[House Report 117-82] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] 117th Congress } { Report HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 1st Session } { 117-82 ====================================================================== AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2022 _______ July 2, 2021.--Commmitted to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed _______ Mr. Bishop of Georgia, from the Committee on Appropriations, submitted the following R E P O R T together with MINORITY VIEWS [To accompany H.R. 4356] The Committee on Appropriations submits the following report in explanation of the accompanying bill making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies for fiscal year 2022. CONTENTS Page Title I--Agricultural Programs................................... 3 Title II--Farm Production and Conservation Programs.............. 49 Title III--Rural Development Programs............................ 62 Title IV--Domestic Food Programs................................. 78 Title V--Foreign Assistance and Related Programs................. 86 Title VI--Related Agencies and Food and Drug Administration...... 89 Title VII--General Provisions.................................... 107 OVERVIEW The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee has jurisdiction over the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) except for the Forest Service, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and the Farm Credit Administration (FCA). The Subcommittee's responsibility covers issues that impact Americans every day of the year. The fiscal year 2022 discretionary spending in this bill totals $26,550,000,000, $2,851,000,000 above the fiscal year 2021 enacted level and $297,000,000 below the President's budget request for fiscal year 2022. In this report, ``the Committees'' refers to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The Subcommittee held eight hearings related to the agencies it funds. Those hearings were: 1. USDA Inspector General--February 25, 2021 2. FDA's Foreign Inspection Program--March 9, 2021 3. The Rural Economy--March 24, 2021 4. The U.S. Department of Agriculture--The Year Ahead--April 14, 2021 5. Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services--April 20, 2021 6. USDA Rural Development Mission Area--May 6, 2021 7. USDA Research, Education and Economics Mission Area--May 12, 2021 8. Member Day--May 18, 2021 Advertising Expenditures.--The Committee believes that, as the largest advertiser in the United States, the federal government should work to ensure fair access to its advertising contracts for small disadvantaged businesses and businesses owned by minorities and women. The Committee directs each department and agency to include the following information in its fiscal year 2023 budget justification: expenditures for fiscal year 2021 and expected expenditures for fiscal years 2022 and 2023 for (1) all contracts for advertising services; and (2) contracts for the advertising services of socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses concerns (as defined in section 8(a)(4) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637 (a)(4)); and women- and minority-owned businesses. Foundations of Evidence-Based Policymaking Act and OPEN Government Data Act.--The Committee directs USDA to inform the Committee on the implementation of the Foundations of Evidence- Based Policymaking Act of 2018 and the OPEN Government Data Act (P.L. 115-435) and the progress being made across USDA agencies to comply with this legislation. Training Programs.--The Committee notes that the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 directs the Attorney General to continue efforts to implement training programs to cover the use of force and de-escalation, racial profiling, implicit bias, and procedural justice, to include training on the duty of Federal law enforcement officers to intervene in cases where another law enforcement officer is using excessive force, and make such training a requirement for Federal law enforcement officers. The Committee further notes that several Departments and agencies funded by this Act employ Federal law enforcement officers and are Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers partner organizations. The Committee directs such Departments and agencies to adopt and follow the training programs implemented by the Attorney General, and to make such training a requirement for its Federal law enforcement officers. The Committee further directs such Departments and agencies to brief the Committees on their efforts relating to training no later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act. In addition, the Committee directs such Departments and agencies, to the extent that such Departments and agencies have not already done so, to submit their use of force data to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)'s National Use of Force Data Collection database. The Committee further directs such Departments and agencies to brief the Committees no later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act on their current efforts to tabulate and submit their use of force data to the FBI. Performance Measures.--The Committee directs USDA and FDA to comply with title 31 of the United States Code, including the development of their organizational priority goals and outcomes such as performance outcome measures, output measures, efficiency measures, and customer service measures. The Committee looks forward to receiving the briefing requested in House Report 116-107. TITLE I AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS Processing, Research and Marketing Office of the Secretary (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) 2021 appropriation.................................... $46,998,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 86,773,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 64,755,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +17,757,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. -22,018,000 The following table reflects the amount provided by the Committee for each office and activity: [Dollars in thousands] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ FY 2021 FY 2022 Committee enacted estimate provision ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Office of the Secretary................ 5,101 14,801 10,203 Office of Homeland Security............ 1,324 13,429 4,749 Office of Tribal Relations............. - - - 2,860 2,860 Office of Partnerships and Public 7,002 13,294 9,294 Engagement............................ Office of the Assistant Secretary for 881 1,399 1,649 Administration........................ Departmental Administration............ 21,440 26,001 24,036 Office of the Assistant Secretary for 3,908 4,480 4,480 Congressional Relations and Intergovernmental Affairs............. Office of Communications............... 7,342 10,509 7,484 -------------------------------- Total, Office of the Secretary..... 46,998 86,773 64,755 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Office of the Secretary, the Committee provides an appropriation of $64,755,000. Similar to prior years, the Committee does not include direct funding for activities that are currently funded through other resources such as the Working Capital Fund or that have historically been funded through other means. The Committee provides a total of $2,860,000 for the Office of Tribal Relations, including an increase of $1,845,000 for additional staff. The Committee provides $9,294,000 for the Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE), including an increase of $750,000 for additional staff. The Committee strongly supports the Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers program and provides an increase of $2,500,000 for grants to aid in increasing the accessibility of USDA programs to underserved constituents, specifically assistance to underrepresented and underserved producers, agricultural workers, and communities. OPPE is directed to use not more than five percent of this sum for administrative costs. In addition, the bill provides $5,000,000 for the Farming Opportunities Training and Outreach Program as authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill. This funding is in addition to the $40,000,000 in total mandatory funds available in 2022. The Committee provides an increase of $2,254,000 for Departmental Administration for additional staff. Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Participation. The Committee urges the Secretary to draft and implement a plan to collect disaggregated data on the numbers of AAPI farmers applying to and participating in the Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers program, as well as the percentage of AAPI farmers benefiting from loan forgiveness as part of the American Rescue Plan, and to submit a report to the Committee within 250 days of the enactment of this Act. California Drought Assistance.--In California, many regions of the state have been deemed to be in severe, extreme, or exceptional drought condition. On March 5, 2021, the Secretary designated 50 counties in California as primary natural disaster areas due to a recent drought. The Committee endorses the objective process used by USDA in the Secretarial drought designation and encourages the Secretary to use emergency and non-emergency authorities already in law to the maximum extent possible to assist these agricultural producers during the ongoing drought. The Secretary is also encouraged to use his authorities to assist agricultural producers experiencing similar conditions elsewhere in the country. Climate Change Funding.--The Committee provides a total of $347,400,000 for various offices and agencies to support USDA's efforts in addressing the climate change crisis, specifically on how it affects American farmers and rural communities. Funding is provided for new investments across USDA to focus on climate change research and assessment; measurement and monitoring; greenhouse gas emissions mitigation; carbon sequestration; and clean energy technologies. Given that these are new initiatives, the Committee awaits a carefully developed and articulated plan with more specificities than available in the budget and looks forward to working with USDA on this issue. Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Report.--The Committee directs the Secretary to provide a report on November 15, 2021, and May 15, 2022, on planned uses of funding under the authorities of Section 4 and Section 11 of the CCC Charter Act. CCC Obligations and Commitments.--The Secretary is directed to notify the Committees in writing 15 days prior to any announcement on the use of funds from the CCC or to the obligation or commitment of any emergency funds from the CCC. Communication from USDA.--A collaborative working relationship between the Committee and USDA is necessary to ensure efficient and effective implementation of Congress' funding decisions. USDA is directed to ensure that the Committee is notified of major changes to existing policies and any significant developments in its operations, before providing non-governmental stakeholders such information, before making the changes public and before implementing them. COVID-19 and Farmworkers.--The living and working conditions of farmworkers make them extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 exposure and illness. The Committee directs the Secretary to ensure that funding provided for COVID-19 addresses the extreme needs in farmworker communities. Customer Service.--The Committee continues to support efforts to improve customer service in accordance with Executive Order 13571. The Committee directs the Secretary to develop standards to improve customer service and incorporate the standards into the performance plans required under 31 U.S.C. 1115 and to update the Committee of its efforts in this regard. Emissions Reduction Plan.--The Committee directed USDA to submit a report not later than 180 days after the enactment of the fiscal year 2021 bill outlining its plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Committee looks forward to receiving the report. ERS/NIFA Move.--It has been almost exactly two years since the previous Secretary announced his decision to relocate the Economic Research Service (ERS) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) outside the greater Washington, D.C. area. Despite objections from the Committee, members of the House and Senate, numerous current and former staff of both agencies, and stakeholders who depend on the information and support provided by each agency, the Department relocated both agencies, starting in the summer of 2019. One of the stated reasons for the move was to improve the Department's ability to attract and retain highly qualified staff. At the time of the relocation announcement, both ERS and NIFA each had close to 300 employees. Today, the total number of employees for each agency is still below 75 percent of total capacity. ERS and NIFA remain shells of their former selves and the loss of institutional knowledge each agency has suffered will take years to overcome. The Committee urges the Secretary in the strongest possible terms to take whatever actions are necessary to restore these agencies to their full employment levels. Explanatory Notes.--The Committee appreciates the Department's work to restore the Explanatory Notes to the same format as they had been presented prior to fiscal year 2021 and directs that this format be maintained for fiscal year 2023 and beyond. Grain Terminals.--The Committee notes the ongoing contract negotiations between West Coast grain terminal operators and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and recognizes the importance of reaching an agreement that works for both parties. A failure to reach an agreement could result in an interruption in grain terminal service that would negatively impact the nation's grain exports. The Committee urges all parties to continue negotiating in good faith to ensure an equitable outcome for both grain terminal operators and their workers is expeditiously reached. Hemp.--The Committee is concerned that the level of allowable THC content in hemp may be arbitrary and pose a burden on hemp producers that is not supported by science. The Committee directs USDA to work with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to study and report to Congress on whether there is scientific basis for the current limit of .3% THC in hemp and suggest alternative levels if necessary. The 2018 Farm Bill included a provision that restricted participation in legalized hemp production of any individual convicted of a drug-related felony for 10 years after their date of conviction, unless they are part of a hemp pilot program authorized by the 2014 farm bill. This drug felony ban will disproportionately impact communities of color and create another barrier to entry in the hemp industry to populations targeted by past drug policies. The Committee directs USDA to identify barriers to entry for communities of color and provide recommendations on how to ensure communities of color have equal access and opportunity to participate in the hemp industry. Hemp Extract Regulation.--The Committee is concerned about the inconsistencies in the regulation of the production of hemp by USDA and DEA. Congress vested primary regulatory authority in USDA and expects other regulatory actions to align with it. Congress intentionally expanded the definition of hemp to include derivatives, extracts and cannabinoids in an effort to avoid the criminalization of hemp processing. Committee understands that in-process hemp extract may temporarily exceed the delta-9 THC concentration of 0.3% before being packaged and sold as a finished product for consumption. Therefore the Committee directs USDA to coordinate directly with the DEA to present the industry with guidance and information on in- process extracted material. Linking Food and Health.--The Committee understands that many chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, arthritis and inflammatory diseases, and maternal health and child development can be managed cost effectively by improved nutrition. The Committee understands that the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) five-year plan includes work on how culturally appropriate, food-based solutions can improve health outcomes and save money. The Committee encourages USDA to keep working closely with the Department of Health and Human Services on these issues. Loan and Grant Programs.--The Committee directs that if an estimate of loan activity for any program funded in Titles II and III of this bill indicates that a limitation on authority to make commitments for a fiscal year will be reached before the end of that fiscal year, or in any event when 75 percent of the authority to make commitments has been utilized, the Secretary shall promptly notify the Committees through the Office of Budget and Program Analysis (OBPA). The Committee directs the Department, through OBPA, to provide quarterly reports to the Committees on the status of obligations and funds availability for the loan and grant programs provided in this bill. Military Service.--The Committee is concerned that 71% of Americans between the ages of 17 to 24 are ineligible for military service because of obesity, mental and other physical health issues, or substance abuse. The Committee recognizes that federal support for childhood nutrition, food security, physical education, mental and physical health, and substance abuse prevention will benefit all Americans, including those Americans who intend to serve in the Armed Forces. The Committee encourages the Secretary to work with the Secretaries of Defense and HHS to help assist in communicating nutritional standards to state local, and tribal government for children attending early childhood programs and K-12 schools. National Finance Center.--The National Finance Center (NFC) is the largest designated Federal Government Payroll Shared Service Provider and it provides integrated payroll and personnel services for over 640,000 Federal employees. To ensure that thousands of Federal employees' pay and human resources services are not interrupted or adversely impacted by major organizational changes, the Committee maintains the requirements under current law relating to NFC payroll and shared services operations, missions, personnel, and functions. The Committee also directs USDA to provide quarterly reports on full-time equivalent (FTE) levels for each of the current NFC divisions, operations, and functions, as well as each of the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) and Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) divisions, operations, and functions currently co-located with the NFC. The reports also are to include a detailed breakdown of the FTEs for each and any of these same divisions, functions, or operations for the NFC and the co-located OCFO and OCIO functions compared to those during fiscal year 2017 and 2018. Native Plant Use Preference.--The Committee continues to support the use of locally adapted native plant materials in the undertaking of land management activity on Federal lands under the jurisdiction of USDA, including in maintenance and in restoration in response to degradation caused by human activity or natural events (such as fire, flood, or infestation). The Committee continues to direct that it be the policy of USDA that preference shall be given, to the extent practicable, to the use of locally adapted native plant materials in these cases. New Initiatives.--The Committee requests USDA, no later than 120 days after enactment, to submit an execution plan for each new initiative funded in this Act. This strategy should include, but is not limited to, the steps necessary to make funding available, the timeline thereof, targeted beneficiaries, and expected results. The Committee requests quarterly reports on these initiatives until the initiative has been fully implemented. Notification Requirements.--The Committee reminds the Department that the Committee uses the definitions for transfer, reprogramming, and program, project, and activity as defined by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). As noted in the 2021 Joint Explanatory Statement, a program, project, or activity (PPA) is an element within a budget account. PPAs are identified by reference to include the most specific level of budget items identified in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Act, 2021, accompanying Committee reports, explanatory statements, and budget justifications. The Committee notes that the most specific level of budget items in the USDA budget justifications is not limited to tables titled ``Project Statement''. Pacific Ants.--The Committee requests APHIS, ARS, and the Forest Service to provide a report, within 90 days of enactment of this Act, on the Biosecurity Plan for Invasive Ants in the Pacific. The report should describe components of the plan related to (1) research; (2) the development of technologies and methodologies for prevention, eradication, and control of invasive ants; and (3) the collaborative implementation of projects to prevent, monitor, and control invasive ants in affected Pacific islands. Pay Costs.--The Committee provides the requested pay cost and FERS costs for all offices and agencies of USDA funded in this bill. Protecting Animals with Shelter Grants Program.--The Committee provides $3,000,000 for the program. It directs the Secretary of Agriculture to continue coordinating with other federal agencies to efficiently implement the grant program for providing emergency and transitional shelter options for domestic violence survivors with companion animals. Spending Plans.--The bill continues a provision in Title VII that requires USDA to submit spending plans to the Committee within 30 days of enactment. Previous versions of these plans have not included adequate details that would be useful for Committee oversight. The Committee requests that the USDA spending plans include for each program, project, or activity: (1) a comparison between the congressional budget justification funding levels, the most recent congressional directives or approved funding levels, and the funding levels proposed by the department or agency; and (2) a clear, concise, and informative description/justification. The Committee reminds USDA of notification requirements, also included in Title VII, for all applicable changes. Status of House and Senate Report Language.--The Department is directed to include in its fiscal year 2023 Congressional Justification, as a single exhibit, a table listing all deliverables, with a column for due dates if applicable. OBPA is directed to provide updates on the status of House and Senate reports upon request from the Committees. USDA-owned Vehicles.--The Committee continues to await the report requested in the fiscal year 2020 report on how the Department plans to better manage its vehicle fleet. Executive Operations OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ECONOMIST 2021 appropriation.................................... $24,192,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 31,050,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 26,399,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +2,207,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. -4,651,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Office of the Chief Economist, the Committee provides $26,399,000, including $500,000 for the food loss coordinator position. The Committee maintains the base funding for the National Drought Mitigation Center in the amount of $3,800,000, including the increase of $500,0000 appropriated in fiscal year 2021 for the National Drought Monitor. While there has been significant effort to raise public awareness surrounding food loss and waste, there has been less focus on recommending solutions that can be easily implemented by consumers. The Committee recommends that USDA enter into a public-private partnership, similar to the Partnership for Food Safety Education, to provide consumer-facing outreach on food loss and waste and prevention strategies. OFFICE OF HEARINGS AND APPEALS 2021 appropriation.................................... $15,394,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 16,173,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 16,173,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +779,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. - - - COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Office of Hearings and Appeals, the Committee provides $16,173,000. OFFICE OF BUDGET AND PROGRAM ANALYSIS 2021 appropriation.................................... $9,629,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 12,760,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 12,760,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +3,131,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. - - - COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Office of Budget and Program Analysis, the Committee provides $12,760,000. Office of the Chief Information Officer 2021 appropriation.................................... $66,814,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 101,001,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 84,746,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +17,932,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. -16,255,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Office of the Chief Information Officer, the Committee provides an appropriation of $84,746,000, including an increase of $17,473,000 to fully fund cyber security costs. In addition, $12,000,000 is provided in Title VII of the bill for the remaining costs of the Goodfellow move. Similar to prior years, the Committee does not include direct funding for activities currently funded through other resources such as the Working Capital Fund or have historically been funded through other means. Office of the Chief Financial Officer 2021 appropriation.................................... $6,109,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 7,118,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 7,118,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +1,009,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. - - - COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, the Committee provides an appropriation of $7,118,000. The Committee provides the Department more flexibilities by expanding the usage of refunds and rebates from purchase cards as requested. The Committee urges USDA to prioritize small one- time projects to maximize the impact of limited resources. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 2021 appropriation.................................... $908,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 1,426,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 1,426,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +518,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. - - - COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, the Committee provides an appropriation of $1,426,000. Office of Civil Rights 2021 appropriation.................................... $22,789,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 29,328,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 35,328,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +12,539,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. +6,000,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Office of Civil Rights, the Committee provides an appropriation of $35,328,000, which includes an increase of $6,000,000 over the budget request for the Office's highest priority needs. Office of Safety, Security, and Protection 2021 appropriation.................................... $23,218,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 27,034,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 23,306,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +88,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. -3,728,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Office of Safety, Security, and Protection, the Committee provides an appropriation of $23,306,000. Similar to prior years, the Committee does not include direct funding for activities currently funded through other resources such as the Working Capital Fund or have historically been funded through other means. Agriculture Buildings and Facilities (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) 2021 appropriation.................................... $108,124,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 133,443,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 180,623,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +72,499,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. +47,180,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For Agriculture Buildings and Facilities, the Committee provides an appropriation of $180,623,000. The Committee strongly supports the One Neighborhood Initiative and maintains the same funding level as provided since 2020. Including the 2022 amount, a total of $204,600,000 has been provided for this project. As USDA prepares for the return of employees post pandemic and develops a plan pursuant to Memorandum 21-25, the Committee requests an update on the Initiative and future space needs for the Headquarters Complex. Hazardous Materials Management (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) 2021 appropriation.................................... $6,514,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 6,545,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 8,540,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +2,026,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. +1,995,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For Hazardous Materials Management, the Committee provides an appropriation of $8,540,000. The Committee directs the Hazardous Materials Management Program and the Hazardous Waste Management Program to coordinate their work to ensure there is no duplication. Office of Inspector General 2021 appropriation.................................... $99,912,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 106,309,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 106,309,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +6,397,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. - - - COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Office of Inspector General, the Committee provides an appropriation of $106,309,000. Animal fighting.--The Committee is very concerned about illegal animal fighting activity. The OIG is encouraged to increase its efforts to combat this illegal activity and to investigate animal fighting as soon as it has any evidence of such illegal activity. The Committee also encourages the OIG to audit and investigate USDA enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act, the Horse Protection Act, and the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act to help improve compliance with these important laws. The OIG is also directed to prioritize completion of the Horse Protection Act and Animal Care Program Oversight of Breeders audits. Office of the General Counsel 2021 appropriation.................................... $45,390,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 60,723,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 60,723,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +15,333,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. - - - COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Office of the General Counsel, the Committee provides an appropriation of $60,723,000. Office of Ethics 2021 appropriation.................................... $4,184,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 4,277,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 4,277,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +93,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. - - - COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Office of Ethics, the Committee provides an appropriation of $4,277,000. Office of the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics 2021 appropriation.................................... $809,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 6,327,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 4,327,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +3,518,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. -2,000,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Office of the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics, the Committee provides an appropriation of $4,327,000. 1862, 1890, and 1994 Land Grant Institutions.--The Committee directs USDA to make every effort to strengthen partnerships and expand cooperation between 1862, 1890, and 1994 Land Grant institutions, wherever regionally appropriate, to help close gaps in extension and leverage joint collaborative efforts. 1890 Capacity Building.--The Committee recognizes the importance of the 1890s in providing technical assistance and outreach to underserved farming populations and directs ARS and NIFA to collaborate with agencies in the Rural Development and Farm Production and Conservation Mission Areas to help increase awareness of USDA farm programs and rural development funding opportunities through 1890 extension programs. Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority (AGARDA).--The Committee notes that Section 7132 of the 2018 Farm Bill directed the Office of the Chief Scientist to complete a strategic plan for AGARDA that demonstrates USDA's vision for AGARDA. As the Committee awaits this plan, the Committee provides $2,000,000 for the Office of Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics to further build out the planning and management structure of AGARDA and hire staff. Food Prescriptions.--The Committee encourages USDA to work with local farmers and hospitals/clinics to build or improve on food prescription programs to better facilitate a patient's ability to attain a food prescription and fill it with a local farmer. Human Health and Soil Health Study.--The Committee provides $1,000,000 for the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine within 60 days of the enactment of this Act to conduct an analysis of current scientific findings to determine the links between human health and soil health by reviewing existing research on the connections between the human microbiome and soil microbiome and the direct interaction of humans with soils, identifying linkages between soil management practices and the nutrient density of foods for human consumption, determining how to best leverage healthy soil management practices to maximize benefits and minimize adverse impacts on human health, and exploring areas for future research. A report including the study's findings and recommendations shall be submitted to the Committee not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this bill. Next Generation Fertilizers.--The Committee supports efforts to build on the EPA-USDA Next Gen Fertilizer Challenge and support further development and evaluation of better fertilizers, including fertilizers with slow release and organic components. Nutritional Value of Food.--As USDA develops a comprehensive innovation strategy for U.S. agriculture, the Committee encourages USDA to fund research efforts assessing the nutritional value of agricultural crops in a changing climate. In addition, the Committee notes the fiscal year 2021 House report required USDA to create a plan to coordinate ongoing and future research efforts at ARS and NIFA related to the effects of rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels on the nutritional value of food through USDA's Agriculture Innovation Agenda. The Committee looks forward to reviewing this plan. Public Access to Research.--The Committee commends USDA on issuing its Implementation Plan to Increase Public Access to Results of USDA-funded Scientific Research in November of 2014. However, the Committee notes that there is still no implementation date. The Committee urges USDA to issue an implementation date and continue its efforts to fully develop its plan, and requires an update be included in USDA's fiscal year 2023 budget request. Screening Technologies.--The Committee encourages the development of technologies that will provide rapid, portable, and facile screening of food fish species at port sites and wholesale and retail centers. Sustainable Farming Transitions.--The Committee supports USDA efforts to help farmers implement more sustainable or regenerative farming methods. The Committee encourages USDA to further help farmers who are interested to understand the costs, necessary upgrades, viability, and profitability of these methods. Economic Research Service 2021 appropriation.................................... $85,476,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 90,594,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 88,594,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +3,118,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. -2,000,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Economic Research Service (ERS), the Committee provides an appropriation of $88,594,000. The Committee includes a total increase of $1,118,000 for pay and retirement contributions and $2,000,000 for ERS to expand data modeling capabilities to enhance its understanding of the impacts of climate change on the farm economy and production. Agricultural Trade Imports.--The Committee directs ERS to study and report back within 120 days of the enactment of this Act findings on the top 15 nations, within the last five years, from which the United States imports agriculture products. The report shall also include the average wages for farmworkers of those countries and a discussion, if possible, of health benefits, safety regulations, and working conditions of their farm labor per commodity to those found in the U.S. Benefits of Conservation and Soil Health Practices.--The Committee notes that the environmental benefits of participating in voluntary conservation practices such as those administered by the Farm Service Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service have been studied but the long- term economic dividends of these practices are not well understood and may not be readily apparent to those who are eligible and considering enrollment. The Committee directs ERS to produce a study on the relationship between conservation and soil health practices, farm financial health, and crop yield variability rates. The Committee notes that the fiscal year 2021 House report directed ERS to produce a study on the relationship between conservation and soil health practices as they relate to the long-term profitability of farms and crop yield variability rates and the Committee looks forward to reviewing the results of the study. Carbon Sequestration.--The Committee directs ERS to provide within one year of the enactment of this Act a report on incentive programs for incentivizing carbon sequestration in soil through various management practices. The Committee encourages ERS to consider how alternative policies or programs would manage the tradeoff between inducing new adopters and rewarding and sustaining existing adopters of techniques that sequester soil carbon, regional and geographic differences in incentive programs, social and behavioral obstacles, and the differences across program designs. Continuous Living Cover.--The Committee directs ERS to produce a study on the relationship between continuous living cover practices and economic development, which shall include a discussion of the demand side of continuous living cover practices and potential markets, and the projected long-term economic impacts these practices will have on rural economies. Cover Cropping and Livestock Integration.--The Committee notes that the fiscal year 2021 House report directed ERS to produce a study detailing current best practices as well as the projected long-term economic impacts for farmers and the Committee looks forward to reviewing the results of the study. Land Access Report.--The Committee notes ERS is in the process of finalizing a report on Land Access in response to Section 12607 of the 2018 Farm Bill. The Committee looks forward to reviewing the results of this effort. Soil Health Experts.--The Committee appreciates ERS' recent efforts to hire staff with expertise in soil health, an area of continued importance to U.S. farmers and the food and agriculture industry. National Agricultural Statistics Service 2021 appropriation.................................... $183,921,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 193,662,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 189,175,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +5,254,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. -4,487,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the Committee provides an appropriation of $189,175,000, of which $46,850,000 is for the Census of Agriculture. The Committee includes a total of $2,191,000 for pay and retirement contributions and $2,000,000 to expand the existing geospatial program to provide more information on the impact of critical weather events. The Committee strongly supports efforts to contribute to baseline data for climate change tracking. However, the budget request for this activity did not provide sufficient information to support the funding. The Committee requests NASS to better highlight where gaps in the data exist and how NASS proposes to supplement ongoing efforts. The Committee expects NASS to continue its ongoing activities at the frequency levels assumed in fiscal year 2021, including Acreage, Crop Production and Grain Stocks; Barley acreage and production estimates; the Bee and Honey Program; the Chemical Use Data Series; the Floriculture Crops Report; and Fruit and Vegetable Reports, including in-season forecasts for non-citrus fruit and tree nut crops such as pecans. Agri-Tourism Study.--The Committee directs NASS to plan to conduct as a follow-on study to the census of agriculture conducted in the calendar year 2022 under section 2 of the Census of Agriculture Act of 1997 (7 U.S.C. 2204g) to collect additional information on the census related to agritourism, including information about educational experiences, outdoor recreation, entertainment and special events, direct sales, entertainment, accommodations, other as determined by the Secretary. Data Collection on Urban, Indoor, and Emerging Agricultural Production.--The Committee directs NASS to continue its outreach to stakeholders to develop a better understanding of how to collect more accurate information on urban, indoor, and emerging agricultural production. The Committee recognizes that the current census of agriculture definition may not fully address the landscape and scope of urban agriculture across the Nation. The new information will be critical to the policy development and outreach carried out by the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production. The Committee requests NASS to brief the Committee on how this information can be better addressed in the upcoming Census of Agriculture. Tenure, Ownership, and Transition of Agricultural Land (TOTAL) Survey.--The Committee notes that the next TOTAL survey is part of planned NASS activities in the next Census of Agriculture. The Committee expects the next TOTAL survey to provide comprehensive data on land ownership, tenure, landowners' transition plans, and lease agreements available to beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers to understand the trends that lead to secure land tenure and thriving farm businesses. The Committee encourages the program to look at emerging trends in land acquisition connected to innovations in farming on small acreage. The Committee also encourages collaboration with ERS so that new data provided on the economics of the farm of the future can be better utilized. Agricultural Research Service SALARIES AND EXPENSES 2021 appropriation.................................... $1,491,784,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 1,849,590,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 1,638,046,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +146,262,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. -211,544,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For Salaries and Expenses of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the Committee provides an appropriation of $1,638,046,000, including a total increase of $17,806,000 for pay and retirement contributions. The Committee expects that extramural and intramural research will be funded at no less than the fiscal year 2021 levels, unless otherwise specified. The Committee strongly supports the Administration's request for ARS to conduct additional research and development to enhance its capabilities to mitigate the impacts of climate change on the agricultural sector. Through its numerous laboratory locations around the country, ARS is uniquely positioned to develop agricultural solutions to climate change on a national, regional, and local scale. The Committee recommends funding for the Administration's clean energy and climate science goals in targeted areas, as noted below, to build upon ongoing research activities and lay the groundwork for innovative approaches in the future. While the Committee is supportive of the goals of the Advanced Research Projects Agency--Climate (ARPA-C) proposal, the budget request lacks an adequate justification of ARS's role and therefore the Committee includes no funding for ARPA- C. 1890s Partnerships.--The Committee recognizes the importance of 1890s Land Grant Institutions and the collaborative relationships that have developed with ARS research facilities over the years. The Committee directs ARS to expand coordination of research efforts with 1890s, wherever ARS facilities and 1890s are in the same region, to the greatest extent possible. The Committee notes the longstanding partnerships that exist where 1862s and ARS facilities are in the same area and encourages ARS to strengthen similar efforts with the 1890s. Advanced Greenhouse Research.--The Committee directs ARS to consider supporting the development of new advanced greenhouses at sites that serve ARS scientists who access the facility to advance their research programs. Aerial Application.--The Committee recognizes the importance of aerial application to control crop pests and diseases and to fertilize and seed crops and forests. Aerial application is useful not only to ensure overall food safety and food security, but also to promote public health through improved mosquito control and public health application techniques. The ARS Aerial Application Technology Program conducts innovative research making aerial applications more efficient, effective, and precise. This program has yielded more effective public health control programs, as well as increased efficiencies and greater crop production. Research for aerial application serves the public interest as a vital tool for the future. Agroforestry.--The Committee is aware of the promise of adoption of systems that would diversify farm enterprises through productive agroforestry including specialty tree fruit and nut crops that produce marketable and profitable products. Alfalfa Research.--The Committee supports research into alfalfa seed and forage systems, which hold the potential to maximize crop yields, increase milk production, and improve genetics. Alternative Protein Research.--The Committee supports research focused on the characteristics of animal meat using plants, animal cell cultivation, or fermentation (together, ``alternative proteins''). The Committee provides $5,000,000 to support alternative protein research encompassing all stages of the production process, including optimizing ingredient processing techniques and developing new manufacturing methods. The Committee encourages ARS to collaborate with other relevant programs, including but not limited to NIFA and the National Science Foundation. Ancient Crops.--The Committee recognizes the importance of crop genetics research conducted at public-private consortia to enhance yields, fight diseases and pests, adapt to changing climates, and reduce global food insecurity. Animal Research.--The Committee directs ARS to ensure that each of its facilities housing animals is adhering to the Animal Welfare Act at all times and to submit quarterly reports that include both all violations found by APHIS during that quarter and the specific actions that will be taken to prevent their recurrence. Areawide Integrated Pest Management.--The Committee supports ARS' efforts on areawide integrated pest management and encourages continued efforts to design and implement programs across the country. The Committee directs ARS to coordinate with NIFA and APHIS to provide to the Committee not later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act a report on AIPM projects. The report shall include a list of past, current, and proposed future projects, actual or estimated costs and benefits for each identified project, and a discussion of the technology transfer efforts employed to guarantee long-term adoption of the demonstrated technologies and best practices. Applied Epidemiological Research.--The Committee provides $500,000 to conduct research and develop rapid intervention strategies and protocols with a focus on applied epidemiology and countermeasures intended to prevent and mitigate the impact of diseases that affect food animals. Collaboration with land- grant universities with expertise in food animal epidemiology and international trade standards and with close connection with the livestock and poultry industries is encouraged to facilitate public-academic partnerships with the ultimate goal of increasing industry resilience to anticipated threats. Avocado Lace Bug.--The Committee encourages ARS to coordinate research efforts with NIFA and APHIS to address the impact of the avocado lace bug and the Queensland longhorn beetle. Barley Pest Initiative.--The Committee provides an additional $1,500,000 above the fiscal year 2021 level to strengthen the capacity of the barley research infrastructure to address major insect, viral, bacterial, and fungal threats to the production of high-quality barley. Bovine Pleuropneumonia.--The Committee is concerned about the potential harm to the cattle industry from contagious bovine pleuropneumonia and provides $2,000,000 for ARS to partner with academia to develop improved diagnostic tests and vaccines for this harmful disease. Cattle Fever Ticks.--The Committee directs ARS to coordinate development of its long-term cattle fever tick research program with APHIS efforts under the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program. Additionally, the Committee encourages ARS to develop safe and effective compounds to combat cattle fever ticks. Clean Energy Research.--The Committee includes $20,000,000 in support of the Administration's clean energy proposals. The Committee provides $15,000,000 for the Biowaste-stream to Bioenergy activity proposed as part of the New Products/Product Quality/Value Added Program and $5,000,000 to develop feedstocks and new sustainable varieties of sugar and oil crops activities proposed as part of the Crop Production Program. The Committee believes these activities represent the most impactful agricultural research in support of the Administration's clean energy goals. Climate Science.--The Committee includes $50,000,000 in support of the Administration's agricultural climate science proposals. The Committee provides $8,000,000 for the crop breeding and high through-put activities proposed as part of the Crop Production Program; $5,000,000 for alternative proteins research; $7,000,000 to mitigate climate-related food safety risks and mycotoxins proposed as part of the Food Safety Program; and also provides $10,000,000 to strengthen Regional Climate Hub research teams, $15,000,000 to enhance the LTAR network, and $5,000,000 towards Center of Excellence efforts proposed as part of the Environmental Stewardship Program. Citrus Greening Disease Research.--The Committee commends ARS' research efforts on citrus greening disease and encourages the agency to continue working to develop methods to reduce transmission and enhance immunity in citrus trees and to work with industry, universities, growers, and other partners to develop effective control mechanisms. The Committee also encourages ARS to coordinate its efforts with the Huanglongbing Multi-Agency Coordination (HLB MAC) group. Coffee Plant Health Initiative.--The Committee provides an additional $500,000 above the fiscal year 2021 level to support the research goals of the Coffee Plant Health Initiative. Energy-Water Nexus.--The Committee recognizes the importance of the Energy-Water Nexus, and as part of that effort, encourages USDA to work with the Department of Energy to further research collaborations to improve water and soil quality in/around impaired water resources through advanced environmental imaging and agricultural waste management technologies. Fertilizer Innovation Research.--The Committee supports research in fertilizer innovations for grain crops to reduce costs and volume and minimize runoff. The Committee provides an additional $1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2021 level to support research on new technologies that can produce equal or higher crop yields, be cost effective, reduce nitrogen losses in the form of ammonia and nitrogen oxides, and reduce nutrient losses of nitrogen and phosphate, and new fertilizer production technologies with reduced waste streams and energy costs. The Committee encourages ARS to partner with public and land grant universities in pursuit of these technologies. Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative (FNRI).--The Committee recognizes the economic importance of the floriculture and nursery sector of agriculture and the industry's need for continued innovation. The Committee encourages ARS to support the goals of the FNRI to secure a more efficient and productive floriculture and nursery industry. The Committee also encourages ARS to work collaboratively with NIFA on research that includes breeding programs to increase tolerance from insect pests, diseases, and other climate change impacts; testing of new organic and non- organic pesticides; and implementing integrated pest management and biological control programs. Food Preservation Research.--The Committee encourages ARS to coordinate with NIFA, universities, farm associations, non- profits, and businesses to develop plans for research and development on food preservation and artificial intelligence harvesting technologies for specialty crops. Forest Products Research.--The Committee supports research on wood quality improvement and improvement in forest products evaluation standards and valuation techniques. Fumigant Alternatives Research.--The Committee encourages ARS to collaborate with NIFA and industry stakeholders to develop innovative soilborne pest control and eradication commercial-scale tools to replace fumigants, such as methyl bromide, metam sodium, metam potassium, and 1,3- dichloropropene. Genetic Oat Research.--The Committee recognizes the potential genetic oat research has to improve disease resistance (especially rusts and viruses), genetics, increase yields, and develop crop rotation systems that include oats, which will enhance the value of oats and provide benefits to producers and consumers. The Committee supports and encourages ARS to expand existing research focused on oat improvement. Germplasm Enhancement of Maize.--The Committee continues to support germplasm enhancement of maize projects and encourages continued cooperation between existing ARS maize germplasm programs, industry, and large-scale public sector efforts to investigate the interaction of maize genome variation and environments. Greenhouse Production Research Report.--The Committee appreciates the work of the Greenhouse Production Research Group (GPRG) to develop new technologies for controlled environment agriculture. The Committee asks ARS to review GPRG's partnerships and ways they can expand local greenhouse production and new technologies to local entities such as, but not limited to, botanical gardens. Within 180 days of enactment, the Committee directs ARS to report back on its findings and efforts. Hemp Whole-Genome Bioinformatics.--The Committee provides $500,000 to conduct genomics and bioinformatics research in collaboration with capable institutions to elucidate the genetic control of key production and product quality traits of the hemp plant. In addition, the Committee also encourages ARS to partner with institutions already engaged in such research to conduct hemp genetic improvement research and breeding with new breeding and editing techniques. Herbicide Resistance Research.--The Committee provides $1,000,000 to identify and overcome herbicide resistant associated weed risks to the crop production pathway. The Committee supports research to address weed management strongly affecting the long-term economic sustainability of regional food systems through research partnerships involving ARS, research institutions, and stakeholder support. Histomonas Research.--The Committee encourages ARS to coordinate development of a Histomonas research program with intent to develop new prevention and treatment options. Additionally, the Committee encourages ARS to develop safe and effective compounds to combat Histomonas. The Committee provides $1,000,000 to support these efforts. Hops Research.--The Committee recognizes that the U.S. hops industry has experienced unprecedented expansion due to the brewing industry's economic growth over the past decade. To sustain this growth, new varieties of hops are needed to prevent disease and expand production throughout the country. The Committee directs ARS to continue to focus on these efforts to advance new disease-resistant public hop varieties. Horticultural Trade.--The Committee supports research on postharvest methyl bromide alternatives as well as postharvest losses caused by diseases and physiological disorders to ensure that high-quality, pest-free goods can access markets effectively and lead to an expansion of trade of U.S. grown horticultural crops. Human Nutrition Research.--The Committee notes that maintenance of health throughout the lifespan along with prevention of obesity and chronic diseases via food-based recommendations are the major emphases of human nutrition research. The Committee encourages ARS to expand research regarding life stage nutrition and metabolism and the growth, health promotion, microbiome, disease prevention, diet, and immune function of the developing child. In addition, the Committee is aware of the linkages between human nutrition and underlying health conditions of COVID-19-infected persons. The Committee recognizes the vital role that research at the intersection of human nutrition and aging plays in our understanding of public health. The Committee directs that no less than the fiscal year 2021 funding level is provided to the existing human nutrition centers. Indo-Pacific Invasive Pests.--The Committee encourages ARS to continue its work with stakeholders in the Indo-Pacific region to assess options for combatting invasive pests. Improved Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Imaging Research.--The Committee understands HABs are a detriment to human and animal health, aquatic ecosystems, and local economies. The Committee directs ARS and NRCS to develop plans to apply precise imaging technologies, such as spectral imaging, for better assessment and identification of HABs sourcing and nutrient loading. Within 180 days of enactment, ARS and NRCS shall report back on current activities and research gaps, including opportunities for advanced sensor and imaging technology applications to mitigate losses of agricultural nutrients to surface and ground water resources. Industrial Hemp Germplasm.--The Committee recognizes the increasing demand for industrial hemp for a variety of uses and its growing importance as a crop for U.S. farmers. The Committee supports efforts to maintain the hemp germplasm repository. Integrated Plant and Animal Production Systems.--The Committee provides $1,000,000 to conduct research to develop integrated plant-animal production systems to improve sustainability for small-scale farms. Research will address the challenges facing limited-resource growers and livestock producers through leading-edge genetic, production, and post- harvest technologies, where applicable. Little Cherry Disease.--The Committee continues to support research on little cherry disease and provides $500,000 for research and testing efforts to reduce the spread of the disease. Livestock Protection.--The Committee recognizes the challenges caused by infectious disease problems arising from wildlife-domestic animal agriculture interactions, particularly between domestic sheep and wild bighorn sheep. Researchers have recently produced an experimental vaccine to protect bighorn populations from disease, but much work is still required. The Committee encourages ARS to pursue work to determine the role of domestic sheep in causing die-offs of bighorn sheep from respiratory disease and develop methods to reduce transmission and enhance immunity in domestic and bighorn sheep. Lower Mississippi River Basin.--The Committee recognizes the groundwater problems in the Lower Mississippi River Basin and encourages ARS, in collaboration with university research, extension scientists and local stakeholders, to identify gaps in water management research and focus efforts on the development of conservation and irrigation techniques to reduce water usage in agriculture production while maintaining crop quality and yield. Missouri River Basin Water Resource Management.--The Committee notes the benefits of research on improving flood control on the middle and lower Missouri rivers, assessing the impact on commodity prices of river navigability, evaluating the probabilities of levee failure and associated damage under different protection scenarios, and utilizing biophysical simulation models to evaluate agricultural production, minimize erosion and pollution runoff while supporting flood control, navigation, and drinking and cooling water supplies. National Agricultural Library (NAL).--The Committee encourages ARS to maintain a focus on agriculture-related legal issues within NAL. The Committee notes that as the agriculture sector faces financial stress, there is a necessity that agriculture-related legal issues be addressed on an increasingly frequent basis. Further, agriculture-related legal issues are complex. The Committee recommends that NAL play an important role in assisting all stakeholders with understanding these issues. Further, the Committee encourages ARS and NAL to engage in multi-year cooperative agreements to enhance NAL's ongoing work. National Arboretum Public Access.--The Committee is aware of ongoing efforts to develop a new strategic plan for the National Arboretum to carry out its missions of research, education, and public display gardens. The Committee expects that such plan will address necessary security and safety enhancements and improve public access to the National Arboretum. In addition, the Committee directs ARS to explore entering into agreements with the District of Columbia and private sector partners to fulfill these public access improvements. National Soil Dynamics Laboratory.--The Committee encourages ARS to research the use of biochar to capture phosphorous and heavy metals from poultry agricultural fields in order to sequester the carbon to improve the soil's health and to reduce pollution to surface and sub-surface waters. Navel Orangeworm (NOW).--The Committee encourages ARS to collaborate with APHIS and industry stakeholders on the APHIS NOW sterile moth pilot program to help reduce NOW moth populations. Novel Food Safety Testing.--The Committee notes that ARS has the ability to provide recommendations for developing technology to test for food borne pathogens in small meat packing plants and food preparation businesses. The Committee is interested in supporting small meat packing plants while retaining high standards of food safety and inspection. The Committee encourages ARS to provide a plan for development of the technology, in the field testing, and digital data sharing and collection mechanisms between the food preparation location and labs. Opportunities for Remote Sensing Soil Organic Carbon Research.--The Committee supports research into best practices for measuring the soil carbon deficit on farm, agricultural, and prairie land though remote sensing including through satellite technology, drone deployment, and aircraft systems along with innovative remote sensing techniques. The Committee encourages ARS to coordinate research efforts with other relevant federal agencies involved in the remote sensing of soil organic carbon including, but not limited to, the United States Geological Survey, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Organic Research.--The Committee directs ARS to develop a five-year plan for organic food and agriculture research encompassing all relevant crop, animal, nutrition, and natural resource national programs. Pacific Ants.--The Committee directs ARS to provide within 90 days of enactment of this Act a report on its revision of the Pacific Ants Prevention Plan. These revisions should include (1) research; (2) the development of technologies and methodologies for prevention, eradication, and control of invasive ants; and (3) the collaborative implementation of projects to prevent, monitor, and control invasive ants in affected Pacific islands. Peanut Nutrition Research.--The Committee recognizes the need for more research to identify how peanut consumption contributes to overall health, wellness, and reduces chronic disease risk in various groups and across the lifespan. The Committee encourages research topics to include chronic diseases, nutrition and wellness across the lifespan, health disparities, dietary patterns for optimal health, and nutrition for the future. The Committee provides $1,000,000 to implement this peanut nutrition research. Peanut Research.--The Committee provides an additional $1,500,000 above the fiscal year 2021 level to support research activities to mitigate aflatoxin contamination in peanuts. The Committee directs ARS to enhance ongoing collaborations with land grant institutions to further advance research efforts. Pecan Genetic Research.--The Committee provides an additional $1,500,000 above the fiscal year 2021 level to maintain pecan genetic resources, further characterize pecan genetic diversity and advance cultivar breeding through novel genomic approaches that tap into the unique pecan genetic resources held by ARS. Pecan Processing Research.--The Committee recognizes the need for new pecan processing technologies, in particular pasteurization and cracking/shelling technologies, and the importance of pasteurization processes for food safety and in continuing export growth. The Committee provides an additional $1,500,000 above the fiscal year 2021 level to support pecan processing research activities to address these issues. Pest Management Efforts.--The Committee recognizes the value of ARS in supporting the greenhouse industry with research on pest management and plant nutrients as well as the importance of reducing energy costs for greenhouse and controlled environment agriculture. The Committee directs ARS to continue work on pest management and plant nutrients and also to develop plans for controlled environment demonstration projects aligned with existing ARS technical units focused on greenhouse agriculture to provide data on savings and productivity resulting from these projects. Post-Research Animal Placements.--The Committee commends ARS on its retirement of cats no longer needed in lab research. Several other agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, Food and Drug Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs have enacted formal policies expressing support for and facilitating the retirement and adoption of healthy animals held or used in intramural research when appropriate. Within 180 days of enactment of this Act, the Committee directs ARS to establish a framework to allow the retirement of dogs and cats, and other domesticated animals as appropriate, that are no longer needed in intramural agency research to private homes, rescues or sanctuaries. Poultry Research.--The committee provides $1,500,000 to expand capabilities to respond to highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks and to conduct additional research for eradication and control. Rangeland Research.--The Committee provides an additional $500,000 above the fiscal year 2021 level for rangeland research. Reducing Ammonia Nitrogen in Poultry Production.--The Committee encourages ARS to develop sustainable, cost-effective technologies to capture ammonia nitrogen while improving the air quality in chicken houses. Regenerative and Precision Agriculture for Orchards.--The Committee directs ARS to compile currently available research data on the effect of regenerative and precision agriculture on conserving water, sequestering carbon, increasing soil health, and minimizing or eliminating chemistries within the context of applicability to fruit and nut orchards, and to identify data gaps on the application of these research goals to fruit and nut orchards. The Committee includes $500,000 to eliminate any research gaps. Roseau Cane.--The Committee continues to direct ARS to work with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and stakeholders to develop an integrated management program for control of the scale insect pest infestation that is destroying Roseau cane in the Mississippi River's Delta region along the Gulf of Mexico. Sclerotinia Initiative.--The Committee is aware of the importance of controlling Sclerotinia in sunflowers, soybeans, canola, edible beans, peanuts, peas, lentils, and chickpeas and encourages ARS to continue its support of this initiative. Small Fruits Research.--The Committee provides an additional $500,000 above the fiscal year 2021 level to improve the ability to forecast pest and disease spread, implement precision management strategies, mitigate invasive insects, and to improve the overall quality of fruit. Small Grain Genomics.--The Committee supports research on barley and wheat high throughput genomics and phenotyping and recognizes its importance in improving crop traits and developing new cultivars. Soft Wheat Falling Numbers Test Research.--The Committee recognizes the emerging crisis surrounding wheat starch degradation, as detected by the Hagberg-Perten Falling Numbers Test, and encourages ARS to continue researching the accuracy of the test and the environmental, storage, and genetic conditions leading to this quality loss. Sorghum.--The Committee recognizes the growing significance of sorghum due to water conservation traits and increased utilization and supports further research to initiate gene flow and pest resistance. Spittle Bug.--The Committee encourages ARS to coordinate research efforts with NIFA and APHIS to address the impact of the spittle bug. Strawberry Production Research.--The Committee recognizes that the highly perishable, delicate, and labor-intensive nature of strawberry production makes this crop an ideal test bed for innovative automation technologies. The Committee provides $500,000 to utilize innovative automation technologies to enhance strawberry production. Sugar Beet Research.--The Committee encourages ARS to research the interaction of various, physical biological and environmental conditions with better sugar beet genetics and better knowledge of interactions between plants and the environment. Sugarcane Research Program.--The Committee supports breeding and pathology research for the development of high- yielding, biotic and abiotic stress resistant cultivars resistant to emerging pests and diseases that threaten the sugarcane industry. Sustainable Aquaculture.--The Committee supports rapid response research on sustainable marine aquaculture for coldwater and warmwater production coastal environments, with special emphasis on workforce education. Sustainable and Advanced Technology Systems for Poultry Production.--The Committee encourages ARS to conduct research to address two of the critical challenges confronting poultry processing: animal welfare, and water use/water waste/waste management. Tropical and Subtropical Research.--The Committee encourages ARS to continue research on Tropical and Subtropical crops. The Committee notes this research is critical as the presence of and destruction by invasive pests such as fruit flies, coffee berry borer, felted macadamia nut coccid, and plant viruses and funguses increase and threaten crop security in the Pacific and insular areas. U.S. Sheep Experiment Station (USSES).--The Committee recognizes the unique and valuable contributions the USSES makes toward increasing production efficiency and improving sustainable rangeland ecosystems. The Committee is pleased by the collaboration of a diverse variety of stakeholders on the use of pastures, monitoring of wildlife interactions, and studies of mutual interest. The Committee encourages ARS to engage directly with stakeholders and state and federal agencies with biological expertise to expand research programs and urges ARS to continue engaging collaborators to ensure the station functions as an agricultural research facility while also evaluating opportunities through a domestic livestock/ wildlife collaboration. U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab (USWBS).--The Committee continues to recognize the importance of the research carried out through the USWBS Initiative. Fusarium head blight is a major threat to agriculture, inflicting substantial yield and quality losses throughout the U.S. Warm Water Aquaculture.--The Committee encourages ARS to conduct research to close the gaps in knowledge regarding co- infections in catfish in order to help develop effective prevention measures and to improve the economy of the catfish industry. Wheat Genetics Research.--The Committee encourages ARS to research new wheat varieties to combat persistent issues and increase yield and quality. Whitefly.--The Committee recognizes that whiteflies are an emerging pest as a result of both developing resistance to many pesticides making chemical control difficult and climate variability resulting in warmer winters and lower seasonal die off. The Committee remains concerned with the whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) epidemic which is severely impacting vegetable and cotton production in the Southeast United States. The Committee provides an additional $1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2021 level in support of these research efforts. Wildfire Smoke Taint Research on Winegrapes.--The Committee supports research to identify the compounds responsible for smoke taint, establish a reliable database of background levels of smoke taint compounds occurring naturally in wine grapes, develop mitigation methods to reduce or eliminate smoke taint, and study compounds that can act as a barrier between the grapes and smoke compounds. In addition, the Committee supports research to establish standard methodologies for sampling and testing of smoke exposed grapes and smoke affected wines. The Committee provides an additional $1,500,000 above the fiscal year 2021 level in support of these research efforts. BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES 2021 appropriation.................................... $35,700,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 45,405,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 126,505,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +90,805,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. +81,100,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS The Committee provides $126,505,000 for Buildings and Facilities. The Committee specifies the following projects and amounts to be funded in fiscal year 2022. COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Recipient Project Location Amount ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- University of Nebraska, Lincoln... National Center for Resilient and NE $20,000,000 Regenerative Precision Agriculture. Sugarcane Research Unit........... Sugarcane Research Unit Improvements....... LA $10,000,000 National Center for Agricultural National Center for Agricultural IL $4,500,000 Utilization Research. Utilization Research Expansion. University of Missouri............ Center for Agricultural Animal Genetic MO $4,000,000 Engineering and Health. University of Wisconsin, Madison.. Plant Germplasm Research Facility.......... WI $4,000,000 US Sheep Experiment Station....... US Sheep Experiment Station Infrastructure ID $4,200,000 Improvements. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- National Institute of Food and Agriculture RESEARCH AND EDUCATION ACTIVITIES 2021 appropriation.................................... $992,642,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 1,378,416,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 1,061,309,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +68,667,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. -317,107,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For Research and Education Activities, the Committee provides an appropriation of $1,061,309,000. Agricultural Research Enhancement Awards.--The Committee continues to direct that not less than 15 percent of the competitive research grant funds be used for USDA's agriculture research enhancement awards program, including USDA--EPSCoR, in accordance with 7 U.S.C. 3157. Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI).--The Committee strongly supports AFRI. The Committee notes that projects that characterize protein functionality from crops to assess their sustainability for use as alternatives to conventional animal products are eligible for competitive awards in the AFRI program. The Committee recognizes the work NIFA has done to work with stakeholders to identify knowledge gaps in alternative protein research. The Committee notes that research focused on the characteristics of animal meat using plants, animal cell cultivation, or fermentation are eligible for AFRI awards under the Novel Foods and Innovative Manufacturing Technologies program. In addition, the Committee notes that projects that use agro-acoustics to manage pests are eligible for AFRI awards under the Pests and Beneficial Species Program and projects that focus on researching enhanced rock weathering to quantify climate benefits, assess any environmental or health risks, and identify ways to minimize the environmental impact of silicate rock mining, grinding, and transport are also eligible for AFRI awards. Citrus Disease Research Program.--The Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program is intended to discover and develop tools for early detection, control, and eradication of diseases and pests that threaten domestic citrus production and processing.The program receives $25,000,000 per year in mandatory funding from the Specialty Crop Research Initiative. The Committee believes research projects funded under this authority should be prioritized based on the critical threat of citrus greening and encourages NIFA, to the maximum extent practicable, to follow the recommendations of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Advisory Board's citrus disease subcommittee and to collaborate with the HLB MAC group. Farm of the Future.--The Committee encourages NIFA, through its implementation of the Farm of the Future program, to further integrate applied research in precision agriculture, smart automation, resilient agricultural practices, applied socioeconomics, and improved crop varieties from advanced genomics and phenotyping across varied landscapes and locations to advance data-driven solutions to increase productivity, integrate technology, create value added agricultural products, and enhance connectivity and resilience for thriving rural communities. Genome to Phenome.--The Committee recognizes the value of leading public and land-grant universities with unique high- throughput phenotyping and greenhouse facilities and expertise for plant science innovation, root and rhizome innovation, and food for health. The Committee directs NIFA to use a competitive process to issue awards in the Genome to Phenome program and urges additional focus on root stocks that increase carbon capture and can support grain crop covers. In addition, the Committee supports the development of tools and datasets for the analysis of phenotypes that can be used across multiple livestock and crop species to improve the output and efficiency of agriculture. Grants for Insular Areas.--The Committee recognizes NIFA efforts to strengthen capacity at land-grant institutions in the U.S. territories in the areas of instruction, distance education, facilities and equipment, and research. The Committee emphasizes the importance of continuing the support for these institutions to help address plant disease and invasive species priorities in the territories. Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP).--The Committee encourages NIFA to prioritize grants that would expand program participation among states, tribal nations, SNAP recipients, vendors, and/or retailers that have not previously participated in GusNIP, and provide technical assistance to programs to encourage private and non-government (e.g., commodity board/foundation) investment in extending these benefits, like through retail donations, philanthropic sponsorship, and other external funding. Hides and Rendered Products.--Small meatpackers face numerous challenges, including the loss of value of hides and of rendered products. The Committee encourages NIFA to consider research projects that find new value and or markets for hides and rendered products. Innovative Dairy Ecosystems.--The Committee recognizes the innovations and advancements in organic and grass-fed dairy research. The Committee encourages NIFA to consider research projects that lead to innovation in nutritional organic and grass-fed dairy products. Livestock and Poultry Waste Research.--The Committee recognizes the benefits of improved methods of managing animal waste in livestock and poultry production and encourages NIFA to support research and development of innovative technologies, particularly those that are operationally and economically feasible and have a high probability of widespread implementation. The Committee looks forward to receiving a report from NIFA on next steps to develop a comprehensive approach to all value chains of manure management to include energy production, energy credits, nutrient credits, and mineral supplements, taking into consideration the full range of livestock production to include cattle, poultry, and swine. Multifaceted Tools for Controlling Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and Huanglongbing.--The Committee encourages NIFA to continue research into the use of potent antimicrobials through the use of environmentally-friendly integrated nano-delivery systems for the purpose of controlling both HABs and Huanglongbing. Next Generation Crops to Improve the Agricultural Economy.--The Committee encourages NIFA to support the development of new, economically viable crops to improve the nation's agricultural output and applications. Sensor Technologies.--The Committee encourages NIFA to work cooperatively with non-profit institutions, consortia, and land-grant universities to conduct research on advanced sensor manufacturing techniques to improve the agricultural industry. Soil Health Experts.--The Committee appreciates NIFA's efforts to hire additional staff with expertise in soil health to better support expanded efforts in the soil health and sustainability area and to support more education and outreach efforts. Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI).--The Committee recognizes the importance of the SCRI in addressing the needs of the specialty crop industry through research and extension activities. The Committee encourages NIFA to address tools, growing techniques, and technology emissions as part of ongoing SCRI activities. Tick-Borne Disease Research.--The Committee encourages NIFA to support research into innovative ways to conduct surveillance of tick and tick-borne pathogen surveillance and conduct strategies for surveillance and risk communication. The following table reflects the amounts provided by the Committee: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION ACTIVITIES [Dollars in thousands] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Committee Program/Activity Authorization 2021 Enacted 2022 Estimate Provision ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hatch Act............................. 7 U.S.C. 361a-i......... $259,000 $329,380 $265,000 McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry 16 U.S.C. 582a through a- 36,000 45,783 38,000 Act. 7. Research at 1890 Institutions (Evans- 7 U.S.C. 3222........... 73,000 92,837 92,837 Allen Program). Payments to the 1994 Institutions..... 7 U.S.C. 301 note....... 4,500 4,500 5,500 Education Grants for 1890 Institutions 7 U.S.C. 3152(b)........ 26,000 26,000 28,500 Scholarships at 1890 Institutions..... 7 U.S.C. 3222a.......... 10,000 10,000 10,000 Education Grants for Hispanic-Serving 7 U.S.C. 3241........... 12,500 12,500 20,000 Institutions. Education Grants for Alaska Native and 7 U.S.C. 3156........... 3,194 3,194 3,500 Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions. Research Grants for 1994 Institutions. 7 U.S.C. 301 note....... 4,000 4,000 4,500 Capacity Building for Non-Land-Grant 7 U.S.C. 3319i.......... 5,000 5,000 5,000 Colleges of Agriculture. Grants for Insular Areas.............. 7 U.S.C. 3222b-2, 3362 2,000 2,000 2,000 and 3363. Agriculture and Food Research 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)........ 435,000 700,000 450,000 Initiative. Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment.... 7 U.S.C. 3151a.......... 8,500 8,500 9,500 Veterinary Services Grant Program..... 7 U.S.C. 3151b.......... 3,000 3,000 3,500 Continuing Animal Health and Disease 7 U.S.C. 3195........... 4,000 4,000 4,000 Research Program. Supplemental and Alternative Crops.... 7 U.S.C. 3319d.......... 1,000 663 663 Multicultural Scholars, Graduate 7 U.S.C. 3152(b)........ 9,500 9,500 9,500 Fellowship and Institution Challenge Grants. Secondary and 2-year Post-Secondary 7 U.S.C. 3152(j)........ 900 900 900 Education. Aquaculture Centers................... 7 U.S.C. 3322........... 5,000 5,000 5,000 Sustainable Agriculture Research and 7 U.S.C. 5811, 5812, 40,000 60,000 50,000 Education. 5831, and 5832. Farm Business Management.............. 7 U.S.C. 5925f.......... 2,000 2,000 2,000 Sun Grant Program..................... 7 U.S.C. 8114........... 3,000 3,000 3,000 Research Equipment Grants............. 7 U.S.C. 3310a.......... 5,000 5,000 5,000 Alfalfa and Forage Research Program... 7 U.S.C. 5925........... 3,000 - - - 3,000 Minor Crop Pest Management (IR 4)..... 7 U.S.C. 450i(c)........ 11,913 20,000 14,000 Special Research Grants:.............. 7 U.S.C. 450i(c)........ Global Change/UV Monitoring....... ........................ 1,405 1,405 1,405 Potato Research................... 7 U.S.C. 450i(c)........ 2,750 - - - 2,750 Aquaculture Research.............. 7 U.S.C. 450i(c)........ 2,000 - - - 2,000 Total, Special Research Grants.... ........................ 6,155 1,405 6,155 Necessary Expenses of Research and Education Activities:. Grants Management Systems......... ........................ 7,924 7,924 7,924 Federal Administration--Other ........................ 11,556 12,330 12,330 Necessary Expenses. Total, Necessary Expenses......... ........................ 19,480 20,254 20,254 Total, Research and Education ........................ $992,642 $1,378,416 $1,061,309 Activities. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NATIVE AMERICAN INSTITUTIONS ENDOWMENT FUND 2021 appropriation.................................... ($11,880,000) 2022 budget estimate.................................. (11,880,000) Provided in the bill.................................. (11,880,000) Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ - - - 2022 budget estimate.............................. - - - COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Native American Institutions Endowment Fund, the Committee provides $11,880,000. EXTENSION ACTIVITIES 2021 appropriation.................................... $538,447,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 538,447,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 553,495,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +15,048,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. +15,048,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For Extension Activities, the Committee provides an appropriation of $553,495,000. 1994 Institutions.--The Committee is interested in expanding the work at 1994 land-grant tribal institutions in partnership with extension services' scientific and traditional food production methods, restoring food sovereignty, expanding tribal land agricultural potential, and building sustainable healthy food and lifestyle resources. The Committee encourages tribal colleges, through federal extension program funding, to improve sustainable agriculture and food production on tribal lands to improve tribal nutrition. Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network.--The Committee directs NIFA to provide an update on this program in its fiscal year 2023 budget justification. The report should include a description of the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on NIFA's ability to provide services, what kinds of programming it was able to provide, how many people utilized the services, how it handled outreach to farmers and ranchers, and what its strategy is for improving outreach and coordination. Lastly, this report should identify the impact additional funding could have on expanding programing and outreach for this program. New Technologies for Agricultural Extension.--The Committee directs NIFA to engage with stakeholders to determine new methods to improve technology and training deployments through the New Technologies for Agricultural Extension program. Specific focus should be on strengthening the delivery of outreach and education programs and enhancing technologies such as telehealth, communications, manufacturing, farming, and the arts in rural communities. Rural Health and Safety Education Programs.--The opioid abuse epidemic is one of the greatest threats facing rural America today, and the Committee supports all efforts to address this problem through improved health and safety education and outreach. Within available funds, $1,000,000 shall be for competitive external grants for eligible institutions to support collaborations with academic medical schools to utilize the extension programs to address children's wellness, infant mortality, cancer prevention and opioid addiction in rural areas. The following table reflects the amounts provided by the Committee: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE--EXTENSION ACTIVITIES [Dollars in thousands] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FY 2021 FY 2022 Committee Program/Activity Authorization Enacted Estimate Provision ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Smith-Lever Act, Section 3(b) and (c) 7 U.S.C. 343(b) and (c) and $315,000 $315,000 $320,000 programs and Cooperative Extension. 208(c) of P.L. 93-471. Extension Services at 1890 Institutions... 7 U.S.C. 3221................ 62,000 62,000 67,000 Extension Services at 1994 Institutions... 7 U.S.C. 343(b)(3)........... 8,500 8,500 9,500 Facility Improvements at 1890 Institutions 7 U.S.C. 3222b............... 21,500 21,500 25,000 Renewable Resources Extension Act......... 16 U.S.C. 1671 et. seq....... 4,060 4,060 4,060 Rural Health and Safety Education Programs 7 U.S.C. 2662(i)............. 4,000 4,000 5,000 Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database 7 U.S.C. 7642................ 2,500 2,000 3,000 Program. Women and Minorities in STEM Fields....... 7 U.S.C. 5925................ 400 1,000 1,000 Food Safety Outreach Program.............. 7 U.S.C. 7625................ 10,000 10,000 10,000 Food and Ag Service Learning.............. 7 U.S.C. 7633................ 2,000 2,000 2,000 Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network.. 7 U.S.C. 5936................ 10,000 10,000 10,000 Smith-Lever Act, Section 3(d):............ 7 U.S.C. 343(d).............. Food and Nutrition Education.......... ............................. 70,000 70,000 70,000 Farm Safety and Youth Farm Safety ............................. 5,000 5,000 5,000 Education Programs. New Technologies for Agricultural ............................. 3,550 3,002 1,550 Extension. Children, Youth, and Families at Risk. ............................. 8,395 8,395 8,395 Federally Recognized Tribes Extension ............................. 3,200 3,200 3,200 Program. Total, Section 3(d)............... ............................. 90,145 89,597 88,145 Necessary Expenses of Extension Activities: Agriculture in the K-12 Classroom..... 7 U.S.C. 3152(j)............. 552 1,000 1,000 Federal Administration--Other ............................. 7,790 7,790 7,790 Necessary Expenses for Extension Activities. Total, Necessary Expenses......... ............................. 8,342 8,790 8,790 Total, Extension Activities... ............................. $538,447 $538,447 $553,495 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INTEGRATED ACTIVITIES 2021 appropriation.................................... $39,000,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 39,000,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 40,000,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +1,000,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. +1,000,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For Integrated Activities, the Committee provides an appropriation of $40,000,000. The following table reflects the amounts provided by the Committee: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE--INTEGRATED ACTIVITIES [Dollars in thousands] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FY 2021 FY 2022 Committee Program/Activity Authorization enacted estimate provision ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Methyl Bromide Transition Program... 7 U.S.C. 7626.......... $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 Organic Transition Program.......... 7 U.S.C. 7626.......... 7,000 7,000 8,000 Regional Rural Development Centers.. 7 U.S.C. 450i(c)....... 2,000 2,000 2,000 Food and Agriculture Defense 7 U.S.C. 3351.......... 8,000 8,000 8,000 Initiative. Crop Protection/Pest Management 7 U.S.C. 7626.......... 20,000 20,000 20,000 Program. -------------------------------------------------- Total, Integrated Activities.... ....................... $39,000 $39,000 $40,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs 2021 appropriation.................................... $809,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 1,327,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 1,577,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +768,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. +250,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, the Committee provides an appropriation of $1,577,000. The Committee again directs USDA to promptly issue the final Origin of Livestock rule as required by Section 756 of P.L. 116-94. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service SALARIES AND EXPENSES (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) 2021 appropriation.................................... $1,064,179,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 1,102,222,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 1,121,427,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +57,248,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. +19,205,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Salaries and Expenses, the Committee provides an appropriation of $1,121,427,000. This includes a total increase of $12,645,000 for pay and retirement contributions as requested in the budget. In addition to those increases, the Committee provides increases for the following programs: $2,000,000 for Cattle Health; $3,000,000 for Equine, Cervid, and Small Ruminant Health; $3,000,000 for Veterinary Diagnostics; $4,500,000 for Zoonotic Disease Management, of which $2,500,000 is for the National Animal Health Monitoring System; $3,105,000 for Cotton Pests; $3,600,000 for Wildlife Damage Management; $2,000,000 for Wildlife Services Methods Development; $5,000,000 for Civilian Climate Corps; $500,000 for Emergency Preparedness and Response; $3,000,000 for Agriculture Import/Export; $1,000,000 for Horse Protection; and $5,789,000 for Specialty Crop Pests. The Committee includes in this account $8,500,000 for Huanglongbing Multi-Agency Coordination (HLB-MAC) projects and $3,000,000 for cogongrass control previously funded elsewhere in the Act. Within the amount included for Specialty Crop Pests, the Committee includes $67,255,000 for fruit fly exclusion and detection; $70,368,000 for citrus health, including $11,500,000 for HLB-MAC; $22,178,000 for the glassy-winged sharpshooter; $6,596,000 for the pale cyst nematode; $2,545,000 for the light brown apple moth; $5,520,000 for the European grapevine moth; $8,160,000 for the navel orangeworm; $3,008,000 for agricultural canine inspection teams; and $18,139,000 for spotted lanternfly. The following table reflects the amounts provided by the Committee: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service SALARIES AND EXPENSES [Dollars in thousands] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Committee FY 2021 enacted FY 2022 estimate provision ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Animal Health Technical Services.......................... $38,093 $38,486 $38,486 Aquatic Animal Health..................................... 2,272 2,306 2,306 Avian Health.............................................. 63,213 63,833 63,833 Cattle Health............................................. 105,216 106,500 108,500 Equine, Cervid, and Small Ruminant Health................. 28,982 31,284 32,284 National Veterinary Stockpile............................. 5,736 5,751 5,751 Swine Health.............................................. 25,020 25,390 25,390 Veterinary Biologics...................................... 20,570 20,898 20,898 Veterinary Diagnostics.................................... 56,979 57,414 60,414 Zoonotic Disease Management............................... 19,620 19,782 24,282 ----------------------------------------------------- Subtotal, Animal Health............................... 365,701 371,644 382,144 Agricultural Quarantine Inspection (Appropriated)......... 32,893 33,849 33,849 Cotton Pests.............................................. 13,597 13,725 16,830 Field Crop & Rangeland Ecosystems Pests................... 10,942 14,137 14,137 Pest Detection............................................ 27,733 28,218 28,218 Plant Protection Methods Development...................... 20,884 21,217 21,217 Specialty Crop Pests...................................... 196,553 209,342 212,842 Tree & Wood Pests......................................... 60,456 61,217 61,217 ----------------------------------------------------- Subtotal, Plant Health................................ 363,058 381,705 388,310 Wildlife Damage Management................................ 111,647 113,142 116,742 Wildlife Services Methods Development..................... 21,046 24,363 23,363 ----------------------------------------------------- Subtotal, Wildlife Services........................... 132,693 137,505 140,105 Animal & Plant Health Regulatory Enforcement.............. 16,400 16,697 16,697 Biotechnology Regulatory Services......................... 19,020 19,262 19,262 ----------------------------------------------------- Subtotal, Regulatory Services......................... 35,420 35,959 35,959 Civilian Climate Corps.................................... 0 10,000 5,000 Contingency Fund.......................................... 478 491 491 Emergency Preparedness & Response......................... 41,268 38,380 38,880 ----------------------------------------------------- Subtotal, Emergency Management........................ 41,746 48,871 44,371 Agriculture Import/Export................................. 15,722 15,928 18,928 Overseas Technical & Trade Operations..................... 24,198 24,333 24,333 ----------------------------------------------------- Subtotal, Safe Trade.................................. 39,920 40,261 43,261 Animal Welfare............................................ 31,661 32,256 32,256 Horse Protection.......................................... 2,009 2,040 3,040 ----------------------------------------------------- Subtotal, Animal Welfare.............................. 33,670 34,296 35,296 APHIS Information Technology Infrastructure............... 4,251 4,251 4,251 Physical/Operational Security............................. 5,153 5,163 5,163 Rent and DHS Payments..................................... 42,567 42,567 42,567 ----------------------------------------------------- Subtotal, Agency Management........................... 51,971 51,981 51,981 ----------------------------------------------------- Total, Direct Appropriation....................... $1,064,179 $1,102,222 $1,121,427 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AgDiscovery and Growing the Agricultural Family.--The Committee provides an increase of $500,000 for the AgDiscovery Program. This funding should allow the expansion of this two- to four-week summer outreach program at college campuses that helps middle and high school students explore careers in plant and animal science, wildlife management, and agribusiness. The program helps to expand and diversify the U.S. agricultural family by increasing educational opportunities for future veterinarians, agricultural producer's, scientists and other professionals. Agricultural Imports.--The Committee recognizes that there may be a need to update APHIS physical facilities, staff capabilities, and processes due to the increased volume of agricultural imports. The Committee requests APHIS to keep it apprised of a plan to address the needs of the programs, including steps to collaborate with stakeholders on supplemental inspection and pathogen identification services and to improve the transparency of the importation process. Agriculture Quarantine Inspections.--The Committee recognizes that prevention of infestations of pests and diseases is much more cost effective than subsequent control or eradication. This is an important Federal responsibility and the Committee provides $33,849,000 for the agricultural quarantine inspections function, including pre-departure and interline inspections. Animal Care Program.--The Committee is concerned about APHIS's Animal Care program and the steep decline in enforcement related to violations of the Animal Welfare Act. The Committee directs the agency to reform its current licensing and enforcement scheme. This includes, but is not limited to, the following: ensure consistent, thorough, unannounced inspections on a regular basis; act swiftly when facilities fail to comply with the Act's requirements; ensure each failure to allow access for inspection and each violation or failure to comply with animal welfare standards is documented on an inspection report, and consider assessing penalties in each such case; ensure that there is no use of teachable moments or any similar program that obscures findings during inspections; and require that inspection reports that identify violations or failures of compliance be shared with relevant local, state, and federal agencies. The Committee is concerned about the lack of enforcement of online dog dealers, which has allowed many operations to continue selling dogs without the necessary USDA licensing pursuant to Animal Welfare Act. The Committee directs the Secretary to prioritize enforcement of the 2013 rule that requires dealers who are selling animals sight-unseen to consumers to have a license to do so. The Committee also urges the Secretary to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Attorney General to encourage greater collaboration on Animal Welfare Act enforcement and ensure that the Department of Justice has access to evidence needed to initiate cases. Antimicrobial Resistance.--The Committee provides an increase of $2,000,000 and directs APHIS to work collaboratively with a network of universities focused on combating the global threat of antimicrobial resistance across humans, animals, and the environment to build upon ongoing efforts to develop an antimicrobial resistance dashboard tool for livestock management, research, risk, and stewardship. As part of this work, APHIS must explore the feasibility of developing an antimicrobial resistance dashboard tool that ensures full compliance with the confidentiality protections of the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act. An antimicrobial resistance dashboard tool should directly help farmers and ranchers make better management decisions to improve the resilience, productivity, and profitability of cattle production. The dashboard should securely track the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistant pathogens in livestock production systems, validate systematic genetic and management strategies to reduce antibiotic use, and build understanding of relationships between livestock genetics, the environment, management practices, and the dynamics and frequencies of pathogen emergence in microbial populations. Arundo Management and Control.--The Committee is concerned with the damage the invasive plant Arundo donax inflicts on groundwater levels in drought-prone western states. The Committee directs APHIS to work with federal, state, and local water managers in affected areas to establish a management and control regime to prevent further water shortages in drought stricken areas. Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB).--Within the amount provided for Tree and Wood Pests, the Committee maintains funding and cost share rates for ALB at the 2021 level. Avian Health.--The Committee maintains the 2021 funding level for the Avian Health Program which provides surveillance, prevention, and control of avian diseases to protect the U.S. poultry industry. Biological Control Program.--The Committee maintains the FY 2021 level for the Biological Control Program within Plant Protection Methods Development to continue efforts to suppress pest populations. Blackbird Predation.--APHIS is responsible for providing Federal leadership in managing problems caused by wildlife. The Committee is aware of the economic importance of controlling blackbird depredation, which affects sunflowers and other crops. The Committee encourages APHIS to take action to reduce blackbird depredation in the Northern Great Plains. Body-gripping traps.--The Committee provides an additional $300,000 for the Secretary to develop best management practices for body-gripping traps in circumstances where current use of body-gripping traps increase the risk of non-target capture to unacceptable levels, such as in some urban environments. Canine Detection and Surveillance.--The Committee recognizes the important role APHIS' canines program plays in invasive species and disease detection and continues to provide $3,000,000 to support these efforts. The Committee requests that APHIS keep it apprised of program activities, including how the agency uses funding provided. Cattle Health.--The Committee provides $108,500,000 for Cattle Health to continue to fund initiatives related to eradication of fever ticks for livestock and wildlife hosts including but not limited to research, data management, infrastructure, and treatment. The Committee is concerned that the cattle fever tick quarantine area is expanding despite efforts to constrain spread. To prevent movement of livestock and game animals outside of the quarantined or high-risk premises, the Committee provides an increase of $2,000,000 and encourages APHIS to use available funds for a cost-share program for the construction and repair of livestock or game fencing on private lands. The Committee directs USDA, in conjunction with state animal health commissions, to develop a strategy to exclude wildlife from areas at highest risk of tick spread and identify areas that qualify for funds within these areas. The Committee also notes that large dense stands of non- native Carrizo cane occupy the banks and floodplains of the Rio Grande River, providing favorable habitat for agriculturally damaging cattle fever ticks and threatening water supplies for agriculture due to its high evapo-transpiration capacity. The Committee understands APHIS has been working with ARS on biological controls and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for mechanical controls. The Committee provides $5,000,000 for APHIS to continue to coordinate with ARS, CBP, Department of the Interior, the International Boundary and Water Commission, the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, and other stakeholders on control efforts. The Department is requested to keep the Committee apprised of progress made in this regard. The Committee directs APHIS to coordinate with ARS on the development of its long-term cattle fever tick research program. Cattle fever ticks pose a significant health threat to U.S. cattle and other species across the entire Southern region of the United States. Further, the Committee encourages USDA to collaborate with Mexico in its efforts to combat Cattle Fever Ticks for more effective cross-border containment and eradication. Center for Veterinary Biologics.--The Committee maintains the increased funding provided in 2021 to support the hiring of new employees to fill vacancies that will assist with the regulatory responsibilities under the Virus Serum Toxin Act. Cervid Health.--Within the funds provided for cervid health activities, APHIS should give priority to indemnity payments to remove infected and exposed animals from the landscape as expeditiously as possible. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).--The Committee is concerned about the growing threat of CWD and its impact on free ranging deer populations. Of the amount provided for cervid health activities, no less than $10,000,000 is provided for APHIS to allocate funds directly to State departments of wildlife, State departments of agriculture, Native American Tribes, and research institutes and universities to further develop and implement CWD management and response activities, including surveillance, testing, and indemnity as part of an overall management plan. The funds directly allocated to States and other stakeholders may also be provided to develop and evaluate CWD control tools, methods, and strategies. In allocating these funds, APHIS shall give priority to States that have experienced a recent incident of CWD and have a CWD monitoring, surveillance, and control program. In addition, the Committee provides an increase of $2,000,000 for Wildlife Services Methods Development for CWD work at the National Wildlife Research Center. Citrus Health Response Program (CHRP).--CHRP is a national effort to protect the U.S. industry from the ravages of invasive pests and diseases. These funds are designed to partner with state departments of agriculture and industry groups to address the challenges of citrus pests and diseases. In addition to the funds provided in this account, the Committee encourages APHIS to utilize the funds available in the Plant Pest and Disease Management and Disaster Prevention Programs account to the greatest extent possible in an attempt to sustain the economic viability of the citrus industry. Cotton Pests.--The bill provides $16,830,000 for the joint Cotton Pests Program, including an increase of $1,000,000 for work related to the cotton seed bug. The Committee encourages APHIS and the cotton industry to make every effort to ensure the boll weevil does not re-infest areas of the U.S. where it has been successfully eradicated. Disease Surveillance.--Recognizing the importance of disease surveillance among APHIS-inspected animals, the Committee encourages APHIS to continue to explore partnerships with veterinary medicine programs to establish a formal disease surveillance network. Emergency Outbreaks.--The Committee continues to include specific language relating to the availability of funds to address emergencies related to the arrest and eradication of contagious or infectious diseases or pests of animals, poultry or plants. The Committee expects the Secretary to continue to use the authority provided in this bill to transfer funds from the CCC for the arrest and eradication of animal and plant pests and diseases that threaten American agriculture. By providing funds in this account, the Committee is enhancing, not replacing, the use of CCC funding for emergency outbreaks. Emergency Preparedness and Response.--The Committee continues to provide funding for the Animal Care Program to coordinate with the Federal Emergency Management Agency on the National Response Plan and to support state and local governments' efforts to plan for protection of people with animals and incorporate lessons learned from previous disasters. Feral swine.--The Committee maintains the 2021 funding level for feral swine eradication efforts. The Committee encourages APHIS Wildlife Services to use all approved measures as a force multiplier and prioritize states with the highest population of feral swine. Final rule on horse protection.--The Secretary is strongly urged to reinstate and publish the final rule, Horse Protection; Licensing of Designated Qualified Persons and Other Amendments (Docket No. APHIS-2011-0009), as it was finalized and displayed in advance public notice in the Federal Register on January 19, 2017, with effective dates adjusted to reflect the delay in implementation. The Committee notes that over four years have passed since the final rule, Horse Protection; Licensing of Designated Qualified Persons and Other Amendments (Docket No. APHIS-2011- 0009) was prepared, and therefore encourages the Secretary to seek additional public comment before finalizing this rule. Glassy Winged Sharpshooter.--The Committee provides an increase of $1,000,000 and urges USDA to consider all appropriate funding resources to rapidly respond to areas where increasing numbers of the pest glassy winged sharpshooter are occurring in California. Green Coffee Imports.--The Committee commends APHIS for completing a trial program for importing green coffee beans into Puerto Rico. The Committee understands that Plant Protection and Quarantine, working with the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture, will now focus on a rulemaking. The Committee urges APHIS to complete this rulemaking as soon as possible to provide stability and certainty to coffee importers and agricultural producers in Puerto Rico. HLB-MAC Group.--The Committee recognizes the significant economic impact of this disease on the citrus industry, which is especially acute in Florida and a growing concern in both Texas and California. The Committee also understands that growers are requesting the right to try treatments that have begun to show success in early stages of testing. The Committee encourages the HLB-MAC group to explore and identify new methods to expedite the delivery of promising treatments directly to willing growers, regardless of the phase of observation the treatment is at within the research pipeline. Finally, the Committee expects any funds which are redirected from existing HLB-MAC projects be repurposed to other priority HLB-MAC projects that are showing promising results in order to ensure these critical funds remain committed to help facilitate the design and implementation of the rapid delivery pathway to growers. Horse Protection Act.--The Committee provides $3,040,000 for enforcement of the Horse Protection Act of 1970, as amended (15 U.S.C. 1831), and reminds the Secretary that Congress granted the agency primary responsibility to enforce this law. Huanglongbing Emergency Response.--The Committee encourages APHIS to allocate sufficient resources to continue the activities necessary to effectively prevent or manage HLB. The disease, for which there is no cure, has caused a significant decline in Florida' s citrus production since 2007. All citrus producing counties in Texas are under quarantine; and in California, there have been over 2,000 confirmed cases of HLB in backyard citrus trees. HLB threatens the sustainability of the entire domestic citrus industry. If HLB continues to spread, it will cost thousands of additional jobs and millions in lost revenue. The agency is encouraged to support the priorities and strategies identified by the HLB-MAC group. The agency should appropriately allocate resources based on critical need and the maximum benefit to the citrus industry. Imported Dogs.--The Committee is aware that the USDA issued a report that showed that over one million dogs are imported into the United States each year. Of that number, however, less than one percent are subject to thorough health screenings to show that they are healthy, vaccinated and free of disease prior to entering the country. The limited health requirements and inspection has resulted in the importation of animals that arrive in poor health or die during travel, as well as the importation of animals carrying various diseases from rabies to canine influenza to leptospirosis, among others. Diseases such as canine rabies have cost millions of dollars to eradicate in the United States and unscreened animal imports threaten to undue that progress while threatening public health. Most concerning is the ability of some of these pathogens to jump from one species to another and pose a risk of zoonotic transmission. The Committee recognizes the potential for bedding or conveyances arriving with imported dogs to serve as vectors of foreign animal diseases of livestock, and is concerned about the potential introduction of highly contagious diseases, including African Swine Fever and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). These diseases could have devasting economic, environmental, and social impacts on livestock, farmers, wildlife and the conservation community. As the connection between human and animal health becomes clearer, it is imperative that imported animals, including dogs, are healthy, vaccinated, and of an appropriate age to travel. Therefore, the Committee includes an increase of $1,000,000 for APHIS to strengthen its oversight of imported dogs, including stronger interagency coordination to better protect animal and public health. In and Out Bound Market Access Report.--The Committee requests APHIS to continue submitting the report on U.S. out- bound and foreign in-bound agricultural market access. The report should provide data for the last three years, including the date access was granted and the in-bound and out-bound volumes shipped by country and commodity. Inspection Reports.--The bill provides $32,256,000 for the Animal Welfare program in order to ensure that standards of care and treatment are provided for certain animals bred for commercial sale, used in research, transported commercially, or exhibited to the public. This level includes funding to support the agreement between APHIS and ARS, under which APHIS conducts compliance inspections of ARS facilities to ensure compliance with the regulations and standards of the Animal Welfare Act. The Committee directs APHIS to conduct inspections of all such ARS facilities and to post the resulting inspection reports on line in their entirety without redactions except signatures. The Committee continues to direct APHIS to transmit to the Committees all inspection reports involving ARS facilities, including pre-compliance inspections. These facilities involve federal funds over which this Committee has oversight responsibilities. APHIS is directed to include every violation its inspectors find and never to frustrate the Committee's oversight activities by using so-called ``teachable moments'' or other means of not reporting ARS facility violations. Lacey Act Implementation.--To combat illegal imports of timber and timber products, protect natural resources, and promote fair trade, the Lacey Act, as amended, requires an import declaration for certain plants and plant products. Since 2009, APHIS has been phasing in enforcement of the declaration requirement. The Committee is concerned with the pace of enforcement and provides $3,957,000, more than doubling the 2021 level, for additional enforcement phases. The Committee urges APHIS to work with federal partners and stakeholders to enhance Lacey Act program analysis and compliance efforts, and requests a report within 90 days of enactment detailing a phase-in schedule for remaining products, prioritizing products of highest US import volume and at high risk for illegality. Light Brown Apple Moth.--The Committee maintains the 2021 funding level for the light brown apple moth and urges the Department to develop a regulatory plan designed to remove regulatory restrictions, if it determines that is appropriate, while maintaining domestic commerce and agricultural exports globally. Should APHIS withdraw the federal order for the light brown apple moth, the Committee encourages APHIS to engage state and international regulatory bodies to take steps to reduce the overall burden on growers. The Committee is concerned that without the necessary cooperation with other regulatory officials, APHIS will shift, not reduce, the regulatory burden. Live Animal Imports.--The Committee is aware that importation of live animals, particularly dogs, has increased substantially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Committee is concerned about differences in the APHIS licensing and registration processes that may lead to a lack of oversight of registrants and/ or repeated failures to maintain basic standards of animal care. The Committee is concerned that while the Agency can deny an initial license or terminate an existing license for dealers or exhibitors that handle live animals for failure to comply with Animal Welfare Act requirements, the process of registration with the Agency for the purposes of serving as a carrier or intermediate handler of live animals, or as a research facility, does not require demonstration of compliance with Animal Welfare Act requirements or other similar Agency regulations. The Committee directs APHIS to take all available administrative actions to address this issue and to send to Congress recommendations for additional legislative steps, if needed, not later than 120 days after enactment of this Act. National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN).--The laboratories within the NAHLN network are on the frontline for detection of newly identified and reemerging animal diseases. NAHLN laboratories provide a critical contribution to animal and human health, as demonstrated during the pandemic. Therefore, the Committee rejects the budget reduction and provides an increase of $2,000,000 for these labs. The bill continues to provide funding for NAHLN through both APHIS and NIFA at $15,909,000 and $4,300,000, respectively, resulting in a total investment of no less than $20,209,000 for fiscal year 2022. This amount is in addition to mandatory funding provided through the 2018 Farm Bill for Animal Disease Prevention and Management. The Committee encourages the Department to provide robust funding from the 2018 Farm Bill for NAHLN. National Clean Plant Network (NCPN).--No less than the 2021 level should be available for NCPN-Berries diagnostic assays and therapeutics. APHIS- and NCPN-Berries should cooperatively monitor the usage of funds provided in 2021 for equipment and determine future funding needs. National Honeybee Disease Survey Report.--The Committee continues funding the survey at the 2021 level. Since 2009, a national survey of honeybee pests and diseases has been funded annually by APHIS along with other federal and non-federal partners to document which bee diseases, parasites, or pests of honeybees are present and/or likely absent in the U.S. This information will help place current and future epidemiological studies in context and thus may indirectly help investigations of emerging conditions. Pale Cyst Nematode Eradication.--The Committee includes funding to maintain resources for the pale cyst nematode eradication program at the 2021 level in order to continue with successful efforts to eradicate this pest. If left untreated, this pest could spread, affecting other crops. Plant Biostimulants.--Within the funding available, APHIS is requested to work with other agencies and stakeholders to develop and implement the recommendations set forth in the report submitted pursuant to section 10111 of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018. Roseau Cane.--The Committee remains concerned with the invasive species-scale insect pest that is destroying Roseau cane in the Mississippi River Delta region along the Gulf of Mexico. The Committee directs APHIS to continue to work with ARS and stake- holders and continues to provide no less than $2,000,000 within Field Crop and Rangeland Ecosystems Pests to further develop an integrated management program for control of the Roseau cane scale insect pest infestation. Searchable databases.--The Committee directs APHIS to ensure that the searchable animal welfare database is searchable at least to the same extent that they were on January 30, 2017 in terms of both function and content. Spotted Lanternfly.--The Committee continues to be concerned about the recent Spotted Lanternfly outbreak and provides an increase of $2,000,000 to support efforts in combatting this pest. The Committee requests that APHIS keeps it apprised of the program's strategy and progress. Tallow Tree.--APHIS is proposing to issue permits for environmental release of two insects from China, a beetle species (Bikasha collaris) and a moth species (Gadirtha fusca), for biological control of the Chinese tallow tree throughout the Gulf Coast region of the country. Given that beekeepers report that the Chinese tallow tree is among the most prolific sources of forage for honeybees, the Committee requests that APHIS take the necessary steps to mitigate potential impact resulting from the release of biological control agents on honeybee populations and the honey industry. Wildlife Services.--The Committee is aware that APHIS has worked with landowners to deploy nonlethal strategies. APHIS is directed to implement and prioritize nonlethal strategies by: (1) promoting and implementing nonlethal livestock-predator conflict deterrence and mitigation techniques; husbandry practices, night corralling, shed lambing, attractant and carcass removal, livestock herding, and human presence; (2) providing training in selection, implementation, monitoring and adaptation of nonlethal techniques for agricultural producers, landowners, federal and state agency personnel, and others; and (3) collaborating with the National Wildlife Research Center to advance and improve nonlethal predator coexistence methods, research on monitoring methods for efficacy of nonlethal control methods implemented to reduce predation, and establish clear documentation protocols for nonlethal approaches implemented in advance of lethal control measures where applicable. The Committee provides no less than $4,680,000 for these activities in fiscal year 2022. Within these funds, APHIS should expand, develop, and implement nonlethal methods with a focus on reducing human-wildlife conflicts related to predators and beavers in the Western Region and Great Lakes states. The Committee requests APHIS to document all work on nonlethal strategies development and submit a report demonstrating progress in this area within 180 days of the enactment of this Act. Within the amount provided for Wildlife Services, the Committee requests that APHIS work with States and other partners to ensure an equitable cost sharing framework to allow Wildlife Services to manage human-wildlife conflicts more effectively. The Committee directs APHIS to spend no less than the fiscal year 2020 level for predator control in the protection of sheep. BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES 2021 appropriation................................... $3,175,000 2022 budget estimate................................. 3,175,000 Provided in the bill................................. 3,175,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ - - - 2022 budget estimate.............................. - - - COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For Buildings and Facilities of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Committee provides $3,175,000. Agricultural Marketing Service MARKETING SERVICES 2021 appropriation................................... $188,358,000 2022 budget estimate................................. 213,157,000 Provided in the bill................................. 223,157,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +34,799,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. +10,000,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For Marketing Services of the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), the Committee provides an appropriation of $223,157,000. This includes a total increase of $2,367,000 for pay and retirement contribution as requested in the budget. In addition to those increases, the Committee provides increases for the following programs: $2,000,000 for the National Organic Standards program; $500,000 for the Organic Production and Market Data Initiative; $500,000 for Transportation Services; $1,000,000 for local food hubs; $2,000,000 for small meat packing apprenticeships; and $1,000,000 for the Acer Access and Development Program. The bill also includes $7,400,000 for the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program authorized under the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. Together with the Value-Added Producer Grant Program, the bill provides a total of $21,400,000 for LAMP. This amount is in addition to $100,000,000 provided for LAMP in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, and $50,000,000 of mandatory funds available in fiscal year 2022. The Committee includes in this account $25,000,000 for the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives, funded elsewhere in the Act at $22,000,000 in 2021. The Committee encourages AMS to work with the established initiatives to enhance cooperation with land-grant and minority serving institutions and provide support to small, minority-owned, socially-disadvantaged producers, processors, or distributors. Antitrust.--The Committee recognizes that consolidation in agribusiness can be detrimental to farmers, consumers, workers and the environment. The Committee considers enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act a top priority and directs the Department to continue enforcing the Act to the fullest extent of the law. Further, the Committee urges AMS and other agencies and mission areas to fully incorporate fair and competitive markets priorities across relevant programs and operations. Local Food Hubs.--Local, resilient food systems are relevant for the farm to table movement. Increasing numbers of producers lack infrastructure, and knowledge of HAACP and food processing licensing requirements. The Committee provides an increase of $1,000,000 for staff and a cooperative agreement to develop a strategic plan for creating regional rural food hubs to support locally sourced, branded, value-added products that are properly inspected. Design function should integrate a model that allows, water sharing, water, workspace, loading dock, accounting, and utilities to accelerate accessibility of locally-sourced, branded value-added products. In addition, the plan should include staffing recommendations for food safety compliance federal inspector interface to support more effective production and marketing of locally grown and produced foods. National Organic Program (NOP).--Within the funding provided, AMS is urged to focus on standards development and addressing the backlog of National Organic Standards Board recommendations. Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Committee directs the agency to publish in the Federal Register and seek public comment on an Organic Improvement Action Plan that identifies and describes the rationale for recommendations approved by the National Organic Standards Board by a decisive vote and submitted to USDA that have not been implemented by a final rule or any other agency action. To maximize the climate benefits of organic agriculture, the Committee urges the NOP to increase enforcement efforts to ensure full compliance with the soil health and pasture requirements of USDA organic standards. Organic Dairy Production.--The Committee directs AMS to seek strong enforcement of organic dairy production standards and resolve variations on standard interpretation that exist between organic certifiers as well as between organic dairy producers. AMS shall continue to conduct critical risk-based oversight, particularly for large, complex dairy operations as it has in the past three fiscal years. Small Meat Packing Plants Apprenticeship.--Local and regional meat packing plants have played an important role in assuring access to food during the pandemic. The Farm to Table movement has accelerated the demand for locally produced animal protein and small meat packing plants have struggled to keep up with the demand. The Committee is interested in ensuring that there are training and apprenticeship programs for small and medium sized meatpacking operations to assist with the growth and survival of these smaller meat packers. The Committee provides $2,000,000 to support regional and local efforts through partnerships with existing non-profits, community and junior colleges, vocational schools, and similar organizations with expertise in training small and medium sized meat packing operations. The funds may help support apprenticeships of individuals working in small and very small meat packing plants to assure that individuals find full and gainful employment. Transportation Services Division.--Inadequate market access is a critical barrier to economic growth in rural and agricultural communities. The Committee provides an increase of $500,000 for AMS to continue working with other federal, state, and local agencies, as well as producers and those involved in all sectors of agriculture. LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 2021 limitation....................................... ($61,227,000) 2022 budget limitation................................ (61,786,000) Provided in the bill.................................. (61,786,000) Comparison: 2021 limitation................................... (+559,000) 2022 budget limitation............................ - - - COMMITTEE PROVISIONS The Committee provides a limitation of $61,786,000 on Administrative Expenses of the Agricultural Marketing Service. FUNDS FOR STRENGTHENING MARKETS, INCOME, AND SUPPLY (SECTION 32) (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) 2021 appropriation.................................... ($20,705,000) 2022 budget estimate.................................. (20,705,000) Provided in the bill.................................. (20,817,000) Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ (+112,000) 2022 budget estimate.............................. (+112,000) COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Marketing Agreements and Orders Program, the Committee provides a transfer from Section 32 funds of $20,817,000. The following table reflects the status of this fund: ESTIMATED TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE AND BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD--FISCAL YEARS 2021-2022 [Dollars in thousands] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FY 2021 FY 2022 Committee enacted estimate provision ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Appropriation (30% of Customs Receipts)......................... $22,733,332 $21,679,260 $21,679,260 Less Transfers: Food and Nutrition Service.................................. -21,040,057 -19,961,591 -19,961,591 Commerce Department......................................... -262,275 -253,669 -253,669 ----------------------------------------------- Total, Transfers........................................ -21,302,332 -20,215,260 -20,215,260 Budget Authority, Farm Bill..................................... 1,431,000 1,464,000 1,464,000 Appropriations Temporarily Reduced--Sequestration........... -71,136 -72,789 -72,789 ----------------------------------------------- Budget Authority, Appropriations Act.................... 1,359,864 1,391,211 1,391,211 Less Obligations: Child Nutrition Programs (Entitlement Commodities).......... 485,000 485,000 485,000 State Option Contract....................................... 5,000 5,000 5,000 Removal of Defective Commodities............................ 2,500 2,500 2,500 Disaster Relief............................................. 5,000 5,000 5,000 Additional Fruits, Vegetables, and Nuts Purchases........... 206,000 206,000 206,000 Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program........................... 183,000 187,000 187,000 Estimated Future Needs...................................... 800,425 443,084 443,084 ----------------------------------------------- Total, Commodity Procurement............................ 1,686,925 1,333,584 1,333,584 Administrative Funds: Commodity Purchase Support.................................. 36,746 36,810 36,810 Marketing Agreements and Orders............................. 20,705 20,817 20,817 ----------------------------------------------- Total, Administrative Funds............................. 57,451 57,627 57,627 ----------------------------------------------- Total Obligations........................................... $1,744,376 $1,391,211 $1,391,211 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PAYMENTS TO STATES AND POSSESSIONS 2021 appropriation.................................... $1,235,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 1,235,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 1,235,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ - - - 2022 budget estimate.............................. - - - COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For Payments to States and Possessions, the Committee provides an appropriation of $1,235,000. LIMITATION ON INSPECTION AND WEIGHING SERVICES EXPENSES 2021 limitation....................................... ($55,000,000) 2022 budget limitation................................ (55,000,000) Provided in the bill.................................. (55,000,000) Comparison: 2021 limitation................................... - - - 2022 budget limitation............................ - - - COMMITTEE PROVISIONS The Committee includes a limitation on inspection and weighing services expenses of $55,000,000. OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY FOR FOOD SAFETY 2021 appropriation.................................... $809,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 1,327,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 1,077,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +268,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. -250,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety, the Committee provides an appropriation of $1,077,000. FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE 2021 appropriation.................................... $1,075,703,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 1,165,589,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 1,153,064,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +77,361,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. -12,525,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the Committee provides an appropriation of $1,153,064,000. This amount includes $10,300,000 for Information Technology modernization investments; $1,000,000 for the inspection of wild caught invasive species in the order siluriformes and family Ictaluridae, including blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay; and resources for reducing User Fees for Small and Very Small establishments. In addition, $12,525,000 is provided in Title VII of the bill for costs associated with the Goodfellow move. The following table reflects the Committee's recommendations for fiscal year 2022: FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE [Dollars in thousands] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Federal Inspection.................................... $1,034,167 Public Health Data Communication Infrastructure System 34,580 International Food Safety and Inspection.............. 17,442 State Food Safety and Inspection...................... 66,875 ----------------- Total, Food Safety and Inspection Service......... $1,153,064 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Bison as Amenable Species.--Within 90 days of enactment, the Committee directs FSIS to hold a listening session with buffalo/bison producers and related stakeholder groups, including tribes, to explore options for transitioning buffalo/ bison to the amenable species list under the Federal Meat Inspection Act. The Committee expects a briefing on the listening session within 30 days after the listening session date. Good Commercial Practices.--The Committee recognizes that the handling of birds at slaughter according to Good Commercial Practices (GCP) improves quality and reduces the occurrence of adulterated poultry products in the marketplace. The Committee directs the Department to brief the Committees on documented instances where establishments lost control of their processes for handling birds, and consequently were not operating in accordance with GCPs, no later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act. Humane Methods of Slaughter.--FSIS shall ensure that all inspection personnel conducting humane handling verification procedures receive robust initial training and periodic refresher training on the FSIS humane handling and slaughter regulations and directives. This includes handling of non- ambulatory disabled animals, as well as proper use of the Humane Activities Tracking System to ensure humane handling of animals as they arrive and are offloaded and handled in ante- mortem holding pens, suspect pens, chutes, stunning areas, and on the slaughter line. The Committee directs the agency to continue preparation and online publication of the Humane Handling Quarterly Reports, to include: (1) the number of humane handling verification procedures performed, (2) the number of administrative enforcement actions taken, (3) the time spent on Humane Handling Activities Tracking System activities, and (4) comparisons of these measurements by plant size and FSIS district. Inspection Delays.--The Committee is aware that the lack of sufficient USDA inspections of meat processing facilities in rural areas has created unnecessary and financially damaging delays to producers trying to get their goods into the marketplace, especially during the current public health emergency. The Committee directs USDA to coordinate with state regulatory boards in regions where there are not enough federal inspectors to meet local demand to ensure that inspections do not become a bottleneck for producers and processing plants. Plant-in-a-Box (PIB).--Localized, decentralized abattoirs are critical for regional food security and enabling farmers to value-add their production to a direct marketed, branded product. PIB is a model for semi-portable (no building permit required), turn-key, retrofitted shipping containers or like structures for slaughtering and processing federally inspected beef, poultry, lamb, goat, and turkeys. This process is of particular need for small and very small operations. The Committee encourages technical assistance and guidance be available to very small operations by advising as to whether the facility, like PIB or similar structure, meets requirements for a Grant of Inspection and can suggest improvements to the unit once it is complete. TITLE II FARM PRODUCTION AND CONSERVATION PROGRAMS Office of the Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation 2021 appropriation.................................... $916,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 1,437,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 1,687,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +771,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. +250,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Office of the Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC), the Committee provides an appropriation of $1,687,000. Agritourism Resource Manual Update.--The Committee is concerned that the ``Alternative Enterprises and Agritourism-- Farming for Profit and Sustainability'' resource manual is out of date and not user friendly. The Committee directs USDA to review the manual for updates, specifically for sections that identify agency resource materials, federal funding opportunities for agritourism businesses, and Federal contacts that can aid agritourism. The Committee encourages USDA to engage interested stakeholders. The Committee requests that the updated sections and materials be publicly available on USDA's website within one year of enactment. Cage-Free Housing Conversion.--The committee recognizes that the cage-free market is rapidly expanding due to demand by consumers and food corporations. In addition, a growing number of state laws are requiring farmers to convert to cage-free facilities. The Committee strongly encourages the Secretary to review this information and consider helping producers meet these economic opportunities by providing financial assistance for the conversion to cage-free housing. Disaster Mitigation.--The Committee is aware of the devastating consequences that natural disasters including hurricanes, derechos, flooding, and heavy rainfall, have on agricultural producers, and is concerned that too few resources are available before such events. The Committee encourages USDA to consider how it can more effectively adopt a culture of preparedness and directs the Secretary to provide the Committee a report not later than 180 days after enactment outlining how USDA is using existing resources to support agricultural communities to proactively prepare for, recover from, and build long-term resilience to natural disasters. The report should also provide cost estimates for necessary expenses related to replenishing the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program for loss of crops, including from high winds or derechos, as well as losses from fires as in the case of smoke tainted grapes. Livestock Indemnity Payments for Adverse Weather.--The Committee is aware that millions of farmed animals die each year due to the effects of adverse weather. Extreme weather events are occurring at increased frequency, putting additional livestock at risk. The Committee recognizes the importance of disaster planning and directs the Department to work with producers that want to voluntarily develop disaster plans to prevent livestock deaths and injuries. Pyrolysis.--Committee recognizes pyrolysis as an innovative approach supporting climate action, that includes the potential to reduce or sequester greenhouse emissions that convert feedstock, including valorizing tree nut harvest by-products, and waste into multiple higher value biocarbon products, including sustainable industrial applications, agrochemicals, repurposing process heat, energy and construction materials. The Committee encourages USDA to explore ways, including using existing federal funds, to assist farmers to employ this technology at efficient scale on farming operations. Small Meatpackers.--The Committee recognizes small meatpackers need capital availability to build or expand services. The Committee directs USDA, within 180 days of enactment, to evaluate the need of small meatpacking plants and make recommendations for how to provide capital to support flourishing small and medium sized meatpacking plants. Tree Assistance Program.--The Committee recognizes that the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) and the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) are programs that can help repair and restore orchards damaged by natural disasters. Citrus groves in Texas were severely damaged by the freeze this year, and orchardists need assistance to rehabilitate their orchards. However, due to the severity and length of time for orchards to regain productive capacity, many orchardists want to convert their land to other agricultural or conservation uses. The Committee encourages USDA to closely reexamine the TAP and ECP programs for opportunities to implement them in a manner that not only rehabilitates the orchards, but also allows the land to be maintained in other agricultural or conservation uses. Tropical and Subtropical Forests.--The Committee recognizes the importance of native forests for effective watershed management and erosion protection in tropical and subtropical forests. The Committee directs USDA to study the ability and effectiveness of managed forestry best practices to aid in the reforestation of native trees and the cultivation of forest crops. USDA should seek input from forestry experts. The Committee directs USDA to report back on its findings within one year of the enactment of this Act. Farm Production and Conservation Business Center SALARIES AND EXPENSES 2021 appropriation.................................... $231,302,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 238,177,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 238,177,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +6,875,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. - - - COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Farm Production and Conservation Business Center (FPACBC), the Committee provides an appropriation of $238,177,000. Farm Service Agency SALARIES AND EXPENSES (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transfer from Appropriation program accounts Total, FSA S&E ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2021 appropriation..................................... 1,142,924,000 (294,114,000) 1,437,038,000 2022 budget estimate................................... 1,175,670,000 (294,114,000) 1,469,784,000 Provided in the bill................................... 1,175,670,000 (294,114,000) 1,469,784,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................. +32,746,000 - - - +32,746,000 2022 budget estimate............................... - - - - - - - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For Salaries and Expenses of the Farm Service Agency (FSA), the Committee provides an appropriation of $1,175,670,000 and transfers of $294,114,000 for a total program level of $1,469,784,000. Geographically Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers.--The Committee supports the Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program for Geographically Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers (RTCP). The Committee directs FSA, within 180 days after the enactment of this Act, to provide a report on the RTCP. The report should be by county and include the number of producers participating, the amount claimed, and the factored payment for FY 2020, and any recommendations to improve the program. Heirs Property.--The Committee continues to direct the FSA to provide updates on the implementation of the Relending Program. National Agriculture Imagery Program.--The Committee recognizes the importance of the National Agriculture Imagery Program and encourages FSA, when acquiring future products, to include commercial satellite imagery and data, in addition to aerial imagery, as part of its portfolio to ensure comprehensive coverage while increasing cost-effectiveness and efficiency. The Committee encourages FSA to include program updates and current activities in future budget justifications. Organic Certification Cost Share Program.--The Committee recognizes the important role of the Organic Certification Cost Share Program for small and mid-size farms, underserved farmers, and new organic farmers. The Committee is concerned that FSA cut 2020 reimbursement levels due to accounting errors and it directs FSA to report back to the Committee with an explanation of how this accounting error happened. The Committee notes USDA recently announced up to $20 million in additional organic cost share assistance, including for producers who are transitioning to organic and encourages USDA to restore the full reimbursement levels of 75 percent of annual organic certification costs, including the restoration of prior years. Regenerative Ag Practice Lending.--The Committee is aware of the need to enhance access to lending for mixed use land including crop and pastureland. The Committee encourages USDA to assess options for lending for regenerative farms that include crops and animals. Within 180 days, FSA should identify options and provide recommendations for administrative changes and inform the Committee. These actions within the agency should also include education and support of lenders and a strategy for risk mitigation including possible government subsidies, crop insurance, or other support for investments in regenerative agriculture practices. Small Farmer Specialists.--The Committee recognizes COVID 19, climate change, and trade wars/agreements have impeded small farmer growth. The Committee remains concerned that a majority of financial and technical assistance goes to larger farmers and encourages USDA to hire dedicated regionally focused small farmer specialists that can enhance outreach and assistance to small farmers on federal programs, conservation practices, contract opportunities, and other valuable issues to help our small farmers regain their economic footing. Staffing Levels.--The Committee remains concerned about staffing shortages at FSA offices and continues to direct the Secretary to submit a report to Congress with an administrative breakdown of allotment levels by State, current full-time equivalents, current on-board permanent employees by State, and funded ceiling levels by State. STATE MEDIATION GRANTS 2021 appropriation.................................... $6,914,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 6,914,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 6,914,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ - - - 2022 budget estimate.............................. - - - COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For State Mediation Grants, the Committee provides an appropriation of $6,914,000. Obligation of funds.--In recent years, the Department has not issued any grants in this program until the end of December. As a result, the mediation programs must operate for the first quarter of the fiscal year without any funding. The delay in funding requires some programs to take out loans secured by personal assets, reduce or stop pay for staff, or turn down new requests for mediation. To the extent possible, the Committee strongly encourages USDA to obligate available funds within 30 days of enactment. GRASSROOTS SOURCE WATER PROTECTION PROGRAM 2021 appropriation.................................... $6,500,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 6,500,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 6,500,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ - - - 2022 budget estimate.............................. - - - COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Grassroots Source Water Protection Program, the Committee provides an appropriation of $6,500,000. DAIRY INDEMNITY PROGRAM (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS) 2021 appropriation.................................... $500,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 500,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 500,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ - - - 2022 budget estimate.............................. - - - COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Dairy Indemnity Program (DIPP), the Committee provides an appropriation of such sums as may be necessary (estimated to be $500,000 in the President's fiscal year 2022 budget request). PFAS chemicals.--The Committee is aware that a small number of dairy farms are unable to sell their milk as a result of contamination from perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, collectively known as ``PFAS'' chemicals. The Committee directs the Secretary to utilize DIPP to provide monthly indemnity payments to affected producers, including those producers who are no longer milking their herds, for the value of their unmarketable milk, as well as to provide these producers with the option to receive an indemnity payment for the value of the herd and the costs of depopulation if remediation is not practicable. The Committee encourages the Secretary to extend the timeframe for monthly DIPP payments to 36 months and to explore whether DIPP or other USDA resources could assist producers with costs associated with a longer-term return to farm viability, including testing and remediation. AGRICULTURAL CREDIT INSURANCE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) ESTIMATED LOAN LEVELS 2021 loan level....................................... $9,858,176,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 10,358,176,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 10,385,908,000 Comparison: 2021 loan level................................... +527,732,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. +27,732,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund program account, the Committee provides a loan level of $10,385,908,000. The following table reflects the loan levels for the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund program account: AGRICULTURE CREDIT PROGRAMS--LOAN LEVELS [Dollars in thousands] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Committee FY 2021 enacted FY 2022 estimate provision ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Farm Loan Programs: Farm Ownership: Direct................................................ $2,500,000 $2,800,000 $2,800,000 Unsubsidized Guaranteed............................... 3,300,000 3,500,000 3,500,000 Farm Operating: Direct................................................ 1,633,333 1,633,333 1,633,333 Unsubsidized Guaranteed............................... 2,118,482 2,118,482 2,118,482 Emergency Loans........................................... 37,668 37,668 37,668 Indian Tribe Land Acquisition Loans....................... 20,000 20,000 20,000 Conservation Loans: Unsubsidized Guaranteed............................... 150,000 150,000 150,000 Indian Highly Fractionated Land........................... 5,000 5,000 5,000 Boll Weevil Eradication................................... 60,000 60,000 60,000 Relending Program......................................... 33,693 33,693 61,425 ----------------------------------------------------- Total............................................. 9,858,176 10,358,176 10,385,908 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ESTIMATED LOAN SUBSIDY AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES LEVELS [Dollars in thousands] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Direct loan Guaranteed loan Administrative subsidy subsidy expenses ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2021 appropriation........................................ $38,710 $23,727 $307,344 2022 budget estimate...................................... 40,017 16,524 314,772 Provided in the bill...................................... 40,017 16,524 314,772 Comparison: 2021 appropriation.................................... +1,307 -7,203 +7,428 2022 budget estimate.................................. - - - - - - - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following table reflects the costs of loan programs under credit reform: AGRICULTURE CREDIT PROGRAMS--SUBSIDIES AND GRANTS [Dollars in thousands] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Committee FY 2021 enacted FY 2022 estimate provision ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Farm Loan Subsidies: Farm Operating: Direct................................................ $38,710 $40,017 $40,017 Unsubsidized Guaranteed............................... 23,727 16,524 16,524 Emergency Loans........................................... 207 267 267 Indian Highly Fractionated Land........................... 742 407 407 Boll Weevil Eradication................................... - - - - - - - - - Relending Program......................................... 5,000 2,743 5,000 ----------------------------------------------------- Total............................................. 68,386 59,958 62,215 ACIF Expenses: FSA Salaries and Expenses............................. 294,114 294,114 294,114 Program Administrative Expenses....................... 13,230 20,658 20,658 ----------------------------------------------------- Total, ACIF Expenses.............................. $375,730 $374,730 $376,987 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Risk Management Agency SALARIES AND EXPENSES 2021 appropriation.................................... $60,131,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 69,207,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 66,957,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +6,826,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. -2,250,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Risk Management Agency, the Committee provides an appropriation of $66,957,000. The Committee fully funds the Administration's request to hire additional staff solely devoted to underserved communities and to ensure actuarial soundness of new policies as well as contract for additional resources to address climate change. Natural Resources Conservation Service CONSERVATION OPERATIONS 2021 appropriation.................................... $832,727,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 886,285,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 894,743,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +62,016,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. +8,458,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For Conservation Operations, the Committee provides an appropriation of $894,743,000. The Committee provides $14,488,000 for the Snow Survey and Water Forecasting Program; $11,540,000 for the Plant Materials Centers; and $84,444,000 for the Soil Surveys Program. The Committee provides $759,813,000 for Conservation Technical Assistance, of which $2,000,000 is for the ongoing Soil Health Initiative linking soil health and crop cover management. The Committee provides $5,000,000 for a cost-share program for the construction and repair of perimeter fencing, $9,458,000 for the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Program, and $10,000,000 For the Healthy Forests Reserve Program. COMET-Farm Tool.--The Committee encourages NRCS to engage with partners throughout the country to publicize the availability of the COMET-Farm tool. The Committee urges the Secretary to continue to support COMET-Farm technological improvements that would increase usage by farmers and to provide continued assistance, improvements, and outreach on the COMET-Farm tool through conservation technical assistance. Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction Projects.--The Committee strongly supports and directs funding toward the Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction Projects. Composting.--The Committee is aware that food waste is the single largest contributor to landfills, making up 22 percent of municipal solid waste. The Committee encourages the Department to work with EPA to incorporate best practices to use composting to avoid food waste and to share education and other resources with those entities involved in food production and use. Conservation Programs timeline.--The Committee recognizes the importance of NRCS's conservation programs and their positive impact on water and soil quality. The Committee also recognizes these programs must consist of realistic timelines and outcomes as identified by the farmers using them. The Committee encourages NRCS to review all conservation programs to ensure their timelines related to conservation planning and program delivery meet legislatively mandated timelines to support farmers to develop their practices and fulfill the mission of the programs and report back on its findings and efforts to improve program funding timelines. Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) Bundles.--The Committee recognizes the important role the agriculture sector can play in the effort to mitigate the impacts of global climate change and understands CSP is well-positioned to enhance support for agricultural practices and systems with the greatest climate change adaptation and mitigation potential. The Committee encourages NRCS to create climate change mitigation bundles within CSP, as recommended in the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis June 2020 report. Climate change mitigation bundles should include practices that reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, such as improved nutrient management, and practices that increase carbon sequestration and improve soil health, such as using cover crops, conservation tillage, diverse and resource-conserving crop rotations, and advanced grazing management. Given the wide geographic variations in climate, rainfall, soil, and topography, the bundles should be region specific and provide flexibility, allowing bundles to be tailored to the needs and conditions of each operation. Cover Crop Management.--The Committee provides $1,000,000 from within the funds provided and directs NRCS to bolster ongoing applied efforts of the Soil Health initiative linking soil health and cover crop management with an On-Farm Research Network in conjunction with public and private sector partners on private and public grazing and crop lands. Plant cover that supports soil health for soil function, lower production risks, better crop production and that as food source for grazing animals offers an important carbon capture mechanism that can enhance farming outputs and economics. In addition, optimal regenerative agriculture requires integrated crop and animal production on the farm. The Committee is interested in understanding the barriers, economics and challenges facing producers to increase cover crop practices and better define the benefits and economics of cover crop performance across different regions, management scenarios, climatic zones, and soil types. A focus should be on developing a decision-support platform to help producers establish a cover crop expert network to help producers in corn producing states establish and manage cover crops, increase their use, and measure the diverse benefits. Customer Data Systems.--The Committee recognizes that NRCS recently updated its software systems that track applications and manage projects. Staff have been trained on these data systems, but a survey of these staff identified that the new software is creating more work, delaying applications, and necessitating workarounds. The Committee is interested in understanding what steps are being taken to improve these data systems and to assure that internal processes are not delayed. Within 60 days of passage of the act, NRCS will provide an update on plans to assess efficacy of software systems, make recommendations for yearly surveys of staff to assess efficiency and make swift corrective action plans to resolve software limitations. Critical Conservation Areas (CCAs).--The Committee supports CCAs and the collaborative regional approach to address common natural resources goals while maintaining or improving agricultural productivity. The Committee encourages NRCS to provide Conservation Technical Assistance additional funds to CCAs to address conservation planning backlogs. Driftless Area Landscape Conservation Initiative.--The Committee recognizes the environmental and economic benefits of the Driftless Area Landscape Conservation Initiative, which expired in 2017. The Committee supports the revitalization of this program to educate landowners and operators on the benefits of climate-smart agriculture, soil health, and holistic grazing, with a focus on equity. Environment-based Flood Mitigation Measures.--The Committee recognizes that environment-based mitigation measures such as the creation of wetlands, conservation easements, and natural flood plains to slow the flow rate of rivers, creeks, and streams, are innovative tools to mitigate the severity of future floods in the Great Lakes Bay Region. These measures also support a variety of environmental and conservation benefits including erosion control, species habitat, and improved air and water quality. The Committee urges the Department to participate and coordinate as an essential federal stakeholder with EPA, FEMA, NOAA, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as well as state, local, and tribal governments, and business and non-profit stakeholders, on developing and supporting conservation and environment-based flood mitigation measures to reduce the impact of floods on communities, lives, and livelihoods within the Tittabawassee River Watershed in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Farmer Mentorship Program for Watershed.--The Committee is concerned about soil and water quality near watersheds such as the Great Lakes Basin, Salton Sea, Lake Okeechobee, and the Chesapeake Bay. The Committee recognizes that farmers may be unaware of possible or necessary conservations efforts that currently exist to improve the soil and water quality. The Committee encourages NRCS to leverage its recently created CAMP mentoring effort to enhance outreach efforts with dedicated farmers in watersheds with conservation expertise to work with interested farmers who would like to learn how to implement improved conservation practices for water and soil in their operations. Farmers' Markets.--The Committee recognizes the importance of Farmers' Markets in urban and rural food deserts. Farmers' Markets are vehicles that allow local farmers to provide healthy foods to low income communities and can serve as a centerpiece for planning and local economies. The Committee encourages the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production to collaborate with AMS to create funding opportunities through the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program and the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program to develop or improve farmers' markets and their ability to access local community markets. Feral Hogs.--The Committee is concerned that the feral hog population is rapidly expanding despite efforts to constrain their spread. To help prevent further damages to agriculture and urban lands, the Committee provides NRCS $5,000,000 for a cost-share program for the construction and repair of perimeter fencing. The Committee encourages NRCS, in conjunction with state soil and water conservation agencies, to develop a strategy to exclude feral hogs from agricultural and urban areas at risk of damage from localized feral hog populations with lessons learned from the existing Feral Hog Eradication Pilot Program. Grazing Lands Conservation.--The Committee recognizes the importance of collaborative technical assistance to help producers effectively manage grazing lands to protect water quality, improve soil health, sequester carbon in the soil, and increase resilience and producer profitability. The Committee directs NRCS to increase support for partnerships that provide grazing lands conservation technical services such as grazing planning, workshops and demonstrations, peer-to-peer education, workforce training, and producer outreach, including support for partnerships that address unique needs at the local, state, and regional level. Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs).--The Committee strongly supports and directs funding to NRCS's ongoing work to reduce nutrient loading from agricultural sources that can contribute to the growth of harmful algal blooms. Funding shall be used for targeting of watersheds where harmful algal blooms pose a threat and implementing a variety of conservation systems to address all transport pathways of phosphorus and nitrogen from agricultural land uses. Conservation planning should prioritize fields or riparian areas with the highest risk of elevated phosphorus and/or nitrogen losses. The Committee encourages NRCS to use interagency agreements and cooperative agreements focused on innovative phosphorus or nitrogen removal strategies where agricultural runoff has contributed nutrients to a waterbody. Such work shall be conducted in consultation with the National Institute for Food and Agriculture and the Agricultural Research Service. Lake Erie Basin.--The Committee is aware the Western Lake Erie Basin Initiative (WLEB) is vital to researching and conserving one of our country's precious freshwater sources, Lake Erie. Increased levels of harmful algal blooms continue to plague the Lake due to shallow depths, increased phosphorus levels, and other contributing factors. The Committee encourages NRCS to work with locally engaged academic institutions that have worked on WLEB concerns and to review the work done by these academic institutions along with the Federal and State agencies that have responsibility for tracking lake water quality. Mississippi River Basin.--The Committee continues to urge the Department to use its existing expertise and experience with the Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watershed Initiative to participate and coordinate as an essential federal stakeholder with EPA's development of the Mississippi River Restoration and Resiliency Strategy, as directed in H. Rpt. 116-446. The Department is also directed to engage with the U.S. Geological Survey as they host the Mississippi River Science Forum and to contribute to the proceedings as a federal agency with relevant scientific expertise. National Resource Inventory (NRI).--The Committee encourages NRCS to consider the feasibility of expanding the existing NRI system to include soil sampling and analysis on an annual rotating basis. Outreach and Innovation.--The Committee acknowledges the need for expanded research in support of urban agriculture in food-insecure communities. The Committee believes urban farming and food production closer to the home is a viable solution to these challenges and encourages the Department to create partnerships and, with its extension programs, to assist urban agricultural production. The Committee directs NRCS to maintain grants to support urban agriculture outreach and innovation. Pollinator Seed Mixes.--The Committee encourages NRCS to provide support to producers through the development of affordable, regionally appropriate pollinator seed mixes that avoid attracting crop pests. Recovering Value from Animal Waste.--The Committee directs NRCS to provide technical assistances and EQIP resources to support optimal life cycle management of manure as integral to regenerative, resilient agriculture. The Committee directed the Secretary to convene all federal agencies who regulate or impact animal manure. The collaboration among agencies assess the following: 1) direct and indirect financial revenue opportunities; 2) the potential value of i) on-farm reuse of products such as fertilizer application to cropland; ii) remanufactured products; iii) energy recovery; 3) potential tax credits; 4) nutrient recovery; 5) grants and loan incentives; and 6) other sources of revenue. The Committee has provided ERS with $2,000,000 to conduct the report. Within one year of passage of this Act, provided that ERS has completed their report, the Secretary will recommend a strategy to Congress to improve life-cycle management of manure and policies and credits needed to scale solutions across farm country that are acceptable to farmers. Regenerative Agriculture.--Regenerative agriculture practices stand to help farmers while addressing the multiple challenges our nation faces in climate change, land degradation and risk, biodiversity, water security, and food access. The Committee recognizes the role of programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Conservation Innovation Grants in providing financial assistance to farms interested in improving soil health. NRCS is encouraged to continue supporting farmers that embrace regenerative agriculture practices, including continued investments in soil health demonstration projects. Resource Conservation and Development Councils (RC&Ds).-- The Committee recognizes RC&Ds have been valuable partners in conservation and encourages NRCS to continue working with local councils, as appropriate, to ensure conservation programs meet local resource needs. Sage Grouse Initiative.--The Committee supports NRCS's sage grouse conservation efforts. Through the initiative, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to help landowners conserve sage grouse habitat on their land. The initiative is an integral part of efforts by federal agencies, several western states, and private landowners to help preclude the listing of the sage grouse as an endangered species. Soil Carbon Survey.--The Committee recognizes the need for a regular soil carbon survey to improve the effectiveness of environmental incentive programs and elucidate the relationships between soil carbon content and agricultural yields, water and fertilizer-use efficiency, climate resilience, and other soil health metrics. To the extent possible using existing resources, the Committee encourages the Soil Surveys Program to measure, monitor, and model soil carbon sequestration on agricultural lands. Sustainable Farming Methods.--The Committee recognizes the urgent necessity of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in order to mitigate the impacts of global climate change and the important role the agriculture sector can play in that effort. Small and mid-size farmers are uniquely positioned in mitigating the cumulative effects of climate change. The Committee encourages USDA to review its conservation practice standards and technical resources to identify and develop best practices and related conservation systems for existing small and independent farmers seeking to transition to more sustainable farming methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from nitrogen fertilizers and to sequester carbon as part of any commodity crop, specialty crop, horticulture, or forage production. Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Program.--The Committee provides an appropriation of $9,458,000 for this program, an increase of $2,458,000. It was funded previously as a general provision. The Committee supports the request to increase staffing, extend grant opportunities to Historically Underserved and Socially Disadvantaged communities, and to establish a communication and partnership framework across the Federal government. Vertical Farming.--The Committee is aware of the growing vertical farming industry and other emerging technologies that could help increase food production and expand agricultural operations. The Committee encourages the Office of Urban Agriculture to engage with appropriate USDA agencies to explore opportunities to support and scale vertical farming. WATERSHED AND FLOOD PREVENTION OPERATIONS 2021 appropriation.................................... $175,000,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 175,000,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 160,000,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ -15,000,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. -15,000,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations, the Committee provides an appropriation of $160,000,000. WATERSHED REHABILITATION PROGRAM 2021 appropriation.................................... $10,000,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 10,000,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 10,000,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ - - - 2022 budget estimate.............................. - - - COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Watershed Rehabilitation Program, the Committee provides an appropriation of $10,000,000. CORPORATIONS Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund 2021 appropriation.................................... $8,748,000,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 9,660,000,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 9,660,000,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +912,000,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. - - - COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund, the Committee provides an appropriation of such sums as may be necessary (estimated to be $9,660,000,000 in the President's fiscal year 2022 budget request). Commodity Credit Corporation Fund REIMBURSEMENT FOR NET REALIZED LOSSES (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) 2021 appropriation.................................... $31,830,731,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 25,915,000,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 25,915,000,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ -5,915,731,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. - - - COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For Reimbursement for Net Realized Losses to the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Committee provides such sums as may be necessary to reimburse for net realized losses sustained but not previously reimbursed (estimated to be $25,915,000,000 in the President's fiscal year 2022 budget request). HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT (LIMITATION ON EXPENSES) 2022 limitation....................................... ($15,000,000) 2022 budget estimate.................................. (15,000,000) Provided in the bill.................................. (15,000,000) Comparison: 2021 limitation................................... - - - 2022 budget estimate.............................. - - - COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For Hazardous Waste Management, the Committee provides a limitation of $15,000,000. The Committee directs the Hazardous Materials Management Program and the Hazardous Waste Management Program to coordinate their work to ensure there is no duplication. TITLE III RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development 2021 appropriation.................................... $812,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 1,330,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 1,580,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +768,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. +250,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development, the Committee provides an appropriation of $1,580,000. Climate Adaptation.--The Committee recognizes that the impacts of climate change--including sea level rise and more frequent and severe coastal hazards--pose a significant threat to infrastructure and economic development opportunities in rural communities. Therefore, the Committee encourages Rural Development to partner with USDA's Climate Hubs to better leverage existing USDA programs to provide resources to communities to invest in infrastructure improvements that will enhance resilience to future impacts of climate change. Colonias and Farmworker Communities.--The Committee recognizes the challenges facing colonias and farmworker communities and urges the Department to explore establishing an ``Office of Colonias and Farmworker Initiatives'' and work with other Federal agencies to identify best practices and ways to further assist colonias communities and farmworkers. Colonias Definition.--The Committee urges the Department to reconsider the definition of colonias, so that colonias communities with higher population density but low incomes and substandard living conditions may be eligible for certain USDA programs that require a rural designation. Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI).--The Committee continues to support HFFI, which improves access to healthy food in underserved areas, creates and preserves quality jobs, and revitalizes low-income communities. Resources provided enable continued investments in grants and loans, establish funding coalitions and partnerships, and support a variety of food enterprises that target solutions to the needs of rural, urban, and tribal communities. Hub Communities.--The Committee encourages the Department to consider the mission and scope of all program applicants, including community colleges, hospitals and other regional public service entities and their ability to effectively address rural depopulation struggles. These entities are often located in regional ``hub'' communities larger than the program population limits, yet without these critical services many of the surrounding smaller towns could not exist and prosper. The Committee encourages the Secretary to make grants and loans available to these institutions, located in rural areas as defined by current law, and serve rural areas. Industrial Hemp.--The intent of Congress in Public Law 115- 334 was for industrial hemp to be eligible for all USDA programs, including Rural Development. Industrial hemp can significantly benefit struggling rural economies. The Committee encourages Rural Development to ensure that industrial hemp is eligible for all competitive grant programs. Persistent Poverty Areas.--The Committee supports targeted investments in impoverished areas. The Committee directs the Department to develop and implement measures to increase the share of investments in persistent poverty counties, distressed communities, and any other impoverished areas the Department determines to be appropriate areas to target. The Committee expects the activities under the Strikeforce initiative to complement this effort. Opportunity Zones.--The Committee directs Rural Development to identify opportunities to support projects within designated Opportunity Zones to better leverage existing resources and incentivize greater investment in distressed rural communities. Rural Energy Savings Program (RESP).--The Committee supports RESP and the opportunity it provides to launch or expand energy efficiency financing programs. Rural Health.--The Committee encourages USDA to support development of infectious disease prevention infrastructure in rural communities, including by investing in infectious disease training and supplies for rural medical providers, syringe services programs, supplies for rural community-based organizations, and mobile health care delivery. Telemedicine Services.--The Committee continues to support Distance Learning and Telemedicine and Broadband grant programs that assist rural communities in connecting to the rest of the world and overcoming health disparities that affect rural communities. The Committee urges the Under Secretary for Rural Development to continue supporting the utilization of existing telehealth networks to provide additional access using telemedicine through partnerships with hub medical centers. The Committee also encourages focus on Tele-Emergency Medical Service and Tele-Electrocardiogram for use in building sustainable models for advanced critical care in populations in rural areas by improving critical care interventional outcomes and decreasing the wait time between original access and treatment for rural populations. Rural Development SALARIES AND EXPENSES (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Committee FY 2021 enacted FY 2022 estimate provision ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Appropriations............................................ $264,024,000 $367,447,000 $348,425,000 Transfers from: Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account.......... 412,254,000 412,254,000 412,254,000 Rural Development Loan Fund Program Account........... 4,468,000 4,468,000 4,468,000 Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Loan 33,270,000 33,270,000 33,270,000 Program Account...................................... ----------------------------------------------------- Total, RD Salaries and Expenses................... $714,016,000 $817,439,000 $798,417,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For Salaries and Expenses of the Rural Development mission area, the Committee provides an appropriation of $348,425,000. Of the amount provided, $32,000,000 is for the StrikeForce initiative. The Committee also includes $12,025,000 for information technology investments and additional resources to increase Rural Development staffing. Placemaking: Revitalization of Rural Livable Places.--The Committee provides an increase of $1,000,000 to expand or enhance cooperative agreements begun in fiscal year 2020 that utilize public-private partnerships involved in the ``Placemaking Initiative''. Rural Hospitals.--Rural hospitals are an essential pillar of their communities and are necessary to create the economic growth that is direly needed in rural communities. Unfortunately, many rural hospitals continue to struggle. The Committee includes $2,000,000 for technical assistance to vulnerable hospitals in the Community Facilities portfolio to help struggling rural hospitals negotiate, reorganize, and revitalize. Rural Housing Service RURAL HOUSING INSURANCE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) [Dollars in thousands] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Administrative Loan level Subsidy level expenses ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2021 Appropriation........................................ $25,346,000 $70,020 $412,254 2022 Budget estimate...................................... 31,846,000 67,052 412,054 Provided in the bill...................................... 31,846,000 95,052 412,254 Comparison: 2021 Appropriation.................................... +6,500,000 +25,032 - - - 2022 Budget estimate.................................. - - - +28,000 - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Rural Housing Insurance Fund program account, the Committee provides a loan level of $31,846,000,000. Farm Labor Housing.--The Committee encourages USDA to explore opportunities to leverage its resources including its Food and Nutrition Programs, Community Facilities Programs, Housing Preservation Grants, and other programs, and to create partnerships with the Department of Labor's Farmworker Housing outreach and technical assistance program, Health Resources and Services Administration's Health Center Program, and the Administration for Children and Families Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Program, to coordinate and align resources to address the housing, nutrition and healthcare needs of this vulnerable population of essential workers who play a critical role in America's food security. The Committee further encourages USDA to explore including service coordinators as an allowable expenditure for farm labor housing projects. The following table reflects the loan levels for the Rural Housing Insurance Fund program account: [Dollars in thousands] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Committee FY 2021 enacted FY 2022 estimate provision ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Housing Insurance Fund Loans Direct............................................ $1,000,000 $1,500,000 $1,500,000 Unsubsidized Guaranteed........................... 24,000,000 30,000,000 30,000,000 Housing Repair (sec. 504)............................. 28,000 28,000 28,000 Rental Housing (sec. 515)............................. 40,000 40,000 40,000 Multi-family Guaranteed (sec. 538).................... 230,000 230,000 230,000 Site Development Loans................................ 5,000 5,000 5,000 Credit Sales of Acquired Property..................... 10,000 10,000 10,000 Self-help Housing Land Development Fund............... 5,000 5,000 5,000 Farm Labor Housing.................................... 28,000 28,000 28,000 ----------------------------------------------------- Total, Loan Authorization......................... $25,346,000 $31,846,000 $31,846,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following table reflects the costs of loan programs under credit reform: ESTIMATED LOAN SUBSIDY AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES LEVELS [Dollars in thousands] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Committee FY 2021 enacted FY 2022 estimate provision ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account (Loan Subsidies and Grants): Single Family Housing (sec. 502): Direct............................................ $55,400 27,900 $27,900 Housing Repair (sec. 504)......................... 2,215 484 484 Rental Housing (sec. 515)............................. 6,688 3,576 3,576 Multifamily Housing Revitalization.................... 28,000 32,000 60,000 Farm Labor Housing.................................... 5,093 2,831 2,831 Site Development (sec. 524)........................... 355 206 206 Self-Help Land (sec. 523)............................. 269 55 55 ----------------------------------------------------- Total, Loan Subsidies............................. 98,020 67,052 95,052 Farm Labor Housing Grants............................. 10,000 10,000 15,000 RHIF Expenses:........................................ Administrative Expenses........................... $412,254 $412,054 $412,254 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 2021 appropriation.................................... $1,450,000,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 1,495,000,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 1,495,000,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +45,000,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. - - - COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Rental Assistance Program, the Committee provides a program level of $1,495,000,000. This provides the estimated amount to fully fund the program. This amount includes $45,000,000 for the rural housing voucher program. MUTUAL AND SELF HELP HOUSING GRANTS 2021 appropriation.................................... $31,000,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 32,000,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 32,000,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +1,000,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. - - - COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Mutual and Self-Help Housing program, the Committee provides an appropriation of $32,000,000. RURAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE GRANTS 2021 appropriation.................................... $45,000,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 45,000,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 65,000,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +20,000,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. +20,000,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Rural Housing Assistance Grants program, the Committee provides an appropriation of $65,000,000, including $25,000,000 for rural housing preservation grants. RURAL COMMUNITY FACILITIES PROGRAM ACCOUNT (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) 2021 appropriation.................................... $74,000,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 74,000,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 238,454,714 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +164,454,714 2022 budget estimate.............................. +164,454,714 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Rural Community Facilities Program Account, the Committee provides an appropriation of $238,454,714. The Committee specifies the following projects and amounts to be funded in fiscal year 2022. COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Recipient Project Location Amount ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ringgold County Child Care Center. Ringgold County Child Care Center Re-Design IA $725,366 Stanton Child Care Resource Center Stanton Child Care Resource Center IA $1,000,000 Expansion. Northern Lights YMCA.............. Northern Lights Community Center Renovation MI $1,750,000 Fort Valley State University...... Fort Valley State University and Albany GA $746,250 State University Local Food Project. Delaware State Fair, Inc.......... New Castle Agricultural Programming DE $937,500 Building. Richard Allen Coalition........... Richard Allen Historic School Repair....... DE $100,000 Banks Fire District #13........... Banks Fire District EMS Equipment.......... OR $93,500 City of Mt. Vernon................ Mt. Vernon Police Station.................. IL $1,000,000 Northampton County Government..... Northampton County Courthouse.............. NC $5,000,000 Town of Nashville................. Nashville Fire Station..................... NC $1,338,750 City of Guadalupe................. LeRoy Park Safety Modernization............ CA $1,700,000 Pride of Atmore................... Atmore Revitalization Project.............. AL $885,000 City of Central Falls............. Holden Community Center.................... RI $2,000,000 Vital Aging of Williamsburg Murdaugh Senior Center..................... SC $2,883,469 County, Inc.. Rio Grande City................... Starr County Courthouse.................... TX $2,392,763 Sullivan City..................... El Faro Road Flood Mitigation.............. TX $3,539,318 Town of La Joya................... La Joya Fire Station....................... TX $1,275,000 Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe........ Sauk-Suiattle Community Center............. WA $210,000 Volunteers of America Western Sky Valley Teen Center..................... WA $500,000 Washington. Nooksack Indian Tribe............. Nooksack Clinic and Wellness Facility...... WA $1,000,000 Village of Philmont Fire Village of Philmont Fire Station........... NY $82,000 Department. M-ARK Project, Inc................ M-ARK Child Care Project................... NY $100,000 Liberty County.................... Liberty County EMS Facility................ FL $825,000 Medina County Senior Center, Inc.. Medina County Senior Center................ TX $562,500 East Wayne Fire District.......... East Wayne Fire Station.................... OH $958,392 VFW Lopez Williams Post........... Brooks County VFW.......................... TX $304,454 Township of Hardwick.............. Hardwick Township Virtual Services......... NJ $17,460 Douglass Community Services....... Douglass Community Center.................. MO $1,000,000 Northfield Volunteer Fire Company. Northfield Fire Department Modernization... CT $225,000 City of Torrington................ Northwest Hills Animal Control Facility.... CT $1,100,000 Protivin Community Fire District.. Protivin Community Fire Station............ IA $100,000 Sunflower Child Care Center, Inc.. Sunflower Child Development Center......... IA $200,000 Prince George's County............ Prince George's County Water Tanks......... MD $1,350,000 Royalton-Hartland Central School Royalton-Hartland Agricultural Learning Lab NY $515,685 District. County of Wyoming................. Wyoming County Fire Training Center........ NY $597,289 Cornell Cooperative Extension Cornell Cooperative Extension Learning NY $379,432 Association of Orleans County. Center. Waianae Community Redevelopment MA'O Organic Farms Infrastructure.......... HI $896,000 Corporation. Port Angeles Food Bank............ Port Angeles Food Bank Expansion........... WA $900,000 City of Platteville............... City of Platteville Fire Station........... WI $7,000,000 Cochise County.................... Cochise County Animal Shelter.............. AZ $1,100,000 County of Nevada.................. North San Juan Fire Suppression System..... CA $1,050,000 City of Anderson.................. Sewer and Storm Drain Cleaner Truck........ CA $262,900 Goosefoot Community Fund.......... Goosefoot Community Center................. WA $346,625 Bradner Fire Department........... Bradner Fire Station....................... OH $1,260,000 University of Florida............. Cherry Lake 4H Center...................... FL $1,125,000 Pueblo of San Felipe.............. San Felipe Community Center................ NM $1,500,000 Town of Phillipstown.............. Phillipstown Highway Facility Center....... NY $1,787,500 North San Juan Water Conservation North San Joaquin Water Conservation CA $1,000,000 District. District. Berwick Area YMCA................. Berwick Community Center................... PA $1,000,000 Borough of Jim Thorpe............. Jim Thorpe Facility Upgrade................ PA $2,500,000 IQHub............................. IQHub Community Classroom.................. MI $137,671 Four Lakes Task Force............. Four Lakes Public Safety Booms............. MI $795,000 Yakima Nation..................... Yakima Nation Water Canal Maintenance...... WA $742,500 Town of Superior.................. Superior Entrepreneurship and Innovation AZ $2,000,000 Center. Maine 4-H Foundation.............. 4-H Innovation and Learning Center......... ME $450,000 Virgin Islands Department of Krum Bay Marine Enforcement Pier........... VI $750,000 Planning and Natural Resources. Virgin Islands Department of Gallows Bay Marine Enforcement Pier........ VI $750,000 Planning and Natural Resources. City of Reedsburg................. City of Reedsburg Community Center......... WI $220,000 Desert Valley Senior Center....... Desert Valley Senior Center................ AZ $16,800 Greene County Board of Greene County Business Incubator........... PA $1,395,000 Commissioners. City of Morehead.................. Morehead Fire Station...................... KY $300,000 Commonwealth Healthcare Peritoneal Dialysis Expansion Project...... MP $391,500 Corporation. Commonwealth Healthcare Health IT Upgrades......................... MP $980,639 Corporation. Guam Fisherman's Cooperative Guam Fisherman's Co-Op Facility............ GU $3,000,000 Association. City of Ellensburg................ Friends in Service to Humanity Food Bank... WA $900,000 Shoshone Bannock Tribe............ Shoshone Bannock Tribal Fire Station....... ID $7,000,000 Town of Blackstone................ Blackstone Aerial Ladder Fire Truck........ VA $923,937 County of Amelia.................. Amelia County Court Office................. VA $375,000 City of Moriarty.................. Moriarty Fire Station...................... NM $5,250,000 City of Little Falls.............. Little Falls Child Care Facility........... MN $825,000 Essex County...................... Essex County Ag and Youth Center........... NY $997,000 Cary Christian Center............. Cary Christian Center Facility............. MS $37,500 BDT Housing Services Enterprise... IT Montgomery Home Restoration............. MS $2,250,000 City of Rosedale.................. Bolivar County Community Facility.......... MS $225,000 Fannie Lou Hamer Cancer Foundation Fannie Lou Hamer Cancer Foundation Facility MS $2,250,000 Revitalization. Central Mississippi, Inc.......... Mississippi Delta Disaster Relief Shelter.. MS $300,000 Indiana University of Pennsylvania IUP Academy of Culinary Arts Building...... PA $500,000 Jefferson County-Dubois Area Farm to Refrigerator Training Facility..... PA $1,125,000 Vocational Technical School. United Way of Tri County.......... Marlborough Community Covered Food Pantry.. MA $26,838 Allegany College of Maryland...... Allegany College Facility Revitalization... MD $187,500 Office of the Salem County Salem County Courthouse Revitalization..... NJ $3,750,000 Administrator. Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium.. St Johnsbury Science Annex................. VT $2,465,176 Pocono Family YMCA................ Pocono Family Community Center............. PA $1,000,000 Mount Bethel Fire Department...... Mount Bethel Fire Department Emergency PA $247,500 Shelter. City of Kodiak.................... Kodiak Fire Station Replacement............ AK $7,000,000 City of Kiana..................... Kiana Fire Response and Equipment.......... AK $3,350,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Community Facility Loans.--The Committee awaits the report directed in H. Rpt. 116-446 on the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant and Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan programs portfolio identifying the number of approved applications for fiscal years 2017-2020 within the North American Industry Classification System. Community Facility Relending.--The Committee requests USDA consider re-examining the Community Facilities Relending activities in order to more effectively make funds available for relending to qualified, highly rated community development financial institutions, with experience serving persistent poverty communities, therefore not requiring any additional payment guarantees. The following table provides the Committee's recommendations as compared to the budget request: [Dollars in thousands] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Committee FY 2021 enacted FY 2022 estimate provision ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Loan Levels: Community Facility Direct Loans.................... ($2,800,000) ($2,800,000) ($2,800,000) Community Facility Guaranteed Loans................ (500,000) (500,000) (650,000) Subsidy and Grants: Non-conforming Subsidy............................. 25,000 - - - - - - Community Facility Grants.......................... 32,000 58,000 222,455 Rural Community Development Initiative............. 6,000 6,000 6,000 Economic Impact Initiative Grants.................. 6,000 - - - - - - Tribal College Grants.............................. 5,000 10,000 10,000 -------------------------------------------------------- Total, Rural Community Facilities Program $74,000 $74,000 $238,455 Subsidy and Grants............................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Business Cooperative Service RURAL BUSINESS PROGRAM ACCOUNT (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) 2021 appropriation.................................... $56,400,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 81,150,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 91,200,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +34,800,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. +10,050,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Rural Business Program Account, the Committee provides an appropriation of $91,200,000. The Committee provides resources to operate programs under the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS). RBS programs complement lending activities of the private sector by promoting eco- nomic prosperity in rural communities through improved access to capital and economic development on a regional scale. Arts in rural communities.--The Committee recognizes the valuable role of the arts in the economic and community development of rural communities across the country. In providing grants and assistance under this title, Rural Development shall continue to support individuals, nonprofits and small businesses in the arts through these traditional economic development tools, including business incubators, and economic development planning and technical assistance. The following table provides the Committee's recommendations as compared to the budget request: [Dollars in thousands] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Committee FY 2021 enacted FY 2022 estimate provision ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Loan Level: Business and Industry Guaranteed Loans............. ($1,000,000) ($1,500,000) ($2,000,000) Subsidy and Grants: Business and Industry Guaranteed Loans............. 10,400 30,150 40,200 Rural Business Development Grants.................. 37,000 37,000 37,000 Rural Innovation Stronger Economy Grants........... 5,000 5,000 5,000 Delta Regional Authority/Appalachian Regional 9,000 9,000 9,000 Commission/Northern Border Regional Commission.... -------------------------------------------------------- Total, Rural Business Program Subsidy and $61,400 $81,150 $91,200 Grants........................................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following programs are included in the bill for the Rural Business Program account: $500,000 for rural transportation technical assistance and $4,000,000 for Federally Recognized Native American Tribes, of which $250,000 is for transportation technical assistance. INTERMEDIARY RELENDING PROGRAM FUND ACCOUNT (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS) [Dollars in thousands] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Administrative Loan Level Subsidy Level expenses ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2021 Appropriation..................................... $18,889 $2,939 $4,468 2022 Budget Estimate................................... 18,889 1,524 4,468 Provided in the Bill................................... 18,889 1,524 4,468 Comparison: 2021 Appropriation................................. - - - -1,415 - - - 2022 Budget Estimate............................... - - - - - - - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Intermediary Relending Program Fund Account, the Committee provides for a loan level of $18,889,000. For the loan subsidy, the Committee provides an appropriation of $1,524,000. In addition, the Committee provides $4,468,000 for administrative expenses. RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT 2021 appropriation.................................... $50,000,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 50,000,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 50,000,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ - - - 2022 budget estimate.............................. - - - COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Rural Economic Development Loans Program Account, the Committee provides for a loan level of $50,000,000. RURAL COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS 2021 appropriation.................................... $26,600,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 26,600,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 28,600,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +2,000,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. +2,000,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For Rural Cooperative Development Grants, the Committee pro- vides an appropriation of $28,600,000. This total includes $2,800,000 for a cooperative agreement for the Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas program and $14,000,000 for the Value-added Agricultural Product Market Development Grant Pro- gram under the Local Agriculture Market Program in the 2018 Farm Bill. Agriculture Innovation Centers.--The Committee continues to support Agriculture Innovation Centers. The Committee encourages consideration for the creation an Agricultural Innovation Center to develop a smart agriculture industry technology roadmap. The smart agriculture industry roadmap center would help guide the future development of technology in the agriculture industry and help align the United States agriculture industry to increase efforts of the United States to become a global leader in smart farming and agricultural technologies. RURAL MICROENTREPRENEUR ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 2021 appropriation.................................... $6,000,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 6,000,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 8,000,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +2,000,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. +2,000,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP), the Committee provides an appropriation of $8,000,000. RMAP provides loans and grants to non-profit organizations, community based financial institutions, and local economic development councils, which in turn provide technical assistance services and microloans to rural owner-operated small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. RURAL ENERGY FOR AMERICA PROGRAM 2021 appropriation.................................... $392,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 30,168,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 30,420,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +30,028,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. +252,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Rural Energy for America Program, the Committee provides $30,420,000 to make loans and grants as authorized by section 9007 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107) to farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses to assist with purchasing renewable energy systems and making energy efficiency improvements. HEALTHY FOODS FINANCING INITIATIVE 2021 appropriation.................................... $5,000,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 5,000,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 6,000,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +1,000,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. +1,000,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Healthy Foods Financing Initiative, the Committee provides $6,000,000 to increase the availability of affordable, healthy foods in underserved rural communities to create and preserve quality jobs and revitalize low-income communities. Additionally, the Committee strongly encourages the Department to ensure the robust development of best practices for opening retail stores in food deserts through the use of technical assistance. Rural Utilities Service RURAL WATER AND WASTE DISPOSAL PROGRAM ACCOUNT (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) 2021 appropriation.................................... $621,567,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 716,557,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 721,557,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +99,990,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. +5,000,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Rural Water and Waste Disposal Program Account, the Committee provides an appropriation of $721,557,000. Rural areas continue to face immense needs and challenges in attaining safe and clean water, and this program provides targeted and coordinated support for these communities and is essential for the delivery of safe, dependable and affordable water and wastewater to rural America. Border Communities.--The Committee is concerned that the water and wastewater needs of colonias communities that suffer from high rates of poverty along the southern border are not being adequately addressed. The Committee encourages USDA to support qualified non-profit organizations to provide technical assistance and/or construction projects to help colonias communities with accessing USDA's water and wastewater programs and services. Domestic Preference.--The bill includes language specifying that RUS' Rural Water and Waste Disposal program account projects utilizing iron and steel shall use iron and steel products produced in the United States. RUS shall apply the Environmental Protection Agency's definition of public water systems while implementing the domestic preference provision. Health Effects of Contaminated Drinking Water.--The Committee recognizes the possible adverse health effects of drinking water with elevated contaminants, and the environmental and public health cost of polluted discharge into surface water. The Committee urges the Department to prioritize funding rural water systems that are out of compliance with federal and/or state drinking water and/or wastewater standards to bring those municipalities back into compliance. PFAS Pollution.--The Committee encourages the Department to make better use of the authority provided by the 2018 Farm Bill to utilize its Water and Wastewater Loan and Grant Program to help address the needs of rural communities impacted by PFAS pollution. The following table provides the Committee's recommendations as compared to the budget request: [Dollars in thousands] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Committee FY 2021 enacted FY 2022 estimate provision ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Loan Levels: Water and Waste Direct Loans....................... ($1,400,000) ($1,400,000) ($1,400,000) Water and Waste Guaranteed Loans................... (50,000) (50,000) (50,000) Subsidy and Grants: Direct Subsidy..................................... - - - - - - - - - Guaranteed Subsidy................................. 60 45 45 Water and Waste Revolving Fund..................... 1,000 1,000 1,000 Water Well System Grants........................... 5,000 5,000 5,000 Grants for the Colonias and AK/HI.................. 68,000 93,000 93,000 Water and Waste Technical Assistance Grants........ 35,000 40,000 40,000 Circuit Rider Program.............................. 20,157 20,157 20,157 Solid Waste Management Grants...................... 4,000 4,000 4,000 High Energy Cost Grants............................ 10,000 10,000 10,000 Water and Waste Disposal Grants.................... 463,350 528,355 533,355 306A(i)(2) Grants.................................. 15,000 15,000 15,000 -------------------------------------------------------- Total, Subsidies and Grants.................... $621,567 $716,557 $721,557 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RURAL ELECTRIFICATION AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS) [Dollars in thousands] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Administrative Loan level Subsidy level expenses ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2021 Appropriation.................................. $6,940,000 $2,277 $33,270 2022 Budget estimate................................ 7,588,551 449,070 33,270 Provided in the bill................................ 7,195,000 191,070 33,270 Comparison: 2021 Appropriation ............................. +255,000 +188,793 - - - 2022 Budget estimate............................ -393,551 -258,000 - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Loans Pro- gram Account, the Committee provides a loan level of $7,195,000,000. In addition, the Committee provides $33,270,000 for administrative expenses. Consumer Oriented Operating Loans.--Rural cooperative utilities, which are owned by consumers have suffered severe energy cost spikes due to winter storm Uri and other severe weather events. The RUS is encouraged to offer financially feasible low interest loans and other financial incentives to cooperatives (and other non-profit electric utilities) to smooth the impact of severe weather related energy costs and to finance consumer-oriented energy efficiency measures which would provide relief to rural consumers as well as facilitate reductions in carbon pollution. The following table reflects the loan levels for the Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Loans Program Account: [Dollars in thousands] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ FY 2021 FY 2022 Committee enacted estimate provision ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Loan Authorizations: Electric: Direct, FFB............... $5,500,000 - - - - - - Direct, Treasury.......... - - - $6,500,000 $5,500,000 Guaranteed Underwriting... 750,000 - - - 750,000 Rural Energy Savings 107,300 398,551 255,000 Program.................. ----------------------------------------- Subtotal.............. 6,357,300 6,898,551 6,505,000 Telecommunications: Direct, Treasury Rate..... 345,000 690,000 690,000 Direct, FFB............... 345,000 - - - - - - ----------------------------------------- Total, Loan $7,047,300 $7,588,551 $7,195,000 Authorizations....... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ESTIMATED LOAN SUBSIDY AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES LEVELS [Dollars in thousands] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Committee FY 2021 enacted FY 2022 estimate provision ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Electrification and Telecommunication Loans Rural Electric Modifications.......................... - - - $400,000 $150,000 Rural Energy Savings Program.......................... $11,000 22,000 14,000 Telecommunications Direct, Treasury................... 2,277 2,070 2,070 Treasury Modifications................................ - - - 25,000 25,000 Administrative Expenses............................... 33,270 33,270 33,270 ----------------------------------------------------- Total, Rural Electrification and 46,547 482,340 224,340 Telecommunications............................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BROADBAND PROGRAM [Dollars in thousands] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ FY 2021 FY 2022 Committee enacted estimate provision ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Broadband Program: Loan Authorization........ $11,869 $11,869 $11,869 Loan Subsidy.............. 2,000 1,772 1,772 Community Connect Grants.. 35,000 35,000 35,000 Broadband ReConnect Loans 531,000 650,000 786,605 and Grants............... Distance Learning and Telemedicine: Grants.................... 60,000 60,000 60,000 ----------------------------------------- Total, Loan Subsidy $628,000 $746,772 $883,377 and Grants........... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Broadband Program, the Committee provides an appropriation of $1,772,000 for a loan authorization level of $11,869,000. The Committee specifies the following projects and amounts to be funded in fiscal year 2022. COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Recipient Project Location Amount ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Northern Michigan University...... Rural Broadband Expansion for Northern MI $1,200,000 Michigan University. Goodhue County.................... Goodhue County Broadband Expansion......... MN $3,210,000 Town of Ghent..................... Upstate New York Broadband Expansion....... NY $829,594 County of El Paso................. Cotton Valley Broadband Expansion.......... TX $2,850,000 Niagara County.................... Niagara-Orleans Broadband Expansion........ NY $3,877,500 Illinois Department of Commerce Pembroke Township Broadband Expansion...... IL $3,000,000 and Economic Opportunity. Impact Corry...................... Corry Area Tech Center and Hub............. PA $500,000 Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications.. Plumas-Sierra Broadband Expansion.......... CA $4,000,198 City of Espanola.................. Espanola Broadband Expansion............... NM $879,506 Charles City County............... Charles City County Broadband Expansion.... VA $2,643,508 Town of Sandwich.................. Sandwich Broadband Expansion............... NH $1,650,000 Chelan County PUD................. Chelan County Broadband Expansion.......... WA $1,286,390 County of Isle of Wight........... Isle of Wight Broadband Expansion.......... VA $318,750 Brazos Valley Council of Bremond Broadband Expansion................ TX $1,500,000 Governments. Pine County....................... Pine County Broadband Expansion............ MN $5,576,250 Herkimer County................... Herkimer County Broadband Expansion........ NY $500,000 Village of Sherburne.............. Village of Sherburne Broadband Expansion... NY $212,022 Town of Westerlo.................. Westerlo Broadband Expansion............... NY $1,687,500 Garrett County.................... Garrett County Broadband Expansion......... MD $883,574 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Broadband and Tribal Colleges and Universities.--The Committee encourages the Secretary of Agriculture to explore opportunities to expand broadband for 1994 Institutions (as defined in Sec. 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note) under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.). Stronger efforts are needed to support expansion and maintenance of broadband connectivity, including, but not limited to, equipment costs, maintenance of broadband systems, broadband infrastructure expansion, and ongoing broadband operations expenses directly related to 1994 Institutions broadband systems. Broadband Technologies.--he Committee awaits the report requested in H. Rpt. 116-646 detailing the progress of the ReConnect program, including technologies used and communities served. Indian Country Broadband.--The Committee urges the USDA to responsibly and efficiently take action to increase access to broadband on rural Tribal lands and supports consultation with federally recognized Indian Tribes, Alaska Native villages and corporations, and entities related to Hawaiian homelands. Open Access.--The Committee recognizes the value of open access broadband fiber infrastructure projects as well as the challenges these projects face in qualifying for federal funding and directs the USDA Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to support financially-feasible open access infrastructure projects that meet its program goals. ReConnect Program.--The Committee provides an additional $800,000,000 for the ReConnect program to increase access to broadband connectivity in unserved and underserved rural communities, targeting areas of the country with the largest broadband coverage gaps, including those with mountainous terrain. ReConnect Awards.--The Committee recognizes the importance of quickly closing the digital divide to economic development, especially in rural communities, and further recognizes how the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing digital disparities over the last year. Similarly, the Committee recognizes that the difficulties of operating in a pandemic can make the administration of broadband projects more difficult due to disruptions in workforce and supply chains. Therefore, the Committee encourages Rural Development to work to expeditiously disburse ReConnect funds once grants and loans are awarded. Additionally, the Committee encourages the Department to examine, and appropriately adjust and lower the collateral requirements within ReConnect Loan Agreements, Grant Agreements, or Loan/Grant Agreements to ensure greater Program access. ReConnect Service Areas.--RUS Telecommunications Program funds should not be awarded in any areas, study areas or census blocks where a recipient of FCC High-Cost USF support is already subject to a buildout obligation of 25/3 Mbps or greater for fixed terrestrial broadband, except that RUS Telecommunication Program funds may be awarded in such areas to help finance construction of the network. This shall not apply in cases where the FCC has not provided for final approval of an award of such funds. TITLE IV DOMESTIC FOOD PROGRAMS Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services 2021 appropriation.................................... $809,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 1,327,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 1,327,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +518,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. - - - COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, the Committee provides an appropriation of $1,327,000. Dietary Guidelines for Americans.--The Committee acknowledges the work of USDA in publishing the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). As work begins on the 2025-2030 DGA, the Committee reminds the Department of the importance of a transparent, deliberative process that is rigorous, objective, and designed to avoid non-scientific notions of nutrition policy. The Committee looks forward to reviewing the analysis and findings in the upcoming National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report as required in Section 796 of P.L. 116-260. Dietary Guidelines for Americans Implementation.--The Committee directs the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) to develop materials to educate consumers on how to use the new Dietary Guidelines to inform their dietary choices, including through developing and translating materials to other languages, and creating materials that represent a diversity of cultural food preferences. The Committee encourages CNPP to work with HHS to develop materials for comprehensive education campaigns aimed at: 1) educating consumers on how to use the new Dietary Guidelines to inform their dietary choices, and 2) educating health care professionals to enhance and align their dietary guidance with the new Guidelines. The Committee recognizes this is the first time that the guidelines included age-specific recommendations for children from birth to twenty- four months old and encourages CNPP to engage key stakeholders such as pediatricians, nurses, and dietitians. Emergency Response.--The Committee directs the Secretary within 180 days of enactment of this Act to report on improvements needed to ensure that emergency feeding programs geared toward natural disasters are also adequately prepared for pandemic response. The report should include executive actions already able to be taken, as well as recommendations for Congress on needed statute changes to target pandemic response more appropriately. Local Food.--The Committee recognizes the growing demand for locally and regionally produced food. The Committee encourages all nutrition programs, to the extent feasible, to engage local agriculture producers to enhance small farmers and regional producers. The Committee directs FNS to review its Child Nutrition Programs and other food distribution programs to determine how many of their commodity purchases are locally sourced and how to improve procurement from local and small farmers. Public Release of Information.--The Committee directs FNS to continue making all policy documents related to the WIC program (including, but not limited to, instructions, memoranda, guidance, and questions and answers) available to the public on the Internet within one week of their release to WIC state administrators. School Meal Programs.--The Committee recognizes the wide- reaching impacts COVID-19 has had on schools across the country and appreciates USDA's decision to extend several child nutrition waivers through June 2022 to ensure all schools can reopen safely. COVID-19 has also had severe consequences for school meal program budgets. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, provided financial assistance, but many schools still face meal program losses for the 2020-2021 School Year. The Committee supports additional assistance to help alleviate financial stress and to help schools avoid cutting into their education budgets. Food And Nutrition Service CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) 2021 appropriation.................................... $25,118,440,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 26,887,922,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 26,892,922,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +1,774,482,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. +5,000,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Child Nutrition Programs, the Committee provides $26,892,922,000, which includes $35,000,000 for school meals equipment grants, $45,000,000 for the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) for Children Demonstration, $12,000,000 for Farm to School grants and $20,004,000 for Team Nutrition. Farm to School.--The Committee is interested in ensuring that the Farm to School program becomes scalable and replicable across states. Training states in maximizing the program is best managed by states that have excelled in implementing the program. Multiple regions of the country should act as locations for Farm to School Institutes. In order to expand the current outreach efforts, $1,000,000 of the Farm to School program will be directed toward cooperative agreements to support at least four Farm to School Institutes that represent the East, Midwest, West, and South regions of the country for the creation and dissemination of information on farm to school program development and to provide practitioner education, training, ongoing school year coaching, and technical assistance, for programs linking curriculum, local purchasing and community connections. Food Waste Education.--USDA's nutrition programs reach nearly one in four Americans every day, including approximately 30 million children through school feeding programs. This reach provides a significant opportunity to increase public awareness of food loss and waste and ways to prevent it. The Committee encourages the USDA to include food waste education and prevention information as a priority for each of these programs, and incorporate food waste prevention and reduction information into all nutrition education materials geared toward teachers, students, and other program recipients. Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.--The Committee appreciates the collaboration between USDA and the Department of Defense on its Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, which is available in over 48 states/territories and serves more than 22,000 schools. The Committee encourages DOD and USDA FNS to review current practices to identify opportunities to increase food purchases from small, medium, women and minority farmers within their respective states, and, within 180 days of enactment, report back on their findings. Local Food in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).-- The Committee is aware that school meals are a vital source of food and nutrition for elementary and secondary students. The Committee recognizes the NSLP could do more to support local economies and businesses through increased participation with local producers and encourages efforts to increase local food purchases for the NSLP sourced from in-state or geographically local growers and producers. Meal Patterns.--The Committee supports efforts to provide children with the most nutritious meals possible through the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program. Over the last ten years, we have seen schools make great strides in improving the nutritional quality of meals served. As the Department considers further changes to the current meal pattern standards, the Committee acknowledges the need to be sensitive to financial viability, student participation and stigmatization in the program. We urge the Department to consider the impact of any new standards on schools' ability to serve nutrient dense components, including those that are dairy or meat protein based, as well to provide schools the necessary flexibility to serve regional and culturally-inclusive meals that also meet the wide variety of student dietary preferences. Persistent poverty counties.--The Committee is aware that the Administration has proposed to expand the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and make it more financially viable for schools by increasing the proportion of costs covered by the Federal government to make CEP a cost-effective option for more schools. The Committee is particularly concerned about CEP participation in persistent poverty counties. The Committee encourages USDA to explore what strategies might be adopted to address the unique participation challenges faced by persistent poverty counties and rural communities such as the border region colonias communities. School Breakfast Expansion Grants.--The Committee remains concerned that while participation in the School Breakfast Program is increasing, many children who are eligible for the School Breakfast Program are not participating. Therefore, the Committee provides $10,000,000 for grants for expansion of the School Breakfast Program, of which $2,000,000 is dedicated to the U.S. territories. Team Nutrition.--The Committee supports the promotion of nutritional health of school children by establishing team nutrition networks to promote physical fitness awareness and obesity prevention programs, and to establish programs such as school gardens. The Committee provides a $2,000,000 increase for training and technical assistance to help schools provide nutritious meals that meet meal standards and continues to direct $1,000,000 to support schools meet the sodium reduction targets. Training for School Food Service Personnel.--The Committee recognizes the limitations of the professional standards set for school food service personnel under the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010. The Committee directs the Secretary to encourage training programs carried out under Section 7(g)(2)(B) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 that are scheduled primarily during regular, paid working hours. Whenever appropriate, such training shall be offered in-person and incorporate hands-on training techniques. Unpaid School Lunch Fees.--The Committee is concerned with reports that some students with unpaid school lunch fees are treated unfairly and being publicly embarrassed. The Committee continues to direct the Secretary to issue recommended standards schools may adopt to address the issue of shaming school children for unpaid school lunch fees, including standards that protect children from public embarrassment; that strongly encourage all communications about unpaid school lunch fees be directed at the parent or guardian, not the child; and that encourage schools to take additional steps to work with families falling behind in their school lunch fees. Yogurt.--The Committee is aware that after soliciting Requests for Information on the food crediting system for the school lunch and breakfast programs, FNS decided to maintain the current crediting standard for strained, high-protein yogurt. The Committee encourages the Secretary to continue evaluating how strained, high protein yogurt is credited based on the best available science and provide an update to the Committee. The agreement provides the following for Child Nutrition Programs: TOTAL OBLIGATIONAL AUTHORITY [Dollars in thousands] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ School lunch program................................. $14,665,855 School breakfast program............................. 5,188,750 Child and adult care food program.................... 4,314,605 Summer food service program.......................... 581,074 Special milk program................................. 6,250 State administrative expenses........................ 332,000 Commodity procurement................................ 1,567,663 Team Nutrition....................................... 20,004 Food safety education................................ 3,048 Coordinated review................................... 10,000 Computer support and processing...................... 26,753 CACFP training and technical assistance.............. 41,498 Child Nutrition Program studies and evaluations...... 15,607 Child Nutrition payment accuracy..................... 11,656 Farm to school tactical team......................... 6,159 School meals equipment grants........................ 35,000 Summer EBT demonstration............................. 45,000 School breakfast expansion grants.................... 10,000 Farm to School grants................................ 12,000 ------------------ Total............................................ $26,892,922 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN (WIC) 2021 appropriation.................................... $6,000,000,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 6,000,000,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 6,000,000,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ - - - 2022 budget estimate.............................. - - - COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, the Committee provides an appropriation of $6,000,000,000. The Committee provides $90,000,000 for the breastfeeding peer counselor program and $14,000,000 for infrastructure, and $75,000,000 for management information systems. After a decade of decline, the President's budget request includes a projection of an average monthly participation rate of 6.4 million women, infants, and children for fiscal year 2022, an increase of about 200,000 participants compared to the prior fiscal year. The Committee provides funding that will ensure all eligible participants will be served and to increase the amounts of fruits and vegetables in the WIC Food Package. The Committee is steadfast in its commitment to fully fund WIC and recognizes funding needs might change as the country continues to respond to and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Committee will continue to monitor WIC participation trends, carryover funds, and food costs and take additional action as necessary. Blood Lead Screening.--The Committee is concerned about reports that have found child blood lead screening has declined during the pandemic, in some states dropping by as much as 20% compared to the previous year. The Committee encourages WIC to continue making referrals and do screenings for a blood lead test when appropriate. Breastfeeding Rates.--The Committee recognizes that after a decade of decline, WIC participation is anticipated to increase in FY 2022. As more women participate in the program, the Committee recognizes there is an opportunity to have a substantial impact on childhood obesity by creating a more effective focus on increasing breastfeeding rates and is interested in better understanding the impediments to increased breastfeeding rates in WIC recipients, specifically impediments that may be unique to WIC as compared to the general population. As noted in USDA's WIC Participant and Program Characteristics 2018 Report, 23.3 percent of infant WIC participants were breastfed at 6 months of age compared with 57.6 percent of infants in the general U.S. population and compared with the Nation's Healthy People 2020 goal of 60.6 percent. The Committee directs FNS to consider additional efforts to further promote breastfeeding to improve breastfeeding rates over the next 5 years. Within 90 days, the Committee requests a briefing on FNS's current breastfeeding strategies, impediments unique to the WIC program, and possible solutions for improvement. Maternal Mortality Data.--The Committee remains concerned about maternal mortality and awaits the report detailed in H. Rpt. 116-446. Outreach.--The committee is concerned that the 2019 Final Rule (84 F.R. 41292) discouraged people from applying to WIC who otherwise would have been eligible. That rule is no longer in effect and the committee directs FNS to inform the Committee on how it plans to spend the $390 million provided in the American Rescue Plan, including specific outreach efforts to eligible individuals and households. WIC Food Package.--The Committee recognizes that up-to-date food packages, comprised of a diversity of foods and reflective of community preferences results in women and children consuming healthy diets. The Committee understands that FNS has already begun work to update the WIC food packages through a formal rulemaking. WIC Study.--The Committee directs FNS to publish state level estimates of the percentage of pregnant women, infants, and children under age five participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) but not in this program and the percentage of pregnant women, infants, and children up to age five participating in the Medicaid program (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) with income less than the limit in section 17(d)(2)(A)(i) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 but not in this program. SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 2021 appropriation............................. $114,035,578,000 2022 budget estimate........................... 123,602,452,000 Provided in the bill........................... 105,796,197,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation......................... -8,239,381,000 2022 budget estimate....................... -17,806,255,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the Committee provides $105,796,197,000. The total amount includes $3,000,000,000 for a contingency reserve to be used only in the event and in the amount necessary. The Committee also includes a such sums appropriation in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year, as requested by the Administration, in case participation exceeds expected levels or there is a disaster that cannot be managed through use of the contingency funds. Barriers to Accessing SNAP.--The Committee is concerned that eight million more families have fallen into poverty since the start of the pandemic, accelerating the poverty and hunger crisis in this nation. The Committee also understands that longstanding inequities stemming from structural racism have exacerbated the impact COVID-19 has had on the country and especially communities of color. Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Black and Latino adults are all two times more likely to report food insecurity than white adults. The Committee directs the Secretary, within one year of enactment, to report on factors contributing to inequitable barriers of access to SNAP, such as the able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD) requirement, limited in-language resources, limited culturally responsive outreach standards, limited in-person and call center availability, and other factors that produce inequitable access to SNAP. College Hunger.--The Committee remains concerned that SNAP- eligible students who are food-insecure lack proper information about resources available to them. Under regular SNAP eligibility requirements, students enrolled at least half time in an institution of higher education are typically ineligible for SNAP benefits unless they meet certain specific exemptions. Public Law 116-260 included provisions to temporarily expand SNAP eligibility to students. The Committee continues to direct FNS to make information available on its website regarding student SNAP eligibility requirements easier to understand and more accessible. The Committee directs FNS to report back on the number of students who enrolled in SNAP due to this increased flexibility and provide any lessons learned. Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR).-- The Committee supports FDPIR and the ability of tribal organizations to enter into 638 self-determination contracts for the procurement of FDPIR foods. The Committee encourages FNS to ensure the SNAP program does not limit tribes from accessing the additional benefits of FDPIR and requests that within 60 day of enactment of this Act, FNS engage a dialogue with Congress on how to integrate SNAP and FDPIR. Military Food Insecurity.--The Committee recognizes that COVID-19 exacerbated food insecurity for millions of people, including members of the military. The Committee is also aware that the Basic Allowance for Housing that members of the military receive is not excluded as income when calculating eligibility for SNAP. The Committee supports a reevaluation and revision of this policy to reduce the number of military members relying on food banks and to ensure all members of the military have access to healthy, nutritious food. SNAP Online Pilot Program.--The Committee commends the expansion of online SNAP pilot program and encourages the Secretary to ensure that these programs include adequate language assistance and translation services for SNAP participants with limited English proficiency. TEFAP Administration.--The Committee encourages FNS to work with state and local agencies looking to use their administrative funds to procure delivery services to reach unique, high-density, food insecure populations in urban and rural areas lacking adequate transportation. TEFAP Local Purchase.--The Committee is aware that TEFAP distributors such as foodbanks, soup kitchens, and food pantries have a natural bond with their local farmers. The Committee encourages FNS to explore innovative ways to procure food directly from small and local farmers. Territories.--The Committee recognizes the inadequacy and inefficacy of the current Nutrition Assistance Program block grant funding for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa, which has had to be repeatedly supplemented in response to natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. The Committee encourages FNS to engage the appropriate stakeholders and directs FNS to provide the Committee with updates on the separate plans and discussions to includes theses territories in SNAP. The Committee directs FNS to provide cost estimates for including Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in SNAP. The agreement provides the following for SNAP: TOTAL OBLIGATIONAL AUTHORITY [Dollars in thousands] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Benefits............................................. $93,243,036 Contingency reserve.................................. 3,000,000 Administrative costs: State administrative costs....................... 5,536,316 Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grant 452,000 Program......................................... Employment and Training.......................... 635,829 Mandatory other program costs.................... 343,354 Discretionary other program costs................ 3,998 Administrative subtotal.............................. 6,971,497 ------------------ Nutrition Assistance for Puerto Rico (NAP)........... 2,070,349 American Samoa....................................... 8,315 Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations..... 126,000 TEFAP commodities.................................... 337,000 Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands......... 30,000 Community Food Projects.............................. 5,000 Program access....................................... 5,000 Subtotal......................................... 2,581,664 ------------------ Total........................................ $105,796,197 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ COMMODITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 2021 appropriation.................................... $426,700,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 442,070,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 448,070,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +21,370,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. +6,000,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS The Committee provides an appropriation of $448,070,000 for the Commodity Assistance Program. The recommended funding level for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program is $332,000,000. The Committee recognizes the importance of the CSFP, which improves the health of low-income elderly persons at least 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with nutritious foods. The amount provided fully funds expected caseload. The Committee recommendation includes $30,000,000 for the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, an increase of $9,000,000, $85,000,000 for administrative funding for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), an increase of $5,370,000, and maintains the 2021 level of $1,070,000 for the Food Donations Programs for Pacific Island Assistance. TEFAP and food boxes--The Committee believes that all federal feeding programs must be accessible for those with culturally or religiously sensitive diets, including kosher and halal. The Committee urges the Secretary to seek input from Jewish and Muslim community leaders on this issue. The Committee requests a report within 120 days from the enactment of this Act on how to overcome the challenges of incorporating kosher and halal food into TEFAP, as well the amount of kosher and halal food purchased in the Farmers to Families Food Box Program, as well as TEFAP during the COVID-19 public health emergency. TEFAP Handling and Distribution Costs.--In addition to grant funds supporting commodity handling and distribution costs, the bill permits states to use up to 20 percent of the funds provided for purchasing TEFAP commodities to help with the costs of storing, transporting, and distributing commodities. The Committee expects state agencies to consult with their emergency feeding organizations on the need for the conversion of such funds. NUTRITION PROGRAMS ADMINISTRATION 2021 appropriation.................................... $156,805,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 191,533,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 191,533,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +34,728,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. - - - COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For Nutrition Programs Administration, the Committee provides $191,533,000. TITLE V FOREIGN ASSISTANCE AND RELATED PROGRAMS Office of the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs 2021 appropriation.................................... $887,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 1,408,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 908,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +21,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. -500,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Office of the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, the Committee provides an appropriation of $908,000. Office of Codex Alimentarius 2021 appropriation.................................... $4,805,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 4,841,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 4,841,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +36,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. - - - COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Office of Codex Alimentarius, the Committee provides an appropriation of $4,841,000. Foreign Agricultural Service SALARIES AND EXPENSES (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transfer from Appropriation export loan Total account ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2021 appropriation..................................... $221,835,000 $6,063,000 $227,898,000 2022 budget estimate................................... 228,644,000 6,063,000 234,707,000 Provided in the bill................................... 228,644,000 6,063,000 234,707,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................. +6,809,000 - - - +6,809,000 2022 budget estimate............................... - - - - - - - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Foreign Agricultural Service, the Committee provides an appropriation of $228,644,000 and a transfer of $6,063,000 for a total appropriation of $234,707,000. The Committee provides increases in funding of $1,198,000 for International Cooperative Administrative Support Services, $481,000 for Capital Security Cost Sharing, $1,800,000 for locally employed staff, and $3,330,000 for pay and retirement contributions. Farmer-to-Farmer.--Food insecure countries benefit from a diversity of expertise in developing sustainable agricultural practices as supported under Feed the Future, particularly curricula developed by land-grant colleges and universities that support agricultural extension services. The United States Agency for International Development-administered (USAID) Farmer to Farmer program can play a key role in maximizing these efforts. Within 30 days of enactment, the Committee directs USDA to consult with USAID in an effort to develop a deeper understanding of the operation of the Farmer to Farmer program. Following consultations with USAID, USDA shall provide the Committees an assessment of the benefits of USDA collaborating with USAID to operate Farmer to Farmer to help assure that the program is effective in meeting the goals of the Global Food Security Act, Feed the Future, and the mission of FAS. This assessment will provide beneficial information in the reauthorization of Feed the Future and as a guidepost for discussions during the next Farm Bill reauthorization. International Agricultural Education Fellowship.--The Committee maintains the 2021 level for this program. The Committee is interested in exploring how this program can support ongoing efforts at FAS. Prior to issuing any future funding awards, the Committee continues to direct USDA to brief the Committees on how the International Agricultural Education Fellowship program will work in collaboration with programs administered by USDA, USAID, and other relevant U.S. government agencies. U.S., Central America, and Mexico Cooperation.--The Committee directs FAS to work with its counterparts in Central America and Mexico to improve the efficiency of the agricultural inspection process and agricultural trade facilitation issues. FAS in partnership with USDA technical agencies, U.S. land grant universities, and USDA Cooperators can work effectively with counterparts in government agencies and regional agricultural institutions in Central America and Mexico to promote farmer resilience to climate change effects such as drought and flood, and achieve improvements in food security through capacity-building in climate-smart agricultural technologies and practices, and fostering relevant scientific exchanges. The Committee notes that last year's House report directed the Department to brief the Committees on these efforts. The Committee looks forward to receiving this briefing. Food for Peace Title II Grants 2021 appropriation.................................... $1,740,000,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 1,570,000,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 1,740,000,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ - - - 2022 budget estimate.............................. +170,000,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For Food for Peace Title II grants, the Committee provides $1,740,000,000. MCGOVERN-DOLE INTERNATIONAL FOOD FOR EDUCATION AND CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM GRANTS 2021 appropriation.................................... $230,000,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 230,112,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 245,000,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +15,000,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. +14,888,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program Grants (``McGovern-Dole''), the Committee pro- vides an appropriation of $245,000,000. COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION EXPORT (LOANS) CREDIT GUARANTEE PROGRAM ACCOUNT (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) 2021 appropriation.................................... $6,381,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 6,063,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 6,063,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ -318,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. - - - COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For administrative expenses of the Commodity Credit Corporation Export Loans Credit Guarantee Program Account, the Committee provides an appropriation of $6,063,000. TITLE VI RELATED AGENCIES AND FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration SALARIES AND EXPENSES [Dollars in thousands] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Appropriation User fees Total, FDA S&E ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2021 appropriation..................................... $3,201,928 $2,765,580 $5,967,508 2022 budget estimate................................... 3,526,928 2,920,906 6,447,834 Provided in the bill................................... 3,449,869 2,816,540 6,266,409 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................. +247,941 +50,960 +298,901 2022 budget estimate............................... -77,059 -104,366 -181,425 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Committee provides an appropriation of $3,449,869,000 in new budget authority for the FDA. In addition, the Committee recommends the following user fee amounts: $1,141,861,000-- prescription drugs; $241,431,000--medical devices; $527,848,000--human generic drugs; $43,116,000--biosimilar biologicals; $33,836,000--animal drugs; $23,137,000--animal generic drugs; and $712,000,000--tobacco products. The combination of new budget authority and definite user fees provides the FDA with a total discretionary salaries and expenses level of $6,173,098,000. This total does not include permanent, indefinite user fees for: the Mammography Quality Standards Act; Export Certification; Priority Review Vouchers for Pediatric Disease; Food and Feed Recall; Food Reinspection; Voluntary Qualified Importer Program; Third-Party Auditor Program; Outsourcing Facilities; and Over-the-Counter Monograph. The Committee recommendation includes a net increase of $247,941,000, including increases for the following programs or initiatives: New Era of Smarter Food Safety; Maternal and Infant Health and Nutrition; Emerging Chemical and Toxicology Issues in Food; Advancing the Goal of Ending the Opioid Crisis; Device Shortages and Supply Chain; Predictive Toxicology Roadmap; Drug Safety Surveillance and Oversight; CVM Medical Product Supply Chain; Data Modernization and Enhanced Technologies; Inspections; Capacity Building Efforts; and the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity. The Committee recommendation includes the full requested level for pay costs. The Committee recommendation includes $3,000,000 for an educational campaign for consumers surrounding menu labeling and the updated Nutrition Facts panel. The Committee recommendation does not include proposed user fees that are not authorized. 510(k) Guidance.--The Committee expresses concern that FDA's 510(k) guidance has not been updated since 2005. The Committee requests that FDA update this guidance including with the recommendations that ingredients, including fragrance, for menstrual tampons and pads be disclosed on the label; that products be tested for common contaminants such as phthalates, VOCs, pesticide residues, and dioxins and that steps should be taken to eliminate sources of contamination when found; and to implement testing to assess the impact of product use on the vaginal/vulvar microbiome. Access to Compounded Hormones.--As the FDA reviews recommendations from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's report on the Clinical Utility of Compounded Hormones, the Committee urges FDA to engage with compounders and other stakeholders to help ensure access to compounded drugs for patients who need them. Actions on Menthol Flavors.--The Committee notes FDA's recent announcements on its plan to issue product standards related to menthol in cigarettes and characterizing flavors in cigars. The Committee will be closely monitoring FDA's rulemaking efforts and expects to be kept apprised of updates. Adulterated Pet Food.--The Committee is aware there is no requirement that animal food, including pet food, have pre- market approval by the FDA, leaving the Comprehensive Animal Food Compliance Program as the ultimate line of defense between beloved pets, food-producing animals and the food they consume. The continuing number of animal illnesses due to adulterated animal food calls for urgent and immediate action by implementing the Comprehensive Animal Food Compliance Program. Adverse Drug Events.--As underrepresentation of women and minorities continues in clinical trials, the pharmacogenomic impact risks among such populations will continue to be less well understood. The Committee recognizes adverse drug events and related health disparities can be reduced when pharmacogenomic data is monitored, reported, and included in product labels. The Committee urges FDA to increase examinations of past drug approvals and related pharmacogenomic safety issues and to carry out any other activities related to pharmacogenomic data that would address reducing adverse drug events and related health disparities. Alzheimer's Clinical Trials.--The Committee recognizes the need to advance innovative clinical trials designs to increase diversity in clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease. The Committee notes that due to lack of diversity in clinical trials, those at the greatest risk may not be as well served by new treatments. The Committee encourages FDA to increase efforts to make Alzheimer's clinical trials more inclusive, innovative, and conduct necessary outreach to underrepresented populations. Alternative Testing.--As expressed in H. Rpt. 116-446, the Committee is encouraged by the FDA's efforts to reduce testing on dogs and other animals. The Committee commends the agency for the formation of its Alternative Methods Working Group to foster the advancement and regulatory acceptance of new research technologies that can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the development of drugs and other FDA- regulated products and reduce and replace testing on dogs and other animals. A number of these initiatives were outlined in the January 2021 FDA report `Advancing New Alternative Methodologies at FDA'. However, the Committee is concerned about a lack of performance goals and metrics to measure FDA's progress in this area, as outlined in the 2019 GAO report entitled `Animal Use in Research: Federal Agencies Should Assess and Report on Their Efforts to Develop and Promote Alternatives'. The Committee directs the FDA to deliver a report on FDA's acceptance of alternatives to animal tests for regulatory purposes. The report shall include the following: (1) a review of existing laws, policies and regulations allowing FDA acceptance of non-animal test data; (2) a review of non-animal test methods that the FDA has allowed to be used in place of animal tests for regulatory purposes; (3) a review of existing performance goals and metrics used by FDA to monitor progress and measure the success of its efforts to accept alternative tests methods and reduce animal use; and (4) recommendations to improve objective assessment of the impact of FDA programs to reduce animal use and advance alternative methods in the future. The Committee directs FDA to deliver a report to the Committees within one year of enactment of this Act. Animal Drug Compounding.--The Committee wants to ensure that GFI #256 on animal drug compounding, which FDA issued on November 20, 2019, does not create the same issues that resulted in withdrawal of the previous draft guidance, GFI #230. The Committee expects that any finalized guidance on compounding for animal health will preserve treatment options available to veterinarians, will reflect public input, and will recognize the need for compounded medications by pet owners, animal shelters, zoos and other stakeholders. In addition, the Committee directs FDA to conduct outreach to the veterinary community to explain the application of GFI #256 and how veterinarians will continue to be able to access safe and effective locally-compounded animal drugs. Animal Food Ingredients.--Animal food ingredients are reviewed and approved by CVM, which is responsible for ensuring the safety of ingredients as they enter the marketplace to be consumed by either livestock or pets. The Committee is concerned about the time associated with the ingredient review and approval process, and uniform acceptance of animal food ingredients by the delegated authorities. The Committee is also concerned that the Center for Veterinary Medicine Policy and Procedures Manual Guide 1240.3605 has not been updated since 1998 and has not kept pace with science, prohibiting manufacturers of animal food ingredients from making certain marketing claims about the product's use because the Guide's outdated policy interpretation classifies the claim to be associated with an animal drug. The Committee directs the agency to review the Policy and Procedures Manual Guide 1240.3605 for solutions on how ingredient claims for animal production, animal well-being, food safety and the environment can be regulated as animal food. Artificial Intelligence Assessments.--To better understand the role artificial intelligence can play in hardening supply chain logistics, FDA is directed to assess whether artificial intelligence techniques could be used effectively to help inform and identify new supply chain logistics strategies, better predict medical supply chain challenges, identify novel and non-traditional supply chain participants, and more accurately predict shortages, bottlenecks and supply chain choke points. FDA is directed to report on the status of this assessment within one year of the enactment of this Act. Automated Compounding.--The Committee encourages FDA to review policies, regulations, and guidance to incorporate and incentivize the use of automation technology to enhance safety, improve accuracy, and facilitate compliance in drug compounding. Biosimilars and Complex Generics.--The Committee directs FDA to enhance its efforts to facilitate the development and approval of biosimilar and interchangeable products and complex generics. The Committee recognizes FDA's efforts to develop recommendations to assist sponsors in demonstrating that proposed interchangeable products, including interchangeable insulins, meet the requirements for licensure and to help promote generic competition for complex drugs, including through providing recommendations on how to generate evidence needed to support approval for these products. However, there are still drugs on the market that are no longer protected by patents or exclusivities and that continue to lack generic competition. The Committee notes that funding has been provided in prior years to accelerate safe and effective lower cost drugs and the Committee continues to support FDA's efforts in advancing these regulatory processes. Blood Donor Procedures.--The Committee continues to recognize the need for scientifically sound, evidence-based policy relative to FDA blood donor guidelines. The committee urges FDA to complete its ongoing review of relevant recommendations for deferral and report to Congress no later than 180 days after enactment of its updated guidance. Boric Acid.--The Committee directs FDA to provide a briefing on the regulation of advertising and sales of boric acid suppositories. Botanical Dietary Supplements Quality and Safety.--The Committee encourages the continued work between the National Center for Natural Products Research and the FDA to conduct research on biological and chemical properties of plants used in dietary supplements, in order to ensure the quality and safety of these products. This collaborative effort helps develop the science base for ensuring the authenticity, quality and safety of botanicals sold as dietary supplements in the U.S. Cancer Immunotherapy Clinical Trials and Combination Treatments.--The Committee commends FDA for its continued efforts to accelerate the review and approval of cell and gene therapies for cancer, which have provided hope for many patients when more traditional treatments have failed. Research suggests that therapies that combine cellular products and other cancer drugs may prove more effective for some patients, including those who do not benefit from single-drug treatments. These combination treatments increase the complexity of trial design, especially regarding treatment sequencing and the number of treatment arms per trial. Therefore, the Committee urges FDA to work with and provide guidance to industry and the broader research community on how to standardize clinical trial designs for cellular therapy treatments combined with other cancer therapies. This will allow sponsors to streamline trial designs, while still ensuring adequate safety and maximizing efficacy for patients. Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM).--FDA is encouraged to meet periodically with Congress to provide updates on the investigation it is undertaking regarding DCM. The update shall include: the scientific work completed at the agency and any ongoing work, including information about pending and planned collaborative efforts with academia, pet food and ingredient manufacturers, the veterinary cardiology community, and other stakeholders and the timing and nature of any future public reporting. Cannabidiol Enforcement.--The Committee expects further progress on regulatory pathways for cannabis-derived products that contain cannabidiol. Additionally, the Committee maintains at least the fiscal year 2021 funding level for cannabidiol related oversight and enforcement. Canned Tuna.--The Committee remains concerned that FDA has not revised the standard of identity for canned tuna to adopt the drained weight fill of container standard despite having received two citizens petitions, as far back as 1994. FDA is directed to promulgate proposed regulations revising the standard of identity for canned tuna consistent with the drained weight standard adopted for canned tuna by the Codex Alimentarius Commission and the Association of Official Analytical Chemists canned tuna, FDA shall, to the extent consistent with applicable regulations, continue to approve in a timely manner temporary marketing permits that adopt the drained weight method consistent with international standards and to approve in a timely manner updates to product labeling under existing temporary marketing permits. Closer to Zero.--The Committee is concerned that lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury are often present in dangerous quantities in foods intended for consumption by infants and toddlers. Consumption of these toxic heavy metals, even in extremely small quantities, can impact a child's neurological development with lifelong implications. The Committee provides $12,900,000 for the FDA's Closer to Zero program to begin expeditious development of action levels and provide guidance on best practices for reducing and eliminating toxic heavy metals in infant and toddler foods. The Department shall brief the Appropriations Committee on these efforts within 120 days of enactment of this Act. Continuous Manufacturing.--The Committee encourages FDA to support development and implementation of continuous manufacturing technologies for the domestic, commercial production of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Contraceptives.--The Committee requests FDA update its Birth Control Chart and website to reflect new products that have entered the market since 2011 that do not fall under any of the existing methods of contraceptives. COVID-19 Impacts on Clinical Trials.--The Committee is concerned that the COVID-19 public health emergency prevented certain drugs from coming to market by delaying or permanently cancelling clinical trials. The Committee directs FDA to submit to the Committee not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act a report on the impact of COVID-19 on clinical trials, particularly for specialty drugs being developed to combat rare diseases, and include suggestions for facilitating the advancement of such studies. Dairy Standard of Identity.--The Committee is pleased that the FDA has begun a deliberative process to review how it will enforce the standards of identity for dairy products as described in 21 Code of Federal Regulations parts 131, 133, and 135. The Committee continues to hear concerns with the labeling of certain foods and beverages as dairy products when the products are plant-based rather than derived from an animal. As such, the Committee urges the FDA to continue its work toward ultimately enforcing standards of identity for dairy products. Dietary Supplements.--The Committee is concerned with the lack of robust regulation of dietary supplements, some of which cause an estimated 23,000 emergency room visits per year that include life-threatening illnesses and deaths, and encourages the FDA to issue regulations requiring mandatory product listing and registration to create transparency in the supply chain. Diversity in Clinical Trials.--The Committee commends FDA for its recent guidance supporting increasing the number of women and minorities in clinical trials to represent their unique health needs, gather safety and efficacy information to inform proper product labeling, and prevent adverse drug events (ADEs), which are twice as high for women. However, incremental changes to address this problem have taken decades and are contributing to continued safety and efficacy issues for non- white populations. The Committee supports broadening eligibility criteria, avoiding unnecessary exclusions from clinical trials, and improving recruitment, clinical trial designs and data reporting to reflect the U.S. population and including pregnant and lactating individuals. The FDA shall provide a report to the Committee within one year of enactment of this Act addressing participation barriers, such as travel costs, timing for trial appointments, appointment locations, the use of online clinical care and other factors that often exclude diverse populations, and reporting data for drug and biological product labeling that can guide safe use of the product in certain populations. Drug Compounding and Final MOU.--The Committee recognizes the FDA recently finalized the MOU for pharmacy compounding. The Committee requests that FDA engage further with stakeholders to address concerns and to ensure that all or nearly all states can sign this important document. Drug Compounding Pharmacist on Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (PCAC).--The Committee recognizes that the PCAC established under the Drug Quality and Security Act (DQSA) needs to adequately represent the interests and needs of providers and patients who use and depend on compounded medications. Compounding is often practiced in community settings. It is therefore vital that voting members of PCAC have a thorough understanding of compounding in a community setting in order to appropriately advise FDA. The Committee encourages FDA to appoint qualified voting members with recent, actual, and diverse experience in the preparation, prescribing, and use of compounded medications. DQSA Implementation.--The Committee is aware of concerns about FDA's implementation of the DQSA as it relates to USP dietary supplement monographs. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.--In order to increase study power and minimize time on placebo in clinical trials longer than one year for potential Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy therapies, the Committee urges FDA to convene a multi- stakeholder meeting to evaluate the use of external controls. The Committee also encourages FDA to explore the use of external control arms in novel trial designs. In addition, the Committee is aware of the 2018 Guidance on developing therapies for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and related dystrophinopathies. Given the potential that gene therapies may hold to treat these devastating diseases, the Committee urges FDA to consider whether the 2018 Guidance should be modified to reflect these developments. Any such effort should involve the relevant experts at both CBER and CDER. Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) Products.--The Committee is concerned that nearly 20 percent of high school students used e-cigarettes in 2020 and urges the Food and Drug Administration to use its full authority under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act to address this serious public health problem. As the FDA conducts premarket reviews of e-cigarettes and other deemed tobacco products for which manufacturers were required to submit applications by September 9, 2020, the Committee urges the agency to give careful consideration to the risk of youth initiation of nicotine or tobacco posed by any product under consideration. In addition, the Committee is pleased with FDA's recent action to post a list of products for which a premarket application was submitted via the premarket tobacco authorization pathway by September 9, 2020 and whose manufacturers have indicated were on the U.S. market as of August 8, 2016, and are currently marketed. This is an important action for increasing transparency and strengthening enforcement capabilities. Emerging Technologies Program.--The Committee commends the FDA for assessing the barriers that have slowed the adoption of novel manufacturing technologies by commissioning a report by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine. The Committee encourages FDA to continue to reduce regulatory barriers by considering innovative technology outside individual product submissions and expanding the scope of the current Emerging Technologies Program. Ethylene Oxide.--The Committee is aware that FDA has worked with stakeholders to create master files to facilitate reduction or elimination of the use of ethylene oxide to sterilize medical devices. The Committee urges the agency to increase efforts to make stakeholders aware of the existence and benefits of these master files and alternative sterilization methods. Expiration Date for Cosmetics.--The Committee remains concerned over the importance of ensuring the safety of cosmetics and reminds the FDA of its commitment to work with stakeholders and Congress to modernize the regulatory framework for cosmetics. The Committee also reminds the FDA of the requirement in P.L. 116-94 for it to report to the Committee on a path to establishing Good Manufacturing Practices for cosmetics, as a way to further ensure cosmetic safety. Food Additives.--The Commissioner should provide a report within one year of enactment on options to systematically reassess the safety of food additives and Generally Recognized as Safe substances including how to 1) set priorities for review; 2) obtain the information on use; and 3) update its safety assessment methods to more effectively utilize modern scientific tools to evaluate the toxicity of and exposure to substances added to foods. The report should include resource needs including staffing dedicated exclusively to performing reassessment. Foreign Unannounced Inspections Pilots.--The Committee continues to believe that physical inspections, especially when unannounced, are one of FDA's most important tools to ensure drug safety and quality. While COVID-19 has understandably delayed many routine inspections abroad, the Committee is concerned that FDA may not prioritize physical inspections as highly as other regulatory review methods. The Committee maintains its strong support of FDA's past effort to create a pilot program in India to increase short notice and unannounced inspections and continues to direct FDA to restart this pilot and establish an additional pilot in China. The Committee provides an additional $5,000,000 above the fiscal year 2021 level to continue implementing these pilots. Food Traceability.--The Committee provides an increase of $9,500,000 to facilitate traceability and enhance outbreak response to prevent further illnesses. The Committee is encouraged by the work FDA has done in developing a blueprint to outline strategies to develop a wide-scale traceability system that helps companies and government agencies more rapidly trace foods implicated in disease outbreaks and subject to recall through their New Era of Smarter Food Safety Initiative. Foreign High-Risk Inspection.--The Committee maintains funding for the evaluation of foreign high-risk sites to allow FDA to continue efforts to develop and utilize a targeted, risk-based, and efficient inspection model that incorporates commercially available information, including onsite facility verification, about all foreign establishments for the purpose of regulatory compliance and surveillance of manufacturing quality management practices. FDA is directed to provide the Committees with an update on these efforts, including estimated efficiencies and concerns and plans to continue or expand this effort in the future. In addition, the funding can be used to support the Centers' ongoing efforts to improve the scientific evaluation of manufacturing for risk-based surveillance. The Committee expects this effort to provide FDA with data-driven models that will help it target its overseas inspection activities in a global economy. Front of Package Labeling.--The Committee is concerned with elevated rates of diet-related disease and encourages the FDA to explore issuing regulations requiring mandatory labeling to appear on the front of package for food products, allowing consumers to quickly assess the healthfulness of foods. FSMA Partnerships.--The Committee encourages FDA to work in partnership with existing government food safety programs and industry to share and coordinate information and data with industry partners and state and local government entities to better coordinate before, during, and after outbreaks occur. Gluten.--The Committee is aware that celiac disease is a serious, genetic autoimmune disorder, affecting nearly 3 million Americans, in which ingesting gluten causes damage to the villi of the small intestine. The only treatment is the total elimination of gluten containing products. In 2017, FDA issued Draft Guidance encouraging drug manufacturers to disclose the presence of gluten. While some manufacturers have taken this step, it has not been implemented consistently. This may lead consumers to face continued uncertainty about whether their medicine will do more harm than good. The Committee continues to encourage FDA to consider docket comments received from stakeholders, including consumers, and to work expeditiously to publish a final guidance document. Hand Sanitizer Safety.--The Committee is concerned that the FDA has not issued communication on the risks of refillable hand sanitizer dispensers. The Committee directs FDA to consider guidance or other communication to stakeholders on the risks and requirements of using open refillable dispensers for hand sanitizers, which may result in adulterated and mislabeled products. Harmonizing International Pharmaceutical Quality Standards.--The Committee supports efforts of the FDA to facilitate the international harmonization of drug quality standards and collaborate with trusted regulators to improve the quality of pharmaceuticals worldwide. The Committee requests within 180 days of the enactment of this Act a report on FDA's efforts to collaborate with international regulators and other important stakeholders to advance international quality standards. Homeopathic Draft Guidance.--The Committee urges FDA to consider the views of commenters, including patients, proponents of homeopathy, and other stakeholders, in its approach to finalizing its revised draft guidance entitled ``Drug Products Labeled as Homeopathic Guidance for FDA Staff and Industry.'' Import Alerts.--The fiscal year 2021 Act required FDA to develop a plan to identify, detain, and refuse FDA-regulated products when FDA investigators were not allowed immediate physical access to registered establishments. The Committee continues to direct that for any foreign registered establishment that refuses physical access to the establishment or its records to determine compliance, the FDA may place the foreign establishment on import alert and the alert would focus on all products from this establishment. Infant Formula.--The Committee expresses concern with retailers who keep infant formula on the shelves past their ``Use By'' date. The Committee encourages FDA to continue its efforts to inform retailers of the health risks for infants who consume infant formula past its ``Use By'' date. Inspections at Land Ports of Entry.--A record volume of FDA-regulated commodities are being introduced for import inspection at the U.S.-Mexico border. The Committee is concerned that this is outpacing the Administration's processing operations resources at Land Ports of Entry, and has resulted in increased cargo backlogs or otherwise compromised the Administration's ability to detect and seize violative products. In order to improve and streamline the inspection process and expedite the release of compliant products, the Committee directs FDA to support increased import operations at Land Ports of Entry, near the U.S.-Mexico border. Inspections Data. --The Committee appreciates FDAs adherence to Section 902 of the FDA Reauthorization Act which requires an annual report on inspections. Given that Congress has directed the agency to expedite the review of certain drugs that are life-supporting, life sustaining, or intended for use in the prevention or treatment of a debilitating disease or condition (described in 506C(a) of the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act), and that are in shortage or reasonably likely to be in shortage, the Committee requests that FDA provide a separate table in the existing Section 902 report on the median times described in Section 902 for generic applications for such products that underwent expedited review. Listeria.--The Committee emphasizes reducing incidence of foodborne illness as an important public health goal and believes that coordinated and targeted resources are required to appropriately assess and combat the public health risks of foodborne pathogens. The Committee is aware that FDA is in the process of finalizing industry guidance regarding Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) in foods under their jurisdiction. Reducing incidence of listeriosis is indeed an important public health goal and the Committee supports efforts to accomplish this objective. Accordingly, the Committee urges FDA to apply a risk-based approach and direct its regulatory efforts toward high risk ready-to-eat (RTE) foods, those which support the growth of Lm. Additionally, the Committee urges FDA to utilize current scientific knowledge regarding the public health impact of foods that do not support growth of Lm to inform compliance policies. Recently published scientific research from food safety and public health experts recommends a regulatory action level of Lm for these low-risk foods to encourage industry to adopt quantitative Lm testing schemes and facilitate robust environmental monitoring programs, and ultimately result in significant reductions in disease incidence. Policies reflecting these developments align with other national regulatory standards and restore a level playing field for U.S. food processors in the global marketplace. Further, the Committee calls on FDA to define not-ready-to-eat foods in its guidance in a manner that aligns with the approach of FSIS and to ensure that this guidance is protective of public health, science-based and practical. Lupus.--The Committee is aware of barriers that have long affected the development of therapeutics for lupus, a disease that primarily targets women and disproportionately impacts African Americans, Latinas, Native Americans, and Asian Americans. The Committee is pleased that FDA participated in an externally-led, patient-focused drug development meeting with the lupus community and identified some of these barriers and that potential treatments are now in clinical trials. The Committee urges FDA to expedite its ongoing work with the lupus community to develop solutions to identified barriers that will accelerate development of new therapies. Naloxone Expanded Access.--The Committee supports FDA's efforts to expand naloxone access for individuals with opioid use disorder. The Committee is concerned about increasing numbers of opioid overdose deaths for pregnant and postpartum individuals. As FDA continues to carry out initiatives to expand access to naloxone, the Committee encourages FDA to consider opportunities to focus specifically on naloxone availability and accessibility for pregnant and postpartum individuals with opioid use disorder. The Committee encourages FDA to collaborate with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and relevant stakeholders on outreach and education initiatives to address maternal opioid use disorder. Nephrotic Syndrome.--The Committee recognizes the collaboration by FDA in continuing to support key clinical trials for patients with nephrotic syndrome. The Committee encourages FDA to continue collaborating with stakeholders on therapy access to ensure the viability of trials. Net Weights.--The Committee encourages FDA to continue devoting appropriate efforts to address suspected economic integrity issues, particularly with respect to net weights, and treatment of seafood. The Committee believes ``short-weighted'' labeled products are violating FDA laws and that, despite industry reporting such examples, FDA has not prioritized enforcement. The Committee requests an update from FDA on its efforts to enforce net weight requirements with respect to seafood products. Non-animal Approaches.--The Committee strongly supports activities to advance the assessment of nonanimal approaches for qualification within the Innovative Science and Technology Approaches for New Drugs (ISTAND) pilot program. The Committee is pleased that ISTAND provides a pathway for regulatory acceptance of innovative nonanimal methods that may better protect public health, improve the safety and efficacy of drug development, and reduce animal testing. Non-Human Primates.--The Committee continues to encourage the FDA to reduce primate testing, prioritize alternative research methods to relocate primates to sanctuaries and requests that a progress report be included in the FDA's fiscal year 2023 budget justification. Nutrient Value of Fish During Pregnancy.--In light of the directive included in section 773 of Division B of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019, FDA is directed to perform appropriately designed studies, including pregnant and postpartum women as subjects, to inform its efforts to encourage fish consumption in pregnancy. The studies will be conducted, provided to Congress, and posted on FDA's website. The Committee is interested to understand consumer knowledge of seafood consumption benefits and to demonstrate they are able to adapt FDA guidance into dietary patterns during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Office Use Compounding.--The Committee continues to hear concerns that FDA has implemented and enforced the DQSA through guidance for industry documents rather than through the notice and comment rulemaking procedure called for by the underlying statute and the Administrative Procedures Act. Olive Oil Standards of Identity.--The Committee is aware that the United States continues to be an important producer of olive oils and one of the largest olive oil markets globally. Accordingly, the Committee believes that the establishment of a uniform set of standards would better protect and inform consumers, and directs the FDA to continue to explore a Standard of Identity for different grades of olive oil as required in H. Rpt. 116-446 and provide an updated report to the Committees no later than December 31, 2021. On-Dose Tracking.--The Committee directs FDA to hold, not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, a public meeting on anti-counterfeiting technologies, including track and trace technologies at the package or dosage level, to learn how these technologies can help with securing the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain, help reduce domestic illegal distribution of prescription drugs, including opioids, help reduce the distribution of counterfeit drugs, and help understand the costs related to the implementation of the technologies and relevant implementation strategies. Opioid Abuse.--The Committee continues to be pleased that, with the Opioids Action Plan, Opioid Policy Steering Committee, and several significant regulatory actions, FDA is doing its part to help stem the tide of abuse. The use of opioids as first-line therapies for any form of pain has led to over- prescribing, and the CDC has made clear that clinicians should consider opioid therapy only if expected benefits for both pain and function are anticipated to outweigh the risks to the patient. The Committee hopes that FDA will continue to support the development of alternative and non-addictive alternatives to opioid analgesics and, when opioids are medically necessary, will continue to incentivize development and use of abuse- deterrent formulations. The Committee notes that every patient's treatment regimen should be tailored by his or her doctor to his or her unique needs. The federal government, therefore, should promote the full suite of available treatment options, including abstinence-based models and non-opioid medications. Finally, the Committee continues to be supportive of naloxone distribution among trained, licensed health care professionals and emergency responders. When considering the appropriateness of providing naloxone over the counter, the Committee urges the FDA to ensure that the administration of naloxone serves as a point of intervention to spur an honest conversation between the patient and his doctor about addiction and treatment. In addition, the Committee is pleased that the FDA took action to address increasing rates of opioid overdose deaths by issuing a Drug Safety Communication focused on opioids in July 2020. The Committee requests a briefing from the FDA on the implementation of the required opioid labeling change to prescribing information and patient medication guides, as well as what efforts FDA is making to ensure healthcare prescribers are aware of the recommendation to discuss the co-prescription of naloxone alongside opioid prescription. Orphan Products Grants Program (OPGP).--The Committee includes an additional $5,000,000 for the Orphan Products Grants Program at FDA. The Committee notes that this program can fund ALS clinical trials and invest in regulatory science to speed the approval of ALS treatments. The Committee encourages FDA to increase the number of ALS clinical trials to help expedite treatment developments, foster innovative trial designs that complement and speed the FDA regulatory processes, and enable natural history studies to more quickly understand ALS progression and pathology. In addition, the Committee directs FDA to increase engagement between government agencies, such as FDA and NIH, and other entities such as academic institutions and industry with respect to ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. OTC Acetaminophen Dosing Information for Children.--The Committee continues to be concerned that the lack of dosing information for children ages six months to two years may lead to dosing errors, adverse events, and inadequate treatment of fever and pain. The FDA is urged to provide to the Committee not later than 30 days after the enactment of this Act an update on the timing of amending the monograph label for acetaminophen to include weight-based dosing instructions for children ages six months to two years. Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids.--The Committee is concerned that while the FDA was statutorily required to release draft regulations for over-the-counter hearing aids by August 18, 2020, the FDA has not done so. The Committee urges the Commissioner to work expeditiously to release the draft regulations. Outreach to Small Farmers.--The Committee expects CFSAN to provide funding for critical outreach and training services at not less than the level specified in the Fiscal Year 2021 agreement. Oversight of Drug Manufacturing Facilities.--The Committee is concerned by gaps in FDA's information about certain foreign manufacturing facilities. The Committee directs FDA to report on the feasibility of implementing policies that require all drug manufacturing facilities to list all active pharmaceutical ingredients and drug products intended for the U.S. market whether or not directly imported or offered for import, improving the maturity of its quality management practices, and applying a letter grading system for drug manufacturing facilities. Pancreatitis Guidance Document.--The Committee notes the important ongoing work to ensure safe and effective therapies become available for patients impacted by pancreatitis. The Committee urges FDA to build on recent community engagement efforts, including the externally-led Patient-Focused Drug Development meeting on this topic by continuing engagement with stakeholders in this area with the aim of developing and releasing Guidance for Industry in this area to stimulate additional activity and further guide ongoing efforts. Pediatric Cancer International Collaboration.--The Committee encourages the FDA to engage more formally and extensively with international entities to promote greater collaboration between the U.S. and international partners around pediatric cancer drug development. Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).--The Committee is aware of and encourages the FDA to participate in ongoing efforts within the IBD community to streamline the development and approval of new pediatric IBD therapies and expand the indications for therapies approved to treat IBD in adults to children, particularly through innovative trial designs that minimize the burden to pediatric patients and their caregivers and through the use of real-world evidence to support regulatory decision-making. Perfusion Technologies and Organ Transplant.--The Committee is aware that advances in perfusion technologies have been critical to improving the viability of organs for transplantation. The Committee encourages CDRH to ensure that its workforce maintains a strong expertise in these technologies and their importance to improvements in organ transplantation and treats the review of device applications in this area as a priority. PFAS in Cosmetics.--The Committee remains concerned over the effects of toxic chemicals used in cosmetics, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that have been linked to serious health problems. To promote safety, the Committee encourages FDA to examine the health effects of PFAS chemicals and evaluate efforts to phase out their use in cosmetic and personal care products. PFAS in Food.--FDA should continue its work to investigate PFAS in our national diet and in food packaging that contacts food. PFAS Testing.--FDA should upgrade its laboratory analytical method for per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances in food by expanding testing capabilities to include additional PFAS analytes and expanding the method to include additional foods. FDA should brief the Committee on its plans and progress within 180 days of enactment. Plant Based Product Labeling.--The Committee is aware of the ongoing debate around plant-based product labels and the use of traditional meat, dairy and egg terminology. However, the Committee is concerned by the assertions being made that labeling of these products are misleading, deceptive, and confusing to consumers. The Committee encourages FDA to provide clarity around the labeling of plant-based foods that use traditional meat, dairy, and egg terminology, especially as it relates to such product labels with clear and conspicuous descriptors such as plant-based, veggie, vegetarian, or vegan. Poppy Seeds.--The Committee is concerned with reports of positive drug tests, addiction, overdose, and death related to contaminated imported poppy seeds, and directs the agency to establish a maximum permissible threshold of opiate alkaloid content for poppy seeds and carry out appropriate regulatory or enforcement measures to ensure the safety of poppy seeds. Predictive Toxicology Roadmaps.--The Committee is aware that, pursuant to its Predictive Toxicology Roadmap, FDA is offering training in new predictive toxicology methods and encouraging sponsors to submit scientifically valid approaches for using a new method early in the regulatory process. The Committee directs FDA to produce not later than 180 days after enactment of this Act a report detailing metrics regarding the number of trainings held, the number of participants that attended each training, and the agendas corresponding with each training. Additionally, the Committee directs the FDA to include in the report any methods used to measure the success of the trainings and continuous learning programs. Pregnant and Lactating Individuals in Clinical Trials.--The Committee encourages FDA to harmonize its regulations with changes to the protected status of pregnant individuals in federally funded research included in the most recent revisions to the Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects. When relevant, FDA should consider requesting that sponsors provide justification for the exclusion of pregnant and lactating individuals within clinical trials. The Committee encourages FDA to continue to collaborate with NIH and CDC to strengthen cross-agency approaches to including pregnant and lactating individuals in federally funded research. Prescription to Over-the-Counter Switches.--The Committee is concerned with the multiple delays in FDA's promulgation of a proposed regulation that may broaden the types of products that may be approved for use in a nonprescription setting. The Agency initiated its Nonprescription Drug Safe Use Regulatory Expansion initiative in 2013 and issued draft guidance in 2018 as a first step, promising sponsors and patients additional regulatory options through rulemaking in the near future. The Committee strongly encourages the Agency to issue this important proposed rule as soon as possible. RACE Implementation.--The Committee encourages FDA to hire additional staff to fully implement the Research to Accelerate Cures and Equity for Children (RACE) Act. Radiation Exposure in Medical Imaging.--The Committee directs FDA to continue to collaborate with the medical imaging industry and radiological professional societies to address the safety of all x-ray imaging modalities and promote the use of international consensus standards and alternative technologies when appropriate. In addition, the Committee encourages FDA to increase efforts to engage with stakeholders as part of FDA's Initiative to Reduce Unnecessary Radiation Exposure from Medical Imaging. Rare Cancer Therapeutics.--The Committee includes an additional $1,000,000 to address gaps in the system, streamline resources, hire rare cancer experts, help drug sponsors improve recruitment of rare cancer patients through clinical trials that reduce barriers to participation uniquely faced by rare cancer patients, low-income patients, those living in rural communities, and people of color, accelerate the development of rare cancer therapies and advance the field of cancer research overall, mirroring the efforts of the National Cancer Institute's Developmental Therapeutics Program. FDA is directed to continue to build lines of communications and processes between these two agencies in order to expedite review of rare cancer therapies. Rare Disease Cures Accelerator (RDCA).--The Committee supports the goal of the RDCA to provide a more centralized infrastructure and approach for understanding rare diseases, developing ways to measure patient success in clinical trials that are specifically relevant to rare conditions, and support conducting clinical trials in rare disease populations. The Committee encourages FDA to ensure the RDCA has robust funding. Rare Disease Drug Developments.--The Committee is concerned that the COVID 19 public health emergency prevented certain drugs from coming to market by delaying or permanently cancelling clinical trials. The Committee directs FDA to submit not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act a report on the impact of COVID 19 on clinical trials, particularly for specialty drugs being developed to combat rare diseases, and suggestions for Congress on facilitating the advancement of such studies. Recruitment of Investigators.--The Committee directs the FDA to develop a strategy to broaden talent pipelines to recruit and hire a wider array of multi-lingual STEM talent and identify barriers to language training for current STEM employees and viable options to address these barriers, including by prioritizing Minority Serving Institutions in talent recruitment. This strategy should be shared with the Committee and made publicly available within 120 days. Reducing Radiation Exposure for Patients and Healthcare Workers.--Despite the FDA's 1994 report warning patients and clinicians of radiation-induced burns, increased occupational exposure, and radiation-induced cancers linked to fluoroscopy, among other procedures, no subsequent reports, warnings or policy changes to improve radiation safety have occurred. Reducing incidence of avoidable radiation exposure in healthcare settings is an important public health goal. The Committee encourages the FDA to review policies, regulations, and guidance to incorporate and incentivize the use of technology that reduces radiation exposure during fluoroscopy and related procedures which involve high and/or repeated radiation exposure. Regulation of Unapproved FMT Drug Products.--The Committee urges FDA to finalize its March 2016 draft guidance regarding FMT to assure uninterrupted patient access from licensed health care providers, as well as compliance with FDA's Investigational New Drug regulations. Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS).--The Committee directs FDA to provide not later than 270 days after the enactment of this Act a report on the status of its review of the REMS for mifepristone. Seafood Product Labeling.--The Committee notes that certain foods are labeled as a fish or seafood product when the products arehighly-processed plant-based foods rather than derived from actual fish or seafood. The Committee directs the FDA to continue to assess products on the market to determine whether action is necessary to ensure consumers are not misled regarding such product labeling. Sesame.--The committee is concerned that the recent FDA Draft Guidance for Industry on Voluntary Disclosure of Sesame is insufficient to protect Americans with sesame allergy, and directs FDA to consider further action to require sesame to be labeled the same as other major allergens. Skin Lightening Products.--The Committee is concerned about the dangers of mercury and hydroquinone in skin lightening products, particularly those that are disproportionately targeted towards and used by minority men and women and girls of color. Regular application of creams containing mercury can lead to skin damage, while long-term exposure to high levels of mercury in cosmetic products can cause serious health consequences, including damage to the eyes, lungs, kidneys, digestive, immune, and nervous systems. Hydroquinone has been linked to ochronosis and other significant health risks. The Committee continues to provide $4,700,000 to the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity to educate the public on the dangers of skin lightening products containing these ingredients, including partnering with community-based organizations with records of reaching out to impacted communities. The FDA is directed to report back to the Committee within 120 days of enactment of this Act detailing how the funds provided for this work in 2021 were spent, including the outreach they did to community-based organizations, what organizations they partnered with and how that determination was made, what vulnerable communities were reached out to and how that determination was made, the specific actions taken to educate the public about these products, how they are evaluating the impact and success of this public education, and any lessons learned that should be given to the Committee. Further, the Committee has concerns about the overall safety of imported cosmetic products and directs the FDA to report back to Congress within 180 days of enactment of this Act on the staffing and budget resources it needs to enforce the physical inspection process, as well as the most up to date information on the number and kinds of personal care products imported each year, the number of imported products that were inspected, and the number of contaminated products that were intercepted. Sodium Guidance.--The Committee encourages FDA to continue monitoring progress towards the short-term targets and engaging with industry stakeholders prior to the issuance of any final guidance. Further, the Committee directs the FDA publicly release the short-term (two-year) Draft Guidance to Industry for Voluntarily Reducing Sodium, first published in the Federal Register on June 2, 2016 on FDA's website and submit to Committees within 120 days of enactment. Standard of Identity Activities for Foods.--The Committee is concerned with the lack of transparency and progress in modernizing the FDA's standards of identity regulations. To fulfill the Committee's previous instructions, not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the FDA shall submit to the Committees, and make publicly available online, a report outlining its progress on modernizing its standards of identity regulations, including demonstration of improved transparency and improved progress. Traceback.--The Committee recognizes that the ability to trace back contaminated products is critical to containing food safety outbreaks but that challenges associated with tracing these products from the end-consumer through the supply chain continue to persist. The Committee directs FDA to emphasize in its final rulemaking the importance of capturing at the point of sale details such as the lot number and product identifier instead of prescribing the mechanism by which the information is shared through the supply chain. The Committee also directs FDA to ensure these details are maintained from the point of origination, creation, and/or transformation through to the retail food or food service establishment. To avoid duplication, the Committee urges FDA to clearly define traceability requirements that, where possible, align with existing consensus standards for traceability utilized by industry and allow for records to be maintained in electronic and paper form. Valley Fever.--The Committee notes that FDA decided in July 2020 not to add coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley Fever, to the list of tropical diseases under section 524 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act for purposes of PRV eligibility. The Committee directs the FDA to consider any additional data and information provided by subject matter experts and other stakeholders to its public docket, and make a new determination based on this additional information if appropriate. Vulnerabilities in Medical Device Supply Chain.--The Committee is concerned by vulnerabilities in our medical device supply chain that have been brought to light by the spread of COVID-19. The FDA is critical for overseeing our global medical device supply chain and ensuring interruptions and discontinuances of life-saving devices do not adversely affect patients. The Committee encourages the FDA to continue to work with Congress to ensure it has the necessary tools and resources to prevent shortages and maintain ample supply of critical devices. Youth E-cigarette Use.--The Committee is encouraged by the recent results of the National Youth Tobacco Survey and Monitoring the Future survey showing a decline in youth usage of tobacco and nicotine products in 2020. However, the Committee remains concerned about the levels of youth use of disposable flavored products and, in particular, underage access to electronic nicotine delivery system products. The Committee supports innovation and the ability to develop and incorporate new technologies relating to new tobacco products to address underage access. The Committee urges the FDA to exercise its existing authorities to review the use of age verification technologies that can prevent underage access as part of the Agency's review of ENDS products before they can be legally marketed. BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES 2021 appropriation.................................... $12,788,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 30,788,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 21,788,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +9,000,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. -9,000,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For Buildings and Facilities of the Food and Drug Administration, the Committee provides $21,788,000. FDA INNOVATION ACCOUNT, CURES ACT 2021 appropriation.................................... $70,000,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 50,000,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 50,000,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ -20,000,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. - - - COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the FDA Innovation Account as authorized in the 21st Century Cures Act, the Committee provides an appropriation of $50,000,000. INDEPENDENT AGENCIES Commodity Futures Trading Commission 2021 appropriation.................................... $304,000,000 2022 budget estimate.................................. 394,000,000 Provided in the bill.................................. 363,000,000 Comparison: 2021 appropriation................................ +59,000,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. -31,000,000 COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the Committee provides an appropriation of $363,000,000. The Committee fully funds CFTC's salary and expense request and provides $31,000,000, half the funding requested, for the move of CFTC's Washington, D.C., office. The Committee understands that CFTC plans to move into GSA- owned space. However, it needs more information to justify the requested funds and looks forward to working with CFTC on this matter. Climate-related Risks.--The Committee directs the CFTC to provide to the Committee, within 180 days of enactment of this Act, a report on how climate-related risks are impacting and could impact the markets and market participants under CFTC oversight. The report should include central counterparties, futures commission merchants, and speculative traders and funds. The report should discuss fintech's role regarding climate risks. The report should also cover how the CFTC's capabilities and supervisory role may need to adapt to fulfill its mandate in light of climate change and identify relevant gaps in the CFTC's regulatory and supervisory framework. Farm Credit Administration LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 2021 limitation....................................... ($80,400,000) 2022 budget estimate.................................. (84,200,000) Provided in the bill.................................. (84,200,000) Comparison: 2021 limitation................................... +3,800,000 2022 budget estimate.............................. - - - COMMITTEE PROVISIONS For the limitation on the expenses of the Farm Credit Administration, the Committee provides $84,200,000. Public/private partnerships.--The Committee recognizes the value of public/private partnerships in financing rural communities and facilities and also recognizes that the Farm Credit Act of 1971, as amended, provides authority for Farm Credit System institutions to make investments in vital rural community facilities. The Committee recognizes that the Farm Credit Administration's current approach to approving these types of Farm Credit System investments on an individual basis does not meet the needs of rural communities. The Farm Credit Administration is encouraged to change its current process to create a clear, programmatic approval process which enables timely, comprehensive and cost effective rural community facilities financing packages by allowing and expediting Farm Credit System institutions' partnerships with community banks, other financial institutions, and USDA. TITLE VII GENERAL PROVISIONS (INCLUDING RESCISSIONS AND TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) Section 701.--The bill includes language regarding passenger motor vehicles. Section 702.--The bill includes language regarding the Working Capital Fund of the Department of Agriculture. Section 703.--The bill includes language limiting funding pro- vided in the bill to one year unless otherwise specified. Section 704.--The bill includes language regarding indirect cost share. Section 705.--The bill includes language regarding the availability of loans funds in Rural Development programs. Section 706.--The bill includes language regarding new information technology systems. Section 707.--The bill includes language regarding fund availability in the Agriculture Management Assistance program. Section 708.--The bill includes language regarding Rural Utilities Service program eligibility. Section 709.--The bill includes language regarding funds for information technology expenses for the Farm Service Agency and the Rural Development mission area. Section 710.--The bill includes language prohibiting first- class airline travel. Section 711.--The bill includes language regarding the availability of certain funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation. Section 712.--The bill includes language regarding funding for advisory committees. Section 713.--The bill includes language regarding IT system regulations. Section 714.--The bill includes language regarding Section 32 activities. Section 715.--The bill includes language regarding user fee proposals without offsets. Section 716.--The bill includes language regarding the reprogramming of funds and notification requirements. Section 717.--The bill includes language regarding fees for the guaranteed business and industry loan program. Section 718.--The bill includes language regarding the appropriations hearing process. Section 719.--The bill includes language regarding government-sponsored news stories. Section 720.--The bill includes language regarding details and assignments of Department of Agriculture employees. Section 721.--The bill includes language requiring spend plans. Section 722.--The bill includes language regarding nutrition programs. Section 723.--The bill includes language regarding Rural Development programs. Section 724.--The bill includes language regarding USDA loan program levels. Section 725.--The bill includes language regarding credit card refunds and rebates. Section 726.--The bill includes language regarding the definition of the term ``variety'' in SNAP. Section 727.--The bill includes language regarding the Secretary's authority with respect to the 502 guaranteed loan programs. Section 728.--The bill includes language regarding new user fees. Section 729.--The bill includes language regarding FDA regulations with respect to spent grains. Section 730.--The bill includes language regarding the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility. Section 731.--The bill includes language regarding country or regional audits. Section 732.--The bill includes language related to Rural Development Programs. Section 733.--The bill includes language related to the Animal Welfare Act. Section 734.--The bill includes language regarding U.S. iron and steel products in public water or wastewater systems. Section 735.--The bill includes language regarding lobbying. Section 736.--The bill includes language related to persistent poverty counties. Section 737.--The bill includes language related to investigational use of drugs or biological products. Section 738.--The bill includes language related to the growing, harvesting, packing and holding of certain produce. Section 739.--The bill provides funding for grants to enhance farming and ranching opportunities for military veterans. Section 740.--The bill includes language related to the school breakfast program. Section 741.--The bill includes language regarding hemp. Section 742.--The bill provides funding for grants under the section 12502 of Public Law 115-334. Section 743.--The bill provides funding to carry out section 1621 of Public Law 110-246. Section 744.--The bill provides funding to carry out section 3307 of Public Law 115-334. Section 745.--The bill includes language related to matching fund requirements. Section 746.--The bill provides funding for a pilot program related to multi-family housing borrowers. Section 747.--The bill provides funding to carry out section 4208 of Public Law 115-334. Section 748.--The bill provides funding to carry out section 12301 of Public Law 115-334. Section 749.--The bill provides funding to carry out section 7120 of Public Law 115-334. Section 750.--The bill provides funding to carry out section 7208 of Public Law 115-334. Section 751.--The bill includes language related to potable water. Section 752.--The bill provides funding to carry out section 4206 of Public Law 115-334. Section 753.--The bill includes language regarding Food for Peace. Section 754.--The bill includes language regarding facilities inspections. Section 755.--The bill includes language relating to the use of raw or processed poultry products from the People's Republic of China in various domestic nutrition programs. Section 756.--The bill includes language related to certain school food lunch prices. Section 757.--The bill provides funding for Centers of Excellence. Section 758.--The bill provides funding for rural hospital technical assistance. Section 759.--The bill provides funding for a pilot program for wastewater systems in historically impoverished areas. Section 760.--The bill provides funding to carry out section 23 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. Section 761.--The bill includes language related to biotechnology risk assessment research. Section 762.--The bill provides funding for rural broadband. Section 763.--The bill provides funding to carry out section 7209 of Public Law 115-334. Section 764.--The bill includes funding for open data standards. Section 765.--The bill includes language related to certain reorganizations within the Department of Agriculture. Section 766.--The bill includes language extending the hemp pilot program. Section 767.--The bill includes language related to the Agriculture Conservation Experiences Services Program. Section 768.--The bill includes language related to school meals. Section 769.--The bill includes language related to the ReConnect program. Section 770.--The bill includes language related to the Goodfellow Federal facility. Section 771.--The bill includes language related to the Federal Meat Inspection Act. Section 772.--The bill includes funding for a blue-ribbon panel. Section 773.--The bill includes funding for a competitive research and education grant. Section 774.--The bill includes language related to the Animal Welfare Act inspections and reports. Section 775.--The bill includes language regarding electronically available information for prescribing healthcare professionals. Section 776.--The bill includes language related to line speed waivers. Section 777.--The bill includes language related to the purchase of agricultural land. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REPORT REQUIREMENTS Full Committee Votes Pursuant to the provisions of clause 3(b) of rule XIII of the House of Representatives, the results of each roll call vote on an amendment or on the motion to report, together with the names of those voting for and those against, are printed below: [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT] Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives Pursuant to clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the following is a statement of general performance goals and objectives for which this measure authorizes funding: The Committee on Appropriations considers program performance, including a program's success in developing and attaining outcome-related goals and objectives, in developing funding recommendations. Program Duplication No provision of this bill establishes or reauthorizes a program of the Federal Government known to be duplicative of another Federal program, a program that was included in any report from the Government Accountability Office to Congress pursuant to section 21 of Public Law 111-139, or a program related to a program identified in the most recent Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. Transfers of Funds Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the following list includes the transfers included in the accompanying bill:Office of the Secretary.--The bill allows funds within the account to be transferred among the offices included in the account, as well as reimbursements for certain expenses and transfers out-side the account for certain activities. Hazardous Materials Management.--The bill allows the funds within the account to be transferred to any agency of the Department. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.-- Authority is included to enable the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer from other appropriations or funds of the Department such sums as may be necessary to combat emergency outbreaks of certain diseases of animals and plants. Funds for Strengthening Markets, Income, and Supply.--The bill limits the transfer of section 32 funds to purposes specified in the bill. Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) Business Center.-- The bill allows certain funds to be merged with the salaries and expenses account for the FPAC Business Center. The bill also pro-vides that funds provided to other accounts in the agency shall transferred to and merged with the salaries and expenses account of the Farm Service Agency. Dairy Indemnity Program.--The bill authorizes the transfer of funds to the Commodity Credit Corporation, by reference. Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund Program Account.--The bill provides funds to be transferred to the Farm Service Agency and for certain funds to be transferred within the account. Commodity Credit Corporation.--The bill includes language allowing certain funds to be transferred to the Foreign Agricultural Service Salaries and Expenses account for information resource management activities. Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account.--The bill includes language allowing funds to be transferred from the Multi-Family Housing Revitalization Program Account to this account and for funds to be transferred from this account to the Rural De- velopment Salaries and Expenses account. Rental Assistance Program.--The bill includes language allowing funds to be transferred from the Multi-Family Housing Revitalization Program Account to this account. Intermediary Relending Program Fund Account.--The bill provides funds in this account to be transferred to the Rural Development Salaries and Expenses account. Rural Water and Waste Disposal Program Account.-- The bill includes language allowing funds to be transferred from this account to the Rural Utilities Service, High Energy Cost Grants Account. Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Program Account.--The bill provides funds in this account to be transferred to the Rural Development Salaries and Expenses account. Child Nutrition Programs.--The bill includes authority to transfer section 32 funds to these programs. Foreign Agricultural Service, Salaries and Expenses.--The bill allows for the transfer of funds from the Commodity Credit Corporation Export Loan Program Account. Commodity Credit Corporation Export Loans Program.--The bill provides for transfer of funds to the Foreign Agricultural Service, Salaries and Expenses account. Food and Drug Administration, Salaries and Expenses.--The bill allows funds to be transferred among certain activities. Food and Drug Administration, FDA Innovation Account, Cures Act.--The bill allows funds to be transferred from the 21st Century Cures Act to the Food and Drug Administration, Salaries and Expenses account. Commodity Futures Trading Commission.--The bill allows cer-tain funds to be transferred to a no-year account in the Treasury. General Provisions.--Section 702 of the bill allows unobligated balances of discretionary funds to be transferred to the Working Capital Fund. Section 761 of the bill allows transfers to USDA for certain research programs. Rescissions Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the following lists the rescissions included in the accompanying bill: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Program or activity Amount ------------------------------------------------------------------------ USDA FNS (prior year balances)....................... $225,000,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Disclosure of Earmarks and Congressionally Directed Spending Items The following table is submitted in compliance with clause 9 of rule XXI, and lists the congressional earmarks (as defined in paragraph (e) of clause 9) contained in the bill or in this report. Neither the bill nor the report contain any limited tax benefits or limited tariff benefits as defined in paragraphs (f) or (g) of clause 9 of rule XXI. AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION AND RELATED AGENCIES [Community Project Funding Items] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Agency Account Recipient Project Location Amount Requestor(s) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Agricultural Research Service... Buildings and University of National Center for NE $20,000,000 Fortenberry Facilities. Nebraska, Lincoln. Resilient and Regenerative Precision Agriculture. Agricultural Research Service... Buildings and Sugarcane Research Sugarcane Research Unit LA $10,000,000 Graves (LA) Facilities. Unit. Improvements. Agricultural Research Service... Buildings and National Center for National Center for IL $4,500,000 LaHood; Bustos Facilities. Agricultural Agricultural Utilization Utilization Research Research. Expansion. Agricultural Research Service... Buildings and University of Center for Agricultural MO $4,000,000 Luetkemeyer Facilities. Missouri. Animal Genetic Engineering and Health. Agricultural Research Service... Buildings and University of Plant Germplasm WI $4,000,000 Pocan Facilities. Wisconsin, Madison. Research Facility. Agricultural Research Service... Buildings and US Sheep Experiment US Sheep Experiment ID $4,200,000 Simpson Facilities. Station. Station Infrastructure Improvements. Rural Development............... Community Ringgold County Ringgold County Child IA $725,366 Axne Facilities. Child Care Center. Care Center Re-Design. Rural Development............... Community Stanton Child Care Stanton Child Care IA $1,000,000 Axne Facilities. Resource Center. Resource Center Expansion. Rural Development............... Community Northern Lights Northern Lights MI $1,750,000 Bergman Facilities. YMCA. Community Center Renovation. Rural Development............... Community Fort Valley State Fort Valley State GA $746,250 Bishop (GA) Facilities. University. University and Albany State University Local Food Project. Rural Development............... Community Delaware State New Castle Agricultural DE $937,500 Blunt Rochester Facilities. Fair, Inc.. Programming Building. Rural Development............... Community Richard Allen Richard Allen Historic DE $100,000 Blunt Rochester Facilities. Coalition. School Repair. Rural Development............... Community Banks Fire District Banks Fire District EMS OR $93,500 Bonamici Facilities. #13. Equipment. Rural Development............... Community City of Mt. Vernon. Mt. Vernon Police IL $1,000,000 Bost Facilities. Station. Rural Development............... Community Northampton County Northampton County NC $5,000,000 Butterfield Facilities. Government. Courthouse. Rural Development............... Community Town of Nashville.. Nashville Fire Station. NC $1,338,750 Butterfield Facilities. Rural Development............... Community City of Guadalupe.. LeRoy Park Safety CA $1,700,000 Carbajal Facilities. Modernization. Rural Development............... Community Pride of Atmore.... Atmore Revitalization AL $885,000 Carl Facilities. Project. Rural Development............... Community City of Central Holden Community Center RI $2,000,000 Cicilline Facilities. Falls. Rural Development............... Community Vital Aging of Murdaugh Senior Center. SC $2,883,469 Clyburn Facilities. Williamsburg County, Inc. Rural Development............... Community Rio Grande City.... Starr County Courthouse TX $2,392,763 Cuellar Facilities. Rural Development............... Community Sullivan City...... El Faro Road Flood TX $3,539,318 Cuellar Facilities. Mitigation. Rural Development............... Community Town of La Joya.... La Joya Fire Station... TX $1,275,000 Cuellar Facilities. Rural Development............... Community Sauk-Suiattle Sauk-Suiattle Community WA $210,000 DelBene Facilities. Indian Tribe. Center. Rural Development............... Community Volunteers of Sky Valley Teen Center. WA $500,000 DelBene Facilities. America Western Washington. Rural Development............... Community Nooksack Indian Nooksack Clinic and WA $1,000,000 DelBene Facilities. Tribe. Wellness Facility. Rural Development............... Community Village of Philmont Village of Philmont NY $82,000 Delgado Facilities. Fire Department. Fire Station. Rural Development............... Community M-ARK Project, Inc. M-ARK Child Care NY $100,000 Delgado Facilities. Project. Rural Development............... Community Liberty County..... Liberty County EMS FL $825,000 Dunn Facilities. Facility. Rural Development............... Community Medina County Medina County Senior TX $562,500 Gonzales, Tony Facilities. Senior Center, Center. Inc.. Rural Development............... Community East Wayne Fire East Wayne Fire Station OH $958,392 Gonzalez (OH) Facilities. District. Rural Development............... Community VFW Lopez Williams Brooks County VFW...... TX $304,454 Gonzalez, Vicente Facilities. Post. Rural Development............... Community Township of Hardwick Township NJ $17,460 Gottheimer Facilities. Hardwick. Virtual Services. Rural Development............... Community Douglass Community Douglass Community MO $1,000,000 Graves (MO) Facilities. Services. Center. Rural Development............... Community Northfield Northfield Fire CT $225,000 Hayes Facilities. Volunteer Fire Department Company. Modernization. Rural Development............... Community City of Torrington. Northwest Hills Animal CT $1,100,000 Hayes Facilities. Control Facility. Rural Development............... Community Protivin Community Protivin Community Fire IA $100,000 Hinson Facilities. Fire District. Station. Rural Development............... Community Sunflower Child Sunflower Child IA $200,000 Hinson Facilities. Care Center, Inc.. Development Center. Rural Development............... Community Prince George's Prince George's County MD $1,350,000 Hoyer; Brown Facilities. County. Water Tanks. Rural Development............... Community Royalton-Hartland Royalton-Hartland NY $515,685 Jacobs (NY) Facilities. Central School Agricultural Learning District. Lab. Rural Development............... Community County of Wyoming.. Wyoming County Fire NY $597,289 Jacobs (NY) Facilities. Training Center. Rural Development............... Community Cornell Cooperative Cornell Cooperative NY $379,432 Jacobs (NY) Facilities. Extension Extension Learning Association of Center. Orleans County. Rural Development............... Community Waianae Community MA'O Organic Farms HI $896,000 Kahele Facilities. Redevelopment Infrastructure. Corporation. Rural Development............... Community Port Angeles Food Port Angeles Food Bank WA $900,000 Kilmer Facilities. Bank. Expansion. Rural Development............... Community City of Platteville City of Platteville WI $7,000,000 Kind Facilities. Fire Station. Rural Development............... Community Cochise County..... Cochise County Animal AZ $1,100,000 Kirkpatrick Facilities. Shelter. Rural Development............... Community County of Nevada... North San Juan Fire CA $1,050,000 LaMalfa Facilities. Suppression System. Rural Development............... Community City of Anderson... Sewer and Storm Drain CA $262,900 LaMalfa Facilities. Cleaner Truck. Rural Development............... Community Goosefoot Community Goosefoot Community WA $346,625 Larsen (WA) Facilities. Fund. Center. Rural Development............... Community Bradner Fire Bradner Fire Station... OH $1,260,000 Latta Facilities. Department. Rural Development............... Community University of Cherry Lake 4H Center.. FL $1,125,000 Lawson (FL) Facilities. Florida. Rural Development............... Community Pueblo of San San Felipe Community NM $1,500,000 Leger Fernandez Facilities. Felipe. Center. Rural Development............... Community Town of Phillipstown Highway NY $1,787,500 Maloney, Sean Facilities. Phillipstown. Facility Center. Rural Development............... Community North San Juan North San Joaquin Water CA $1,000,000 McNerney Facilities. Water Conservation Conservation District. District. Rural Development............... Community Berwick Area YMCA.. Berwick Community PA $1,000,000 Meuser Facilities. Center. Rural Development............... Community Borough of Jim Jim Thorpe Facility PA $2,500,000 Meuser Facilities. Thorpe. Upgrade. Rural Development............... Community IQHub.............. IQHub Community MI $137,671 Moolenaar Facilities. Classroom. Rural Development............... Community Four Lakes Task Four Lakes Public MI $795,000 Moolenaar Facilities. Force. Safety Booms. Rural Development............... Community Yakima Nation...... Yakima Nation Water WA $742,500 Newhouse Facilities. Canal Maintenance. Rural Development............... Community Town of Superior... Superior AZ $2,000,000 O'Halleran Facilities. Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center. Rural Development............... Community Maine 4-H 4-H Innovation and ME $450,000 Pingree Facilities. Foundation. Learning Center. Rural Development............... Community Virgin Islands Krum Bay Marine VI $750,000 Plaskett Facilities. Department of Enforcement Pier. Planning and Natural Resources. Rural Development............... Community Virgin Islands Gallows Bay Marine VI $750,000 Plaskett Facilities. Department of Enforcement Pier. Planning and Natural Resources. Rural Development............... Community City of Reedsburg.. City of Reedsburg WI $220,000 Pocan Facilities. Community Center. Rural Development............... Community Desert Valley Desert Valley Senior AZ $16,800 Raul M. Grijalva Facilities. Senior Center. Center. Rural Development............... Community Greene County Board Greene County Business PA $1,395,000 Reschenthaler Facilities. of Commissioners. Incubator. Rural Development............... Community City of Morehead... Morehead Fire Station.. KY $300,000 Rogers (KY) Facilities. Rural Development............... Community Commonwealth Peritoneal Dialysis MP $391,500 Sablan Facilities. Healthcare Expansion Project. Corporation. Rural Development............... Community Commonwealth Health IT Upgrades..... MP $980,639 Sablan Facilities. Healthcare Corporation. Rural Development............... Community Guam Fisherman's Guam Fisherman's Co-Op GU $3,000,000 San Nicolas Facilities. Cooperative Facility. Association. Rural Development............... Community City of Ellensburg. Friends in Service to WA $900,000 Schrier Facilities. Humanity Food Bank. Rural Development............... Community Shoshone Bannock Shoshone Bannock Tribal ID $7,000,000 Simpson Facilities. Tribe. Fire Station. Rural Development............... Community Town of Blackstone. Blackstone Aerial VA $923,937 Spanberger Facilities. Ladder Fire Truck. Rural Development............... Community County of Amelia... Amelia County Court VA $375,000 Spanberger Facilities. Office. Rural Development............... Community City of Moriarty... Moriarty Fire Station.. NM $5,250,000 Stansbury Facilities. Rural Development............... Community City of Little Little Falls Child Care MN $825,000 Stauber Facilities. Falls. Facility. Rural Development............... Community Essex County....... Essex County Ag and NY $997,000 Stefanik Facilities. Youth Center. Rural Development............... Community Cary Christian Cary Christian Center MS $37,500 Thompson (MS) Facilities. Center. Facility. Rural Development............... Community BDT Housing IT Montgomery Home MS $2,250,000 Thompson (MS) Facilities. Services Restoration. Enterprise. Rural Development............... Community City of Rosedale... Bolivar County MS $225,000 Thompson (MS) Facilities. Community Facility. Rural Development............... Community Fannie Lou Hamer Fannie Lou Hamer Cancer MS $2,250,000 Thompson (MS) Facilities. Cancer Foundation. Foundation Facility Revitalization. Rural Development............... Community Central Mississippi Delta MS $300,000 Thompson (MS) Facilities. Mississippi, Inc.. Disaster Relief Shelter. Rural Development............... Community Indiana University IUP Academy of Culinary PA $500,000 Thompson (PA) Facilities. of Pennsylvania. Arts Building. Rural Development............... Community Jefferson County- Farm to Refrigerator PA $1,125,000 Thompson (PA) Facilities. Dubois Area Training Facility. Vocational Technical School. Rural Development............... Community United Way of Tri Marlborough Community MA $26,838 Trahan Facilities. County. Covered Food Pantry. Rural Development............... Community Allegany College of Allegany College MD $187,500 Trone Facilities. Maryland. Facility Revitalization. Rural Development............... Community Office of the Salem Salem County Courthouse NJ $3,750,000 Van Drew Facilities. County Revitalization. Administrator. Rural Development............... Community Fairbanks Museum St Johnsbury Science VT $2,465,176 Welch Facilities. and Planetarium. Annex. Rural Development............... Community Pocono Family YMCA. Pocono Family Community PA $1,000,000 Wild Facilities. Center. Rural Development............... Community Mount Bethel Fire Mount Bethel Fire PA $247,500 Wild Facilities. Department. Department Emergency Shelter. Rural Development............... Community City of Kodiak..... Kodiak Fire Station AK $7,000,000 Young Facilities. Replacement. Rural Development............... Community City of Kiana...... Kiana Fire Response and AK $3,350,000 Young Facilities. Equipment. Rural Development............... ReConnect.......... Northern Michigan Rural Broadband MI $1,200,000 Bergman University. Expansion for Northern Michigan University. Rural Development............... ReConnect.......... Goodhue County..... Goodhue County MN $3,210,000 Craig Broadband Expansion. Rural Development............... ReConnect.......... Town of Ghent...... Upstate New York NY $829,594 Delgado Broadband Expansion. Rural Development............... ReConnect.......... County of El Paso.. Cotton Valley Broadband TX $2,850,000 Escobar Expansion. Rural Development............... ReConnect.......... Niagara County..... Niagara-Orleans NY $3,877,500 Jacobs (NY) Broadband Expansion. Rural Development............... ReConnect.......... Illinois Department Pembroke Township IL $3,000,000 Kelly (IL) of Commerce and Broadband Expansion. Economic Opportunity. Rural Development............... ReConnect.......... Impact Corry....... Corry Area Tech Center PA $500,000 Kelly (PA) and Hub. Rural Development............... ReConnect.......... Plumas-Sierra Plumas-Sierra Broadband CA $4,000,198 LaMalfa Telecommunications. Expansion. Rural Development............... ReConnect.......... City of Espanola... Espanola Broadband NM $879,506 Leger Fernandez Expansion. Rural Development............... ReConnect.......... Charles City County Charles City County VA $2,643,508 McEachin Broadband Expansion. Rural Development............... ReConnect.......... Town of Sandwich... Sandwich Broadband NH $1,650,000 Pappas Expansion. Rural Development............... ReConnect.......... Chelan County PUD.. Chelan County Broadband WA $1,286,390 Schrier Expansion. Rural Development............... ReConnect.......... County of Isle of Isle of Wight Broadband VA $318,750 Scott (VA) Wight. Expansion. Rural Development............... ReConnect.......... Brazos Valley Bremond Broadband TX $1,500,000 Sessions Council of Expansion. Governments. Rural Development............... ReConnect.......... Pine County........ Pine County Broadband MN $5,576,250 Stauber Expansion. Rural Development............... ReConnect.......... Herkimer County.... Herkimer County NY $500,000 Stefanik Broadband Expansion. Rural Development............... ReConnect.......... Village of Village of Sherburne NY $212,022 Tenney Sherburne. Broadband Expansion. Rural Development............... ReConnect.......... Town of Westerlo... Westerlo Broadband NY $1,687,500 Tonko Expansion. Rural Development............... ReConnect.......... Garrett County..... Garrett County MD $883,574 Trone Broadband Expansion. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Changes in the Application of Existing Law Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(A) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the following statements are submitted describing the effect of provisions in the accompanying bill that directly or indirectly change the application of existing law. The bill includes a number of provisions which place limitations on the use of funds in the bill or change existing limitations and that might, under some circumstances, be construed as changing the application of existing law: Office of the Secretary.--Language is included to limit the amount of funds for official reception and representation expenses, as determined by the Secretary and to reimburse Departmental Administration for travel expenses incident to the holding of hearings. Agricultural Research Service.--Language is included that allows the Agricultural Research Service to grant easements at the Beltsville, MD, agricultural research center and to grant easements at any facility for the construction of a research facility for use by the agency. National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Integrated Activities.--The bill includes language limiting indirect costs. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.--Language is included to limit the amount of funds for representational allow- ances. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.--The bill includes language regarding state matching funds and the brucellosis con- trol program. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.--Language is included to allow APHIS to recoup expenses incurred from providing technical assistance goods, or services to non-APHIS personnel, and to allow transfers of funds for agricultural emergencies. Agricultural Marketing Service, Limitation on Administrative Expenses.--The bill includes language to allow AMS to exceed the limitation on administrative expenses by up to 10 percent with notification to the Appropriations Committees. Agricultural Marketing Service, Inspection and Weighing Services.--The bill includes authority to exceed the limitation on inspec- tion and weighing services by up to 10 percent with notification to the Appropriations Committees. Food Safety and Inspection Service.--Language is included to limit the amount of funds for representational allowances. Dairy Indemnity Program.--Language is included by reference that allows the Secretary to utilize the services of the Commodity Credit Corporation for the purpose of making dairy indemnity pay- ments. Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund Program Account.-- Language is included that deems the pink bollworm a boll weevil for the purposes of administering the boll weevil loan program. Risk Management Agency.--Language is included to limit the amount of funds for official reception and representation expenses. Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations.--Language is in- cluded that limits the application of certain activities in watersheds of a certain size. Commodity Credit Corporation Fund.--Language is included to allow certain funds transferred from the Commodity Credit Cor- poration to be used for information resource management. Hazardous Waste Management.--Language is included which limits the amount of funds that can be spent on operation and maintenance costs of CCC hazardous waste sites. Rural Development Salaries and Expenses.--Language is included to allow funds to be used for advertising and promotional activities. Rental Assistance Program.--Language is included that provides that agreements entered into during the current fiscal year be funded for a one-year period. Language also is included to renew contracts once during any 12-month period. Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Loans Program Account.--The bill includes language related to loan rates on renew- able energy loans. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).--Language notwithstands section 17(h)(10)(B)(ii) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 17 1786), as it relates to management information systems. Language is included to purchase infant formula except in accordance with law and pay for activities that are not fully reimbursed by other departments or agencies unless authorized by law. Office of Codex Alimentarius.--Language is included to limit the amount of funds for official reception and representation expenses. Foreign Agricultural Service.--Language is included to enable the agency to use funds received by an advance or by reimburse- ment to carry out its activities. The bill also limits the amount of funds for representation expenses. McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program Grants.--Language is included to specify the amount of funds available to purchase commodities described by subsection 3107(a)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. Food and Drug Administration, Salaries and Expenses.-- Language is included to limit the amount of funds for official reception and representation expenses and to limit the usage of certain user fees. FDA Innovation Account.--The bill provides additional transfer authority. Commodity Futures Trading Commission.--Language is included to limit the amount of funds for official reception and representa- tion expenses. Language is also included to allow the Commission to record prior year lease obligations and to liquidate certain obligations. Farm Credit Administration.--The bill includes authority to exceed the limitation on assessments by 10 percent with notification to the Appropriations Committees and to allow certain banks to exceed the statutory cap on export financing. General Provisions.-- Section 701.--The bill includes language regarding passenger motor vehicles. Section 702.--The bill includes language regarding the Working Capital Fund of the Department of Agriculture. Section 703.--The bill includes language limiting funding provided in the bill to one year unless otherwise specified. Section 704.--The bill includes language regarding indirect cost share. Section 705.--The bill includes language regarding the availability of loans funds in Rural Development programs. Section 706.--The bill includes language regarding new information technology systems. Section 707.--The bill includes language regarding fund availability in the Agriculture Management Assistance program. Section 708.--The bill includes language regarding Rural Utilities Service program eligibility. Section 709.--The bill includes language regarding funds for information technology expenses for the Farm Service Agency and the Rural Development mission area. Section 710.--The bill includes language prohibiting first- class airline travel. Section 711.--The bill includes language regarding the availability of certain funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation. Section 712.--The bill includes language regarding funding for advisory committees. Section 713.--The bill includes language regarding IT system regulations. Section 714.--The bill includes language regarding Section 32 activities. Section 715.--The bill includes language regarding user fee proposals without offsets. Section 716.--The bill includes language regarding the reprogramming of funds and notification requirements. Section 717.--The bill includes language regarding fees for the guaranteed business and industry loan program. Section 718.--The bill includes language regarding the appropriations hearing process. Section 719.--The bill includes language regarding government sponsored news stories. Section 720.--The bill includes language regarding details and assignments of Department of Agriculture employees. Section 721.--The bill includes language requiring spend plans. Section 722.--The bill includes language regarding nutrition programs. Section 723.--The bill includes language regarding Rural Development programs. Section 724.--The bill includes language regarding USDA loan program levels. Section 725.--The bill includes language regarding credit card refunds and rebates. Section 726.--The bill includes language regarding the definition of the term ``variety'' in SNAP. Section 727.--The bill includes language regarding the Secretary's authority with respect to the 502 guaranteed loan programs. Section 728.--The bill includes language regarding new user fees. Section 729.--The bill includes language regarding FDA regulations with respect to spent grains. Section 730.--The bill includes language regarding the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility. Section 731.--The bill includes language regarding country or regional audits. Section 732.--The bill includes language related to Rural Development Programs. Section 733.--The bill includes language related to the Animal Welfare Act. Section 734.--The bill includes language regarding U.S. iron and steel products in public water or wastewater systems. Section 735.--The bill includes language regarding lobbying. Section 736.--The bill includes language related to persistent poverty counties. Section 737.--The bill includes language related to investigational use of drugs or biological products. Section 738.--The bill includes language related to the growing, harvesting, packing and holding of certain produce. Section 739.--The bill provides funding for grants to enhance farming and ranching opportunities for military veterans. Section 740.--The bill includes language related to the school breakfast program. Section 741.--The bill includes language regarding hemp. Section 742.--The bill provides funding for grants under the Section 12502 of Public Law 115-334. Section 743.--The bill provides funding to carry out Section 1621 of Public Law 110-246. Section 744.--The bill provides funding to carry out Section 3307 of Public Law 115-334. Section 745.--The bill includes language related to matching fund requirements. Section 746.--The bill provides funding for a pilot program related to multi-family housing borrowers. Section 747.--The bill provides funding to carry out Section 4208 of Public Law 115-334. Section 748.--The bill provides funding to carry out Section 12301 of Public Law 115-334. Section 749.--The bill provides funding to carry out Section 7120 of Public Law 115-334. Section 750.--The bill provides funding to carry out Section 7208 of Public Law 115-334. Section 751.--The bill includes language related to potable water. Section 752.--The bill provides funding to carry out Section 4206 of Public Law 115-334. Section 753.--The bill includes language regarding Food for Peace. Section 754.--The bill includes language regarding facilities inspections. Section 755.--The bill includes language relating to the use of raw or processed poultry products from the People's Republic of China in various domestic nutrition programs. Section 756.--The bill includes language related to certain school food lunch prices. Section 757.--The bill provides funding for Centers of Excellence. Section 758.--The bill provides funding for rural hospital technical assistance. Section 759.--The bill provides funding for a pilot program for wastewater systems in historically impoverished areas. Section 760.--The bill provides funding to carry out Section 23 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. Section 761.--The bill includes language related to biotechnology risk assessment research. Section 762.--The bill provides funding for rural broadband. Section 763.-- The bill provides funding to carry out Section 7209 of Public Law 115-334. Section 764.--The bill includes funding for open data standards. Section 765.--The bill includes language related to certain reorganizations within the Department of Agriculture. Section 766.--The bill includes language extending the hemp pilot program. Section 767.--The bill includes language related to the Agriculture Conservation Experiences Services Program. Section 768.--The bill includes language related to school meals. Section 769.--The bill includes language related to the ReConnect program. Section 770.--The bill includes language related to the Goodfellow Federal facility. Section 771.--The bill includes language related to the Federal Meat Inspection Act. Section 772.--The bill includes funding for a blue-ribbon panel. Section 773.--The bill includes funding for a competitive research and education grant. Section 774.--The bill includes language related to the Animal Welfare Act inspections and reports. Section 775.--The bill includes language regarding electronically available information for prescribing healthcare professionals. Section 776.--The bill includes language related to line speed waivers. Section 777.--The bill includes language related to the purchase of agricultural land. Appropriations Not Authorized by Law Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(B) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the following table lists the appropriations in the accompanying bill which are not authorized by law for the period concerned: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Appropriation in Agency or Program Last year of Authorization last year of Appropriation in authorization level authorization this bill ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Farmers' Market Nutrition Prog...... 2015 Such Sums $16,548,000 $30,000,000 CNP State Administrative Expenses... 2015 Such Sums 263,686,000 332,000,000 Summer Food Service Program......... 2015 Such Sums 495,521,000 581,074,000 WIC................................. 2015 Such Sums 6,623,000,000 6,000,000,000 School Breakfast Expansion Grants... 2015 Such Sums 0 10,000,000 Farm to School Grants............... 2015 Such Sums 0 12,000,000 Multi-family Revitalization Program. 2016 Such Sums 28,000,000 60,000,000 Broadband Telecommunications Program 2016 Such Sums 35,000,000 35,000,000 Commodity Futures Trading Commission 2013 Such Sums 205,294,000* 363,000,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Reduced by an across the board cut and sequestration to $194,556,000. Committee Hearings Pursuant to clause 3(c)(6) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the following hearings were used to develop or consider the bill: The Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on February 25, 2021, with the Department of Agriculture's Office of Inspector General. The Subcommittee received testimony from: Ms. Phyllis K. Fong, Inspector General, USDA Office of Inspector General Ms. Ann Coffey, Deputy Inspector General, USDA Office of Inspector General Mr. Gil H. Harden, Assistant Inspector General for Audit, USDA Office of Inspector General Ms. Jenny Rone, Assistant Inspector General for Analytics and Innovation. The Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on March 9, 2021, on the Food and Drug Administration's Foreign Drug Inspections Program. The Subcommittee received testimony from: Dr. Mary Denigan-Macauley, Director, Health Care, Public Health & Private Markets, Government Accountability Office. The Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on March 24, 2021, on the Rural Economy. The Subcommittee received testimony from: Mr. Glen R. Smith, Chairman and CEO, Farm Credit Administration Mr. Jeffery S. Hall, Chairman, Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation The Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on April 14, 2021, on the Department of Agriculture--The Year Ahead. The Subcommittee received testimony from: The Honorable Thomas J. Vilsack, Secretary, the Department of Agriculture. The Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on April 20, 2021, with USDA's Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services. The Subcommittee received testimony from: Ms. Stacy Dean, Deputy Under Secretary, Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, FNS, USDA The Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on May 6, 2021, with USDA's Rural Development Mission Area. The Subcommittee received testimony from: Mr. Justin Maxson, Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development, USDA Dr. Karama Neal, Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA Mr. Chad Parker, Acting Administrator, Rural Housing Service, USDA Mr. Christopher McLean, Acting Administrator, Rural Utilities Service, USDA The Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on May 12, 2021, with USDA's Research, Education and Economics Mission Area. The Subcommittee received testimony from: Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, Acting Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics Dr. Simon Y. Liu, Acting Administrator, Agricultural Research Service, USDA Dr. Spiro Stefanou. Administrator, Economic Research Service, USDA Mr. Hubert Hamer, Administrator, National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA Dr. Carrie Castille, Director, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA The Subcommittee held a hearing on May 18, 2021, entitled ``Member Day.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from: The Honorable Jim Hagedorn, Member of Congress The Honorable Kim Schrier, MD, Member of Congress The Honorable Pat Fallon, Member of Congress The Honorable Jeff Van Drew, Member of Congress The Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee, Member of Congress The Honorable Veronica Escobar, Member of Congress The Honorable Claudia Tenney, Member of Congress The Honorable John Rose, Member of Congress The Honorable Jim Baird, Member of Congress The Honorable Raja Krishnamoorthi, Member of Congress The Honorable Ed Case, Member of Congress. Compliance With Rule XIII, Cl. 3(e) (Ramseyer Rule) In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new matter is printed in italics, existing law in which no change is proposed is shown in roman): RICHARD B. RUSSELL NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH ACT * * * * * * * NUTRITIONAL AND OTHER PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS Sec. 9. (a)(1)(A) Lunches served by schools participating in the school lunch program under this Act shall meet minimum nutritional requirements prescribed by the Secretary on the basis of tested nutritional research, except that the minimum nutritional requirements-- (i) shall not be construed to prohibit the substitution of foods to accommodate the medical or other special dietary needs of individual students; and (ii) shall, at a minimum, be based on the weekly average of the nutrient content of school lunches. (B) The Secretary shall provide technical assistance and training, including technical assistance and training in the preparation of lower-fat versions of foods commonly used in the school lunch program under this Act, to schools participating in the school lunch program to assist the schools in complying with the nutritional requirements prescribed by the Secretary pursuant to subparagraph (A) and in providing appropriate meals to children with medically certified special dietary needs. The Secretary shall provide additional technical assistance to schools that are having difficulty maintaining compliance with the requirements. (2) Fluid milk.-- (A) In general.--Lunches served by schools participating in the school lunch program under this Act-- (i) shall offer students a variety of fluid milk. Such milk shall be consistent with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans published under section 301 of the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5341); (ii) may offer students flavored and unflavored fluid milk and lactose-free fluid milk; and (iii) shall provide a substitute for fluid milk for students whose disability restricts their diet, on receipt of a written statement from a licensed physician that identifies the disability that restricts the student's diet and that specifies the substitute for fluid milk. (B) Substitutes.-- (i) Standards for substitution.--A school may substitute for the fluid milk provided under subparagraph (A), a nondairy beverage that is nutritionally equivalent to fluid milk and meets nutritional standards established by the Secretary (which shall, among other requirements to be determined by the Secretary, include fortification of calcium, protein, vitamin A, and vitamin D to levels found in cow's milk) for students who cannot consume fluid milk because of a medical or other special dietary need other than a disability described in subparagraph (A)(iii). (ii) Notice.--The substitutions may be made if the school notifies the State agency that the school is implementing a variation allowed under this subparagraph, and if the substitution is requested by written statement of a medical authority or by a student's parent or legal guardian that identifies the medical or other special dietary need that restricts the student's diet, except that the school shall not be required to provide beverages other than beverages the school has identified as acceptable substitutes. (iii) Excess expenses borne by school food authority.--Expenses incurred in providing substitutions under this subparagraph that are in excess of expenses covered by reimbursements under this Act shall be paid by the school food authority. (C) Restrictions on sale of milk prohibited.--A school that participates in the school lunch program under this Act shall not directly or indirectly restrict the sale or marketing of fluid milk products by the school (or by a person approved by the school) at any time or any place-- (i) on the school premises; or (ii) at any school-sponsored event. (3) Students in senior high schools that participate in the school lunch program under this Act (and, when approved by the local school district or nonprofit private schools, students in any other grade level) shall not be required to accept offered foods they do not intend to consume, and any such failure to accept offered foods shall not affect the full charge to the student for a lunch meeting the requirements of this subsection or the amount of payments made under this Act to any such school for such lunch. (4) Provision of information.-- (A) Guidance.--Prior to the beginning of the school year beginning July 2004, the Secretary shall issue guidance to States and school food authorities to increase the consumption of foods and food ingredients that are recommended for increased serving consumption in the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans published under section 301 of the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5341). (B) Rules.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary shall promulgate rules, based on the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans, that reflect specific recommendations, expressed in serving recommendations, for increased consumption of foods and food ingredients offered in school nutrition programs under this Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.). (C) Procurement and processing of food service products and commodities.--The Secretary shall-- (i) identify, develop, and disseminate to State departments of agriculture and education, school food authorities, local educational agencies, and local processing entities, model product specifications and practices for foods offered in school nutrition programs under this Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.) to ensure that the foods reflect the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans published under section 301 of the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5341); (ii) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this subparagraph-- (I) carry out a study to analyze the quantity and quality of nutritional information available to school food authorities about food service products and commodities; and (II) submit to Congress a report on the results of the study that contains such legislative recommendations as the Secretary considers necessary to ensure that school food authorities have access to the nutritional information needed for menu planning and compliance assessments; and (iii) to the maximum extent practicable, in purchasing and processing commodities for use in school nutrition programs under this Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.), purchase the widest variety of healthful foods that reflect the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans. (5) Water.--Schools participating in the school lunch program under this Act shall make available to children free of charge, as nutritionally appropriate, potable water for consumption in the place where meals are served during meal service. (b)(1)(A) Not later than June 1 of each fiscal year, the Secretary shall prescribe income guidelines for determining eligibility for free and reduced price lunches during the 12- month period beginning July 1 of such fiscal year and ending June 30 of the following fiscal year. The income guidelines for determining eligibility for free lunches shall be 130 percent of the applicable family size income levels contained in the nonfarm income poverty guidelines prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget, as adjusted annually in accordance with subparagraph (B). The income guidelines for determining eligibility for reduced price lunches for any school year shall be 185 percent of the applicable family size income levels contained in the nonfarm income poverty guidelines prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget, as adjusted annually in accordance with subparagraph (B). The Office of Management and Budget guidelines shall be revised at annual intervals, or at any shorter interval deemed feasible and desirable. (B) The revision required by subparagraph (A) of this paragraph shall be made by multiplying-- (i) the official poverty line (as defined by the Office of Management and Budget); by (ii) the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index during the annual or other interval immediately preceding the time at which the adjustment is made. Revisions under this subparagraph shall be made not more than 30 days after the date on which the consumer price index data required to compute the adjustment becomes available. (2)(A) Following the determination by the Secretary under paragraph (1) of this subsection of the income eligibility guidelines for each school year, each State educational agency shall announce the income eligibility guidelines, by family size, to be used by schools in the State in making determinations of eligibility for free and reduced price lunches. Local school authorities shall, each year, publicly announce the income eligibility guidelines for free and reduced price lunches on or before the opening of school. (B) Applications and descriptive material.-- (i) In general.--Applications for free and reduced price lunches, in such form as the Secretary may prescribe or approve, and any descriptive material, shall be distributed to the parents or guardians of children in attendance at the school, and shall contain only the family size income levels for reduced price meal eligibility with the explanation that households with incomes less than or equal to these values would be eligible for free or reduced price lunches. (ii) Income eligibility guidelines.--Forms and descriptive material distributed in accordance with clause (i) may not contain the income eligibility guidelines for free lunches. (iii) Contents of descriptive material.-- (I) In general.--Descriptive material distributed in accordance with clause (i) shall contain a notification that-- (aa) participants in the programs listed in subclause (II) may be eligible for free or reduced price meals; and (bb) documentation may be requested for verification of eligibility for free or reduced price meals. (II) Programs.--The programs referred to in subclause (I)(aa) are-- (aa) the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children established by section 17 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786); (bb) the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.); (cc) the food distribution program on Indian reservations established under section 4(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2013(b)); and (dd) a State program funded under the program of block grants to States for temporary assistance for needy families established under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). (3) Household applications.-- (A) Definition of household application.--In this paragraph, the term ``household application'' means an application for a child of a household to receive free or reduced price school lunches under this Act, or free or reduced price school breakfasts under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.), for which an eligibility determination is made other than under paragraph (4) or (5). (B) Eligibility determination.-- (i) In general.--An eligibility determination shall be made on the basis of a complete household application executed by an adult member of the household or in accordance with guidance issued by the Secretary. (ii) Electronic signatures and applications.--A household application may be executed using an electronic signature if-- (I) the application is submitted electronically; and (II) the electronic application filing system meets confidentiality standards established by the Secretary. (C) Children in household.-- (i) In general.--The household application shall identify the names of each child in the household for whom meal benefits are requested. (ii) Separate applications.--A State educational agency or local educational agency may not request a separate application for each child in the household that attends schools under the same local educational agency. (D) Verification of sample.-- (i) Definitions.--In this subparagraph: (I) Error prone application.--The term ``error prone application'' means an approved household application that-- (aa) indicates monthly income that is within $100, or an annual income that is within $1,200, of the income eligibility limitation for free or reduced price meals; or (bb) in lieu of the criteria established under item (aa), meets criteria established by the Secretary. (II) Non-response rate.--The term ``non-response rate'' means (in accordance with guidelines established by the Secretary) the percentage of approved household applications for which verification information has not been obtained by a local educational agency after attempted verification under subparagraphs (F) and (G). (ii) Verification of sample.--Each school year, a local educational agency shall verify eligibility of the children in a sample of household applications approved for the school year by the local educational agency, as determined by the Secretary in accordance with this subsection. (iii) Sample size.--Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, the sample for a local educational agency for a school year shall equal the lesser of-- (I) 3 percent of all applications approved by the local educational agency for the school year, as of October 1 of the school year, selected from error prone applications; or (II) 3,000 error prone applications approved by the local educational agency for the school year, as of October 1 of the school year. (iv) Alternative sample size.-- (I) In general.--If the conditions described in subclause (IV) are met, the verification sample size for a local educational agency shall be the sample size described in subclause (II) or (III), as determined by the local educational agency. (II) 3,000/3 percent option.--The sample size described in this subclause shall be the lesser of 3,000, or 3 percent of, applications selected at random from applications approved by the local educational agency for the school year, as of October 1 of the school year. (III) 1,000/1 percent plus option.-- (aa) In general.--The sample size described in this subclause shall be the sum of-- (AA) the lesser of 1,000, or 1 percent of, all applications approved by the local educational agency for the school year, as of October 1 of the school year, selected from error prone applications; and (BB) the lesser of 500, or \1/2\ of 1 percent of, applications approved by the local educational agency for the school year, as of October 1 of the school year, that provide a case number (in lieu of income information) showing participation in a program described in item (bb) selected from those approved applications that provide a case number (in lieu of income information) verifying the participation. (bb) Programs.--The programs described in this item are-- (AA) the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.); (BB) the food distribution program on Indian reservations established under section 4(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2013(b)); and (CC) a State program funded under the program of block grants to States for temporary assistance for needy families established under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) that the Secretary determines complies with standards established by the Secretary that ensure that the standards under the State program are comparable to or more restrictive than those in effect on June 1, 1995. (IV) Conditions.--The conditions referred to in subclause (I) shall be met for a local educational agency for a school year if-- (aa) the nonresponse rate for the local educational agency for the preceding school year is less than 20 percent; or (bb) the local educational agency has more than 20,000 children approved by application by the local educational agency as eligible for free or reduced price meals for the school year, as of October 1 of the school year, and-- (AA) the nonresponse rate for the preceding school year is at least 10 percent below the nonresponse rate for the second preceding school year; or (BB) in the case of the school year beginning July 2005, the local educational agency attempts to verify all approved household applications selected for verification through use of public agency records from at least 2 of the programs or sources of information described in subparagraph (F)(i). (v) Additional selected applications.--A sample for a local educational agency for a school year under clauses (iii) and (iv)(III)(AA) shall include the number of additional randomly selected approved household applications that are required to comply with the sample size requirements in those clauses. (E) Preliminary review.-- (i) Review for accuracy.-- (I) In general.--Prior to conducting any other verification activity for approved household applications selected for verification, the local educational agency shall ensure that the initial eligibility determination for each approved household application is reviewed for accuracy by an individual other than the individual making the initial eligibility determination, unless otherwise determined by the Secretary. (II) Waiver.--The requirements of subclause (I) shall be waived for a local educational agency if the local educational agency is using a technology-based solution that demonstrates a high level of accuracy, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, in processing an initial eligibility determination in accordance with the income eligibility guidelines of the school lunch program. (ii) Correct eligibility determination.--If the review indicates that the initial eligibility determination is correct, the local educational agency shall verify the approved household application. (iii) Incorrect eligibility determination.--If the review indicates that the initial eligibility determination is incorrect, the local educational agency shall (as determined by the Secretary)-- (I) correct the eligibility status of the household; (II) notify the household of the change; (III) in any case in which the review indicates that the household is not eligible for free or reduced-price meals, notify the household of the reason for the ineligibility and that the household may reapply with income documentation for free or reduced-price meals; and (IV) in any case in which the review indicates that the household is eligible for free or reduced-price meals, verify the approved household application. (F) Direct verification.-- (i) In general.--Subject to clauses (ii) and (iii), to verify eligibility for free or reduced price meals for approved household applications selected for verification, the local educational agency may (in accordance with criteria established by the Secretary) first obtain and use income and program participation information from a public agency administering-- (I) the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.); (II) the food distribution program on Indian reservations established under section 4(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2013(b)); (III) the temporary assistance for needy families program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.); (IV) the State medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.); or (V) a similar income-tested program or other source of information, as determined by the Secretary. (ii) Free meals.--Public agency records that may be obtained and used under clause (i) to verify eligibility for free meals for approved household applications selected for verification shall include the most recent available information (other than information reflecting program participation or income before the 180-day period ending on the date of application for free meals) that is relied on to administer-- (I) a program or source of information described in clause (i) (other than clause (i)(IV)); or (II) the State plan for medical assistance under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) in-- (aa) a State in which the income eligibility limit applied under section 1902(l)(2)(C) of that Act (42 U.S.C. 1396a(l)(2)(C)) is not more than 133 percent of the official poverty line described in section 1902(l)(2)(A) of that Act (42 U.S.C. 1396a(l)(2)(A)); or (bb) a State that otherwise identifies households that have income that is not more than 133 percent of the official poverty line described in section 1902(l)(2)(A) of that Act (42 U.S.C. 1396a(l)(2)(A)). (iii) Reduced price meals.--Public agency records that may be obtained and used under clause (i) to verify eligibility for reduced price meals for approved household applications selected for verification shall include the most recent available information (other than information reflecting program participation or income before the 180-day period ending on the date of application for reduced price meals) that is relied on to administer-- (I) a program or source of information described in clause (i) (other than clause (i)(IV)); or (II) the State plan for medical assistance under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) in-- (aa) a State in which the income eligibility limit applied under section 1902(l)(2)(C) of that Act (42 U.S.C. 1396a(l)(2)(C)) is not more than 185 percent of the official poverty line described in section 1902(l)(2)(A) of that Act (42 U.S.C. 1396a(l)(2)(A)); or (bb) a State that otherwise identifies households that have income that is not more than 185 percent of the official poverty line described in section 1902(l)(2)(A) of that Act (42 U.S.C. 1396a(l)(2)(A)). (iv) Evaluation.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this subparagraph, the Secretary shall complete an evaluation of-- (I) the effectiveness of direct verification carried out under this subparagraph in decreasing the portion of the verification sample that must be verified under subparagraph (G) while ensuring that adequate verification information is obtained; and (II) the feasibility of direct verification by State agencies and local educational agencies. (v) Expanded use of direct verification.--If the Secretary determines that direct verification significantly decreases the portion of the verification sample that must be verified under subparagraph (G), while ensuring that adequate verification information is obtained, and can be conducted by most State agencies and local educational agencies, the Secretary may require a State agency or local educational agency to implement direct verification through 1 or more of the programs described in clause (i), as determined by the Secretary, unless the State agency or local educational agency demonstrates (under criteria established by the Secretary) that the State agency or local educational agency lacks the capacity to conduct, or is unable to implement, direct verification. (G) Household verification.-- (i) In general.--If an approved household application is not verified through the use of public agency records, a local educational agency shall provide to the household written notice that-- (I) the approved household application has been selected for verification; and (II) the household is required to submit verification information to confirm eligibility for free or reduced price meals. (ii) Phone number.--The written notice in clause (i) shall include a toll-free phone number that parents and legal guardians in households selected for verification can call for assistance with the verification process. (iii) Followup activities.--If a household does not respond to a verification request, a local educational agency shall make at least 1 attempt to obtain the necessary verification from the household in accordance with guidelines and regulations promulgated by the Secretary. (iv) Contract authority for school food authorities.--A local educational agency may contract (under standards established by the Secretary) with a third party to assist the local educational agency in carrying out clause (iii). (H) Verification deadline.-- (i) General deadline.-- (I) In general.--Subject to subclause (II), not later than November 15 of each school year, a local educational agency shall complete the verification activities required for the school year (including followup activities). (II) Extension.--Under criteria established by the Secretary, a State may extend the deadline established under subclause (I) for a school year for a local educational agency to December 15 of the school year. (ii) Eligibility changes.--Based on the verification activities, the local educational agency shall make appropriate modifications to the eligibility determinations made for household applications in accordance with criteria established by the Secretary. (I) Local conditions.--In the case of a natural disaster, civil disorder, strike, or other local condition (as determined by the Secretary), the Secretary may substitute alternatives for-- (i) the sample size and sample selection criteria established under subparagraph (D); and (ii) the verification deadline established under subparagraph (H). (J) Individual review.--In accordance with criteria established by the Secretary, the local educational agency may, on individual review-- (i) decline to verify no more than 5 percent of approved household applications selected under subparagraph (D); and (ii) replace the approved household applications with other approved household applications to be verified. (K) Feasibility study.-- (i) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct a study of the feasibility of using computer technology (including data mining) to reduce-- (I) overcertification errors in the school lunch program under this Act; (II) waste, fraud, and abuse in connection with this paragraph; and (III) errors, waste, fraud, and abuse in other nutrition programs, as determined to be appropriate by the Secretary. (ii) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report describing-- (I) the results of the feasibility study conducted under this subsection; (II) how a computer system using technology described in clause (i) could be implemented; (III) a plan for implementation; and (IV) proposed legislation, if necessary, to implement the system. (4) Direct certification for children in supplemental nutrition assistance program households.-- (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (D), each State agency shall enter into an agreement with the State agency conducting eligibility determinations for the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.). (B) Procedures.--Subject to paragraph (6), the agreement shall establish procedures under which a child who is a member of a household receiving assistance under the supplemental nutrition assistance program shall be certified as eligible for free lunches under this Act and free breakfasts under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.), without further application. (C) Certification.--Subject to paragraph (6), under the agreement, the local educational agency conducting eligibility determinations for a school lunch program under this Act and a school breakfast program under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.) shall certify a child who is a member of a household receiving assistance under the supplemental nutrition assistance program as eligible for free lunches under this Act and free breakfasts under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.), without further application. (D) Applicability.--This paragraph applies to-- (i) in the case of the school year beginning July 2006, a school district that had an enrollment of 25,000 students or more in the preceding school year; (ii) in the case of the school year beginning July 2007, a school district that had an enrollment of 10,000 students or more in the preceding school year; and (iii) in the case of the school year beginning July 2008 and each subsequent school year, each local educational agency. (E) Performance awards.-- (i) In general.--Effective for each of the school years beginning July 1, 2011, July 1, 2012, and July 1, 2013, the Secretary shall offer performance awards to States to encourage the States to ensure that all children eligible for direct certification under this paragraph are certified in accordance with this paragraph. (ii) Requirements.--For each school year described in clause (i), the Secretary shall-- (I) consider State data from the prior school year, including estimates contained in the report required under section 4301 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (42 U.S.C. 1758a); and (II) make performance awards to not more than 15 States that demonstrate, as determined by the Secretary-- (aa) outstanding performance; and (bb) substantial improvement. (iii) Use of funds.--A State agency that receives a performance award under clause (i)-- (I) shall treat the funds as program income; and (II) may transfer the funds to school food authorities for use in carrying out the program. (iv) Funding.-- (I) In general.--On October 1, 2011, and each subsequent October 1 through October 1, 2013, out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer to the Secretary-- (aa) $2,000,000 to carry out clause (ii)(II)(aa); and (bb) $2,000,000 to carry out clause (ii)(II)(bb). (II) Receipt and acceptance.--The Secretary shall be entitled to receive, shall accept, and shall use to carry out this clause the funds transferred under subclause (I), without further appropriation. (v) Payments not subject to judicial review.--A determination by the Secretary whether, and in what amount, to make a performance award under this subparagraph shall not be subject to administrative or judicial review. (F) Continuous improvement plans.-- (i) Definition of required percentage.--In this subparagraph, the term ``required percentage'' means-- (I) for the school year beginning July 1, 2011, 80 percent; (II) for the school year beginning July 1, 2012, 90 percent; and (III) for the school year beginning July 1, 2013, and each school year thereafter, 95 percent. (ii) Requirements.--Each school year, the Secretary shall-- (I) identify, using data from the prior year, including estimates contained in the report required under section 4301 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (42 U.S.C. 1758a), States that directly certify less than the required percentage of the total number of children in the State who are eligible for direct certification under this paragraph; (II) require the States identified under subclause (I) to implement a continuous improvement plan to fully meet the requirements of this paragraph, which shall include a plan to improve direct certification for the following school year; and (III) assist the States identified under subclause (I) to develop and implement a continuous improvement plan in accordance with subclause (II). (iii) Failure to meet performance standard.-- (I) In general.--A State that is required to develop and implement a continuous improvement plan under clause (ii)(II) shall be required to submit the continuous improvement plan to the Secretary, for the approval of the Secretary. (II) Requirements.--At a minimum, a continuous improvement plan under subclause (I) shall include-- (aa) specific measures that the State will use to identify more children who are eligible for direct certification, including improvements or modifications to technology, information systems, or databases; (bb) a timeline for the State to implement those measures; and (cc) goals for the State to improve direct certification results. (G) Without further application.-- (i) In general.--In this paragraph, the term ``without further application'' means that no action is required by the household of the child. (ii) Clarification.--A requirement that a household return a letter notifying the household of eligibility for direct certification or eligibility for free school meals does not meet the requirements of clause (i). (5) Discretionary certification.--Subject to paragraph (6), any local educational agency may certify any child as eligible for free lunches or breakfasts, without further application, by directly communicating with the appropriate State or local agency to obtain documentation of the status of the child as-- (A) a member of a family that is receiving assistance under the temporary assistance for needy families program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) that the Secretary determines complies with standards established by the Secretary that ensure that the standards under the State program are comparable to or more restrictive than those in effect on June 1, 1995; (B) a homeless child or youth (defined as 1 of the individuals described in section 725(2) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11434a(2)); (C) served by the runaway and homeless youth grant program established under the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (42 U.S.C. 5701 et seq.); (D) a migratory child (as defined in section 1309 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6399)); or (E)(i) a foster child whose care and placement is the responsibility of an agency that administers a State plan under part B or E of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 621 et seq.); or (ii) a foster child who a court has placed with a caretaker household. (6) Use or disclosure of information.-- (A) In general.--The use or disclosure of any information obtained from an application for free or reduced price meals, or from a State or local agency referred to in paragraph (3)(F), (4), or (5), shall be limited to-- (i) a person directly connected with the administration or enforcement of this Act or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.) (including a regulation promulgated under either Act); (ii) a person directly connected with the administration or enforcement of-- (I) a Federal education program; (II) a State health or education program administered by the State or local educational agency (other than a program carried out under title XIX or XXI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. 1397aa et seq.)); or (III) a Federal, State, or local means-tested nutrition program with eligibility standards comparable to the school lunch program under this Act; (iii)(I) the Comptroller General of the United States for audit and examination authorized by any other provision of law; and (II) notwithstanding any other provision of law, a Federal, State, or local law enforcement official for the purpose of investigating an alleged violation of any program covered by this paragraph or paragraph (3)(F), (4), or (5); (iv) a person directly connected with the administration of the State medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) or the State children's health insurance program under title XXI of that Act (42 U.S.C. 1397aa et seq.) solely for the purposes of-- (I) identifying children eligible for benefits under, and enrolling children in, those programs, except that this subclause shall apply only to the extent that the State and the local educational agency or school food authority so elect; and (II) verifying the eligibility of children for programs under this Act or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.); and (v) a third party contractor described in paragraph (3)(G)(iv). (B) Limitation on information provided.-- Information provided under clause (ii) or (v) of subparagraph (A) shall be limited to the income eligibility status of the child for whom application for free or reduced price meal benefits is made or for whom eligibility information is provided under paragraph (3)(F), (4), or (5), unless the consent of the parent or guardian of the child for whom application for benefits was made is obtained. (C) Criminal penalty.--A person described in subparagraph (A) who publishes, divulges, discloses, or makes known in any manner, or to any extent not authorized by Federal law (including a regulation), any information obtained under this subsection shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both. (D) Requirements for waiver of confidentiality.--A State that elects to exercise the option described in subparagraph (A)(iv)(I) shall ensure that any local educational agency or school food authority acting in accordance with that option-- (i) has a written agreement with 1 or more State or local agencies administering health programs for children under titles XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq. and 1397aa et seq.) that requires the health agencies to use the information obtained under subparagraph (A) to seek to enroll children in those health programs; and (ii)(I) notifies each household, the information of which shall be disclosed under subparagraph (A), that the information disclosed will be used only to enroll children in health programs referred to in subparagraph (A)(iv); and (II) provides each parent or guardian of a child in the household with an opportunity to elect not to have the information disclosed. (E) Use of disclosed information.--A person to which information is disclosed under subparagraph (A)(iv)(I) shall use or disclose the information only as necessary for the purpose of enrolling children in health programs referred to in subparagraph (A)(iv). (7) Free and reduced price policy statement.-- (A) In general.--After the initial submission, a local educational agency shall not be required to submit a free and reduced price policy statement to a State educational agency under this Act unless there is a substantive change in the free and reduced price policy of the local educational agency. (B) Routine change.--A routine change in the policy of a local educational agency (such as an annual adjustment of the income eligibility guidelines for free and reduced price meals) shall not be sufficient cause for requiring the local educational agency to submit a policy statement. (8) Communications.-- (A) In general.--Any communication with a household under this subsection or subsection (d) shall be in an understandable and uniform format and, to the maximum extent practicable, in a language that parents and legal guardians can understand. (B) Electronic availability.--In addition to the distribution of applications and descriptive material in paper form as provided for in this paragraph, the applications and material may be made available electronically via the Internet. (9) Eligibility for free and reduced price lunches.-- (A) Free lunches.--Any child who is a member of a household whose income, at the time the application is submitted, is at an annual rate which does not exceed the applicable family size income level of the income eligibility guidelines for free lunches, as determined under paragraph (1), shall be served a free lunch. (B) Reduced price lunches.-- (i) In general.--Any child who is a member of a household whose income, at the time the application is submitted, is at an annual rate greater than the applicable family size income level of the income eligibility guidelines for free lunches, as determined under paragraph (1), but less than or equal to the applicable family size income level of the income eligibility guidelines for reduced price lunches, as determined under paragraph (1), shall be served a reduced price lunch. (ii) Maximum price.--The price charged for a reduced price lunch shall not exceed 40 cents. (C) Duration.--Except as otherwise specified in paragraph (3)(E), (3)(H)(ii), and section 11(a), eligibility for free or reduced price meals for any school year shall remain in effect-- (i) beginning on the date of eligibility approval for the current school year; and (ii) ending on a date during the subsequent school year determined by the Secretary. (10) No physical segregation of or other discrimination against any child eligible for a free lunch or a reduced price lunch under this subsection shall be made by the school nor shall there be any overt identification of any child by special tokens or tickets, announced or published list of names, or by other means. (11) Any child who has a parent or guardian who (A) is responsible for the principal support of such child and (B) is unemployed shall be served a free or reduced price lunch, respectively, during any period (i) in which such child's parent or guardian continues to be unemployed and (ii) the income of the child's parents or guardians during such period of unemployment falls within the income eligibility criteria for free lunches or reduced price lunches, respectively, based on the current rate of income of such parents or guardians. Local educational agencies shall publicly announce that such children are eligible for free or reduced price lunch, and shall make determinations with respect to the status of any parent or guardian of any child under clauses (A) and (B) of the preceding sentence on the basis of a statement executed in such form as the Secretary may prescribe by such parent or guardian. No physical segregation of, or other discrimination against, any child eligible for a free or reduced price lunch under this paragraph shall be made by the school nor shall there be any overt identification of any such child by special tokens or tickets, announced or published lists of names, or by any other means. (12)(A) A child shall be considered automatically eligible for a free lunch and breakfast under this Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.), respectively, without further application or eligibility determination, if the child is-- (i) a member of a household receiving assistance under the supplemental nutrition assistance program authorized under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.); (ii) a member of a family (under the State program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.)) that the Secretary determines complies with standards established by the Secretary that ensure that the standards under the State program are comparable to or more restrictive than those in effect on June 1, 1995; (iii) enrolled as a participant in a Head Start program authorized under the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.), on the basis of a determination that the child meets the eligibility criteria prescribed under section 645(a)(1)(B) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9840(a)(1)(B)); (iv) a homeless child or youth (defined as 1 of the individuals described in section 725(2) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11434a(2))); (v) served by the runaway and homeless youth grant program established under the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (42 U.S.C. 5701 et seq.); (vi) a migratory child (as defined in section 1309 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6399)); or (vii)(I) a foster child whose care and placement is the responsibility of an agency that administers a State plan under part B or E of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 621 et seq.); or (II) a foster child who a court has placed with a caretaker household. (B) Proof of receipt of supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits or assistance under the State program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) that the Secretary determines complies with standards established by the Secretary that ensure that the standards under the State program are comparable to or more restrictive than those in effect on June 1, 1995, or of enrollment or participation in a Head Start program on the basis described in subparagraph (A)(iii), shall be sufficient to satisfy any verification requirement imposed under this subsection. (13) Exclusion of certain military housing allowances.--The amount of a basic allowance provided under section 403 of title 37, United States Code, on behalf of a member of a uniformed service for housing that is acquired or constructed under subchapter IV of chapter 169 of title 10, United States Code, or any related provision of law, shall not be considered to be income for the purpose of determining the eligibility of a child who is a member of the household of the member of a uniformed service for free or reduced price lunches under this Act. (14) Combat pay.-- (A) Definition of combat pay.--In this paragraph, the term ``combat pay'' means any additional payment under chapter 5 of title 37, United States Code, or otherwise designated by the Secretary to be appropriate for exclusion under this paragraph, that is received by or from a member of the United States Armed Forces deployed to a designated combat zone, if the additional pay-- (i) is the result of deployment to or service in a combat zone; and (ii) was not received immediately prior to serving in a combat zone. (B) Exclusion.--Combat pay shall not be considered to be income for the purpose of determining the eligibility for free or reduced price meals of a child who is a member of the household of a member of the United States Armed Forces. (15) Direct certification for children receiving medicaid benefits.-- (A) Definitions.--In this paragraph: (i) Eligible child.--The term ``eligible child'' means a child-- (I)(aa) who is eligible for and receiving medical assistance under the Medicaid program; and (bb) who is a member of a family with an income as measured by the Medicaid program before the application of any expense, block, or other income disregard, that does not exceed 133 percent of the poverty line (as defined in section 673(2) of the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9902(2), including any revision required by such section)) applicable to a family of the size used for purposes of determining eligibility for the Medicaid program; or (II) who is a member of a household (as that term is defined in section 245.2 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations) with a child described in subclause (I). (ii) Medicaid program.--The term ``Medicaid program'' means the program of medical assistance established under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.). (B) Demonstration project.-- (i) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Food and Nutrition Service and in cooperation with selected State agencies, shall conduct a demonstration project in selected local educational agencies to determine whether direct certification of eligible children is an effective method of certifying children for free lunches and breakfasts under section 9(b)(1)(A) of this Act and section 4(e)(1)(A) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773(e)(1)(A)). (ii) Scope of project.--The Secretary shall carry out the demonstration project under this subparagraph-- (I) for the school year beginning July 1, 2012, in selected local educational agencies that collectively serve 2.5 percent of students certified for free and reduced price meals nationwide, based on the most recent available data; (II) for the school year beginning July 1, 2013, in selected local educational agencies that collectively serve 5 percent of students certified for free and reduced price meals nationwide, based on the most recent available data; and (III) for the school year beginning July 1, 2014, and each subsequent school year, in selected local educational agencies that collectively serve 10 percent of students certified for free and reduced price meals nationwide, based on the most recent available data. (iii) Purposes of the project.--At a minimum, the purposes of the demonstration project shall be-- (I) to determine the potential of direct certification with the Medicaid program to reach children who are eligible for free meals but not certified to receive the meals; (II) to determine the potential of direct certification with the Medicaid program to directly certify children who are enrolled for free meals based on a household application; and (III) to provide an estimate of the effect on Federal costs and on participation in the school lunch program under this Act and the school breakfast program established by section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773) of direct certification with the Medicaid program. (iv) Cost estimate.--For each of 2 school years of the demonstration project, the Secretary shall estimate the cost of the direct certification of eligible children for free school meals through data derived from-- (I) the school meal programs authorized under this Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.); (II) the Medicaid program; and (III) interviews with a statistically representative sample of households. (C) Agreement.-- (i) In general.--Not later than July 1 of the first school year during which a State agency will participate in the demonstration project, the State agency shall enter into an agreement with the 1 or more State agencies conducting eligibility determinations for the Medicaid program. (ii) Without further application.-- Subject to paragraph (6), the agreement described in subparagraph (D) shall establish procedures under which an eligible child shall be certified for free lunches under this Act and free breakfasts under section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773), without further application (as defined in paragraph (4)(G)). (D) Certification.--For the school year beginning on July 1, 2012, and each subsequent school year, subject to paragraph (6), the local educational agencies participating in the demonstration project shall certify an eligible child as eligible for free lunches under this Act and free breakfasts under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.), without further application (as defined in paragraph (4)(G)). (E) Site selection.-- (i) In general.--To be eligible to participate in the demonstration project under this subsection, a State agency shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (ii) Considerations.--In selecting States and local educational agencies for participation in the demonstration project, the Secretary may take into consideration such factors as the Secretary considers to be appropriate, which may include-- (I) the rate of direct certification; (II) the share of individuals who are eligible for benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) who participate in the program, as determined by the Secretary; (III) the income eligibility limit for the Medicaid program; (IV) the feasibility of matching data between local educational agencies and the Medicaid program; (V) the socioeconomic profile of the State or local educational agencies; and (VI) the willingness of the State and local educational agencies to comply with the requirements of the demonstration project. (F) Access to data.--For purposes of conducting the demonstration project under this paragraph, the Secretary shall have access to-- (i) educational and other records of State and local educational and other agencies and institutions receiving funding or providing benefits for 1 or more programs authorized under this Act or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.); and (ii) income and program participation information from public agencies administering the Medicaid program. (G) Report to congress.-- (i) In general.--Not later than October 1, 2014, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate, an interim report that describes the results of the demonstration project required under this paragraph. (ii) Final report.--Not later than October 1, 2015, the Secretary shall submit a final report to the committees described in clause (i). (H) Funding.-- (i) In general.--On October 1, 2010, out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer to the Secretary to carry out subparagraph (G) $5,000,000, to remain available until expended. (ii) Receipt and acceptance.--The Secretary shall be entitled to receive, shall accept, and shall use to carry out subparagraph (G) the funds transferred under clause (i), without further appropriation. (c) School lunch programs under this Act shall be operated on a nonprofit basis. Commodities purchased under the authority of section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935, may be donated by the Secretary to schools, in accordance with the needs as determined by local school authorities, for utilization in the school lunch program under this Act as well as to other schools carrying out nonprofit school lunch programs and institutions authorized to receive such commodities. The requirements of this section relating to the service of meals without cost or at a reduced cost shall apply to the lunch program of any school utilizing commodities donated under any provision of law. (d)(1) The Secretary shall require as a condition of eligibility for receipt of free or reduced price lunches that the member of the household who executes the application furnish the last 4 digits of the social security account number of the parent or guardian who is the primary wage earner responsible for the care of the child for whom the application is made, or that of another appropriate adult member of the child's household, as determined by the Secretary. (2) No member of a household may be provided a free or reduced price lunch under this Act unless-- (A) appropriate documentation relating to the income of such household (as prescribed by the Secretary) has been provided to the appropriate local educational agency so that the local educational agency may calculate the total income of such household; (B) documentation showing that the household is participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 has been provided to the appropriate local educational agency; (C) documentation has been provided to the appropriate local educational agency showing that the family is receiving assistance under the State program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act that the Secretary determines complies with standards established by the Secretary that ensure that the standards under the State program are comparable to or more restrictive than those in effect on June 1, 1995; (D) documentation has been provided to the appropriate local educational agency showing that the child meets the criteria specified in clauses (iv) or (v) of subsection (b)(12)(A); (E) documentation has been provided to the appropriate local educational agency showing the status of the child as a migratory child (as defined in section 1309 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6399)); (F)(i) documentation has been provided to the appropriate local educational agency showing the status of the child as a foster child whose care and placement is the responsibility of an agency that administers a State plan under part B or E of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 621 et seq.); or (ii) documentation has been provided to the appropriate local educational agency showing the status of the child as a foster child who a court has placed with a caretaker household; or (G) documentation has been provided to the appropriate local educational agency showing the status of the child as an eligible child (as defined in subsection (b)(15)(A)). (e) A school or school food authority participating in a program under this Act may not contract with a food service company to provide a la carte food service unless the company agrees to offer free, reduced price, and full-price reimbursable meals to all eligible children. (f) Nutritional Requirements.-- (1) In general.--Schools that are participating in the school lunch program or school breakfast program shall serve lunches and breakfasts that-- (A) are consistent with the goals of the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans published under section 301 of the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5341); and (B) consider the nutrient needs of children who may be at risk for inadequate food intake and food insecurity. (2) To assist schools in meeting the requirements of this subsection, the Secretary-- (A) shall-- (i) develop, and provide to schools, standardized recipes, menu cycles, and food product specification and preparation techniques; and (ii) provide to schools information regarding nutrient standard menu planning, assisted nutrient standard menu planning, and food-based menu systems; and (B) may provide to schools information regarding other approaches, as determined by the Secretary. (3) Use of any reasonable approach.-- (A) In general.--A school food service authority may use any reasonable approach, within guidelines established by the Secretary in a timely manner, to meet the requirements of this subsection, including-- (i) using the school nutrition meal pattern in effect for the 1994-1995 school year; and (ii) using any of the approaches described in paragraph (3). (B) Nutrient analysis.--The Secretary may not require a school to conduct or use a nutrient analysis to meet the requirements of this subsection. (4) Waiver of requirement for weighted averages for nutrient analysis.--During the period ending on September 30, 2010, the Secretary shall not require the use of weighted averages for nutrient analysis of menu items and foods offered or served as part of a meal offered or served under the school lunch program under this Act or the school breakfast program under section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773). (g) Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall provide a notification to Congress that justifies the need for production records required under section 210.10(b) of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, and describes how the Secretary has reduced paperwork relating to the school lunch and school breakfast programs. (h) Food Safety.-- (1) In general.--A school participating in the school lunch program under this Act or the school breakfast program under section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773) shall-- (A) at least twice during each school year, obtain a food safety inspection conducted by a State or local governmental agency responsible for food safety inspections; (B) post in a publicly visible location a report on the most recent inspection conducted under subparagraph (A); and (C) on request, provide a copy of the report to a member of the public. (2) State and local government inspections.--Nothing in paragraph (1) prevents any State or local government from adopting or enforcing any requirement for more frequent food safety inspections of schools. (3) Audits and reports by states.--[For fiscal year 2021] For fiscal year 2022, each State shall annually-- (A) audit food safety inspections of schools conducted under paragraphs (1) and (2); and (B) submit to the Secretary a report of the results of the audit. (4) Audit by the secretary.--[For fiscal year 2021] For fiscal year 2022, the Secretary shall annually audit State reports of food safety inspections of schools submitted under paragraph (3). (5) School food safety program.-- (A) In general.--Each school food authority shall implement a school food safety program, in the preparation and service of each meal served to children, that complies with any hazard analysis and critical control point system established by the Secretary. (B) Applicability.--Subparagraph (A) shall apply to any facility or part of a facility in which food is stored, prepared, or served for the purposes of the school nutrition programs under this Act or section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773). (i) Single Permanent Agreement Between State Agency and School Food Authority; Common Claims Form.-- (1) In general.--If a single State agency administers any combination of the school lunch program under this Act, the school breakfast program under section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773), the summer food service program for children under section 13 of this Act, or the child and adult care food program under section 17 of this Act, the agency shall-- (A) require each school food authority to submit to the State agency a single agreement with respect to the operation by the authority of the programs administered by the State agency; and (B) use a common claims form with respect to meals and supplements served under the programs administered by the State agency. (2) Additional requirement.--The agreement described in paragraph (1)(A) shall be a permanent agreement that may be amended as necessary. (j) Purchases of Locally Produced Foods.--The Secretary shall-- (1) encourage institutions receiving funds under this Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.) to purchase unprocessed agricultural products, both locally grown and locally raised, to the maximum extent practicable and appropriate; (2) advise institutions participating in a program described in paragraph (1) of the policy described in that paragraph and paragraph (3) and post information concerning the policy on the website maintained by the Secretary; and (3) allow institutions receiving funds under this Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.), including the Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, to use a geographic preference for the procurement of unprocessed agricultural products, both locally grown and locally raised. (k) Information on the School Nutrition Environment.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall-- (A) establish requirements for local educational agencies participating in the school lunch program under this Act and the school breakfast program established by section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773) to report information about the school nutrition environment, for all schools under the jurisdiction of the local educational agencies, to the Secretary and to the public in the State on a periodic basis; and (B) provide training and technical assistance to States and local educational agencies on the assessment and reporting of the school nutrition environment, including the use of any assessment materials developed by the Secretary. (2) Requirements.--In establishing the requirements for reporting on the school nutrition environment under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall-- (A) include information pertaining to food safety inspections, local wellness policies, meal program participation, the nutritional quality of program meals, and other information as determined by the Secretary; and (B) ensure that information is made available to the public by local educational agencies in an accessible, easily understood manner in accordance with guidelines established by the Secretary. (3) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2015. (l) Food Donation Program.-- (1) In general.--Each school and local educational agency participating in the school lunch program under this Act may donate any food not consumed under such program to eligible local food banks or charitable organizations. (2) Guidance.-- (A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall develop and publish guidance to schools and local educational agencies participating in the school lunch program under this Act to assist such schools and local educational agencies in donating food under this subsection. (B) Updates.--The Secretary shall update such guidance as necessary. (3) Liability.--Any school or local educational agency making donations pursuant to this subsection shall be exempt from civil and criminal liability to the extent provided under the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act (42 U.S.C. 1791). (4) Definition.--In this subsection, the term ``eligible local food banks or charitable organizations'' means any food bank or charitable organization which is exempt from tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3)). * * * * * * * SEC. 26. INFORMATION CLEARINGHOUSE. (a) In General.--The Secretary shall enter into a contract with a nongovernmental organization described in subsection (b) to establish and maintain a clearinghouse to provide information to nongovernmental groups located throughout the United States that assist low-income individuals or communities regarding food assistance, self-help activities to aid individuals in becoming self-reliant, and other activities that empower low-income individuals or communities to improve the lives of low-income individuals and reduce reliance on Federal, State, or local governmental agencies for food or other assistance. (b) Nongovernmental Organization.--The nongovernmental organization referred to in subsection (a) shall be selected on a competitive basis and shall-- (1) be experienced in the gathering of first-hand information in all the States through onsite visits to grassroots organizations in each State that fight hunger and poverty or that assist individuals in becoming self-reliant; (2) be experienced in the establishment of a clearinghouse similar to the clearinghouse described in subsection (a); (3) agree to contribute in-kind resources towards the establishment and maintenance of the clearinghouse and agree to provide clearinghouse information, free of charge, to the Secretary, States, counties, cities, antihunger groups, and grassroots organizations that assist individuals in becoming self-sufficient and self-reliant; (4) be sponsored by an organization, or be an organization, that-- (A) has helped combat hunger for at least 10 years; (B) is committed to reinvesting in the United States; and (C) is knowledgeable regarding Federal nutrition programs; (5) be experienced in communicating the purpose of the clearinghouse through the media, including the radio and print media, and be able to provide access to the clearinghouse information through computer or telecommunications technology, as well as through the mails; and (6) be able to provide examples, advice, and guidance to States, counties, cities, communities, antihunger groups, and local organizations regarding means of assisting individuals and communities to reduce reliance on government programs, reduce hunger, improve nutrition, and otherwise assist low-income individuals and communities become more self-sufficient. (c) Audits.--The Secretary shall establish fair and reasonable auditing procedures regarding the expenditures of funds to carry out this section. (d) Funding.--Out of any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the Treasury shall pay to the Secretary to provide to the organization selected under this section, to establish and maintain the information clearinghouse, $200,000 for each of fiscal years 1995 and 1996, $150,000 for fiscal year 1997, $100,000 for fiscal year 1998, $166,000 for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2004, and $250,000 for each of fiscal years [2010 through 2022] 2010 through 2023. The Secretary shall be entitled to receive the funds and shall accept the funds, without further appropriation. * * * * * * * ---------- AGRICULTURE IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2018 * * * * * * * TITLE VII--RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND RELATED MATTERS * * * * * * * Subtitle F--Other Matters * * * * * * * 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.''; (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 [January 1, 2022] January 1, 2023, section 7606 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 5940) is repealed. * * * * * * * ---------- SECTION 788 OF THE FURTHER CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020 Sec. 788. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service shall, notwithstanding any other provision of law: (a) within 60 calendar days, restore on its website the searchable database and its contents that were available on January 30, 2017, and all content generated since that date; and (b) hereafter, make publicly available via searchable database, in their entirety without redactions except signatures, the following records after enactment of this Act for a subsequent period of three years: [(1) all final Animal Welfare Act inspection reports, including all reports documenting all Animal Welfare Act non-compliances observed by USDA officials and all animal inventories; [(2) all final Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act enforcement records; [(3) all reports or other materials documenting any non-compliances observed by USDA officials; and] (1) all final Animal Welfare Act inspection reports, including all reports documenting all Animal Welfare Act violations and non-compliances observed by USDA officials and all animal inventories for the current year and preceding three years; (2) all final Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act enforcement records for the current year and the preceding three years; (3) all reports or other materials documenting any violations and non-compliances observed by USDA officials for the current year and preceding three years; and (4) within six months of receipt by the agency, all final Animal Welfare Act research facility annual reports, including their attachments with appropriate redactions made for confidential business information that USDA could withhold under FOIA Exemption 4. BUDGETARY IMPACT OF THE FY 2022 AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS BILL PREPARED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE PURSUANT TO SEC. 308(A), PUBLIC LAW 93-344, AS AMENDED [In millions of dollars] COMPARISON WITH BUDGET RESOLUTION Section 308(a)(1)(A) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 requires the report accompanying a bill providing new budget authority to contain a statement comparing the levels in the bill to the suballocations submitted under section 302(b) of the Act for the most recently agreed to concurrent resolution on the budget for the applicable fiscal year. [In millions of dollars] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 302(b) Allocation This Bill --------------------------------------------------------------- Budget Budget Authority Outlays Authority Outlays ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Comparison of amounts in the bill with Committee allocations to its subcommittees: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Discretionary............................... 26,550 26,000 26,550 \1\25,428 Mandatory................................... 150,271 137,918 150,271 \1\137,918 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\Includes outlays from prior-year budget authority. NOTE.--The amounts in this report do not include $50 million in discretionary budget authority and $66 million in associated outlays provided for the purposes specified in the 21st Century Cures Act (Public Law 114-255). Pursuant to title I of that act, such funding does not count for the purposes of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. FIVE-YEAR OUTLAY PROJECTIONS In compliance with section 308(a)(1)(B) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the following table contains five-year projections associated with the budget authority provided in the accompanying bill. [In millions of dollars] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Outlays ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Projection of outlays associated with the recommendation: 2022.................................................... ........... ........... ........... \1\140,844 2023.................................................... ........... ........... ........... 7,353 2024.................................................... ........... ........... ........... 1,753 2025.................................................... ........... ........... ........... 945 2026 and future years................................... ........... ........... ........... 902 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS In accordance with section 308(a)(1)(C) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the Congressional Budget Office has provided the following estimates of new budget authority and outlays provided by the accompanying bill for financial assistance to State and local governments. [In millions of dollars] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Budget Authority Outlays ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Financial assistance to State and 48,800 \1\34,685 local governments for 2022....... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ \1\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority. [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT] MINORITY VIEWS We appreciate the collegial and collaborative efforts of Agriculture Subcommittee Chairman Sanford Bishop and the Full Committee Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro in producing this Agriculture appropriations bill that addresses critical priorities of Members on both sides of the aisle. The bill includes several bipartisan priorities that support investments for rural high- speed internet, water and wastewater infrastructure in our rural communities, and critical agricultural research, including the Farm of the Future initiative. We generally agree with the Majority on funding provided for a number of other programs and initiatives in this bill. Unfortunately, due to concerns about unsustainable government-wide spending levels and a number of controversial policy provisions, we are unable to support the bill as written at this time. The bill provides $26,550,000,000 in new discretionary budget authority for fiscal year 2022. This record high spending level for the bill is $2,851,000,000, or 12 percent above the comparable fiscal year 2021 enacted level. There are also several controversial policy changes included in the bill such as allowing new and unauthorized bill language granting unlimited spending in the fourth quarter of the year for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP and formerly Food Stamps). This type of major policy change in a mandatory spending program falls under the jurisdiction of the Agriculture Committee and so the decision to make such a change should wait for the next Farm Bill deliberations. Unfortunately, the Majority rejected several Republican amendments offered in the Committee. If passed, these amendments would have improved the bill. One amendment would have disallowed USDA employees from being detailed to the southern border to help manage the flow of illegal immigrants. We find it highly counterproductive for the Department to recruit employees from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the agency taking a lead on many climate change related initiatives championed by the Majority, to try to help with the crisis of caring for illegal immigrants at the Southern border. USDA's move is especially troubling when USDA's own fiscal year 2022 budget request notes that NRCS is working on new information technology systems in order ``[t]o address the growing disparity between workload and staffing. . .''. An agency that currently cannot keep up with workload demands should not divert staff away from critical conservation services to the American farmer. Another amendment offered and accepted by the Majority relates to withdrawing line speed waivers during the COVID-19 emergency. The Majority's continued attack on this modernized inspection system and its link to COVID-19 is puzzling. The language in this bill gives the appearance of protecting worker safety, yet the bill language only affects a very small fraction of the meat and poultry inspection plants and it could negatively impact food supply chains while the Nation is still in a pandemic. In 2014, when the current Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack was serving in the Obama Administration, he made the following remarks when he launched the new line speed waiver program: ``The United States has been relying on a poultry inspection model that dates back to 1957, while rates of foodborne illness due to Salmonella and Campylobacter remain stubbornly high. The system we are announcing today imposes stricter requirements on the poultry industry and places our trained inspectors where they can better ensure food is being processed safely. These improvements make use of sound science to modernize food safety procedures and prevent thousands of illnesses each year.'' USDA can protect its workers in these impacted plants without having to revert back to an antiquated inspection model that provides less benefit to the public's safety. While we have several concerns with the bill at this stage in the process, we are hopeful that, at some point in the near future, we will be able to reach a bipartisan and bicameral agreement on spending and eliminate controversial policy changes. We are confident that as this process moves forward, we can continue working together to find bipartisan agreement on the items that matter most. Kay Granger. Jeff Fortenberry. [all]