

    ``(b) Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory
    Committee.--
    ``(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
    enactment of this section, the Secretary shall establish an
    Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee
    (referred to in this subsection as the `Committee') to advise
    the Secretary on--
    ``(A) the development of policies and outreach
    relating to urban, indoor, and other emerging
    agricultural production practices; and
    ``(B) any other aspects of the implementation of
    this section.
    ``(2) Membership.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Committee shall be composed
    of 12 members, of whom--
    ``(i) 4 shall be individuals who are
    agricultural producers, of whom--
    ``(I) 2 individuals shall be
    agricultural producers located in an
    urban area or urban cluster; and
    ``(II) 2 individuals shall be
    farmers that use innovative technology;
    ``(ii) 2 shall be representatives from an
    institution of higher education or extension
    program;
    ``(iii) 1 shall be an individual who
    represents a nonprofit organization, which may
    include a public health, environmental, or
    community organization;
    ``(iv) 1 shall be an individual who represents
    business and economic development, which may
    include a business development entity, a chamber
    of commerce, a city government, or a planning
    organization;
    ``(v) 1 shall be an individual with supply
    chain experience, which may include a food
    aggregator, wholesale food distributor, food hub,
    or an individual who has direct-to-consumer market
    experience;
    ``(vi) 1 shall be an individual from a
    financing entity; and
    ``(vii) 2 shall be individuals with related
    experience or expertise in urban, indoor, and
    other emerging agriculture production practices,
    as determined by the Secretary.
    ``(B) Initial appointments.--The Secretary shall
    appoint the members of the Committee not later than 180
    days after the date of enactment of this section.
    ``(3) Period of appointment; vacancies.--

    [[Page 4960]]

    ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
    subparagraph (B), a member of the Committee shall be
    appointed for a term of 3 years.
    ``(B) Initial appointments.--Of the members first
    appointed to the Committee--
    ``(i) 4 of the members, as determined by the
    Secretary, shall be appointed for a term of 3
    years;
    ``(ii) 4 of the members, as determined by the
    Secretary, shall be appointed for a term of 2
    years; and
    ``(iii) 4 of the members, as determined by the
    Secretary, shall be appointed for a term of 1
    year.
    ``(C) Vacancies.--Any vacancy in the Committee--
    ``(i) shall not affect the powers of the
    Committee; and
    ``(ii) shall be filled as soon as practicable
    in the same manner as the original appointment.
    ``(D) Consecutive terms.--An initial appointee of
    the committee may serve an additional consecutive term
    if the member is reappointed by the Secretary.
    ``(4) Meetings.--
    ``(A) Frequency.--The Committee shall meet not fewer
    than 3 times per year.
    ``(B) Initial meeting.--Not later than 180 days
    after the date on which the members are appointed under
    paragraph (2)(B), the Committee shall hold the first
    meeting of the Committee.
    ``(5) Duties.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Committee shall--
    ``(i) develop recommendations and advise the
    Director on policies, initiatives, and outreach
    administered by the Office of Urban Agriculture
    and Innovative Production;
    ``(ii) evaluate and review ongoing research
    and extension activities relating to urban,
    indoor, and other innovative agricultural
    practices;
    ``(iii) identify new and existing barriers to
    successful urban, indoor, and other emerging
    agricultural production practices; and
    ``(iv) provide additional assistance and
    advice to the Director as appropriate.
    ``(B) Reports.--Not later than 1 year after the date
    on which the Committee is established, and every 2 years
    through 2023, the Committee shall submit to the
    Secretary, the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
    Representatives, and the Committee on Agriculture,
    Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report
    describing the recommendations developed under
    subparagraph (A).
    ``(6) Personnel matters.--
    ``(A) Compensation.--A member of the Committee shall
    serve without compensation.
    ``(B) Travel expenses.--A member of the Committee
    shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in
    lieu of subsistence, in accordance with section 5703 of
    title 5, United States Code.
    ``(7) Termination.--
    ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the
    Committee shall terminate on the date that is 5 years

    [[Page 4961]]

    after the date on which the members are appointed under
    paragraph (2)(B).
    ``(B) Extensions.--Before the date on which the
    Committee terminates, the Secretary may renew the
    Committee for 1 or more 2-year periods.

    ``(c) Grants.--The Director shall award competitive grants to
    support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production
    to any of the following eligible entities:
    ``(1) A nonprofit organization.
    ``(2) A unit of local government.
    ``(3) A Tribal government.
    ``(4) Any school that serves any of grades kindergarten
    through grade 12.

    ``(d) Pilot Projects.--
    ``(1) Urban and suburban county committees.--
    ``(A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the
    date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall
    establish a pilot program for not fewer than 5 years
    that establishes 10 county committees in accordance with
    section 8(b)(5)(B)(ii)(II) of the Soil Conservation and
    Domestic Allotment Act (16 U.S.C. 590h(b)(5)(B)(ii)(II))
    to operate in counties located in urban or suburban
    areas with a high concentration of urban or suburban
    farms.
    ``(B) Effect.--Nothing in this paragraph requires or
    precludes the establishment of a Farm Service Agency
    office in a county in which a county committee is
    established under subparagraph (A).
    ``(C) Report.--For fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal
    year thereafter through fiscal year 2023, the Secretary
    shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the
    House of Representatives and the Committee on
    Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a
    report describing a summary of--
    ``(i) the status of the pilot program under
    subparagraph (A);
    ``(ii) meetings and other activities of the
    committees established under that subparagraph;
    and
    ``(iii) the types and volume of assistance and
    services provided to farmers in counties in which
    county committees are established under that
    subparagraph.
    ``(2) Increasing community compost and reducing food
    waste.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the
    Director, shall carry out pilot projects under which the
    Secretary shall offer to enter into cooperative
    agreements with local or municipal governments in not
    fewer than 10 States to develop and test strategies for
    planning and implementing municipal compost plans and
    food waste reduction plans.
    ``(B) Eligible entities and purposes of pilot
    projects.--Under a cooperative agreement entered into
    under this paragraph, the Secretary shall provide
    assistance to municipalities, counties, local
    governments, or city planners, as appropriate, to carry
    out planning and implementing activities that will--
    ``(i) generate compost;

    [[Page 4962]]

    ``(ii) increase access to compost for
    agricultural producers;
    ``(iii) reduce reliance on, and limit the use
    of, fertilizer;
    ``(iv) improve soil quality;
    ``(v) encourage waste management and
    permaculture business development;
    ``(vi) increase rainwater absorption;
    ``(vii) reduce municipal food waste; and
    ``(viii) divert food waste from landfills.
    ``(C) Evaluation and ranking of applications.--
    ``(i) Criteria.--Not later than 180 days after
    the date of enactment of this section, the
    Secretary shall establish criteria for the
    selection of pilot projects under this paragraph.
    ``(ii) Consideration.--In selecting,
    undertaking, or funding pilot projects under this
    paragraph, the Secretary shall consider any
    commonly known significant impact on existing food
    waste recovery and disposal by commercial,
    marketing, or business relationships.
    ``(iii) Priority.--In selecting a pilot
    project under this paragraph, the Secretary shall
    give priority to an application for a pilot
    project that--
    ``(I) anticipates or demonstrates
    economic benefits;
    ``(II) incorporates plans to make
    compost easily accessible to
    agricultural producers, including
    community gardeners;
    ``(III) integrates other food waste
    strategies, including food recovery
    efforts; and
    ``(IV) provides for collaboration
    with multiple partners.
    ``(D) Matching requirement.--The recipient of
    assistance for a pilot project under this paragraph
    shall provide funds, in-kind contributions, or a
    combination of both from sources other than funds
    provided through the grant in an amount equal to not
    less than 25 percent of the amount of the grant.
    ``(E) Evaluation.--The Secretary shall conduct an
    evaluation of the pilot projects funded under this
    paragraph to assess different solutions for increasing
    access to compost and reducing municipal food waste,
    including an evaluation of--
    ``(i) the amount of Federal funds used for
    each project; and
    ``(ii) a measurement of the outcomes of each
    project.

    ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
    appropriated to carry out this section and the amendments made by this
    section $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.''.
    SEC. 12303. TRIBAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

    Section 309 of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of
    Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6921) is amended--
    (1) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting the
    following:

    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary''; and

    [[Page 4963]]

    (2) by adding at the end the following:

    ``(b) Tribal Advisory Committee.--
    ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
    ``(A) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian tribe' has the
    meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
    Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C.
    5304).
    ``(B) Relevant committees of congress.--The term
    `relevant committees of Congress' means--
    ``(i) the Committee on Agriculture of the
    House of Representatives;
    ``(ii) the Committee on Agriculture,
    Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate; and
    ``(iii) the Committee on Indian Affairs of the
    Senate.
    ``(C) Tribal organization.--The term `tribal
    organization' has the meaning given the term in section
    4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education
    Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
    ``(2) Establishment of committee.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish an
    advisory committee, to be known as the Tribal Advisory
    Committee (referred to in this subsection as the
    `Committee') to provide advice and guidance to the
    Secretary on matters relating to Tribal and Indian
    affairs.
    ``(B) Facilitation.--The Committee shall facilitate,
    but not supplant, government-to-government consultation
    between the Department of Agriculture (referred to in
    this subsection as the `Department') and Indian tribes.
    ``(3) Membership.--
    ``(A) Composition.--The Committee shall be composed
    of 11 members, of whom--
    ``(i) 3 shall be appointed by the Secretary;
    ``(ii) 1 shall be appointed by the chairperson
    of the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate;
    ``(iii) 1 shall be appointed by the ranking
    member of the Committee on Indian Affairs of the
    Senate;
    ``(iv) 1 shall be appointed by the chairperson
    of the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
    Forestry of the Senate;
    ``(v) 1 shall be appointed by the ranking
    member of the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition,
    and Forestry of the Senate;
    ``(vi) 2 shall be appointed by the chairperson
    of the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
    Representatives; and
    ``(vii) 2 shall be appointed by the ranking
    member of the Committee on Agriculture of the
    House of Representatives.
    ``(B) Nominations.--The Secretary shall accept
    nominations for members of the Committee from any of the
    following:
    ``(i) An Indian tribe.
    ``(ii) A tribal organization.
    ``(iii) A national or regional organization
    with expertise in issues relating to the duties of
    the Committee described in paragraph (4).

    [[Page 4964]]

    ``(C) Diversity.--To the maximum extent feasible,
    the Secretary shall ensure that the members of the
    Committee represent a diverse set of expertise on issues
    relating to geographic regions, Indian tribes, and the
    agricultural industry.
    ``(D) Limitation.--No member of the Committee shall
    be an officer or employee of the Federal Government.
    ``(E) Period of appointment; vacancies.--
    ``(i) In general.--Each member of the
    Committee--
    ``(I) subject to clause (ii), shall
    be appointed to a 3-year term; and
    ``(II) may be reappointed to not
    more than 3 consecutive terms.
    ``(ii) Initial staggering.--The first 3
    appointments by the Secretary under paragraph
    (3)(A)(i) shall be for a 2-year term.
    ``(iii) Vacancies.--Any vacancy in the
    Committee shall be filled in the same manner as
    the original appointment not more than 90 days
    after the date on which the position becomes
    vacant.
    ``(F) Meetings.--
    ``(i) In general.--The Committee shall meet in
    person not less than twice each year.
    ``(ii) Office of tribal relations
    representative.--Not fewer than 1 representative
    from the Office of Tribal Relations of the
    Department shall be present at each meeting of the
    Committee.
    ``(iii) Department of interior
    representative.--The Assistant Secretary for
    Indian Affairs of the Department of the Interior
    (or a designee) shall be present at each meeting
    of the Committee.
    ``(iv) Nonvoting representatives.--The
    individuals described in clauses (ii) and (iii)
    shall be nonvoting representatives at meetings of
    the Committee.
    ``(4) Duties of committee.--The Committee shall--
    ``(A) identify evolving issues of relevance to
    Indian tribes relating to programs of the Department;
    ``(B) communicate to the Secretary the issues
    identified under subparagraph (A);
    ``(C) submit to the Secretary recommendations for,
    and solutions to--
    ``(i) the issues identified under subparagraph
    (A);
    ``(ii) issues raised at the Tribal, regional,
    or national level; and
    ``(iii) issues relating to any Tribal
    consultation carried out by the Department;
    ``(D) discuss issues and proposals for changes to
    the regulations, policies, and procedures of the
    Department that impact Indian tribes;
    ``(E) identify priorities and provide advice on
    appropriate strategies for Tribal consultation on issues
    at the Tribal, regional, or national level regarding the
    Department;
    ``(F) ensure that pertinent issues of the Department
    are brought to the attention of an Indian tribe in a
    timely

    [[Page 4965]]

    manner so that timely feedback from an Indian tribe can
    be obtained; and
    ``(G) identify and propose solutions to any
    interdepartmental barrier between the Department and
    other Federal agencies.
    ``(5) Reports.--
    ``(A) In general.--Not less frequently than once
    each year, the Committee shall submit to the Secretary
    and the relevant committees of Congress a report that
    describes--
    ``(i) the activities of the Committee during
    the previous year; and
    ``(ii) recommendations for legislative or
    administrative action for the following year.
    ``(B) Response from secretary.--Not more than 45
    days after the date on which the Secretary receives a
    report under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall
    submit a written response to that report to--
    ``(i) the Committee; and
    ``(ii) the relevant committees of Congress.
    ``(6) Compensation of members.--Members of the Committee
    shall be compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of
    the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the
    Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States
    Code, for each day (including travel time) during which the
    member is engaged in the performance of the duties of the
    Committee.
    ``(7) Federal advisory committee act exemption.--Section 14
    of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not
    apply to the Committee.''.
    SEC. 12304. BEGINNING FARMER AND RANCHER COORDINATION.

    Subtitle D of title VII of the Farm Security and Rural Investment
    Act of 2002 (as amended by sections 7506 and 12301(a)(1)) is further
    amended by inserting after section 7403 (7 U.S.C. 3119b note; Public Law
    107-171) the following:
    ``SEC. 7404. <>  BEGINNING FARMER AND RANCHER
    COORDINATION.

    ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
    ``(1) Beginning farmer or rancher.--The term `beginning
    farmer or rancher' has the meaning given such term in section
    2501(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of
    1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(a)).
    ``(2) National coordinator.--The term `National Coordinator'
    means the National Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinator
    established under subsection (b)(1).
    ``(3) State coordinator.--The term `State coordinator' means
    a State beginning farmer and rancher coordinator designated
    under subsection (c)(1)(A).
    ``(4) State office.--The term `State office' means--
    ``(A) a State office of--
    ``(i) the Farm Service Agency;
    ``(ii) the Natural Resources Conservation
    Service;
    ``(iii) the Rural Business-Cooperative
    Service; or
    ``(iv) the Rural Utilities Service; or
    ``(B) a regional office of the Risk Management
    Agency.

    ``(b) National Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinator.--

    [[Page 4966]]

    ``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish in the
    Department the position of National Beginning Farmer and Rancher
    Coordinator.
    ``(2) Duties.--
    ``(A) In general.--The National Coordinator shall--
    ``(i) advise the Secretary and coordinate
    activities of the Department on programs,
    policies, and issues relating to beginning farmers
    and ranchers; and
    ``(ii) in consultation with the applicable
    State food and agriculture council, determine
    whether to approve a plan submitted by a State
    coordinator under subsection (c)(3)(B).
    ``(B) Discretionary duties.--Additional duties of
    the National Coordinator may include--
    ``(i) developing and implementing new
    strategies--
    ``(I) for outreach to beginning
    farmers and ranchers; and
    ``(II) to assist beginning farmers
    and ranchers with connecting to owners
    or operators that have ended, or expect
    to end within 5 years, actively owning
    or operating a farm or ranch; and
    ``(ii) facilitating interagency and
    interdepartmental collaboration on issues relating
    to beginning farmers and ranchers.
    ``(3) Reports.--Not less frequently than once each year, the
    National Coordinator shall distribute within the Department and
    make publicly available a report describing the status of steps
    taken to carry out the duties described in subparagraphs (A) and
    (B) of paragraph (2).
    ``(4) Contracts and cooperative agreements.--In carrying out
    the duties under paragraph (2), the National Coordinator may
    enter into a contract or cooperative agreement with an
    institution of higher education (as defined in section 101 of
    the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)), cooperative
    extension services (as defined in section 1404 of the National
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
    1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)), or a nonprofit organization--
    ``(A) to conduct research on the profitability of
    new farms in operation for not less than 5 years in a
    region;
    ``(B) to develop educational materials;
    ``(C) to conduct workshops, courses, training, or
    certified vocational training; or
    ``(D) to conduct mentoring activities.

    ``(c) State Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinators.--
    ``(1) In general.--
    ``(A) Designation.--The National Coordinator, in
    consultation with State food and agriculture councils
    and directors of State offices, shall designate in each
    State a State beginning farmer and rancher coordinator
    from among employees of State offices.
    ``(B) Requirements.--To be designated as a State
    coordinator, an employee shall--
    ``(i) be familiar with issues relating to
    beginning farmers and ranchers; and
    ``(ii) have the ability to coordinate with
    other Federal departments and agencies.

    [[Page 4967]]

    ``(2) Training.--The Secretary shall develop a training plan
    to provide to each State coordinator knowledge of programs and
    services available from the Department for beginning farmers and
    ranchers, taking into consideration the needs of all production
    types and sizes of agricultural operations.
    ``(3) Duties.--A State coordinator shall--
    ``(A) coordinate technical assistance at the State
    level to assist beginning farmers and ranchers in
    accessing programs of the Department;
    ``(B) develop and submit to the National Coordinator
    for approval under subsection (b)(2)(A)(ii) a State plan
    to improve the coordination, delivery, and efficacy of
    programs of the Department to beginning farmers and
    ranchers, taking into consideration the needs of all
    types of production methods and sizes of agricultural
    operation, at each county and area office in the State;
    ``(C) oversee implementation of an approved State
    plan described in subparagraph (B);
    ``(D) work with outreach coordinators in the State
    offices to ensure appropriate information about
    technical assistance is available at outreach events and
    activities; and
    ``(E) coordinate partnerships and joint outreach
    efforts with other organizations and government agencies
    serving beginning farmers and ranchers.''.
    SEC. 12305. AGRICULTURAL YOUTH ORGANIZATION COORDINATOR.

    Subtitle D of title VII of the Farm Security and Rural Investment
    Act of 2002 (as amended by sections 7506, section 12301(a)(1), and
    12304) is further amended by inserting after section 7404, as added by
    section 12304, the following:
    ``SEC. 7405. <>  AGRICULTURAL YOUTH
    ORGANIZATION COORDINATOR.

    ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary shall establish in the
    Department the position of Agricultural Youth Organization Coordinator.
    ``(b) Duties.--The Agricultural Youth Organization Coordinator
    shall--
    ``(1) promote the role of youth-serving organizations and
    school-based agricultural education in motivating and preparing
    young people to pursue careers in the agriculture, food, and
    natural resources systems;
    ``(2) work to help build youth awareness of the reach and
    importance of agriculture, across a diversity of fields and
    disciplines;
    ``(3) identify short-term and long-term interests of the
    Department and provide opportunities, resources, input, and
    coordination with programs and agencies of the Department to
    youth-serving organizations and school-based agricultural
    education, including the development of internship
    opportunities;
    ``(4) share, internally and externally, the extent to which
    active steps are being taken to encourage collaboration with,
    and support of, youth-serving organizations and school-based
    agricultural education;
    ``(5) provide information to youth involved in food and
    agriculture organizations concerning the availability of, and

    [[Page 4968]]

    eligibility requirements for, participation in agricultural
    programs, with particular emphasis on beginning farmer and
    rancher programs;
    ``(6) serve as a resource for assisting youth involved in
    food and agriculture organizations in applying for participation
    in agriculture; and
    ``(7) advocate on behalf of youth involved in food and
    agriculture organizations in interactions with employees of the
    Department.

    ``(c) Contracts and Cooperative Agreements.--For purposes of
    carrying out the duties under subsection (b), the Agricultural Youth
    Organization Coordinator shall consult with the cooperative extension
    and the land-grant university systems, and may enter into contracts or
    cooperative agreements with the research centers of the Agricultural
    Research Service, cooperative extension and the land-grant university
    systems, non-land-grant colleges of agriculture, or nonprofit
    organizations for--
    ``(1) the conduct of regional research on the profitability
    of small farms;
    ``(2) the development of educational materials;
    ``(3) the conduct of workshops, courses, and certified
    vocational training;
    ``(4) the conduct of mentoring activities; or
    ``(5) the provision of internship opportunities.''.
    SEC. 12306. AVAILABILITY OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS FOR
    VETERAN FARMERS AND RANCHERS.

    (a) Definition of Veteran Farmer or Rancher.--Paragraph (7) of
    subsection (a) (as redesignated by section 12301(b)(3)) of section 2501
    of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C.
    2279) is amended--
    (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``or'' at the end;
    (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end
    and inserting ``; or''; and
    (3) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(C) is a veteran (as defined in section 101 of
    that title) who has first obtained status as a veteran
    (as so defined) during the most recent 10-year
    period.''.

    (b) Federal Crop Insurance.--
    (1) Definition of veteran farmer or rancher.--Section 502(b)
    of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1502(b)) (as amended
    by section 11101) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(14) Veteran farmer or rancher.--The term `veteran farmer
    or rancher' means a farmer or rancher who--
    ``(A) has served in the Armed Forces (as defined in
    section 101 of title 38, United States Code); and
    ``(B)(i) has not operated a farm or ranch;
    ``(ii) has operated a farm or ranch for not more
    than 5 years; or
    ``(iii) is a veteran (as defined in section 101 of
    that title) who has first obtained status as a veteran
    (as so defined) during the most recent 5-year period.''.
    (2) Crop insurance.--Section 508 of the Federal Crop
    Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508) is amended--
    (A) in subsection (b)(5)(E)--

    [[Page 4969]]

    (i) by striking ``The Corporation'' and
    inserting the following:
    ``(i) In general.--The Corporation''; and
    (ii) in clause (i) (as so designated), by
    striking the period at the end and inserting the
    following: ``, and veteran farmers or ranchers.
    ``(ii) Coordination.--The Corporation shall
    coordinate with other agencies of the Department
    that provide programs or services to farmers and
    ranchers described in clause (i) to make available
    coverage under the waiver under that clause and to
    share eligibility information to reduce paperwork
    and avoid duplication.'';
    (B) in subsection (e)(8)--
    (i) in the paragraph heading, by inserting
    ``and veteran'' after ``beginning''; and
    (ii) by inserting ``or veteran farmer or
    rancher'' after ``beginning farmer or rancher''
    each place it appears; and
    (C) in subsection (g)--
    (i) in paragraph (2)(B)(iii), in the matter
    preceding subclause (I), by inserting ``or veteran
    farmer or rancher'' after ``beginning farmer or
    rancher'' each place it appears; and
    (ii) in paragraph (4)(B)(ii)(II), by inserting
    ``and veteran farmers or ranchers'' after
    ``beginning farmers or ranchers''.
    (3) Education and risk management assistance.--Paragraph (3)
    of section 524(a) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
    1524(a)), as redesignated by section 11125(a)(3), is amended--
    (A) in subparagraph (D)(ii), by striking ``and'' at
    the end;
    (B) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at
    the end and inserting ``; and''; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(F) veteran farmers or ranchers.''.

    (c) Down Payment Loan Program.--Section 310E of the Consolidated
    Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1935) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``qualified beginning
    farmers or ranchers and socially disadvantaged farmers or
    ranchers'' and inserting ``eligible farmers or ranchers'';
    (2) in subsection (d)--
    (A) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``recipients of
    the loans'' and inserting ``farmers or ranchers'';
    (B) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the
    following:
    ``(3) encourage retiring farmers and ranchers to assist in
    the sale of their farms and ranches to eligible farmers or
    ranchers by providing seller financing;'';
    (C) in paragraph (4), by striking ``for beginning
    farmers or ranchers or socially disadvantaged farmers or
    ranchers'' and inserting the following: ``for--
    ``(A) beginning farmers or ranchers;
    ``(B) socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers, as
    defined in section 355(e); or

    [[Page 4970]]

    ``(C) veteran farmers or ranchers, as defined in
    section 2501(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation,
    and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(a)); and''; and
    (D) in paragraph (5), by striking ``a qualified
    beginning farmer or rancher or socially disadvantaged
    farmer or rancher'' and inserting ``an eligible farmer
    or rancher''; and
    (3) by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following:

    ``(e) Definition of Eligible Farmer or Rancher.--In this section,
    the term `eligible farmer or rancher' means--
    ``(1) a qualified beginning farmer or rancher;
    ``(2) a socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher, as defined
    in section 355(e); and
    ``(3) a veteran farmer or rancher, as defined in section
    2501(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of
    1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(a)).''.

    (d) Interest Rate Reduction Program.--Section 351(e)(2)(B) of the
    Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1999(e)(2)(B)) is
    amended--
    (1) in the subparagraph heading, by inserting ``and
    veteran'' after ``Beginning'';
    (2) in clause (i), by inserting ``or veteran farmers and
    ranchers (as defined in section 2501(a) of the Food,
    Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C.
    2279(a)))'' before the period at the end; and
    (3) in clause (ii), by striking ``beginning''.

    (e) National Food Safety Training, Education, Extension, Outreach,
    and Technical Assistance Program.--Section 405(c) of the Agricultural
    Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7625(c))
    is amended by inserting ``veteran farmers or ranchers (as defined in
    section 2501(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of
    1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(a))),'' after ``socially disadvantaged farmers,''.
    (f) Administration and Operation of Noninsured Crop Assistance
    Program.--Section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform
    Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (k)(2), by inserting ``, or a veteran
    farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2501(a) of the Food,
    Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C.
    2279(a)))'' before the period at the end; and
    (2) in subsection (l), in paragraph (3) (as redesignated by
    section 1601(7)(D))--
    (A) in the paragraph heading, by inserting
    ``veteran,'' before ``and socially''; and
    (B) by inserting ``and veteran farmers or ranchers
    (as defined in section 2501(a) of the Food, Agriculture,
    Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C.
    2279(a)))'' before ``in exchange''.

    (g) Funding for Transition Option for Certain Farmers or Ranchers.--
    Section 1241(a)(1)(B) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
    3841(a)(1)(B)) is amended by striking ``beginning farmers or ranchers
    and socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers'' and inserting ``covered
    farmers or ranchers, as defined in section 1235(f)(1)''.
    (h) Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance.--
    (1) Definition of covered producer.--Section 1501(a) of the
    Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(a)) is amended--

    [[Page 4971]]

    (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) as
    paragraphs (2) through (5), respectively; and
    (B) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so
    redesignated) the following:
    ``(1) Covered producer.--The term `covered producer' means
    an eligible producer on a farm that is--
    ``(A) as determined by the Secretary--
    ``(i) a beginning farmer or rancher;
    ``(ii) a socially disadvantaged farmer or
    rancher; or
    ``(iii) a limited resource farmer or rancher;
    or
    ``(B) a veteran farmer or rancher, as defined in
    section 2501(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation,
    and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(a)).''.
    (2) Emergency assistance for livestock, honey bees, and
    farm-raised fish.--Section 1501(d) of the Agricultural Act of
    2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(d)) is amended by adding at the end the
    following:
    ``(4) Payment rate for covered producers.--In the case of a
    covered producer that is eligible to receive assistance under
    this subsection, the Secretary shall provide reimbursement of 90
    percent of the cost of losses described in paragraph (1) or
    (2).''.

    Subtitle D--Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994
    Amendments

    SEC. 12401. OFFICE OF CONGRESSIONAL RELATIONS AND
    INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS.

    (a) Assistant Secretaries of Agriculture.--Section 218(a)(1) of the
    Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C.
    6918(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``Relations'' and inserting
    ``Relations and Intergovernmental Affairs''.
    (b) <>  Succession.--Any official who is
    serving as the Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Congressional
    Relations on the date of enactment of this Act and who was appointed by
    the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall
    not be required to be reappointed as a result of the change made to the
    name of that position under the amendment made by subsection (a).
    SEC. 12402. MILITARY VETERANS AGRICULTURAL LIAISON.

    Section 219 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of
    1994 (7 U.S.C. 6919) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (b)--
    (A) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' at the
    end;
    (B) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the
    end and inserting a semicolon; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(5) establish and periodically update the website
    described in subsection (d); and
    ``(6) in carrying out the duties described in paragraphs (1)
    through (5), consult with and provide technical assistance to
    any Federal agency, including the Department of Defense, the
    Department of Veterans Affairs, the Small Business
    Administration, and the Department of Labor.''; and

    [[Page 4972]]

    (2) by adding at the end the following:

    ``(d) Website Required.--
    ``(1) In general.--The website required under subsection
    (b)(5) shall include the following:
    ``(A) Positions identified within the Department of
    Agriculture that are available to veterans for
    apprenticeships.
    ``(B) Apprenticeships, programs of training on the
    job, and programs of education that are approved for
    purposes of chapter 36 of title 38, United States Code.
    ``(C) Employment skills training programs for
    members of the Armed Forces carried out pursuant to
    section 1143(e) of title 10, United States Code.
    ``(D) Information designed to assist businesses,
    nonprofit entities, educational institutions, and
    farmers interested in developing apprenticeships, on-
    the-job training, educational, or entrepreneurial
    programs for veterans in navigating the process of
    having a program approved by a State approving agency
    for purposes of chapter 36 of title 38, United States
    Code, including--
    ``(i) contact information for relevant offices
    in the Department of Defense, Department of
    Veterans Affairs, Department of Labor, and Small
    Business Administration;
    ``(ii) basic requirements for approval by each
    State approving agency;
    ``(iii) recommendations with respect to
    training and coursework to be used during
    apprenticeships or on-the-job training that will
    enable a veteran to be eligible for agricultural
    programs; and
    ``(iv) examples of successful programs and
    curriculums that have been approved for purposes
    of chapter 36 of title 38, United States Code
    (with consent of the organization and without any
    personally identifiable information).
    ``(2) Review of website.--
    ``(A) In general.--Not later than 5 years after the
    date of enactment of this paragraph, and once every 5
    years thereafter, the Secretary shall conduct a study to
    determine if the website required under subsection
    (b)(5) is effective in providing veterans the
    information required under paragraph (1).
    ``(B) Ineffective website.--If the Secretary
    determines that the website is not effective under
    subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall--
    ``(i) notify the agriculture and veterans
    committees described in subparagraph (C) of that
    determination; and
    ``(ii) not earlier than 180 days after the
    date on which the Secretary provides notice under
    clause (i), terminate the website.
    ``(C) Agriculture and veterans committees.--The
    agriculture and veterans committees referred to in
    subparagraph (B)(i) are--
    ``(i) the Committee on Agriculture of the
    House of Representatives;
    ``(ii) the Committee on Agriculture,
    Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate;

    [[Page 4973]]

    ``(iii) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of
    the House of Representatives; and
    ``(iv) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of
    the Senate.

    ``(e) Consultation Required.--In carrying out this section, the
    Secretary shall consult with organizations that serve veterans.
    ``(f) Report.--
    ``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
    enactment of this subsection, and annually thereafter, the
    Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison shall submit a report on
    beginning farmer training for veterans and agricultural
    vocational and rehabilitation programs for veterans to--
    ``(A) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
    Representatives;
    ``(B) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the
    House of Representatives;
    ``(C) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
    Forestry of the Senate; and
    ``(D) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the
    Senate.
    ``(2) Contents of report.--The report submitted under
    paragraph (1) shall include--
    ``(A) a summary of the measures taken to carry out
    subsections (b) and (c);
    ``(B) a description of the information provided to
    veterans under paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b);
    ``(C) recommendations for best informing veterans of
    the programs described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of
    subsection (b);
    ``(D) a summary of the contracts or cooperative
    agreements entered into under subsection (c);
    ``(E) a description of the programs implemented
    under subsection (c);
    ``(F) a summary of the employment outreach
    activities directed to veterans;
    ``(G) recommendations for how opportunities for
    veterans in agriculture should be developed or expanded;
    ``(H) a summary of veteran farm lending data and a
    summary of shortfalls, if any, identified by the
    Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison in collecting
    data with respect to veterans engaged in agriculture;
    and
    ``(I) recommendations, if any, on how to improve
    activities under subsection (b).

    ``(g) Public Dissemination of Information.--
    ``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
    enactment of this subsection, and annually thereafter, the
    Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison shall make publicly
    available and share broadly, including by posting on the website
    of the Department--
    ``(A) the report of the Military Veterans
    Agricultural Liaison on beginning farmer training for
    veterans and agricultural vocational and rehabilitation
    programs; and
    ``(B) the information disseminated under paragraphs
    (1) and (2) of subsection (b).
    ``(2) Further dissemination.--Not later than the day before
    the date on which the Military Veterans Agricultural

    [[Page 4974]]

    Liaison makes publicly available the information under paragraph
    (1), the Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison shall provide
    that information to the Department of Defense, the Department of
    Veterans Affairs, the Small Business Administration, and the
    Department of Labor.''.
    SEC. 12403. CIVIL RIGHTS ANALYSES.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary shall conduct civil rights impact
    analyses in accordance with Departmental Regulation 4300-004 issued by
    the Department of Agriculture on October 17, 2016, with respect to the
    Department of Agriculture's employment, federally-conducted programs and
    activities, and federally-assisted programs and activities.
    (b) Study; Report.--
    (1) Study.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
    enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United
    States (referred to in this section as the ``Comptroller
    General'') shall conduct a study describing--
    (A) the effectiveness of the Department of
    Agriculture in processing and resolving civil rights
    complaints;
    (B) minority participation rates in farm programs,
    including a comparison of overall farmer and rancher
    participation with minority farmer and rancher
    participation by considering particular aspects of the
    programs of the Department of Agriculture for producers,
    such as ownership status, program participation, usage
    of permits, and waivers;
    (C) the realignment of the civil rights functions of
    the Department of Agriculture, as outlined in
    Secretarial Memorandum 1076-023 (March 9, 2018),
    including an analysis of whether that realignment has
    any negative implications on the civil rights functions
    of the Department;
    (D) efforts of the Department of Agriculture to
    identify actions, programs, or activities of the
    Department of Agriculture that may adversely affect
    employees, contractors, or beneficiaries (including
    participants) of the action, program, or activity based
    on the membership of the employees, contractors, or
    beneficiaries in a group that is protected under Federal
    law from discrimination in employment, contracting, or
    provision of an action, program, or activity, as
    applicable; and
    (E) efforts of the Department of Agriculture to
    strategically plan actions to decrease discrimination
    and civil rights complaints within the Department of
    Agriculture or in the carrying out of the programs and
    authorities of the Department of Agriculture.
    (2) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the date of
    completion of the study under paragraph (1), the Comptroller
    General shall submit a report describing the results of the
    study to--
    (A) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
    Representatives; and
    (B) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
    Forestry of the Senate.
    SEC. 12404. FARM SERVICE AGENCY.

    (a) In General.--Section 226 of the Department of Agriculture
    Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6932) is amended--

    [[Page 4975]]

    (1) in the section heading, by striking ``consolidated
    farm'' and inserting ``farm'';
    (2) in subsection (b), in the subsection heading, by
    striking ``of Consolidated Farm Service Agency''; and
    (3) by striking ``Consolidated Farm'' each place it appears
    and inserting ``Farm''.

    (b) Conforming Amendments.--
    (1) Section 246 of the Department of Agriculture
    Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6962) is amended--
    (A) in subsection (c), by striking ``Consolidated
    Farm'' each place it appears and inserting ``Farm''; and
    (B) in subsection (e)(2), by striking ``Consolidated
    Farm'' each place it appears and inserting ``Farm''.
    (2) Section 271(2)(A) of the Department of Agriculture
    Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6991(2)(A)) is amended by
    striking ``Consolidated Farm'' each place it appears and
    inserting ``Farm''.
    (3) Section 275(b) of the Department of Agriculture
    Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6995(b)) is amended by
    striking ``Consolidated Farm'' each place it appears and
    inserting ``Farm''.
    SEC. 12405. UNDER SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE FOR FARM PRODUCTION AND
    CONSERVATION.

    (a) Office of Risk Management.--Section 226A(d)(1) of the Department
    of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6933(d)(1)) is
    amended by striking ``Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm and
    Foreign Agricultural Services'' and inserting ``Under Secretary of
    Agriculture for Farm Production and Conservation''.
    (b) Multiagency Task Force.--Section 242(b)(3) of the Department of
    Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6952(b)(3)) is amended
    by striking ``Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural
    Services'' and inserting ``Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm
    Production and Conservation''.
    (c) Food Aid Consultative Group.--Section 205(b)(2) of the Food for
    Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1725(b)(2)) is amended by striking ``Under Secretary
    of Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services'' and
    inserting ``Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign
    Agricultural Affairs''.
    (d) Interagency Committee on Minority Careers in International
    Affairs.--Section 625(c)(1)(A) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
    U.S.C. 1131c(c)(1)(A)) is amended by striking ``Under Secretary'' and
    all that follows through ``designee'' and inserting ``Under Secretary of
    Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, or the designee
    of that Under Secretary''.
    SEC. 12406. OFFICE OF PARTNERSHIPS AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT.

    (a) Changing Name of Office.--
    (1) In general.--Section 226B of the Department of
    Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6934) is
    amended--
    (A) in the section heading, by striking ``advocacy
    and outreach'' and inserting ``partnerships and public
    engagement''; and
    (B) by striking ``Advocacy and Outreach'' each place
    it appears in subsections (a)(2), (b)(1), and (d)(4)(B)
    and inserting ``Partnerships and Public Engagement''.

    [[Page 4976]]

    (2) <>  References.--Beginning on
    the date of the enactment of this Act, any reference to the
    Office of Advocacy and Outreach established under section 226B
    of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7
    U.S.C. 6934) in any provision of Federal law shall be deemed to
    be a reference to the Office of Partnerships and Public
    Engagement.

    (b) Increasing Outreach.--Section 226B of the Department of
    Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6934), as amended by
    subsection (a), is further amended--
    (1) in subsection (b)(1)--
    (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the
    end;
    (B) in subparagraph (B)--
    (i) in clause (ii), by striking ``and'' at the
    end;
    (ii) in clause (iii), by striking the period
    at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
    (iii) by adding at the end the following new
    clauses:
    ``(iv) limited resource producers; and
    ``(v) veteran farmers and ranchers; and''; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following new
    subparagraph:
    ``(C) to promote youth outreach.''; and
    (2) in subsection (c)--
    (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
    inserting ``veteran farmers and ranchers,'' after
    ``beginning farmers or ranchers,'';
    (B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``or socially
    disadvantaged'' and inserting ``socially disadvantaged,
    or veteran''; and
    (C) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``veteran farmers
    or ranchers,'' after ``beginning farmers or ranchers,''.

    (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 226B(f)(3)(B) of the
    Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C.
    6934(f)(3)(B)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 12407. UNDER SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT.

    Section 231 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of
    1994 (7 U.S.C. 6941) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``is authorized to'' and
    inserting ``shall''; and
    (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``If the Secretary'' and
    all that follows through ``the Under Secretary shall'' and
    inserting ``The Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural
    Development shall''.
    SEC. 12408. ADMINISTRATOR OF THE RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE.

    (a) Rate of Pay.--
    (1) In general.--Section 232(b) of the Department of
    Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6942(b)) is
    amended to read as follows:

    ``(b) Administrator.--
    ``(1) Appointment.--The Rural Utilities Service shall be
    headed by an Administrator who shall be appointed by the
    President.
    ``(2) Compensation.--The Administrator of the Rural
    Utilities Service shall receive basic pay at a rate not to
    exceed the maximum amount of compensation payable to a member

    [[Page 4977]]

    of the Senior Executive Service under subsection (b) of section
    5382 of title 5, United States Code.''.
    (2) Conforming amendment.--Section 5315 of title 5, United
    States Code, is amended by striking ``Administrator, Rural
    Utilities Service, Department of Agriculture.''.

    (b) Other Amendment Relating to Administrator.--Section 748 of the
    Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and
    Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002 (7 U.S.C. 918b) is amended by
    inserting ``the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through'' before ``the
    Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service''.
    SEC. 12409. RURAL HEALTH LIAISON.

    Subtitle C of title II of the Department of Agriculture
    Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6941 et seq.) is amended by adding
    at the end the following:
    ``SEC. 236. <>  RURAL HEALTH LIAISON.

    ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary shall establish in the
    Department the position of Rural Health Liaison.
    ``(b) Duties.--The Rural Health Liaison shall--
    ``(1) in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human
    Services, coordinate the role of the Department with respect to
    rural health;
    ``(2) integrate across the Department the strategic planning
    and activities relating to rural health;
    ``(3) improve communication relating to rural health within
    the Department and between Federal agencies;
    ``(4) advocate on behalf of the health care and relevant
    infrastructure needs in rural areas;
    ``(5) provide to stakeholders, potential grant applicants,
    Federal agencies, State agencies, Indian Tribes, private
    organizations, and academic institutions relevant data and
    information, including the eligibility requirements for, and
    availability and outcomes of, Department programs applicable to
    the advancement of rural health;
    ``(6) maintain communication with public health, medical,
    occupational safety, and telecommunication associations,
    research entities, and other stakeholders to ensure that the
    Department is aware of current and upcoming issues relating to
    rural health;
    ``(7) consult on programs, pilot projects, research,
    training, and other affairs relating to rural health at the
    Department and other Federal agencies;
    ``(8) provide expertise on rural health to support the
    activities of the Secretary as Chair of the Council on Rural
    Community Innovation and Economic Development; and
    ``(9) provide technical assistance and guidance with respect
    to activities relating to rural health to the outreach,
    extension, and county offices of the Department.''.
    SEC. 12410. NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE.

    (a) Field Offices.--Section 246 of the Department of Agriculture
    Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6962) (as amended by section
    12404(b)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(g) Field Offices.--
    ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall not close any field
    office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service unless,

    [[Page 4978]]

    not later than 30 days before the date of the closure, the
    Secretary submits to the Committee on Agriculture of the House
    of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition,
    and Forestry of the Senate a notification of the closure.
    ``(2) Employees.--The Secretary shall not permanently
    relocate any field-based employees of the Natural Resources
    Conservation Service or the rural development mission area if
    doing so would result in a field office of the Natural Resources
    Conservation Service or the rural development mission area with
    2 or fewer employees, unless, not later than 30 days before the
    date of the permanent relocation, the Secretary submits to the
    Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the
    Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate
    a notification of the permanent relocation.
    ``(3) Sunset.--The requirements under paragraphs (1) and (2)
    shall cease to be effective on September 30, 2023.''.

    (b) Technical Corrections.--Section 246 of the Department of
    Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6962) (as amended by
    subsection (a)) is further amended--
    (1) in subsection (b)--
    (A) by striking paragraph (2);
    (B) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (6) as
    paragraphs (2) through (5), respectively;
    (C) in paragraph (4) (as so redesignated), by
    inserting ``; Public Law 101-624'' after ``note''; and
    (D) in paragraph (5) (as so redesignated), by
    striking ``3831-3836'' and inserting ``3831 et seq.'';
    and
    (2) in subsection (c), in the matter preceding paragraph
    (1), by striking ``paragraphs (1), (2), and (4) of subsection
    (b) and the program under subchapter C of chapter 1 of subtitle
    D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3837-
    3837f)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (1) and (3) of subsection
    (b)''.

    (c) Relocation in Act.--
    (1) In general.--Section 246 of the Department of
    Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6962) (as
    amended by subsections (a) and (b)) is--
    (A) redesignated as section 228; and
    (B) moved so as to appear at the end of subtitle B
    of title II (7 U.S.C. 6931 et seq.).
    (2) Conforming amendments.--
    (A) Section 226 of the Department of Agriculture
    Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6932) (as amended
    by section 12404(a)) is amended--
    (i) in subsection (b)(5), by striking
    ``section 246(b)'' and inserting ``section
    228(b)''; and
    (ii) in subsection (g)(2), by striking
    ``section 246(b)'' and inserting ``section
    228(b)''.
    (B) Section 271(2)(F) of the Department of
    Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C.
    6991(2)(F)) is amended by striking ``section 246(b)''
    and inserting ``section 228(b)''.
    SEC. 12411. OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SCIENTIST.

    (a) In General.--Section 251(e) of the Department of Agriculture
    Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971(e)) is amended--

    [[Page 4979]]

    (1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Research,
    Education, and Extension Office'' and inserting ``Office of the
    Chief Scientist'';
    (2) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Research, Education, and
    Extension Office'' and inserting ``Office of the Chief
    Scientist'';
    (3) in paragraph (2), in the matter preceding subparagraph
    (A), by striking ``Research, Education, and Extension Office''
    and inserting ``Office of the Chief Scientist'';
    (4) in paragraph (3)(C), by striking ``subparagraph (A)
    shall not exceed 4 years'' and inserting ``clauses (i) and (iii)
    of subparagraph (A) shall be for not less than 3 years'';
    (5) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs
    (5) and (6), respectively;
    (6) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
    ``(4) Additional leadership duties.--In addition to
    selecting the Division Chiefs under paragraph (3), using
    available personnel authority under title 5, United States Code,
    the Under Secretary shall select personnel--
    ``(A) to oversee implementation, training, and
    compliance with the scientific integrity policy of the
    Department;
    ``(B)(i) to integrate strategic program planning and
    evaluation functions across the programs of the
    Department; and
    ``(ii) to help prepare the annual report to Congress
    on the relevance and adequacy of programs under the
    jurisdiction of the Under Secretary;
    ``(C) to assist the Chief Scientist in coordinating
    the international engagements of the Department with the
    Department of State and other international agencies and
    offices of the Federal Government; and
    ``(D) to oversee other duties as may be required by
    Federal law or Department policy.'';
    (7) in paragraph (5) (as so redesignated)--
    (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking
    ``Notwithstanding'' and inserting the following:
    ``(i) Authorization of appropriations.--There
    is authorized to be appropriated such sums as are
    necessary to fund the costs of Division personnel.
    ``(ii) Additional funding.--In addition to
    amounts made available under clause (i),
    notwithstanding''; and
    (B) in subparagraph (C)--
    (i) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' at the
    end;
    (ii) in clause (ii), by striking the period at
    the end and inserting ``; and''; and
    (iii) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(iii) provides strong staff continuity to
    the Office of the Chief Scientist.''; and
    (8) in paragraph (6) (as so redesignated), by striking
    ``Research, Education and Extension Office'' and inserting
    ``Office of the Chief Scientist''.

    (b) Conforming Amendments.--
    (1) Section 251(f)(5)(B) of the Department of Agriculture
    Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971(f)(5)(B)) is amended
    by striking ``Research, Education and Extension Office'' and
    inserting ``Office of the Chief Scientist''.

    [[Page 4980]]

    (2) Section 296(b)(6)(B) of the Department of Agriculture
    Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 7014(b)(6)(B)) is amended
    by striking ``Research, Education, and Extension Office'' and
    inserting ``Office of the Chief Scientist''.
    SEC. 12412. APPOINTMENT OF NATIONAL APPEALS DIVISION HEARING
    OFFICERS.

    Section 272(e) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act
    of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6992(e)) is amended to read as follows:
    ``(e) Division Personnel.--
    ``(1) In general.--The Director shall recommend to the
    Secretary persons for appointment as hearing officers as are
    necessary for the conduct of hearings under section 277. The
    Director shall appoint such other employees as are necessary for
    the administration of the Division. A hearing officer or other
    employee of the Division shall have no duties other than those
    that are necessary to carry out this subtitle. Each position of
    the Division shall be filled by an individual who is not a
    political appointee.
    ``(2) Political appointee.--In this subsection, the term
    `political appointee' means an individual occupying--
    ``(A) a position described under sections 5312
    through 5316 of title 5, United States Code (relating to
    the Executive Schedule);
    ``(B) a noncareer position in the Senior Executive
    Service, as described under section 3132(a)(7) of that
    title;
    ``(C) a position in the executive branch of the
    Government of a confidential or policy-determining
    character under schedule C of subpart C of part 213 of
    title 5, Code of Federal Regulations; or
    ``(D) a position which has been excepted from the
    competitive service by reason of its confidential,
    policy-determining, policy-making, or policy-advocating
    character.''.
    SEC. 12413. TRADE AND FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL AFFAIRS.

    The Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 is
    amended--
    (1) by redesignating subtitle J (7 U.S.C. 7011 et seq.) as
    subtitle K; and
    (2) by inserting after subtitle I (7 U.S.C. 7005 et seq.)
    the following:

    ``Subtitle J--Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs

    ``SEC. 287. <>  UNDER SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE
    FOR TRADE AND FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL
    AFFAIRS.

    ``(a) Establishment.--There is established in the Department the
    position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign
    Agricultural Affairs.
    ``(b) Appointment.--The Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and
    Foreign Agricultural Affairs shall be appointed by the President, by and
    with the advice and consent of the Senate.
    ``(c) Functions.--

    [[Page 4981]]

    ``(1) Principal functions.--The Secretary shall delegate to
    the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign
    Agricultural Affairs those functions and duties under the
    jurisdiction of the Department that are related to trade and
    foreign agricultural affairs.
    ``(2) Additional functions.--The Under Secretary of
    Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs shall
    perform such other functions and duties as may be--
    ``(A) required by law; or
    ``(B) prescribed by the Secretary.''.
    SEC. 12414. REPEALS.

    (a) Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994.--The
    following provisions of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act
    of 1994 are repealed:
    (1) Section 211 (7 U.S.C. 6911).
    (2) Section 213 (7 U.S.C. 6913).
    (3) Section 214 (7 U.S.C. 6914).
    (4) Section 217 (7 U.S.C. 6917).
    (5) Section 247 (7 U.S.C. 6963).
    (6) Section 252 (7 U.S.C. 6972).
    (7) Section 295 (7 U.S.C. 7013).

    (b) Other Provision.--Section 3208 of the Agricultural Act of 2014
    (7 U.S.C. 6935) is repealed.
    (c) <>  Rule of Construction.--Nothing in
    the amendments made by this section shall be construed as affecting--
    (1) the authority of the Secretary to continue to carry out
    a function vested in, and performed by, the Secretary as of the
    date of enactment of this Act under any provision of Federal law
    other than the provisions repealed by subsections (a) and (b);
    or
    (2) the authority of an agency, office, officer, or employee
    of the Department of Agriculture to continue to perform all
    functions delegated or assigned to the agency, office, officer,
    or employee as of the date of enactment of this Act any
    provision of Federal law other than the provisions repealed by
    subsections (a) and (b).
    SEC. 12415. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

    (a) Office of Risk Management.--Section 226A(a) of the Department of
    Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6933(a)) is amended by
    striking ``Subject to subsection (e), the Secretary'' and inserting
    ``The Secretary''.
    (b) Correction of Error.--
    (1) Assistant secretaries of agriculture.--Section 218 of
    the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7
    U.S.C. 6918) (as in effect on the day before the effective date
    of the amendments made by section 2(a)(1) of the Presidential
    Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act of 2011 (Public Law
    112-166; 126 Stat. 1283, 1295)) is amended by striking
    ``Senate.'' in subsection (b) and all that follows through
    ``responsibility for--'' in the matter preceding paragraph (1)
    of subsection (d) and inserting the following: ``Senate.

    ``(c) Duties of Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Civil
    Rights.--The Secretary may delegate to the Assistant Secretary for Civil
    Rights responsibility for--''.
    (2) <>  Effective date.--The
    amendments made by paragraph (1) take effect on the effective
    date described in section 6(a)

    [[Page 4982]]

    of the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act
    of 2011 (Public Law 112-166; 126 Stat. 1295).
    SEC. 12416. TERMINATION OF AUTHORITY.

    Section 296(b) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act
    of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 7014(b)) is amended by adding at the end the
    following:
    ``(9) The authority of the Secretary to carry out the
    amendments made to this title by section 772 of the Agriculture,
    Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related
    Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018.
    ``(10) The authority of the Secretary to carry out the
    amendments made to this title by the Agriculture Improvement Act
    of 2018.''.

    Subtitle E--Other Miscellaneous Provisions

    PART I--MISCELLANEOUS AGRICULTURE PROVISIONS

    SEC. 12501. ACER ACCESS AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.

    Section 12306(f) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 1632c(f))
    is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
    SEC. 12502. PROTECTING ANIMALS WITH SHELTER.

    (a) Crimes Related to Domestic Violence and Stalking Targeting
    Pets.--
    (1) Interstate stalking.--Section 2261A of title 18, United
    States Code, is amended--
    (A) in paragraph (1)(A)--
    (i) in clause (ii), by striking ``or'' at the
    end; and
    (ii) by inserting after clause (iii) the
    following:
    ``(iv) the pet, service animal, emotional
    support animal, or horse of that person; or''; and
    (B) in paragraph (2)(A)--
    (i) by inserting after ``to a person'' the
    following: ``, a pet, a service animal, an
    emotional support animal, or a horse''; and
    (ii) by striking ``or (iii)'' and inserting
    ``(iii), or (iv)''.
    (2) Interstate violation of protection order.--Section 2262
    of title 18, United States Code, is amended--
    (A) in subsection (a)--
    (i) in paragraph (1), by inserting after
    ``another person'' the following: ``or the pet,
    service animal, emotional support animal, or horse
    of that person''; and
    (ii) in paragraph (2), by inserting after
    ``proximity to, another person'' the following
    ``or the pet, service animal, emotional support
    animal, or horse of that person''; and
    (B) in subsection (b)(5), by inserting after ``in
    any other case,'' the following: ``including any case in
    which the offense is committed against a pet, service
    animal, emotional support animal, or horse,''.

    [[Page 4983]]

    (3) Restitution to include veterinary services.--Section
    2264 of title 18, United States Code, is amended in subsection
    (b)(3)--
    (A) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as
    subparagraph (G);
    (B) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``and'' at the
    end; and
    (C) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the
    following:
    ``(F) veterinary services relating to physical care
    for the victim's pet, service animal, emotional support
    animal, or horse; and''.
    (4) Definitions.--Section 2266 of title 18, United States
    Code, is amended by inserting after paragraph (10) the
    following:
    ``(11) Pet.--The term `pet' means a domesticated animal,
    such as a dog, cat, bird, rodent, fish, turtle, or other animal
    that is kept for pleasure rather than for commercial purposes.
    ``(12) Emotional support animal.--The term `emotional
    support animal' means an animal that is covered by the exclusion
    specified in section 5.303 of title 24, Code of Federal
    Regulations (or a successor regulation), and that is not a
    service animal.
    ``(13) Service animal.--The term `service animal' has the
    meaning given the term in section 36.104 of title 28, Code of
    Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation).''.

    (b) <>  Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter
    and Housing Assistance Grant Program.--
    (1) Grant program.--
    (A) In general.--The Secretary, acting in
    consultation with the Office of the Violence Against
    Women of the Department of Justice, the Secretary of
    Housing and Urban Development, and the Secretary of
    Health and Human Services, shall award grants under this
    subsection to eligible entities to carry out programs to
    provide the assistance described in paragraph (3) with
    respect to victims of domestic violence, dating
    violence, sexual assault, or stalking and the pets,
    service animals, emotional support animals, or horses of
    such victims.
    (B) Memorandum of understanding.--The Secretary may
    enter into a memorandum of understanding with the head
    of another Department or agency, as appropriate, to
    carry out any of the authorities provided to the
    Secretary under this section.
    (2) Application.--
    (A) In general.--An eligible entity seeking a grant
    under this subsection shall submit an application to the
    Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing
    such information as the Secretary may reasonably
    require, including--
    (i) a description of the activities for which
    a grant under this subsection is sought;
    (ii) such assurances as the Secretary
    determines to be necessary to ensure compliance by
    the entity with the requirements of this
    subsection; and
    (iii) a certification that the entity, before
    engaging with any individual domestic violence
    victim, will disclose to the victim any mandatory
    duty of the entity

    [[Page 4984]]

    to report instances of abuse and neglect
    (including instances of abuse and neglect of pets,
    service animals, emotional support animals, or
    horses).
    (B) Additional requirements.--In addition to the
    requirements of subparagraph (A), each application
    submitted by an eligible entity under that subparagraph
    shall--
    (i) not include proposals for any activities
    that may compromise the safety of a domestic
    violence victim, including--
    (I) background checks of domestic
    violence victims; or
    (II) clinical evaluations to
    determine the eligibility of such a
    victim for support services;
    (ii) not include proposals that would require
    mandatory services for victims or that a victim
    obtain a protective order in order to receive
    proposed services; and
    (iii) reflect the eligible entity's
    understanding of the dynamics of domestic
    violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or
    stalking.
    (C) Rules of construction.--Nothing in this
    paragraph shall be construed to require--
    (i) domestic violence victims to participate
    in the criminal justice system in order to receive
    services; or
    (ii) eligible entities receiving a grant under
    this subsection to breach client confidentiality.
    (3) Use of funds.--Grants awarded under this subsection may
    only be used for programs that provide--
    (A) emergency and transitional shelter and housing
    assistance for domestic violence victims with pets,
    service animals, emotional support animals, or horses,
    including assistance with respect to any construction or
    operating expenses of newly developed or existing
    emergency and transitional pet, service animal,
    emotional support animal, or horse shelter and housing
    (regardless of whether such shelter and housing is co-
    located at a victim service provider or within the
    community);
    (B) short-term shelter and housing assistance for
    domestic violence victims with pets, service animals,
    emotional support animals, or horses, including
    assistance with respect to expenses incurred for the
    temporary shelter, housing, boarding, or fostering of
    the pets, service animals, emotional support animals, or
    horses of domestic violence victims and other expenses
    that are incidental to securing the safety of such a
    pet, service animal, emotional support animal, or horse
    during the sheltering, housing, or relocation of such
    victims;
    (C) support services designed to enable a domestic
    violence victim who is fleeing a situation of domestic
    violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking
    to--
    (i) locate and secure--
    (I) safe housing with the victim's
    pet, service animal, emotional support
    animal, or horse; or

    [[Page 4985]]

    (II) safe accommodations for the
    victim's pet, service animal, emotional
    support animal, or horse; or
    (ii) provide the victim with pet, service
    animal, emotional support animal, or horse related
    services, such as transportation, care services,
    and other assistance; or
    (D) for the training of relevant stakeholders on--
    (i) the link between domestic violence, dating
    violence, sexual assault, or stalking and the
    abuse and neglect of pets, service animals,
    emotional support animals, and horses;
    (ii) the needs of domestic violence victims;
    (iii) best practices for providing support
    services to such victims;
    (iv) best practices for providing such victims
    with referrals to victims' services; and
    (v) the importance of confidentiality.
    (4) Grant conditions.--An eligible entity that receives a
    grant under this subsection shall, as a condition of such
    receipt, agree--
    (A) to be bound by the nondisclosure of confidential
    information requirements of section 40002(b)(2) of the
    Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C.
    12291(b)(2)); and
    (B) that the entity shall not condition the receipt
    of support, housing, or other benefits provided pursuant
    to this subsection on the participation of domestic
    violence victims in any or all of the support services
    offered to such victims through a program carried out by
    the entity using grant funds.
    (5) Duration of assistance provided to victims.--
    (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B),
    assistance provided with respect to a pet, service
    animal, emotional support animal, or horse of a domestic
    violence victim using grant funds awarded under this
    subsection shall be provided for a period of not more
    than 24 months.
    (B) Extension.--An eligible entity that receives a
    grant under this subsection may extend the 24-month
    period referred to in subparagraph (A) for a period of
    not more than 6 months in the case of a domestic
    violence victim who--
    (i) has made a good faith effort to acquire
    permanent housing for the victim and the victim's
    pet, service animal, emotional support animal, or
    horse during that 24-month period; and
    (ii) has been unable to acquire such permanent
    housing within that period.
    (6) Report to the secretary.--Not later than 1 year after
    the date on which an eligible entity receives a grant under this
    subsection and each year thereafter in which the grant funds are
    used, the entity shall submit to the Secretary a report that
    contains, with respect to assistance provided by the entity to
    domestic violence victims with pets, service animals, emotional
    support animals, or horses using grant funds received under this
    subsection, information on--

    [[Page 4986]]

    (A) the number of domestic violence victims with
    pets, service animals, emotional support animals, or
    horses provided such assistance; and
    (B) the purpose, amount, type of, and duration of
    such assistance.
    (7) Report to congress.--
    (A) Reporting requirement.--Not later than November
    1 of each even-numbered fiscal year, the Secretary shall
    submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
    Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture,
    Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that
    contains a compilation of the information contained in
    the reports submitted under paragraph (6).
    (B) Availability of report.--The Secretary shall
    transmit a copy of the report submitted under
    subparagraph (A) to--
    (i) the Office on Violence Against Women of
    the Department of Justice;
    (ii) the Office of Community Planning and
    Development of the Department of Housing and Urban
    Development; and
    (iii) the Administration for Children and
    Families of the Department of Health and Human
    Services.
    (8) Authorization of appropriations.--
    (A) In general.--There is authorized to be
    appropriated to carry out this subsection $3,000,000 for
    each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.
    (B) Limitation.--Of the amount made available under
    subparagraph (A) in any fiscal year, not more than 5
    percent may be used for evaluation, monitoring,
    salaries, and administrative expenses.
    (9) Definitions.--In this subsection:
    (A) Domestic violence victim defined.--The term
    ``domestic violence victim'' means a victim of domestic
    violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
    (B) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity''
    means--
    (i) a State;
    (ii) a unit of local government;
    (iii) an Indian tribe; or
    (iv) any other organization that has a
    documented history of effective work concerning
    domestic violence, dating violence, sexual
    assault, or stalking (as determined by the
    Secretary), including--
    (I) a domestic violence and sexual
    assault victim service provider;
    (II) a domestic violence and sexual
    assault coalition;
    (III) a community-based and
    culturally specific organization;
    (IV) any other nonprofit,
    nongovernmental organization; and
    (V) any organization that works
    directly with pets, service animals,
    emotional support animals, or horses and
    collaborates with any organization
    referred to in clauses (i) through (iv),
    including--
    (aa) an animal shelter; and

    [[Page 4987]]

    (bb) an animal welfare
    organization.
    (C) Emotional support animal.--The term ``emotional
    support animal'' means an animal that is covered by the
    exclusion specified in section 5.303 of title 24, Code
    of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation), and
    that is not a service animal.
    (D) Pet.--The term ``pet'' means a domesticated
    animal, such as a dog, cat, bird, rodent, fish, turtle,
    or other animal that is kept for pleasure rather than
    for commercial purposes.
    (E) Service animal.--The term ``service animal'' has
    the meaning given the term in section 36.104 of title
    28, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor
    regulation).
    (F) Other terms.--Except as otherwise provided in
    this subsection, terms used in this section shall have
    the meaning given such terms in section 40002(a) of the
    Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12291(a)).

    (c) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that States
    should encourage the inclusion of protections against violent or
    threatening acts against the pet, service animal, emotional support
    animal, or horse of a person in domestic violence protection orders.
    SEC. 12503. MARKETING ORDERS.

    Section 8e(a) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act (7 U.S.C. 608e-
    1(a)), reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement
    Act of 1937, is amended by inserting ``cherries, pecans,'' after
    ``walnuts,''.
    SEC. 12504. ESTABLISHMENT OF FOOD LOSS AND WASTE REDUCTION
    LIAISON.

    Subtitle A of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of
    1994 (7 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.), as amended by sections 12202, 12302, and
    12403, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``SEC. 224. <>  FOOD LOSS AND WASTE REDUCTION
    LIAISON.

    ``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a Food Loss and
    Waste Reduction Liaison to coordinate Federal, State, local, and
    nongovernmental programs, and other efforts, to measure and reduce the
    incidence of food loss and waste in accordance with this section.
    ``(b) In General.--The Food Loss and Waste Reduction Liaison shall--
    ``(1) coordinate food loss and waste reduction efforts
    within the Department of Agriculture and with other Federal
    agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the
    Food and Drug Administration;
    ``(2) support and promote Federal programs to measure and
    reduce the incidence of food loss and waste and increase food
    recovery;
    ``(3) provide information to, and serve as a resource for,
    entities engaged in food loss and waste reduction and food
    recovery, including information about the availability of, and
    eligibility requirements for, participation in Federal, State,
    local, and nongovernmental programs;
    ``(4) raise awareness of the liability protections afforded
    under the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act

    [[Page 4988]]

    (42 U.S.C. 1791) to persons engaged in food loss and waste
    reduction and food recovery; and
    ``(5) make recommendations with respect to expanding
    innovative food recovery models and reducing the incidence of
    food loss and waste.

    ``(c) Cooperative Agreements.--For purposes of carrying out the
    duties under subsection (b), the Food Loss and Waste Reduction Liaison
    may enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with the research
    centers of the Research, Education, and Economics mission area,
    institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the
    Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)), or nonprofit
    organizations for--
    ``(1) the development of educational materials;
    ``(2) the conduct of workshops and courses; or
    ``(3) the conduct of research on best practices with respect
    to food loss and waste reduction and food recovery.

    ``(d) Study on Food Waste.--The Secretary shall conduct a study, in
    consultation with the Food Loss and Waste Reduction Liaison, to evaluate
    and determine--
    ``(1) methods of measuring food waste;
    ``(2) standards for the volume of food waste;
    ``(3) factors that contribute to food waste;
    ``(4) the cost and volume of food loss;
    ``(5) the effectiveness of existing liability protections
    afforded under the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act
    (42 U.S.C. 1791); and
    ``(6) measures to ensure that programs contemplated,
    undertaken, or funded by the Department of Agriculture do not
    disrupt existing food waste recovery and disposal efforts by
    commercial, marketing, or business relationships.

    ``(e) Reports.--
    ``(1) Initial report.--Not later than 1 year after the date
    of enactment of this section, the Food Loss and Waste Liaison
    shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
    Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
    Forestry of the Senate a report that describes the results of
    the study conducted under subsection (d).
    ``(2) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
    submission of the report under paragraph (1), the Secretary
    shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
    Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
    Forestry of the Senate a report that contains, with respect to
    the preceding year--
    ``(A) an estimate of the quantity of food waste
    during such year; and
    ``(B) the results of the food waste reduction and
    loss prevention activities carried out or led by the
    Department of Agriculture.''.
    SEC. 12505. REPORT ON BUSINESS CENTERS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 365 days after the date of enactment
    of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit
    to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the
    Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report
    evaluating each business center established in the Department of
    Agriculture.

    [[Page 4989]]

    (b) Inclusions.--The report under subsection (a) shall include--
    (1) an examination of the effectiveness of each business
    center in carrying out its mission, including any
    recommendations to improve the operation of and function of any
    of those business centers; and
    (2) an evaluation of--
    (A) the impact the business centers have on customer
    service of the Department of Agriculture;
    (B) the impact on the annual budget for agencies the
    budget offices of which have been relocated to the
    business center, and the effectiveness of funds used to
    support the business centers, including an accounting of
    all discretionary and mandatory funding provided to the
    business center for conservation and farm services
    from--
    (i) the Natural Resources Conservation
    Service;
    (ii) the Farm Service Agency; and
    (iii) the Risk Management Agency;
    (C) funding described in subparagraph (B) spent on
    information technology modernizations;
    (D) the impact that the business centers have had on
    the human resources of the Department of Agriculture,
    including hiring;
    (E) any concerns or problems with the business
    centers; and
    (F) any positive or negative impact that the
    business centers have had on the functionality of the
    Department of Agriculture.
    SEC. 12506. REPORT ON PERSONNEL.

    For the period of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, the Secretary
    shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
    Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
    Forestry of the Senate a biannual report describing the number of staff
    years and employees of each agency of the Department of Agriculture.
    SEC. 12507. REPORT ON ABSENT LANDLORDS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
    of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report describing
    the effects of absent landlords on the long-term economic health of
    agricultural production, including the effect of absent landlords on--
    (1) land valuation;
    (2) soil health; and
    (3) the economic stability of rural communities.

    (b) Contents.--The report under subsection (a) shall include--
    (1) a description of the positive and negative effects of an
    absent landlord on the land owned by the landlord, including--
    (A) the effect of an absent landlord on the long-
    term value of the land; and
    (B) the environmental and economic impact of an
    absent landlord on the surrounding community; and
    (2) recommendations to policymakers concerning how to
    mitigate those effects when necessary.

    [[Page 4990]]

    SEC. 12508. <>  CENTURY FARMS PROGRAM.

    The Secretary shall establish a program under which the Secretary
    recognizes any farm that--
    (1) a State department of agriculture or similar statewide
    agricultural organization recognizes as a Century Farm; or
    (2)(A) is defined as a farm or ranch under section 4284.902
    of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the
    date of enactment of this Act);
    (B) has been in continuous operation for at least 100 years;
    and
    (C) has been owned by the same family for at least 100
    consecutive years, as verified through deeds, wills, abstracts,
    tax statements, or other similar legal documents considered
    appropriate by the Secretary.
    SEC. 12509. REPORT ON IMPORTATION OF LIVE DOGS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
    enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
    Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
    Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report on the
    importation of live dogs into the United States.
    (b) Contents.--The report submitted under subsection (a) shall
    include, with respect to the importation of live dogs into the United
    States for each of the 3 most recent calendar years for which data are
    available--
    (1) the total number of live dogs imported;
    (2) the number of live dogs imported as personal pets;
    (3) the number of live dogs imported for resale (as defined
    in section 18(a) of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2148(a));
    (4) the number of live dogs for which importation was
    requested but denied due to the proposed importation failing to
    meet the requirements under--
    (A) section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C.
    2148);
    (B) section 71.51 of title 42, Code of Federal
    Regulations (or any successor regulations); or
    (C) any other Federal law; and
    (5) any recommendations of the Secretary for modifications
    to Federal law (including regulations) relating to the
    importation of live dogs, including for the protection of public
    health.

    (c) Provision of Information.--To facilitate the preparation of the
    report submitted under subsection (a), not later than 180 days after the
    date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary
    of Health and Human Services, and the Secretary of Homeland Security
    shall each provide to the Secretary of Agriculture all available data
    and information relating to the importation of live dogs into the United
    States, including--
    (1) the data described in paragraphs (1) through (4) of
    subsection (b) for each of the 3 most recent calendar years for
    which data is available; and
    (2) any recommendations for modifications to Federal law
    (including regulations) relating to the importation of live
    dogs, including for the protection of public health.
    SEC. 12510. <>  TRIBAL PROMISE ZONES.

    (a) In General.--In this section, the term ``Tribal Promise Zone''
    means an area that--

    [[Page 4991]]

    (1) is nominated by 1 or more Indian tribes (as defined in
    section 4(13) of the Native American Housing Assistance and
    Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4103(13))) for
    designation as a Tribal Promise Zone (in this section referred
    to as a ``nominated zone'');
    (2) has a continuous boundary; and
    (3) the Secretary designates as a Tribal Promise Zone, after
    consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of
    Education, the Attorney General, the Secretary of the Interior,
    the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Secretary of
    Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary
    of the Treasury, the Secretary of Transportation, and other
    agencies as appropriate.

    (b) Authorization and Number of Designations.--Not later than 1 year
    after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall nominate a
    minimum number of nominated zones, as determined by the Secretary in
    consultation with Indian tribes, to be designated as Tribal Promise
    Zones.
    (c) Period of Designations.--
    (1) In general.--The Secretary shall designate nominated
    zones as Tribal Promise Zones before January 1, 2020.
    (2) Effective dates of designations.--The designation of any
    Tribal Promise Zone shall take effect--
    (A) for purposes of priority consideration in
    Federal grant programs and initiatives (other than this
    section), upon execution of the Tribal Promise Zone
    agreement with the Secretary; and
    (B) for purposes of this section, on January 1 of
    the first calendar year beginning after the date of the
    execution of the Tribal Promise Zone agreement.
    (3) Termination of designations.--The designation of any
    Tribal Promise Zone shall end on the earlier of--
    (A)(i) with respect to a Tribal Promise Zone not
    described in paragraph (4), the end of the 10-year
    period beginning on the date that such designation takes
    effect; or
    (ii) with respect to a Tribal Promise Zone described
    in paragraph (4), the end of the 10-year period
    beginning on the date the area was designated as a
    Tribal Promise Zone before the date of the enactment of
    this Act; or
    (B) the date of the revocation of such designation.
    (4) Application to certain zones already designated.--In the
    case of any area designated as a Tribal Promise Zone by the
    Secretary before the date of the enactment of this Act, such
    area shall be deemed a Tribal Promise Zone designated under this
    section (notwithstanding whether any such designation has been
    revoked before the date of the enactment of this Act) and shall
    reduce the number of Tribal Promise Zones remaining to be
    designated under paragraph (1).

    (d) Limitations on Designations.--No area may be designated under
    this section unless--
    (1) the entities nominating the area have the authority to
    nominate the area of designation under this section;
    (2) such entities provide written assurances satisfactory to
    the Secretary that the competitiveness plan described in the
    application under subsection (e) for such area will be
    implemented and that such entities will provide the Secretary
    with

    [[Page 4992]]

    such data regarding the economic conditions of the area (before,
    during, and after the area's period of designation as a Tribal
    Promise Zone) as the Secretary may require; and
    (3) the Secretary determines that any information furnished
    is reasonably accurate.

    (e) Application.--No area may be designated under this section
    unless the application for such designation--
    (1) demonstrates that the nominated zone satisfies the
    eligibility criteria described in subsection (a); and
    (2) includes a competitiveness plan that--
    (A) addresses the need of the nominated zone to
    attract investment and jobs and improve educational
    opportunities;
    (B) leverages the nominated zone's economic
    strengths and outlines targeted investments to develop
    competitive advantages;
    (C) demonstrates collaboration across a wide range
    of stakeholders;
    (D) outlines a strategy that connects the nominated
    zone to drivers of regional economic growth; and
    (E) proposes a strategy for focusing on increased
    access to high quality affordable housing and improved
    public safety.

    (f) Selection Criteria.--
    (1) In general.--From among the nominated zones eligible for
    designation under this section, the Secretary shall designate
    Tribal Promise Zones on the basis of--
    (A) the effectiveness of the competitiveness plan
    submitted under subsection (e) and the assurances made
    under subsection (d);
    (B) unemployment rates, poverty rates, vacancy
    rates, crime rates, and such other factors as the
    Secretary may identify, including household income,
    labor force participation, and educational attainment;
    and
    (C) other criteria as determined by the Secretary.
    (2) Minimal standards.--The Secretary may set minimal
    standards for the levels of unemployment and poverty that must
    be satisfied for designation as a Tribal Promise Zone.
    SEC. 12511. PRECISION AGRICULTURE CONNECTIVITY.

    (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
    (1) Precision agriculture technologies and practices allow
    farmers to significantly increase crop yields, eliminate overlap
    in operations, and reduce inputs such as seed, fertilizer,
    pesticides, water, and fuel.
    (2) These technologies allow farmers to collect data in real
    time about their fields, automate field management, and maximize
    resources.
    (3) Studies estimate that precision agriculture technologies
    can reduce agricultural operation costs by up to 25 dollars per
    acre and increase farm yields by up to 70 percent by 2050.
    (4) The critical cost savings and productivity benefits of
    precision agriculture cannot be realized without the
    availability of reliable broadband Internet access service
    delivered to the agricultural land of the United States.
    (5) The deployment of broadband Internet access service to
    unserved agricultural land is critical to the United States

    [[Page 4993]]

    economy and to the continued leadership of the United States in
    global food production.
    (6) Despite the growing demand for broadband Internet access
    service on agricultural land, broadband Internet access service
    is not consistently available where needed for agricultural
    operations.
    (7) The Federal Communications Commission has an important
    role to play in the deployment of broadband Internet access
    service on unserved agricultural land to promote precision
    agriculture.

    (b) Task Force.--
    (1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
    (A)(i) The term ``broadband Internet access
    service'' means a mass-market retail service by wire or
    radio that provides the capability to transmit data to,
    and receive data from, all or substantially all Internet
    endpoints, including any capabilities that are
    incidental to, and enable the operation of, the
    communications service, but excluding dial up internet
    access service.
    (ii) Such term includes any service the Commission
    finds to be providing a functional equivalent of the
    service described in clause (i).
    (B) The term ``Commission'' means the Federal
    Communications Commission.
    (C) The term ``Department'' means the Department of
    Agriculture.
    (D) The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
    Agriculture.
    (E) The term ``Task Force'' means the Task Force for
    Reviewing the Connectivity and Technology Needs of
    Precision Agriculture in the United States established
    under paragraph (2).
    (2) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
    enactment of this Act, the Commission shall establish the Task
    Force for Reviewing the Connectivity and Technology Needs of
    Precision Agriculture in the United States.
    (3) Duties.--
    (A) In general.--The Task Force shall consult with
    the Secretary, or a designee of the Secretary, and
    collaborate with public and private stakeholders in the
    agriculture and technology fields to--
    (i) identify and measure current gaps in the
    availability of broadband Internet access service
    on agricultural land;
    (ii) develop policy recommendations to promote
    the rapid, expanded deployment of broadband
    Internet access service on unserved agricultural
    land, with a goal of achieving reliable
    capabilities on 95 percent of agricultural land in
    the United States by 2025;
    (iii) promote effective policy and regulatory
    solutions that encourage the adoption of broadband
    Internet access service on farms and ranches and
    promote precision agriculture;
    (iv) recommend specific new rules or
    amendments to existing rules of the Commission
    that the Commission should issue to achieve the
    goals and purposes of the policy recommendations
    described in clause (ii);

    [[Page 4994]]

    (v) recommend specific steps that the
    Commission should take to obtain reliable and
    standardized data measurements of the availability
    of broadband Internet access service as may be
    necessary to target funding support, from future
    programs of the Commission dedicated to the
    deployment of broadband Internet access service,
    to unserved agricultural land in need of broadband
    Internet access service; and
    (vi) recommend specific steps that the
    Commission should consider to ensure that the
    expertise of the Secretary and available farm data
    are reflected in future programs of the Commission
    dedicated to the infrastructure deployment of
    broadband Internet access service and to direct
    available funding to unserved agricultural land
    where needed.
    (B) No duplicate data reporting.--In performing the
    duties of the Commission under subparagraph (A), the
    Commission shall ensure that no provider of broadband
    Internet access service is required to report data to
    the Commission that is, on the day before the date of
    enactment of this Act, required to be reported by the
    provider of broadband Internet access service.
    (C) Hold harmless.--The Task Force and the
    Commission shall not interpret the phrase ``future
    programs of the Commission'', as used in clauses (v) and
    (vi) of subparagraph (A), to include the universal
    service programs of the Commission established under
    section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C.
    254).
    (D) Consultation.--The Secretary, or a designee of
    the Secretary, shall explain and make available to the
    Task Force the expertise, data mapping information, and
    resources of the Department that the Department uses to
    identify cropland, ranchland, and other areas with
    agricultural operations that may be helpful in
    developing the recommendations required under
    subparagraph (A).
    (E) List of available federal programs and
    resources.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
    enactment of this Act, the Secretary and the Commission
    shall jointly submit to the Task Force a list of all
    Federal programs or resources available for the
    expansion of broadband Internet access service on
    unserved agricultural land to assist the Task Force in
    carrying out the duties of the Task Force.
    (4) Membership.--
    (A) In general.--The Task Force shall be--
    (i) composed of not more than 15 voting
    members who shall--
    (I) be selected by the Chairman of
    the Commission, in consultation with the
    Secretary; and
    (II) include--
    (aa) agricultural producers
    representing diverse geographic
    regions and farm sizes,
    including owners and operators
    of farms of less than 100 acres;
    (bb) an agricultural
    producer representing tribal
    agriculture;

    [[Page 4995]]

    (cc) Internet service
    providers, including regional or
    rural fixed and mobile broadband
    Internet access service
    providers and telecommunications
    infrastructure providers;
    (dd) representatives from
    the electric cooperative
    industry;
    (ee) representatives from
    the satellite industry;
    (ff) representatives from
    precision agriculture equipment
    manufacturers, including drone
    manufacturers, manufacturers of
    autonomous agricultural
    machinery, and manufacturers of
    farming robotics technologies;
    (gg) representatives from
    State and local governments; and
    (hh) representatives with
    relevant expertise in broadband
    network data collection,
    geospatial analysis, and
    coverage mapping; and
    (ii) fairly balanced in terms of technologies,
    points of view, and fields represented on the Task
    Force.
    (B) Period of appointment; vacancies.--
    (i) In general.--A member of the Committee
    appointed under subparagraph (A)(i) shall serve
    for a single term of 2 years.
    (ii) Vacancies.--Any vacancy in the Task
    Force--
    (I) shall not affect the powers of
    the Task Force; and
    (II) shall be filled in the same
    manner as the original appointment.
    (C) Ex-officio member.--The Secretary, or a designee
    of the Secretary, shall serve as an ex-officio,
    nonvoting member of the Task Force.
    (5) Reports.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which
    the Commission establishes the Task Force, and annually
    thereafter, the Task Force shall submit to the Chairman of the
    Commission a report, which shall be made public not later than
    30 days after the date on which the Chairman receives the
    report, that details--
    (A) the status of fixed and mobile broadband
    Internet access service coverage of agricultural land;
    (B) the projected future connectivity needs of
    agricultural operations, farmers, and ranchers; and
    (C) the steps being taken to accurately measure the
    availability of broadband Internet access service on
    agricultural land and the limitations of current, as of
    the date of the report, measurement processes.
    (6) Termination.--The Commission shall renew the Task Force
    every 2 years until the Task Force terminates on January 1,
    2025.

    (c) No Additional Funds Authorized.--No additional funds is
    authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section. This section
    shall be carried out using amounts otherwise authorized.
    SEC. 12512. <>  IMPROVEMENTS TO UNITED STATES
    DROUGHT MONITOR.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary shall coordinate with the Director of
    the National Drought Mitigation Center and the

    [[Page 4996]]

    Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to
    enhance the collection of data to improve the accuracy of the United
    States Drought Monitor.
    (b) Utilization.--To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary
    shall utilize a consistent source or sources of data for programs that
    are based on drought or precipitation indices, such as the livestock
    forage disaster program established under section 1501(c) of the
    Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(c)) or policies or plans of
    insurance established under the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
    1501 et seq.).
    (c) Review.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
    this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a review of--
    (1) the types of data currently utilized by the United
    States Drought Monitor;
    (2) the geographic coverage and density of existing data
    collection sites; and
    (3) other meteorological or climatological data that is
    being collected by other Federal agencies, State and local
    governments, and non-Federal entities that could be utilized by
    the United States Drought Monitor.

    (d) Improvements.--
    (1) In general.--Upon the completion of the review
    prescribed in subsection (c), the Secretary shall--
    (A) seek to expand the collection of relevant data
    in States or geographic areas where coverage is
    currently lacking as compared to other States or
    geographic areas; and
    (B) to the maximum extent practicable, develop
    standards to allow the integration of meteorological or
    climatological data into the United States Drought
    Monitor derived from--
    (i) in-situ soil moisture profile measuring
    devices;
    (ii) citizen science (as defined in the
    Crowdsourcing and Citizen Science Act (15 U.S.C.
    3724)), including data from the Cooperative
    Observer Program of the National Weather Service;
    and
    (iii) other Federal agencies, State and local
    governments, and non-Federal entities.
    (2) Authorization of appropriations.--There is to be
    authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this
    subsection $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through
    2023.
    SEC. 12513. <>  DAIRY BUSINESS INNOVATION
    INITIATIVES.

    (a) Definitions.--In this section:
    (1) Dairy business.--The term ``dairy business'' means a
    business that develops, produces, markets, or distributes dairy
    products.
    (2) Initiative.--The term ``initiative'' means a dairy
    product and business innovation initiative established under
    subsection (b).

    (b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish not less than 3
    regionally-located dairy product and business innovation initiatives for
    the purposes of--
    (1) diversifying dairy product markets to reduce risk and
    develop higher-value uses for dairy products;

    [[Page 4997]]

    (2) promoting business development that diversifies farmer
    income through processing and marketing innovation; and
    (3) encouraging the use of regional milk production.

    (c) Selection of Initiatives.--An initiative--
    (1) shall be positioned to draw on existing dairy industry
    resources, including activities conducted by the National Dairy
    Promotion and Research Board and other dairy promotion entities,
    research capacity, academic and industry expertise, a density of
    dairy farms or farmland suitable for dairying, and dairy
    businesses; and
    (2) may serve a certain product niche, such as specialty
    cheese, or serve dairy businesses with dairy products derived
    from the milk of a specific type of dairy animal, including
    dairy products made from cow milk, sheep milk, and goat milk.

    (d) Entities Eligible To Host Initiative.--
    (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), any of the
    following entities may submit to the Secretary an application to
    host an initiative:
    (A) A State department of agriculture or other State
    entity.
    (B) A nonprofit organization.
    (C) An institution of higher education.
    (D) A cooperative extension service.
    (2) Capacity of eligible entity.--Any entity described in
    subparagraphs (A) through (D) of paragraph (1) shall be eligible
    to submit an application under that paragraph if the entity
    has--
    (A) a capacity to provide consultation and expertise
    necessary to advance the purpose and activities of the
    proposed initiative; and
    (B) expertise in grant distribution and tracking.
    (3) Ineligible entity.--A dairy promotion program shall not
    be eligible to host an initiative under this section.

    (e) Partners.--
    (1) In general.--An entity described in subsection (d)(1)
    may establish as a partner an organization or entity described
    in paragraph (2)--
    (A) prior to the submission of the application under
    that subsection; or
    (B) after approval of the application, in
    consultation with the Secretary.
    (2) Partner described.--A partner under paragraph (1) shall
    be an organization or entity with expertise or experience in
    dairy, including the marketing, research, education, or
    promotion of dairy.

    (f) Activities of Initiatives.--
    (1) Direct assistance to dairy businesses.--An initiative
    shall provide nonmonetary assistance directly to dairy
    businesses through private consultation or widely available
    distribution--
    (A) by the entity that hosts the initiative under
    subsection (d)(1);
    (B) through contracting with industry experts;
    (C) through the provision of technical assistance,
    such as informational websites, webinars, conferences,
    trainings, plant tours, and field days; or

    [[Page 4998]]

    (D) through research institutions, including
    cooperative extension services.
    (2) Types of assistance.--Eligible forms of assistance
    include--
    (A) business consulting, including business plan
    development for processed dairy products, strategic
    planning assistance, and distribution and supply chain
    innovation;
    (B) marketing and branding assistance, including
    market messaging, packaging innovation, consumer
    assessments, innovation in emerging market
    opportunities, and evaluation of regional, national, and
    international markets;
    (C) assistance in product innovation, including the
    development of value-added products, innovation in
    byproduct reprocessing and use maximization, and dairy
    product production training, including in new, rare, or
    innovative techniques; and
    (D) other nonmonetary assistance, as determined by
    the Secretary.
    (3) Grants to dairy businesses.--
    (A) In general.--An initiative shall provide grants
    on a competitive basis to new and existing dairy
    businesses for the purposes of--
    (i) modernization, specialization, and grazing
    transition on dairy farms;
    (ii) value chain and commodity innovation and
    facility and process updates for dairy processors;
    and
    (iii) product development, packaging, and
    marketing of dairy products.
    (B) Grants to certain entities.--An initiative may
    provide a grant on a noncompetitive basis to an entity
    that receives assistance under paragraph (1) to advance
    the business activities recommended as a result of that
    assistance.
    (C) Grant amounts.--Grants provided under this
    paragraph shall not exceed $500,000, unless a greater
    amount is approved by the Secretary.
    (4) Consultation.--An entity that hosts an initiative shall
    consult with the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board,
    the Secretary, and the Administrator of the Agricultural
    Marketing Service in carrying out the initiative.
    (5) Conflict of interest.--
    (A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish
    guidelines and procedures to prevent any conflict of
    interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest by
    an initiative (including a partner of the initiative)
    during the allocation of direct assistance under
    paragraph (1) or grant funding under paragraph (3).
    (B) Penalty.--The Secretary may suspend or terminate
    an initiative if the initiative (including a partner of
    the initiative) is found to be in violation of the
    guidelines and procedures established under subparagraph
    (A).

    (g) Distribution of Funds.--
    (1) In general.--Using the funds made available to carry out
    this section, the Secretary--

    [[Page 4999]]

    (A) shall provide not less than 3 awards to eligible
    entities described in subsection (d) for the purposes of
    carrying out the activities under subsection (f); and
    (B) is encouraged to award funds under subparagraph
    (A) in multiyear funding allocations.
    (2) Use of funds.--Not less than 50 percent of the funds
    made available under subsection (i) shall be allocated to grants
    under subsection (f)(3).
    (3) Priority.--An entity hosting an initiative shall give
    priority to the provision of direct assistance under subsection
    (f)(1) and grants under subsection (f)(3) to--
    (A) dairy farms and dairy businesses with limited
    access to other forms of assistance;
    (B) employee-owned dairy businesses;
    (C) cooperatives; and
    (D) dairy businesses that seek to create dairy
    products that add substantial value in processing or
    marketing, such as specialty cheeses.
    (4) Requirement.--Assistance or a grant shall not be made
    available to a foreign person making direct investment (as those
    terms are defined in section 801.2 of title 15, Code of Federal
    Regulations (or successor regulations)) in the United States in
    the case of--
    (A) direct assistance under subsection (f)(1) that
    is provided to a specific dairy business and is not
    publicly available, as determined by the Secretary; or
    (B) a grant under subsection (f)(3).
    (5) Supplementation.--To the extent practicable, the
    Secretary shall ensure that funds provided to an initiative
    supplement, and do not duplicate or replace, existing dairy
    product research, development, and promotion activities.

    (h) Report.--Not later than January 31, 2022, the Secretary shall
    submit to Congress a report on the outcomes of the program under this
    section and any related activities and opportunities to further increase
    dairy innovation.
    (i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
    appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each fiscal year.
    SEC. 12514. REPORT ON FUNDING FOR THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD
    AND AGRICULTURE AND OTHER EXTENSION
    PROGRAMS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date on which the
    census of agriculture required to be conducted in calendar year 2017
    under section 2 of the Census of Agriculture Act of 1997 (7 U.S.C.
    2204g) is released, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
    Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
    Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that
    describes the funding necessary to adequately address the needs of the
    National Institute of Food and Agriculture, activities carried out under
    the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 341 et seq.), and research and extension
    programs carried out at an 1890 Institution (as defined in section 2 of
    the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998
    (7 U.S.C. 7601)) or an institution designated under the Act of July 2,
    1862 (commonly known as the ``First Morrill Act'') (12 Stat. 503,
    chapter 130; 7 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), to provide adequate services for the

    [[Page 5000]]

    growth and development of the economies of rural communities based on
    the changing demographic in the rural and farming communities in the
    various States.
    (b) Requirements.--In preparing the report under subsection (a), the
    Secretary shall focus on the funding needs of the programs described in
    subsection (a) with respect to carrying out activities relating to small
    and diverse farms and ranches, veteran farmers and ranchers, value-added
    agriculture, direct-to-consumer sales, and specialty crops.
    SEC. 12515. <>  PROHIBITION ON SLAUGHTER OF
    DOGS AND CATS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.

    (a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (c), no person
    may--
    (1) knowingly slaughter a dog or cat for human consumption;
    or
    (2) knowingly ship, transport, move, deliver, receive,
    possess, purchase, sell, or donate--
    (A) a dog or cat to be slaughtered for human
    consumption; or
    (B) a dog or cat part for human consumption.

    (b) Scope.--Subsection (a) shall apply only with respect to
    conduct--
    (1) in or affecting interstate commerce or foreign commerce;
    or
    (2) within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction
    of the United States.

    (c) Exception for Indian Tribes.--The prohibition in subsection (a)
    shall not apply to an Indian (as defined in section 4 of the Indian
    Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304))
    carrying out any activity described in subsection (a) for the purpose of
    a religious ceremony.
    (d) Penalty.--Any person who violates subsection (a) shall be
    subject to a fine in an amount not greater than $5,000 for each
    violation.
    (e) Effect On State Law.--Nothing in this section--
    (1) limits any State or local law or regulation protecting
    the welfare of animals; or
    (2) prevents a State or unit of local government from
    adopting and enforcing an animal welfare law or regulation that
    is more stringent than this section.
    SEC. 12516. <>  LABELING EXEMPTION FOR
    SINGLE INGREDIENT FOODS AND PRODUCTS.

    The food labeling requirements under section 403(q) of the Federal
    Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 343(q)) shall not require that
    the nutrition facts label of any single-ingredient sugar, honey, agave,
    or syrup, including maple syrup, that is packaged and offered for sale
    as a single-ingredient food bear the declaration ``Includes X g Added
    Sugars.''.
    SEC. 12517. SOUTH CAROLINA INCLUSION IN VIRGINIA/CAROLINA PEANUT
    PRODUCING REGION.

    Section 1308(c)(2)(B)(iii) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment
    Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 7958(c)(2)(B)(iii)) is amended by striking
    ``Virginia and North Carolina'' and inserting ``Virginia, North
    Carolina, and South Carolina''.

    [[Page 5001]]

    SEC. 12518. <>  FOREST SERVICE HIRE
    AUTHORITY.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture may appoint, without
    regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5,
    United States Code, other than sections 3303 and 3328 of such title, a
    qualified candidate described in subsection (b) directly to a position
    with the Department of Agriculture, Forest Service for which the
    candidate meets Office of Personnel Management qualification standards.
    (b) Qualifications.--Subsection (a) applies to a former resource
    assistant (as defined in section 203 of the Public Land Corps Act (16
    U.S.C. 1722)) who--
    (1) completed a rigorous internship with a land managing
    agency, such as the Forest Service Resource Assistant Program;
    (2) successfully fulfilled the requirements of the
    internship program; and
    (3) earned an undergraduate or graduate degree from an
    accredited institution of higher education (as defined in
    section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
    1001)).

    (c) Limitation.--The direct hire authority under this section may
    not be exercised with respect to a specific qualified candidate after
    the end of the 2-year period beginning on the date on which the
    candidate completed the undergraduate or graduate degree, as the case
    may be, or has successfully fulfilled the requirements of the internship
    program, whichever is later.
    SEC. 12519. <>  CONVERSION AUTHORITY.

    The Secretary may, notwithstanding subchapter I of chapter 33 of
    title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive
    or excepted service, noncompetitively convert to an appointment in the
    competitive service, in an agency or office within the Department of
    Agriculture, a recent graduate or student who is a United States citizen
    and has been awarded and successfully completed a scholarship program
    granted to the individual by the Department through the 1890 National
    Scholars Program or the 1994 Tribal Scholars Program carried out by the
    Department, provided the individual meets the requirements for such
    conversion and meets Office of Personnel Management qualification
    standards, as determined by the Secretary. Nothing in the preceding
    sentence shall be construed as requiring the Secretary to convert an
    individual under the authority under such sentence.
    SEC. 12520. <>  AUTHORIZATION OF PROTECTION
    OPERATIONS FOR THE SECRETARY OF
    AGRICULTURE AND OTHERS.

    (a) In General.--The Department of Agriculture is authorized to
    employ qualified law enforcement officers or special agents to provide--
    (1) protection for the Secretary and the Deputy Secretary
    during the performance of official duties by each such officer
    and during any activity that is preliminary or postliminary to
    the performance of official duties by each such officer;
    (2) protection, incidental to the protection provided
    pursuant to paragraph (1), to an individual accompanying each
    such officer who is participating in an activity or event
    relating to the official duties of each such officer when there
    is an articulable threat to such individual;
    (3) continuous protection to the Secretary and Deputy
    Secretary (including during periods not described in paragraph

    [[Page 5002]]

    (1)) if there is an articulable threat of physical harm, in
    accordance with guidelines established by the Secretary; and
    (4) protection of another senior officer representing the
    Secretary (including a person nominated to be the Secretary
    during the pendency of such nomination) if there is an
    articulable threat of physical harm, in accordance with
    guidelines established by the Secretary.

    (b) Authorities of the Protective Operation.--
    (1) In general.--The Secretary may authorize officers or
    special agents employed pursuant to subsection (a)--
    (A) to carry firearms;
    (B) to conduct criminal investigations into
    potential threats to the security of persons protected
    under this section;
    (C) to make arrests without a warrant for any
    offense against the United States committed in the
    presence of such officer or special agent;
    (D) to perform protective intelligence work,
    including identifying and mitigating potential threats
    and conducting advance work to review security matters
    relating to sites and events; and
    (E) to coordinate with local law enforcement
    agencies.
    (2) Guidelines.--The authority conveyed under this section
    shall be exercised in accordance with any--
    (A) guidelines issued by the Attorney General; and
    (B) such additional guidelines as may be issued by
    the Secretary.

    (c) Exception.--The authorities granted under this section may be
    exercised notwithstanding section 1343(b)(1) of title 31, United States
    Code.
    (d) Report.--Not later than September 30, 2019, and each September
    30 through 2024, the Secretary shall provide to the Committee on
    Agriculture of the House of Representatives and Committee on
    Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report describing
    the protection provided, and accounting for the expenditures made,
    pursuant to this section.

    PART II--NATIONAL OILHEAT RESEARCH ALLIANCE

    SEC. 12531. NATIONAL OILHEAT RESEARCH ALLIANCE.

    (a) In General.--Section 713 of the National Oilheat Research
    Alliance Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106-469) is
    amended by striking ``18 years'' and inserting ``28 years''.
    (b) Limitation on Obligations of Funds.--The National Oilheat
    Research Alliance Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106-469)
    is amended by inserting after section 707 the following:
    ``SEC. 708. LIMITATION ON OBLIGATION OF FUNDS.

    ``(a) In General.--In each calendar year of the covered period, the
    Alliance may not obligate an amount greater than the sum of--
    ``(1) 75 percent of the amount of assessments estimated to
    be collected under section 707 in that calendar year;
    ``(2) 75 percent of the amount of assessments actually
    collected under section 707 in the most recent calendar year

    [[Page 5003]]

    for which an audit report has been submitted under section
    706(f)(2)(B) as of the beginning of the calendar year for which
    the amount that may be obligated is being determined, less the
    estimate made pursuant to paragraph (1) for that most recent
    calendar year; and
    ``(3) amounts permitted in preceding calendar years to be
    obligated pursuant to this subsection that have not been
    obligated.

    ``(b) Excess Amounts Deposited in Escrow Account.--Assessments
    collected under section 707 in excess of the amount permitted to be
    obligated under subsection (a) in a calendar year shall be deposited in
    an escrow account for the duration of the covered period.
    ``(c) Treatment of Amounts in Escrow Account.--
    ``(1) In general.--During the covered period, the Alliance
    may not obligate, expend, or borrow against amounts required
    under subsection (b) to be deposited in the escrow account.
    ``(2) Interest.--Any interest earned on amounts described in
    paragraph (1) shall be--
    ``(A) deposited in the escrow account; and
    ``(B) unavailable for obligation for the duration of
    the covered period.

    ``(d) Release of Amounts in Escrow Account.--Beginning on October 1,
    2028, the Alliance may withdraw and obligate any amount in the escrow
    account.
    ``(e) Covered Period Defined.--In this section, the term `covered
    period' means the period that begins on February 6, 2019, and ends on
    September 30, 2028.''.
    (c) Conforming Amendments.--The National Oilheat Research Alliance
    Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106-469) is amended--
    (1) in section 706(d)(1), by striking ``not exceed 7 percent
    of the amount of assessments collected in any calendar year,
    except that during the first year of operation of the Alliance
    such expenses and amounts shall not exceed 10 percent of the
    amount of assessments'' and inserting ``not exceed 7 percent of
    the amount of assessments collected in any calendar year that
    are permitted to be obligated in that calendar year''; and
    (2) in section 707--
    (A) in subsection (e), by inserting ``that are
    permitted to be obligated'' after ``amount of
    assessments collected in the State'' each place it
    appears; and
    (B) in subsection (f), by inserting ``and permitted
    to be obligated'' after ``assessments collected'' each
    place it appears.

    Subtitle F--General Provisions

    SEC. 12601. <>  BAITING OF MIGRATORY GAME
    BIRDS.

    (a) Definitions.--In this section:
    (1) Normal agricultural operation.--The term ``normal
    agricultural operation'' has the meaning given the term in
    section 20.11 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations (as in
    effect on the date of enactment of this Act).
    (2) Post-disaster flooding.--The term ``post-disaster
    flooding'' means the destruction of a crop through flooding

    [[Page 5004]]

    in accordance with practices required by the Federal Crop
    Insurance Corporation for agricultural producers to obtain crop
    insurance under the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et
    seq.) on land on which a crop was not harvestable due to a
    natural disaster (including any hurricane, storm, tornado,
    flood, high water, wind-driven water, tidal wave, tsunami,
    earthquake, volcanic eruption, landslide, mudslide, drought,
    fire, snowstorm, or other catastrophe that is declared a major
    disaster by the President in accordance with section 401 of the
    Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act
    (42 U.S.C. 5170)) in the crop year--
    (A) in which the natural disaster occurred; or
    (B) immediately preceding the crop year in which the
    natural disaster occurred.
    (3) Rice ratooning.--The term ``rice ratooning'' means the
    agricultural practice of harvesting rice by cutting the majority
    of the aboveground portion of the rice plant but leaving the
    roots and growing shoot apices intact to allow the plant to
    recover and produce a second crop yield.

    (b) Regulations to Exclude Rice Ratooning and Post-disaster
    Flooding.--Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this
    Act, the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary
    of Agriculture, shall revise part 20 of title 50, Code of Federal
    Regulations, to clarify that rice ratooning and post-disaster flooding,
    when carried out as part of a normal agricultural operation, do not
    constitute baiting.
    (c) Reports.--Not less frequently than once each year--
    (1) the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to the
    Secretary of the Interior a report that describes any changes to
    normal agricultural operations across the range of crops grown
    by agricultural producers in each region of the United States in
    which the official recommendations described in section 20.11(h)
    of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the
    date of enactment of this Act), are provided to agricultural
    producers; and
    (2) the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the
    Secretary of Agriculture and after seeking input from the heads
    of State departments of fish and wildlife or the Regional
    Migratory Bird Flyway Councils of the United States Fish and
    Wildlife Service, shall publicly post a report on the impact
    that rice ratooning and post-disaster flooding have on the
    behavior of migratory game birds that are hunted in the area in
    which rice ratooning and post-disaster flooding, respectively,
    have occurred.
    SEC. 12602. PIMA AGRICULTURE COTTON TRUST FUND.

    Section 12314 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 2101 note;
    Public Law 113-79) is amended--
    (1) by striking ``2018'' each place it appears and inserting
    ``2023'';
    (2) by striking ``calendar year 2013'' each place it appears
    and inserting ``the prior calendar year'';
    (3) in subsection (b)(2)--
    (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as
    clauses (i) and (ii), respectively;

    [[Page 5005]]

    (B) in the matter preceding clause (i) (as so
    redesignated), by striking ``(2) Twenty-five'' and
    inserting the following:
    ``(2)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), twenty-
    five'';
    (C) in subparagraph (A)(ii) (as so designated), by
    striking ``subparagraph (A)'' and inserting ``clause
    (i)''; and
    (D) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(B)(i) A yarn spinner shall not receive an amount under
    subparagraph (A) that exceeds the cost of pima cotton that--
    ``(I) was purchased during the prior calendar year;
    and
    ``(II) was used in spinning any cotton yarns.
    ``(ii) The Secretary shall reallocate any amounts reduced by
    reason of the limitation under clause (i) to spinners using the
    ratio described in subparagraph (A), disregarding production of
    any spinner subject to that limitation.'';
    (4) in subsection (c)--
    (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
    striking ``(b)(2)(A)'' and inserting ``(b)(2)(A)(i)'';
    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the
    end;
    (C) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the
    end and inserting ``; and''; and
    (D) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(4) the dollar amount of pima cotton purchased during the
    prior calendar year--
    ``(A) that was used in spinning any cotton yarns;
    and
    ``(B) for which the producer maintains supporting
    documentation.'';
    (5) in subsection (e)--
    (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
    striking ``by the Secretary--'' and inserting ``by the
    Secretary not later than March 15 of the applicable
    calendar year.''; and
    (B) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2); and
    (6) in subsection (f), by striking ``subsection (b)--'' in
    the matter preceding paragraph (1) and all that follows through
    ``not later than'' in paragraph (2) and inserting ``subsection
    (b) not later than''.
    SEC. 12603. AGRICULTURE WOOL APPAREL MANUFACTURERS TRUST FUND.

    Section 12315 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 7101 note;
    Public Law 113-79) is amended--
    (1) by striking ``2019'' each place it appears and inserting
    ``2023'';
    (2) in subsection (b)--
    (A) in paragraph (1)--
    (i) in subparagraph (A)--
    (I) in the matter preceding clause
    (i), by striking ``the payment--'' and
    inserting ``the payment, payments in
    amounts authorized under that
    paragraph.''; and
    (II) by striking clauses (i) and
    (ii); and
    (ii) in subparagraph (B)--

    [[Page 5006]]

    (I) in the matter preceding clause
    (i), by striking ``4002(c)--'' and
    inserting ``4002(c), payments in amounts
    authorized under that paragraph.''; and
    (II) by striking clauses (i) and
    (ii); and
    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``submitted--'' in
    the matter preceding subparagraph (A) and all that
    follows through ``to the Secretary'' in subparagraph (B)
    and inserting ``submitted to the Secretary''; and
    (3) in subsection (c)--
    (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
    striking ``subsection (b)--'' and inserting ``subsection
    (b) not later than April 15 of the year of the
    payment.''; and
    (B) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2).
    SEC. 12604. WOOL RESEARCH AND PROMOTION.

    Section 12316(a) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 7101
    note; Public Law 113-79) is amended by striking ``2015 through 2019''
    and inserting ``2019 through 2023''.
    SEC. 12605. <>  EMERGENCY CITRUS DISEASE
    RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TRUST FUND.

    (a) Definition of Citrus.--In this section, the term ``citrus''
    means edible fruit of the family Rutaceae, including any hybrid of that
    fruit and any product of that hybrid that is produced for commercial
    purposes in the United States.
    (b) Establishment of Trust Fund.--There is established in the
    Treasury of the United States a trust fund, to be known as the Emergency
    Citrus Disease Research and Development Trust Fund (referred to in this
    section as the ``Citrus Trust Fund''), consisting of such amounts as
    shall be transferred to the Citrus Trust Fund pursuant to subsection
    (d).
    (c) Use of Fund.--From amounts in the Citrus Trust Fund, the
    Secretary shall, beginning in fiscal year 2019, carry out the Emergency
    Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program in section 412(j) of the
    Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7
    U.S.C. 7632(j)).
    (d) Funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the
    Secretary shall transfer to the Citrus Trust Fund $25,000,000 for each
    of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, to remain available until expended.
    SEC. 12606. EXTENSION OF MERCHANDISE PROCESSING FEES.

    Section 503 of the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement
    Implementation Act (Public Law 112-41; 19 U.S.C. 3805 note) is amended
    by striking ``February 24, 2027'' and inserting ``May 26, 2027''.
    SEC. 12607. <>  REPORTS ON LAND ACCESS AND
    FARMLAND OWNERSHIP DATA COLLECTION.

    (a) Land Access.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
    of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the
    Chief Economist, shall submit to Congress and make publicly available a
    report identifying--
    (1) the barriers that prevent or hinder the ability of
    beginning farmers and ranchers (as defined in section 2501(a) of
    the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7
    U.S.C. 2279(a))) and socially disadvantaged farmers and

    [[Page 5007]]

    ranchers (as defined in such section) to acquire or access
    farmland;
    (2) the extent to which Federal programs, including
    agricultural conservation easement programs, land transition
    programs, and financing programs, are improving--
    (A) farmland access and tenure for beginning farmers
    and ranchers and socially disadvantaged farmers and
    ranchers; and
    (B) farmland transition and succession; and
    (3) the regulatory, operational, or statutory changes that
    are necessary to improve--
    (A) the ability of beginning farmers and ranchers
    and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers to
    acquire or access farmland;
    (B) farmland tenure for beginning farmers and
    ranchers and socially disadvantaged farmers and
    ranchers; and
    (C) farmland transition and succession.

    (b) Farmland Ownership.--The Secretary shall collect and, not less
    frequently than once every 3 years report, data and analysis on farmland
    ownership, tenure, transition, and entry of beginning farmers and
    ranchers and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers (as those terms
    are defined in section 2501(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation,
    and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(a))). In carrying out this
    subsection, the Secretary shall, at a minimum--
    (1) collect and distribute comprehensive reporting of trends
    in farmland ownership, tenure, transition, barriers to entry,
    profitability, and viability of beginning farmers and ranchers
    and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers;
    (2) develop surveys and report statistical and economic
    analysis on farmland ownership, tenure, transition, barriers to
    entry, profitability, and viability of beginning farmers and
    ranchers, including a regular follow-on survey to each Census of
    Agriculture with results of the follow-on survey made public not
    later than 3 years after the previous Census of Agriculture; and
    (3) require the National Agricultural Statistics Service to
    include in the Tenure, Ownership, and Transition of Agricultural
    Land survey questions relating to--
    (A) the extent to which non-farming landowners are
    purchasing and holding onto farmland for the sole
    purpose of real estate investment;
    (B) the impact of these farmland ownership trends on
    the successful entry and viability of beginning farmers
    and ranchers and socially disadvantaged farmers and
    ranchers;
    (C) the extent to which farm and ranch land with
    undivided interests and no administrative authority
    identified have farms or ranches operating on that land;
    and
    (D) the impact of land tenure patterns, categorized
    by--
    (i) race, gender, and ethnicity; and
    (ii) region.

    (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
    appropriated to carry out this section $3,000,000 for each fiscal years
    2019 through 2023, to remain available until expended.

    [[Page 5008]]

    SEC. 12608. REAUTHORIZATION OF RURAL EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
    TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT ASSISTANCE
    PROGRAM.

    Section 330J of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254c-15) is
    amended--
    (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``in rural areas'' and
    inserting ``in rural areas or to residents of rural areas'';
    (2) by striking subsections (b) through (f) and inserting
    the following:

    ``(b) Eligibility; Application.--To be eligible to receive grant
    under this section, an entity shall--
    ``(1) be--
    ``(A) an emergency medical services agency operated
    by a local or tribal government (including fire-based
    and non-fire based); or
    ``(B) an emergency medical services agency that is
    described in section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code
    of 1986 and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such
    Code; and
    ``(2) submit an application to the Secretary at such time,
    in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary
    may require.

    ``(c) Use of Funds.--An entity--
    ``(1) shall use amounts received through a grant under
    subsection (a) to--
    ``(A) train emergency medical services personnel as
    appropriate to obtain and maintain licenses and
    certifications relevant to service in an emergency
    medical services agency described in subsection (b)(1);
    ``(B) conduct courses that qualify graduates to
    serve in an emergency medical services agency described
    in subsection (b)(1) in accordance with State and local
    requirements;
    ``(C) fund specific training to meet Federal or
    State licensing or certification requirements; and
    ``(D) acquire emergency medical services equipment;
    and
    ``(2) may use amounts received through a grant under
    subsection (a) to--
    ``(A) recruit and retain emergency medical services
    personnel, which may include volunteer personnel;
    ``(B) develop new ways to educate emergency health
    care providers through the use of technology-enhanced
    educational methods; or
    ``(C) acquire personal protective equipment for
    emergency medical services personnel as required by the
    Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

    ``(d) Grant Amounts.--Each grant awarded under this section shall be
    in an amount not to exceed $200,000.
    ``(e) Definitions.--In this section:
    ``(1) The term `emergency medical services'--
    ``(A) means resources used by a public or private
    nonprofit licensed entity to deliver medical care
    outside of a medical facility under emergency conditions
    that occur as a result of the condition of the patient;
    and

    [[Page 5009]]

    ``(B) includes services delivered (either on a
    compensated or volunteer basis) by an emergency medical
    services provider or other provider that is licensed or
    certified by the State involved as an emergency medical
    technician, a paramedic, or an equivalent professional
    (as determined by the State).
    ``(2) The term `rural area' means--
    ``(A) a nonmetropolitan statistical area;
    ``(B) an area designated as a rural area by any law
    or regulation of a State; or
    ``(C) a rural census tract of a metropolitan
    statistical area (as determined under the most recent
    rural urban commuting area code as set forth by the
    Office of Management and Budget).

    ``(f) Matching Requirement.--The Secretary may not award a grant
    under this section to an entity unless the entity agrees that the entity
    will make available (directly or through contributions from other public
    or private entities) non-Federal contributions toward the activities to
    be carried out under the grant in an amount equal to 10 percent of the
    amount received under the grant.''; and
    (3) in subsection (g)(1), by striking ``2002 through 2006''
    and inserting ``2019 through 2023''.
    SEC. 12609. COMMISSION ON FARM TRANSITIONS--NEEDS FOR 2050.

    (a) Establishment.--There is established a commission to be known as
    the Commission on Farm Transitions-Needs for 2050 (referred to in this
    section as the ``Commission'').
    (b) Study.--The Commission shall conduct a study on issues impacting
    the transition of agricultural operations from established farmers and
    ranchers to the next generation of farmers and ranchers, including--
    (1) access to, and availability of--
    (A) quality land and necessary infrastructure;
    (B) affordable credit;
    (C) adequate risk management tools; and
    (D) apprenticeship and mentorship programs;
    (2) agricultural asset transfer strategies in use as of the
    date of the enactment of this Act and improvements to such
    strategies;
    (3) incentives that may facilitate agricultural asset
    transfers to the next generation of farmers and ranchers,
    including an assessment of, and recommendations for, how
    existing and new Federal tax policies--
    (A) facilitate lifetime and estate transfers; and
    (B) impact individuals seeking to farm who do not
    have family farm lineage or access to farmland;
    (4) the causes of the failures of such transitions, if any;
    and
    (5) the effectiveness of programs and incentives providing
    assistance with respect to such transitions in effect on the
    date of the enactment of this Act and opportunities for the
    revision or improvement of such programs.

    (c) Membership.--
    (1) Composition.--The Commission shall be composed of 10
    members, as follows:
    (A) 3 members appointed by the Secretary.

    [[Page 5010]]

    (B) 3 members appointed by the Committee on
    Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate.
    (C) 3 members appointed by the Committee on
    Agriculture of the House of Representatives.
    (D) The Chief Economist of the Department of
    Agriculture.
    (2) Federal government employment.--In addition to the Chief
    Economist of the Department of Agriculture, the membership of
    the Commission may include 1 or more employees of the Department
    of Agriculture or other Federal agencies.
    (3) Date of appointments.--The appointment of all members of
    the Commission shall be made not later than 60 days after the
    date of enactment of this Act.
    (4) Term; vacancies.--
    (A) Term.--A member shall be appointed for the life
    of the Commission.
    (B) Vacancies.--A vacancy on the Commission--
    (i) shall not affect the powers of the
    Commission; and
    (ii) shall be filled in the same manner as the
    original appointment was made.
    (5) Initial meeting.--Not later than 30 days after the date
    on which all members of the Commission have been appointed, the
    Commission shall hold the initial meeting of the Commission.

    (d) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Commission shall
    constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but a lesser number
    of members may hold hearings.
    (e) Chairperson.--The Secretary shall appoint 1 of the members of
    the Commission to serve as Chairperson of the Commission.
    (f) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
    this Act, the Commission shall submit to the President, the Committee on
    Agriculture of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on
    Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report containing
    the results of the study required by subsection (b), including such
    recommendations as the Commission considers appropriate.
    (g) Hearings.--The Commission may hold such hearings, meet and act
    at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence
    as the Commission considers advisable to carry out this section.
    (h) Information From Federal Agencies.--The Commission may secure
    directly from a Federal agency such information as the Commission
    considers necessary to carry out this section. On request of the
    Chairperson of the Commission, the head of the agency shall provide the
    information to the Commission.
    (i) Postal Services.--The Commission may use the United States mail
    in the same manner and under the same conditions as other agencies of
    the Federal Government.
    (j) Assistance From Secretary.--The Secretary may provide to the
    Commission appropriate office space and such reasonable administrative
    and support services as the Commission may request.
    (k) Compensation of Members.--

    [[Page 5011]]

    (1) Non-federal employees.--A member of the Commission who
    is not an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall be
    compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the
    annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the
    Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States
    Code, for each day (including travel time) during which the
    member is engaged in the performance of the duties of the
    Commission.
    (2) Federal employees.--A member of the Commission who is an
    officer or employee of the Federal Government shall serve
    without compensation in addition to the compensation received
    for the services of the member as an officer or employee of the
    Federal Government.
    (3) Travel expenses.--A member of the Commission shall be
    allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of
    subsistence, at rates authorized for an employee of an agency
    under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code,
    while away from the home or regular place of business of the
    member in the performance of the duties of the Commission.

    (l) Federal Advisory Committee Act.--Sections 9 and 14 of the
    Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the
    Commission or any proceeding of the Commission.
    (m) Termination.--The Commission shall terminate on September 30,
    2023.
    SEC. 12610. EXCEPTIONS UNDER UNITED STATES GRAIN STANDARDS ACT.

    (a) Geographic Boundaries for Official Agencies.--Section 7 of the
    United States Grain Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 79) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (f)(2)--
    (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C)
    as clauses (i), (iii), and (iv), respectively, and
    indenting appropriately;
    (B) in the matter preceding clause (i) (as so
    redesignated), by striking ``Not more'' and inserting
    the following:
    ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), not
    more'';
    (C) in subparagraph (A) (as so designated), in the
    matter preceding clause (i) (as so redesignated), by
    striking ``Secretary, except that, if'' and inserting
    the following: ``Secretary.
    ``(B) Exceptions.--Subject to subsection (g)(4)(A),
    if'';
    (D) in subparagraph (B) (as so designated), by
    inserting after clause (i) the following:
    ``(ii) a person requesting inspection services
    in that geographic area has not been receiving
    official inspection services from the current
    designated official agency for that geographic
    area;''; and
    (E) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(C) Termination of nonuse of service exception.--
    The exception under subparagraph (B)(ii) may only be
    terminated if all parties to that exception jointly
    agree on the termination, unless terminated according to
    subsection (g)(4)(A).
    ``(D) Restoration of certain exceptions.--

    [[Page 5012]]

    ``(i) Definition of eligible grain handling
    facility.--In this subparagraph, the term
    `eligible grain handling facility' means a grain
    handling facility that--
    ``(I) was granted an exception under
    the final rule entitled `Exceptions to
    Geographic Areas for Official Agencies
    Under the USGSA' (68 Fed. Reg. 19137
    (April 18, 2003)); and
    ``(II) had that exception revoked
    between September 30, 2015, and the date
    of enactment of the Agriculture
    Improvement Act of 2018.
    ``(ii) Restoration of exceptions.--Within 90
    days of notification from an eligible grain
    handling facility, the Secretary shall restore an
    exception described in clause (i)(I) with an
    official agency if--
    ``(I) the eligible grain handling
    facility and the former excepted
    official agency agree to restore that
    exception; and
    ``(II) the eligible grain handling
    facility notifies the Secretary of the
    preferred date for restoration of the
    exception within 90 days of enactment of
    the Agriculture Improvement Act of
    2018.''; and
    (2) in subsection (g), by adding at the end the following:
    ``(4) Effect on exceptions.--
    ``(A) In general.--The exceptions under clauses (ii)
    and (iv) of subsection (f)(2)(B) shall not apply if the
    designation of an official agency is terminated,
    pursuant to paragraph (1).
    ``(B) Designation renewed or restored.--If the
    designation of an official agency is renewed or restored
    after being terminated under paragraph (1), the
    Secretary may renew or restore the exceptions under
    subsection (f)(2)(B) in accordance with that
    subsection.''.

    (b) Unauthorized Weighing Prohibited.--Section 7A(i)(2) of the
    United States Grain Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 79a(i)(2)) is amended--
    (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses
    (i) and (iii), respectively, and indenting appropriately;
    (2) in the matter preceding clause (i) (as so redesignated),
    by striking ``Not more'' and inserting the following:
    ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), not
    more'';
    (3) in subparagraph (A) (as so designated), in the matter
    preceding clause (i) (as so redesignated), by striking
    ``Secretary, except that, if'' and inserting the following:
    ``Secretary.
    ``(B) Exceptions.--If'';
    (4) in subparagraph (B) (as so designated)--
    (A) in clause (i), by striking ``or'' at the end;
    and
    (B) by inserting after clause (i) the following:
    ``(ii) a person requesting weighing services
    in that geographic area has not been receiving
    official weighing services from the current
    designated official agency for that geographic
    area; or''; and
    (5) by adding after subparagraph (B) (as so designated)--
    ``(C) Restoration of certain exceptions.--
    ``(i) Definition of eligible grain handling
    facility.--In this subparagraph, the term
    `eligible

    [[Page 5013]]

    grain handling facility' means a grain handling
    facility that--
    ``(I) was granted an exception under
    the final rule entitled `Exceptions to
    Geographic Areas for Official Agencies
    Under the USGSA' (68 Fed. Reg. 19137
    (April 18, 2003)); and
    ``(II) had that exception revoked
    between September 30, 2015 and the date
    of enactment of the Agriculture
    Improvement Act of 2018.
    ``(ii) Restoration of exceptions.--Within 90
    days of notification from an eligible grain
    handling facility, the Secretary shall restore an
    exception described in clause (i)(I) with an
    official agency if--
    ``(I) the eligible grain handling
    facility and the former excepted
    official agency agree to restore that
    exception; and
    ``(II) the eligible grain handling
    facility notifies the Secretary of the
    preferred date for restoration of the
    exception within 90 days of enactment of
    the Agriculture Improvement Act of
    2018.''.

    (c) Technical Correction.--Section 7(f)(1) of the United States
    Grain Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 79(f)(1)) is amended by indenting
    subparagraph (C) appropriately.
    SEC. 12611. CONFERENCE REPORT REQUIREMENT THRESHOLD.

    Section 14209(a)(3)(A) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of
    2008 (7 U.S.C. 2255b(a)(3)(A)) is amended by striking ``$10,000'' and
    inserting ``$50,000''.
    SEC. 12612. <>  NATIONAL AGRICULTURE IMAGERY
    PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the
    Administrator of the Farm Service Agency, shall carry out a national
    agriculture imagery program to annually acquire aerial imagery during
    agricultural growing seasons from the continental United States.
    (b) Data.--The aerial imagery acquired under this section shall--
    (1) consist of high resolution processed digital imagery;
    (2) be made available in a format that can be provided to
    Federal, State, and private sector entities;
    (3) be technologically compatible with geospatial
    information technology; and
    (4) be consistent with the standards established by the
    Federal Geographic Data Committee.

    (c) Supplemental Satellite Imagery.--The Secretary of Agriculture
    may supplement the aerial imagery collected under this section with
    satellite imagery.
    (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
    appropriated to carry out this section $23,000,000 for fiscal year 2019
    and each fiscal year thereafter.
    SEC. 12613. REPORT ON INCLUSION OF NATURAL STONE PRODUCTS IN
    COMMODITY PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND
    INFORMATION ACT OF 1996.

    Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act,
    the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to the Committee on
    Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
    Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report

    [[Page 5014]]

    examining the effect the establishment of a Natural Stone Research and
    Promotion Board pursuant to the Commodity Promotion, Research, and
    Information Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.) would have on the
    natural stone industry, including how such a program would effect--
    (1) research conducted on, and the promotion of, natural
    stone;
    (2) the development and expansion of domestic markets for
    natural stone;
    (3) economic activity of the natural stone industry subject
    to such a Board;
    (4) economic development in rural areas; and
    (5) benefits to consumers in the United States of natural
    stone products.
    SEC. 12614. ESTABLISHMENT OF FOOD ACCESS LIAISON.

    (a) In General.--Subtitle A of the Department of Agriculture
    Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.), as amended by
    sections 12202, 12302, 12403, and 12504, is amended by adding at the end
    the following:
    ``SEC. 225. <>  FOOD ACCESS LIAISON.

    ``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish the position of
    Food Access Liaison to coordinate Department programs to reduce barriers
    to food access and monitor and evaluate the progress of such programs in
    accordance with this section.
    ``(b) Duties.--The Food Access Liaison shall--
    ``(1) coordinate the efforts of the Department, including
    regional offices, to experiment and consider programs and
    policies aimed at reducing barriers to food access for
    consumers, including but not limited to participants in
    nutrition assistance programs;
    ``(2) provide outreach to entities engaged in activities to
    reduce barriers to food access in accordance with the statutory
    authorization for each program;
    ``(3) provide outreach to entities engaged in activities to
    reduce barriers to food access, including retailers, markets,
    producers, and others involved in food production and
    distribution, with respect to the availability of, and
    eligibility for, Department programs;
    ``(4) raise awareness of food access issues in interactions
    with employees of the Department;
    ``(5) make recommendations to the Secretary with respect to
    efforts to reduce barriers to food access; and
    ``(6) submit to Congress an annual report with respect to
    the efforts of the Department to reduce barriers to food
    access.''.

    (b) <>  Technical Assistance.--The Secretary
    shall provide technical assistance to entities that are participants, or
    seek to participate, in Department of Agriculture programs related to
    reduction of barriers to food access.
    SEC. 12615. <>  ELIGIBILITY FOR OPERATORS ON
    HEIRS PROPERTY LAND TO OBTAIN A FARM
    NUMBER.

    (a) Definitions.--In this section:
    (1) Eligible documentation.--The term ``eligible
    documentation'', with respect to land for which a farm operator

    [[Page 5015]]

    seeks assignment of a farm number under subsection (b)(1),
    includes--
    (A) in States that have adopted a statute consisting
    of an enactment or adoption of the Uniform Partition of
    Heirs Property Act, as approved and recommended for
    enactment in all States by the National Conference of
    Commissioners on Uniform State Laws in 2010--
    (i) a court order verifying the land meets the
    definition of heirs property (as defined in that
    Act); or
    (ii) a certification from the local recorder
    of deeds that the recorded owner of the land is
    deceased and not less than 1 heir of the recorded
    owner of the land has initiated a procedure to
    retitle the land in the name of the rightful heir;
    (B) a fully executed, unrecorded tenancy-in-common
    agreement that sets out ownership rights and
    responsibilities among all of the owners of the land
    that--
    (i) has been approved by a majority of the
    ownership interests in that property;
    (ii) has given a particular owner the right to
    manage and control any portion or all of the land
    for purposes of operating a farm or ranch; and
    (iii) was validly entered into under the
    authority of the jurisdiction in which the land is
    located;
    (C) the tax return of a farm operator farming a
    property with undivided interests for each of the 5
    years preceding the date on which the farm operator
    submits the tax returns as eligible documentation under
    subsection (b);
    (D) self-certification that the farm operator has
    control of the land for purposes of operating a farm or
    ranch; and
    (E) any other documentation identified by the
    Secretary under subsection (c).
    (2) Farm number.--The term ``farm number'' has the meaning
    given the term in section 718.2 of title 7, Code of Federal
    Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act).

    (b) Farm Number.--
    (1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide for the
    assignment of a farm number to any farm operator who provides
    any form of eligible documentation for purposes of demonstrating
    that the farm operator has control of the land for purposes of
    defining that land as a farm.
    (2) Eligibility.--Any farm number provided under paragraph
    (1) shall be sufficient to satisfy any requirement of the
    Secretary to have a farm number to participate in a program of
    the Secretary.

    (c) Eligible Documentation.--The Secretary shall identify
    alternative forms of eligible documentation that a farm operator may
    provide in seeking the assignment of a farm number under subsection
    (b)(1).
    SEC. 12616. EXTENDING PROHIBITION ON ANIMAL FIGHTING TO THE
    TERRITORIES.

    (a) In General.--Section 26 of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C.
    2156) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)--

    [[Page 5016]]

    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Except as
    provided in paragraph (3), it'' and inserting ``It'';
    and
    (B) by striking paragraph (3);
    (2) by striking subsection (d); and
    (3) by redesignating subsections (e), (f), (g), (h), (i),
    and (j) as subsections (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), and (i),
    respectively.

    (b) Use of Postal Service or Other Interstate Instrumentalities.--
    Section 26(c) of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2156(c)) is amended by
    striking ``(e)'' and inserting ``(d)''.
    (c) Criminal Penalties.--Subsection (i) of section 26 of the Animal
    Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2156), as redesignated by section 2(3), is amended
    by striking ``(e)'' and inserting ``(d)''.
    (d) Enforcement of Animal Fighting Prohibitions.--Section 49(a) of
    title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking ``(e)'' and
    inserting ``(d)''.
    (e) <>  Effective Date.--The amendments made
    by this section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the
    date of the enactment of this Act.
    SEC. 12617. <>  EXEMPTION OF EXPORTATION
    OF CERTAIN ECHINODERMS FROM PERMISSION
    AND LICENSING REQUIREMENTS.

    (a) Definitions.--In this section:
    (1) Conservation and management.--The term ``conservation
    and management'' has the meaning given the term in section 3 of
    the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16
    U.S.C. 1802).
    (2) Marine fisheries commission.--The term ``Marine
    Fisheries Commission'' means an interstate commission (as that
    term is used in the Interjurisdictional Fisheries Act of 1986
    (16 USC 4101 et seq.)).
    (3) State jurisdiction.--The term ``State jurisdiction''
    means areas under the jurisdiction and authority of a State as
    described in section 306(a)(2) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
    Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1856(a)(2)).

    (b) Exemption.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment
    of this Act, the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service
    shall amend section 14.92 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, to
    clarify that--
    (1) except as provided in paragraph (2) and subsection
    (d)(2)--
    (A) fish and wildlife described in subsection (c)
    are fishery products exempt from the export permission
    requirements of section 9(d)(1) of the Endangered
    Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1538(d)(1)); and
    (B) any person may engage in business as an exporter
    of fish or wildlife described in subsection (c) without
    procuring--
    (i) permission under section 9(d)(1) of the
    Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C.
    1538(d)(1)); or
    (ii) an export license under subpart I of part
    14 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations (or
    successor regulations); and
    (2) notwithstanding paragraph (1), unless the person has
    qualified for and obtained an export license described in
    paragraph (1)(B)(ii), any person that has been convicted of 1 or
    more violations of a Federal law relating to the importation,

    [[Page 5017]]

    transportation, or exportation of wildlife shall not be
    permitted, during the 5-year period beginning on the date of the
    most recent conviction, to engage in business as an exporter of
    fish or wildlife described in subsection (c).

    (c) Covered Fish or Wildlife.--The fish or wildlife referred to in
    subsection (b) are members of the species Strongylocentrotus
    droebachiensis (commonly known as the ``green sea urchin''), including
    any products of that species, that--
    (1) do not require a permit under part 16, 17, or 23 of
    title 50, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor
    regulations);
    (2)(A) are harvested in waters under State jurisdiction; or
    (B) are imported for processing in the United States
    pursuant to an import license as required under section 14.91 of
    title 50, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor
    regulation), and not exempt from import license requirements
    under section 14.92 of that title (as in effect on the day
    before the date of enactment of this Act); and
    (3) are exported for purposes of human or animal
    consumption.

    (d) Information Collection on Exports.--
    (1) In general.--The State agency that regulates or
    otherwise oversees a State fishery in which the fish and
    wildlife described in subsection (c) are harvested shall
    annually transmit the conservation and management data (as
    defined in subsection (a)) to the Interstate Fisheries
    Management Program Policy Board of the applicable Marine
    Fisheries Commission.
    (2) Privacy.--Such data thereafter shall not be released and
    shall be maintained as confidential by such applicable Marine
    Fisheries Commission, including data requested under the section
    552 of title 5, United States Code, unless disclosure is
    required under court order or unless the data is essential for
    an enforcement action under Federal wildlife management laws.
    (3) Exclusion.--The exemption under subsection (b)(1) shall
    not apply in a State if--
    (A) the State fails to transmit the data required
    under paragraph (1); or
    (B) the applicable Marine Fisheries Commission
    determines, in consultation with the primary research
    agency of such Commission, after notice and an
    opportunity to comment, that the data required under
    paragraph (1) fails to prove that the State agency or
    official is engaged in conservation and management of
    the fish or wildlife described in subsection (c).
    SEC. 12618. DATA ON CONSERVATION PRACTICES.

    Subtitle E of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
    3841 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``SEC. 1247. <>  DATA ON CONSERVATION
    PRACTICES.

    ``(a) Data on Conservation Practices.--The Secretary shall identify
    available data sets within the Department of Agriculture regarding the
    use of conservation practices and the effect of such practices on farm
    and ranch profitability (including such effects relating to crop yields,
    soil health, and other risk-related factors).

    [[Page 5018]]

    ``(b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
    the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, the Secretary shall submit to
    the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the
    Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report
    that includes--
    ``(1) a summary of the data sets identified under subsection
    (a);
    ``(2) a summary of the steps the Secretary would have to
    take to provide access to such data sets by university
    researchers, including taking into account any technical,
    privacy, or administrative considerations;
    ``(3) a summary of safeguards the Secretary employs when
    providing access to data to university researchers;
    ``(4) a summary of appropriate procedures to maximize the
    potential for research benefits while preventing any violations
    of privacy or confidentiality; and
    ``(5) recommendations for any necessary authorizations or
    clarifications of Federal law to allow access to such data sets
    to maximize the potential for research benefits.''.
    SEC. 12619. CONFORMING CHANGES TO CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT.

    (a) In General.--Section 102(16) of the Controlled Substances Act
    (21 U.S.C. 802(16)) is amended--
    (1) by striking ``(16) The'' and inserting ``(16)(A) Subject
    to subparagraph (B), the''; and
    (2) by striking ``Such term does not include the'' and
    inserting the following:

    ``(B) The term `marihuana' does not include--
    ``(i) hemp, as defined in section 297A of the Agricultural
    Marketing Act of 1946; or
    ``(ii) the''.

    (b) Tetrahydrocannabinol.--Schedule I, as set forth in section
    202(c) of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812(c)), is amended
    in subsection (c)(17) by inserting after ``Tetrahydrocannabinols'' the
    following: ``, except for tetrahydrocannabinols in hemp (as defined
    under section 297A of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946)''.

    Approved December 20, 2018.

    LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--H.R. 2:
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    HOUSE REPORTS: Nos. 115-661 (Comm. on Agriculture) and 115-1072 (Comm.
    of Conference).
    CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 164 (2018):
    May 16-18, considered and failed House.
    June 21, considered and passed House.
    June 27, 28, considered and passed Senate, amended.
    Dec. 11, Senate agreed to the conference report.
    Dec. 12, House agreed to the conference report.
    DAILY COMPILATION OF PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS (2018):
    Dec. 20, Presidential remarks and statement.