[Senate Report 113-46]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
Calendar No. 100
113th Congress Report
SENATE
1st Session 113-46
======================================================================
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND
RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2014
_______
June 27, 2013.--Ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Pryor, from the Committee on Appropriations,
submitted the following
REPORT
[To accompany S. 1244]
The Committee on Appropriations reports the bill (S. 1244)
making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food
and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, and for other purposes,
reports favorably thereon and recommends that the bill do pass.
New obligational authority
Total of bill as reported to the Senate.................$143,091,415,000
Amount of 2013 appropriations\1\........................ 139,686,441,000
Amount of 2014 budget estimate.......................... 141,812,619,000
Bill as recommended to Senate compared to--
2013 appropriations................................. +3,404,974,000
2014 budget estimate................................ +1,278,796,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
CONTENTS
----------
Page
Breakdown by Title............................................... 4
Overview and Summary of the Bill................................. 5
Reports to Congress.............................................. 6
Title I:
Agricultural Programs:
Production, Processing, and Marketing:
Office of the Secretary.............................. 7
Executive Operations................................. 9
Office of the Chief Information Officer.............. 10
Office of the Chief Financial Officer................ 11
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights... 11
Office of Civil Rights............................... 12
Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and Rental
Payments........................................... 12
Hazardous Materials Management....................... 13
Office of Inspector General.......................... 13
Office of the General Counsel........................ 14
Office of the Under Secretary for Research,
Education, and Economics........................... 14
Economic Research Service............................ 15
National Agricultural Statistics Service............. 15
Agricultural Research Service........................ 16
National Institute of Food and Agriculture........... 20
Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and
Regulatory Programs................................ 27
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service........... 28
Agricultural Marketing Service....................... 33
Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards
Administration..................................... 36
Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety........ 37
Food Safety and Inspection Service................... 37
Office of the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign
Agricultural Services.............................. 38
Farm Service Agency.................................. 39
Risk Management Agency............................... 42
Corporations:
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund.............. 43
Commodity Credit Corporation Fund.................... 44
Title II:
Conservation Programs:
Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and
Environment............................................ 46
Natural Resources Conservation Service................... 46
Title III:
Rural Development Programs:
Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development...... 48
Rural Housing Service.................................... 49
Rural Community Facilities Program Account............... 54
Rural Business--Cooperative Service...................... 55
Rural Utilities Service.................................. 60
Title IV:
Domestic Food Programs:
Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and
Consumer Services...................................... 64
Food and Nutrition Service............................... 64
Title V: Foreign Assistance and Related Programs: Foreign
Agricultural Service........................................... 72
Title VI:
Related Agency and Food and Drug Administration:
Department of Health and Human Services: Food and Drug
Administration......................................... 76
Independent Agency: Farm Credit Administration........... 84
Title VII: General Provisions.................................... 86
Program, Project, and Activity................................... 88
Compliance With Paragraph 7, Rule XVI of the Standing Rules of
the
Senate......................................................... 88
Compliance With Paragraph 7(c), Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules
of the Senate.................................................. 89
Compliance With Paragraph 12, Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of
the
Senate......................................................... 90
Budgetary Impact of Bill......................................... 90
Comparative Statement of Budget Authority........................ 91
BREAKDOWN BY TITLE
The amounts of obligational authority for each of the seven
titles are shown in the following table. A detailed tabulation,
showing comparisons, appears at the end of this report.
Recommendations for individual appropriation items, projects
and activities are carried in this report under the appropriate
item headings.
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2014 Committee
2013\1\ recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title I: Agricultural programs.... 28,316,213 29,962,501
Title II: Conservation programs... 823,666 819,274
Title III: Rural economic and 2,212,962 2,294,844
community development programs...
Title IV: Domestic food programs.. 104,448,977 106,359,865
Title V: Foreign assistance and 1,798,216 1,839,430
related programs.................
Title VI: Related agencies and 2,461,304 2,562,905
Food and Drug Administration.....
Title VII: General provisions..... -598,897 -747,404
Other appropriations.............. 224,000 .................
-------------------------------------
Total, new budget 139,686,441 143,091,415
(obligational) authority...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY OF THE BILL
The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug
Administration, and Related Agencies appropriations bill
provides funding for a wide array of Federal programs, mostly
in the U.S. Department of Agriculture [USDA]. These programs
include agricultural research, education, and extension
activities; natural resources conservation programs; farm
income and support programs; marketing and inspection
activities; domestic food assistance programs; rural housing,
economic and community development, and telecommunication and
electrification assistance; and various export and
international activities of the USDA.
The bill also provides funding for the Food and Drug
Administration [FDA] and allows the use of collected fees for
administrative expenses of the Farm Credit Administration
[FCA].
The discretionary programs and activities of USDA and FDA
that are supported by this bill include high priority
responsibilities entrusted to the Federal Government and its
partners to protect human health and safety, contribute to
economic recovery, and achieve policy objectives strongly
supported by the American people. The ability to provide for
these measures is made difficult by growing pressure on
available levels of discretionary spending as a consequence of
the overall public debate on Federal spending, revenues, and
size of the Federal debt.
Too often, the USDA programs funded by this bill are
confused with farm subsidies and other mandatory spending more
properly associated with multi-year farm bills. In contrast,
this bill provides annual funding for programs familiar to all
Americans such as protecting food safety through the Food
Safety and Inspection Service and the Food and Drug
Administration, which also plays a vital role in maintaining
the safety of the Nation's blood supply and availability of
safe and effective medical products and other components of our
health system. This bill also provides funding to fight against
the introduction and spread of noxious or infectious and often
invasive pests and disease that threaten our plant and animal
health environments, as well as funding for many other missions
of dire importance to the American people.
In the context of overall pressures on spending and the
competing priorities that the Committee faces, this bill as
reported provides the proper amount of emphasis on
agricultural, rural development, and other programs and
activities funded by the bill. It is consistent with the
subcommittee's allocation for fiscal year 2014.
All accounts in the bill have been closely examined to
ensure that an appropriate level of funding is provided to
carry out the programs of USDA, FDA, and FCA. Details on each
of the accounts, the funding level, and the Committee's
justifications for the funding levels are included in the
report.
REPORTS TO CONGRESS
The Committee has, throughout this report, requested
agencies to provide studies and reports on various issues. The
Committee utilizes these reports to evaluate program
performance and make decisions on future appropriations. The
Committee directs that all studies and reports be provided to
the Committee as electronic documents in an agreed upon format
within 120 days after the date of enactment, unless an
alternative submission schedule is specifically stated in the
report request.
TITLE I
AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS
Production, Processing, and Marketing
Office of the Secretary
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $45,131,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 44,148,000
Committee recommendation................................ 44,148,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The Secretary of Agriculture, assisted by the Deputy
Secretary, Under Secretaries and Assistant Secretaries, Chief
Information Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and members of
their immediate staffs, directs and coordinates the work of the
Department. This includes developing policy, maintaining
relationships with agricultural organizations and others in the
development of farm programs, and maintaining liaison with the
Executive Office of the President and Members of Congress on
all matters pertaining to agricultural policy.
The general authority of the Secretary to supervise and
control the work of the Department is contained in the Organic
Act (7 U.S.C. 2201-2202). The delegation of regulatory
functions to Department employees and authorization of
appropriations to carry out these functions is contained in 7
U.S.C. 450c-450g.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $44,148,000
for the Office of the Secretary. The Committee recommendation
includes the following accounts under the Office of the
Secretary: Office of the Secretary; Office of Tribal Relations;
Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Coordination; Office
of Advocacy and Outreach; Office of the Assistant Secretary for
Administration; Departmental Administration; Office of
Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations; and Office of
Communications. The following table reflects the amount
provided by the Committee for each office and activity:
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2014 budget Committee
2013 enacted request recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of the Secretary...................................... 4,914 5,086 5,086
Office of Tribal Relations................................... 485 502 502
Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Coordination....... 1,455 1,507 1,507
Office of Advocacy and Outreach.............................. 1,383 1,217 1,217
Office of Assistant Secretary for Administration............. 782 809 809
Departmental Administration.................................. 23,586 22,993 22,993
Office of Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations.... 3,764 3,897 3,897
Office of Communications..................................... 8,762 8,137 8,137
--------------------------------------------------
Total.................................................. 45,131 44,148 44,148
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Animal Fighting.--The Committee is very concerned about
reports of illegal animal fighting activities and directs the
Secretary to work with relevant agencies on the most effective
and proper means for investigating and enforcing laws and
regulations regarding these activities.
Loan Servicing Center of Excellence.--In order to leverage
existing capacity and expertise within the Department, the
Secretary is directed to explore the creation of a Center of
Excellence for loan servicing support functions in order to
provide consolidated customer service, field office support,
and centralized loan services to USDA agencies and other
Federal agencies. The Secretary shall consult with employee
representatives and management in the Farm Service Agency Farm
Loan Information Technology, Accounting, and Finance Office
loan servicing support functions; the Rural Development Deputy
Chief Financial Officer and Deputy Chief Information Officer
functions; and the Rural Housing Centralized Servicing Center.
Open Access to Federal Research.--The Committee is
concerned that despite significant Federal investments in
scientific research, public access to the published results of
this taxpayer-funded research is limited. Improved access to
cutting-edge research will help individuals and commercial
enterprises more rapidly translate these research results into
new products and services. The Committee directs the Department
of Agriculture to adopt a Federal research public access policy
that is consistent with and advances the purposes of the
Federal agency. To the extent practicable, the Department's
public access policy shall follow common procedures for the
collection and depositing of research papers; shall provide for
submission and free online public access to an electronic
version of the original research papers that have been accepted
for publication in peer-reviewed journals and that result from
research supported, in whole or in part, from funding by the
Department's appropriations; shall provide for the long-term
preservation of, and free public access to published research
findings, no later than 12 months after publication in peer-
reviewed journals; and shall provide that these research papers
are archived in formats and under terms that enable productive
reuse, including computational analysis by state-of-the-art
technologies. The Department shall report to the Committee on
Appropriations and the appropriate authorizing committees
within 60 days of enactment of this Act regarding the
appropriate efforts to adopt this Federal research public
access policy.
Executive Operations
Executive operations were established as a result of the
reorganization of the Department to provide a support team for
USDA policy officials and selected department-wide services.
Activities under the executive operations include the Office of
the Chief Economist, the National Appeals Division, and the
Office of Budget and Program Analysis.
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ECONOMIST
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $15,575,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 12,854,000
Committee recommendation................................ 16,854,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The Office of the Chief Economist advises the Secretary of
Agriculture on the economic implications of Department policies
and programs. The Office serves as the single focal point for
the Nation's economic intelligence and analysis, risk
assessment, and cost-benefit analysis related to domestic and
international food and agriculture issues, provides policy
direction for renewable energy development, conducts analyses
of climate change impacts on agriculture and forestry, and is
responsible for coordination and review of all commodity and
aggregate agricultural and food-related data used to develop
outlook and situation material within the Department.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $16,854,000
for the Office of the Chief Economist.
Policy Research.--The Committee recommendation includes
$4,000,000 for policy research under 7 U.S.C. 3155 for entities
with existing institutional capacity to conduct complex
economic and policy analysis and a lengthy and well-documented
record of conducting policy analysis for the benefit of the
Department of Agriculture, the Congressional Budget Office, or
the Congress. To maximize resources, the Committee expects the
Department to focus efforts on entities that have developed
models, databases, and staff necessary to conduct in-depth
analysis of impacts of agriculture or rural development policy
proposals on rural communities, farmers, agribusiness,
taxpayers, and consumers.
NATIONAL APPEALS DIVISION
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $13,840,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 12,940,000
Committee recommendation................................ 12,940,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The National Appeals Division conducts administrative
hearings and reviews of adverse program decisions made by the
Rural Development mission area, the Farm Service Agency, the
Risk Management Agency, and the Natural Resources Conservation
Service.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $12,940,000
for the National Appeals Division.
OFFICE OF BUDGET AND PROGRAM ANALYSIS
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $8,804,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 11,129,000
Committee recommendation................................ 9,129,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The Office of Budget and Program Analysis provides
direction and administration of the Department's budgetary
functions including development, presentation, and execution of
the budget; reviews program and legislative proposals for
program, budget, and related implications; analyzes program and
resource issues and alternatives, and prepares summaries of
pertinent data to aid the Secretary and departmental policy
officials and agency program managers in the decisionmaking
process; and provides departmentwide coordination for and
participation in the presentation of budget-related matters to
the committees of the Congress, the media, and interested
public. The Office also provides department-wide coordination
of the preparation and processing of regulations and
legislative programs and reports.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $9,129,000 for
the Office of Budget and Program Analysis. The Committee does
not recommend an appropriation to establish the position of
Chief Evaluation Officer.
Office of the Chief Information Officer
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $42,839,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 44,159,000
Committee recommendation................................ 44,159,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The Office of the Chief Information Officer was established
in August 1996 (40 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.), pursuant to the
Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996, which required the establishment of
a Chief Information Officer for major Federal agencies. This
Office provides policy guidance, leadership, coordination, and
direction to the Department's information management and
information technology investment activities in support of USDA
program delivery, and is the lead office in USDA e-gov efforts.
The Office provides long-range planning guidance, implements
measures to ensure that technology investments are economical
and effective, coordinates interagency information resources
management projects, and implements standards to promote
information exchange and technical interoperability. In
addition, the Office of the Chief Information Officer is
responsible for certain activities financed under the
Department's Working Capital Fund (7 U.S.C. 2235). The Office
also provides telecommunication and automated data processing
[ADP] services to USDA agencies through the National
Information Technology Center with locations in Fort Collins,
Colorado, Kansas City, Missouri and Washington, DC. Direct ADP
operational services are also provided to the Office of the
Secretary, the Office of the General Counsel, the Office of
Communications, the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, and
Departmental Management.
On November 28, 2004, the information technology staffs of
the Service Center Agencies [SCA] were converged into one IT
organization within the office of the Chief Information
Officer; this converged organization is named Information
Technology Services and replaces a network of cross-agency
teams used to coordinate IT infrastructure investment within
the SCA and allows for unified management of the IT
infrastructure.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $44,159,000
for the Office of the Chief Information Officer. This amount
includes not less than $28,000,000 to support cybersecurity
requirements of the Department.
Office of the Chief Financial Officer
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $6,078,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 6,243,000
Committee recommendation................................ 6,243,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The Office of the Chief Financial Officer is responsible
for the dual roles of Chief Financial Management Policy Officer
and Chief Financial Management Advisor to the Secretary and
mission area heads. The Office provides leadership for all
financial management, accounting, travel, Federal assistance,
and strategic planning performance measurement activities
within the Department. The Office is also responsible for the
management and operation of the National Finance Center and the
Departmental Working Capital Fund.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $6,243,000 for
the Office of the Chief Financial Officer.
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $869,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 898,000
Committee recommendation................................ 898,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
provides oversight of civil rights and related functions. This
includes coordination of the administration of civil rights
laws and regulations for employees of the Department of
Agriculture and participants in programs of the Department, and
ensuring compliance with civil rights laws.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $898,000 for
the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights.
Office of Civil Rights
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $22,078,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 21,550,000
Committee recommendation................................ 21,550,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The Office of Civil Rights provides overall leadership
responsibility for all department-wide civil rights activities.
These activities include employment opportunity as well as
program nondiscrimination policy development, analysis,
coordination, and compliance. The Office is responsible for
providing leadership in facilitating the fair and equitable
treatment of USDA employees, and for monitoring program
activities to ensure that all USDA programs are delivered in a
nondiscriminatory manner. The Office's outreach functions
provide leadership, coordination, facilitation, and expertise
to internal and external partners to ensure equal and timely
access to USDA programs for all constituents, with emphasis on
the underserved, through information sharing, technical
assistance, and training.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $21,550,000
for the Office of Civil Rights.
Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and Rental Payments
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $263,988,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 233,095,000
Committee recommendation................................ 233,095,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
Department headquarters presently operates in a two-
building, Government-owned complex in downtown Washington, DC,
the George Washington Carver Center in Beltsville, Maryland,
and in leased buildings in the metropolitan Washington, DC,
area. Annual appropriations finance payments to the General
Services Administration [GSA] for leased space and related
payments are made to the Department of Homeland Security for
perimeter security services at USDA occupied space. Under this
arrangement USDA operates, maintains, and repairs the D.C.
complex buildings, in lieu of rental payments for the two-
building D.C. complex and the George Washington Carver Center.
GSA charges commercial rent rates pursuant to the Public
Buildings Amendments of 1972, and agencies may review rate
procedures and exercise rights to appeal. For the last several
years the Department has implemented a strategic space plan to
locate staff more efficiently, renovate its buildings, and
eliminate safety hazards, particularly in the Agriculture South
Building.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $233,095,000
for Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and Rental Payments.
The following table reflects the Committee's specific
recommendations for this account as compared to the fiscal year
2013 and budget request levels:
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2014 budget Committee
2013 enacted request recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rental payments................................................. 170,936 164,470 164,470
DHS building security........................................... 13,108 13,800 13,800
Building operations/repairs and renovation...................... 79,944 54,825 54,825
-----------------------------------------------
Total..................................................... 263,988 233,095 233,095
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hazardous Materials Management
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $3,884,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 3,600,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,600,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act and the Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act, the Department has the responsibility to meet
the same standards regarding the storage and disposition of
hazardous materials as private businesses. The Department is
required to contain, cleanup, monitor, and inspect for
hazardous materials in areas under the Department's
jurisdiction.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,600,000 for
Hazardous Materials Management.
Office of Inspector General
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $86,605,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 89,902,000
Committee recommendation................................ 89,902,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The Office of Inspector General [OIG] was established
October 12, 1978, by the Inspector General Act of 1978 (Public
Law 95-452). This act expanded and provided specific
authorities for the activities of OIG which had previously been
carried out under the general authorities of the Secretary of
Agriculture.
The Office is administered by an inspector general who
reports directly to the Secretary of Agriculture. Functions and
responsibilities of this Office include direction and control
of audit and investigative activities within the Department,
formulation of audit and investigative policies and procedures
regarding Department programs and operations, and analysis and
coordination of program-related audit and investigation
activities performed by other Department agencies.
The activities of this Office are designed to assure
compliance with existing laws, policies, regulations, and
programs of the Department's agencies, and to provide
appropriate officials with the means for prompt corrective
action where deviations have occurred. The scope of audit and
investigative activities is large and includes administrative,
program, and criminal matters. These activities are
coordinated, when appropriate, with various audit and
investigative agencies of the executive and legislative
branches of the Government.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $89,902,000
for the Office of Inspector General. In addition, the
recommendation includes funding for OIG to address violations
of section 26 of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2156) and to
coordinate with State and local law enforcement personnel in
this effort.
Office of the General Counsel
Appropriations, 2013\1\\2\.............................. $43,853,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 45,014,000
Committee recommendation................................ 47,304,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
\2\This amount does not include $3,313,000 for the Office of Ethics.
The Office of the General Counsel provides all legal
advice, counsel, and services to the Secretary and to all
agencies, offices, and corporations of the Department. The
Office represents the Department in administrative proceedings;
nonlitigation debt collection proceedings; State water rights
adjudications; proceedings before the Environmental Protection
Agency, Interstate Commerce Commission, Federal Maritime
Administration, and International Trade Commission; and, in
conjunction with the Department of Justice, in judicial
proceedings and litigation.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $47,304,000
for the Office of the General Counsel. Included in this amount
is $3,451,000 for the Office of Ethics.
Office of the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $869,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 898,000
Committee recommendation................................ 898,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The Office of the Under Secretary for Research, Education,
and Economics provides direction and coordination in carrying
out the laws enacted by the Congress for food and agricultural
research, education, extension, and economic and statistical
information. The Office has oversight and management
responsibilities for the Agricultural Research Service;
National Institute of Food and Agriculture; Economic Research
Service; and National Agricultural Statistics Service.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $898,000 for
the Office of the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and
Economics.
Colony Collapse Disorder.--The Committee recognizes that
Colony Collapse Disorder [CCD] has caused serious harm to bee
colonies across the United States since at least 2005, causing
the death of up to 90 percent of the bee colonies in affected
apiaries. Failure to find a solution to CCD may prevent
beekeepers from being able to meet increasing demand for
pollination services for crops that rely on managed
pollination. The Committee directs the Secretary to utilize
research resources to aggressively investigate the causes of
and solutions to CCD, including by prioritizing extension
grants to universities that have demonstrated particular
promise in conducting such research.
Economic Research Service
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $75,301,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 78,506,000
Committee recommendation................................ 78,506,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The Economic Research Service [ERS] provides economic and
other social science research and analysis for public and
private decisions on agriculture, food, the environment, and
rural America. The information that ERS produces is for use by
the general public and to help the executive and legislative
branches develop, administer, and evaluate agricultural and
rural policies and programs.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $78,506,000
for the Economic Research Service.
Honey Bee Research.--The Committee directs the Economic
Research Service, in consultation where appropriate with
commercial beekeepers, to report to Congress on the economic
value of honey bees within 180 days of enactment of this act.
The report should consider all appropriate direct and indirect
economic benefits, including the retail values of honey
produced and crops pollinated, as well as identify whether
sufficient data exists on crop yield increases resulting from
honey bee pollination.
Organic Data Analysis.--The Committee encourages ERS to
continue all ongoing efforts relating to organic data analysis.
National Agricultural Statistics Service
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $174,617,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 159,601,000
Committee recommendation................................ 162,133,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The National Agricultural Statistics Service [NASS]
administers the Department's program of collecting and
publishing current national, State, and county agricultural
statistics. These statistics provide accurate and timely
projections of current agricultural production and measures of
the economic and environmental welfare of the agricultural
sector which are essential for making effective policy,
production, and marketing decisions. NASS also furnishes
statistical services to other USDA and Federal agencies in
support of their missions, and provides consulting, technical
assistance, and training to developing countries.
NASS is also responsible for administration of the Census
of Agriculture, which is taken every 5 years and provides
comprehensive data on the agricultural economy including: data
on the number of farms, land use, production expenses, farm
product values, value of land and buildings, farm size and
characteristics of farm operators, market value of agricultural
production sold, acreage of major crops, inventory of livestock
and poultry, and farm irrigation practices.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $162,133,000
for the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Included in
this amount is $44,545,000 for the Census of Agriculture.
Chemical Use Data Series.--The Committee believes that the
Chemical Use Data Series provides timely, valuable information
on fertilizer and chemical use data and major field crops and
selected specialty crops. The Committee encourages the National
Agricultural Statistics Service to continue funding the
collection and analysis of chemical use data as well as
practices such as integrated pest management. The Committee
also encourages the National Agricultural Statistics Service to
resume collecting Fruit Chemical Use data and Vegetable
Chemical Use data in alternating years.
Organic Production Survey.--In 2008, NASS conducted the
first-ever comprehensive Organic Production Survey as a follow-
on survey to the 2007 Census of Agriculture. Published in
February 2010, the survey has provided information vital to the
organic sector's growth. The Committee believes the Organic
Production Survey should be conducted on a regular basis to
properly assess the characteristics, trends, and changes in the
sector, and recommends an increase of $2,250,000 within the
Census of Agriculture for an Organic Production Survey.
Suspended or Eliminated Reports.--The Committee is aware
that NASS has suspended or eliminated a number of reports since
fiscal year 2012 due to budgetary constraints, and has been
unable to carry out four Current Industrial Reports formerly
compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau. The funded level provided
will allow NASS to resume or begin compilation of these reports
at the frequency levels assumed in fiscal year 2012, and NASS
is directed to resume all of these reports immediately upon
enactment of this act.
Agricultural Research Service
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $1,072,015,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 1,124,003,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,123,150,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The Agricultural Research Service [ARS] is responsible for
conducting basic, applied, and developmental research through
its major program areas of New Products/Product Quality/Value
Added; Livestock/Crop Production; Food Safety; Livestock/Crop
Protection; Human Nutrition; and Environmental Stewardship. The
research applies to a wide range of goals; commodities; natural
resources; fields of science; and geographic, climatic, and
environmental conditions.
ARS is also responsible for the Abraham Lincoln National
Agricultural Library which provides agricultural information
and library services through traditional library functions and
modern electronic dissemination to agencies of the USDA, public
and private organizations, and individuals.
As the USDA's in-house agricultural research unit, ARS has
major responsibilities for conducting and leading the national
agricultural research effort. It provides initiative and
leadership in five areas: research on broad regional and
national problems, research to support Federal action and
regulatory agencies, expertise to meet national emergencies,
research support for international programs, and scientific
resources to the executive branch and Congress.
The mission of ARS research is to develop and transfer
solutions to agricultural problems of high national priority
and provide information access and dissemination to ensure
high-quality, safe food and other agricultural products; assess
the nutritional needs of Americans; sustain a competitive
agricultural economy; enhance the natural resource base and the
environment; and provide economic opportunities for rural
citizens, communities, and society as a whole.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,123,150,000
for salaries and expenses of the Agricultural Research Service.
The Committee does not concur with the President's budget
request regarding the termination of extramural research,
reallocation of funds, or closure of six research locations.
The Committee expects extramural research to be funded without
the reductions assessed in fiscal years 2012 and 2013.
Aerial Application Research.--The Committee recognizes the
importance of ARS Aerial Application Technology Program. The
program conducts innovative research making aerial applications
more efficient, effective and precise. Research for aerial
application serves the public good as a vital tool for the
future, as agriculture strives to meet the food, fiber, and
bio-energy demands of a growing population.
Agroforestry.--Agroforestry can provide on-farm financial
and environmental benefits while also addressing the regional
and national-scale issues of clean water, wildlife habitat, and
hypoxia. Agroforesters manage trees with crops, livestock, and
pasture to combine the best of both agriculture and forestry.
Recognizing the importance of agroforestry to farm practices
and the environment, the Committee recommendation includes
$1,500,000 to develop integrated strategies to manage
multifunctional agricultural landscapes that combine trees with
agricultural and horticultural crops, forages and grazing
livestock for optimal economic, environmental, and natural
resources benefits.
Classical Plant Breeding.--The Committee is aware of the
need to enhance classical plant breeding, and encourages ARS to
invest in research to improve genetic resources and cultivars
for the benefit of U.S. producers, seed companies, processors
and consumers. This research should focus on breeding improved
germplasm and varieties with higher yields, improved disease
and pest resistance and resilience to weather extremes.
Additionally, methods and tools should be developed to enable
classical breeders to choose better breeding parents and speed
up variety development.
Coffee Berry Borer.--The Committee is aware of the threat
that the coffee berry borer poses to the existence of the
coffee industry, and believes that ARS should focus research
into methods to control and eradicate the pest.
Drought Mitigation Research.--The Committee believes that
drought mitigation research and strategies for dealing with
drought continue to be of significant value to farmers,
ranchers, food processors and other food-related industries,
consumers, and State and Federal agencies. Consequently, the
Committee encourages the Department to continue support for
such research or to provide an explanation as to how they will
otherwise obtain and distribute this information.
Emerging Cereal Rust Diseases.--The Committee is aware that
emerging cereal rust diseases are a threat to domestic and
world food supplies. Therefore, the Department should continue
to dedicate funding to speed efforts to combat cereal rust
disease, including development of Ug99-resistant wheat
varieties.
Forage Production Systems.--The Committee recommendation
includes an increase of $500,000 to develop management
practices that improve the production efficiency of grazing
operations in temperate pastures.
Forest Products.--The Committee recognizes the important
role of the forests products sector to the U.S. economy. The
need to create new and improved value-added products and
renewable energy from our Nation's wood supply is critical to
the sustainability of the national economy. The Committee
recommendation includes $1,650,000 to support research on wood
quality improvement and improvement in forest products
evaluation standards and valuation techniques. ARS shall
conduct this research in consultation with the Forest Products
Laboratory.
Human Nutrition Research.--The Committee remains concerned
about the high rates of obesity in this country, and believes
that research into human nutrition is important to help prevent
childhood obesity and the medical issues obesity brings. The
Committee recommendation includes an increase of $1,000,000 to
expand research regarding the growth, health promotion, and
disease prevention of the developing child.
Improved Scientific Capacity.--The Committee recognizes the
potential to accelerate the pace of scientific discovery
through the development of research tools and infrastructure to
handle large and complex data. The Committee recommendation
includes $13,647,000 to enhance ARS's ability to collect,
manage, analyze, and share huge quantities of research data to
improve crop and animal production and health, human nutrition,
food safety and security, bioenergy, agricultural
sustainability, and other issues as proposed in the budget.
National Agricultural Library.--The Committee encourages
the Agricultural Research Service to maintain a focus on
agriculture-related legal issues within the National
Agricultural Library. The Committee notes that as the
agriculture sector of the national economy evolves, there is a
necessity that these agriculture-related legal issues be
addressed on an increasingly frequent basis. Further,
agricultural-related legal issues are increasingly complex and
the impact of these legal issues continues to broaden in scope.
Therefore, the Committee recommendation includes an increase of
$2,000,000 for the National Agricultural Library, and
encourages ARS to resume and expand into new partnerships with
law schools with expertise in agricultural law.
Nutrition Research and Aging.--The Committee is aware that
research into nutrition can benefit aging Americans by keeping
them active longer, delaying or reducing the effects of chronic
illnesses and obesity, and reducing healthcare costs for such
diseases. The Committee supports the investment in human
nutrition research, especially as it affects the aging
population, and encourages ARS to continue support for
nutrition research and existing centers.
Plant Science.--The Committee supports infrastructure
investments in support of high priority research in plant
science, particularly programs that would develop small grain
varieties, such as wheat and barley, that have improved end use
quality, higher disease and insect resistance, and increased
abiotic stress tolerance.
Pollinator Research.--The Committee is aware that
pollinators are responsible for the production of one-third of
the Nation's food supply, but the number of managed honeybee
colonies in the United States has dropped in half since 1940.
Because of the importance of pollinators in the production of
the Nation's food supply and their impact on the stability of
our agricultural economy, the Committee encourages ARS to
increase resources dedicated to protecting the health of both
honeybees and other native bees, including continued research
into colony collapse disorder.
Pulse Health Initiative.--The Committee continues to
recognize the need to investigate the ability of pulse crops--
dry beans, dry peas, lentils, and chickpeas--to provide
solutions to critical health issues including but not limited
to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer; and
to increase the consumption of pulse crops by improving their
functionality in baked goods and end use as a food and food
ingredient through the study of milling, extrusion, extraction,
and cooking properties. The Committee also recognizes the
potential to improve the sustainability of agricultural
rotations and reduce green house gas emissions by improving the
nitrogen fixing abilities of pulse crops. The Committee
recommends ARS provide adequate funding to establish the Pulse
Health Initiative.
Research Facilities.--The Committee encourages ARS to work
cooperatively with universities to better utilize available
state-of-the-art laboratory space to effectively address
important agricultural research issues. The Committee directs
ARS to study ways in which the Federal labs could be better
utilized, in cooperation with universities, to explore new
scientific opportunities that benefit the Nation's food and
agriculture system, and to submit a report with recommendations
to the Committee by January 30, 2014. The report should include
information on the current utilization of ARS facilities by
universities and other cooperators, as well as the extent in
which ARS is housed in cooperator facilities.
Sclerotinia.--The Committee is aware of the economic
importance of controlling sclerotinia, which affects
sunflowers, soybeans, canola, edible beans, peas, and lentils
and encourages ARS to continue both core research and
cooperative projects of the National Sclerotinia Initiative.
Shellfish Research.--The Committee directs the Agricultural
Research Service to continue to partner with research
institutions on research to improve shellfish survival and
growth rates and to classify and preserve natural genetic
variation.
Sustainable Water Use Research.--The Committee recognizes
the ongoing regional groundwater problems in the Lower
Mississippi River Basin. The Committee recommendation includes
an increase of $1,000,000 for ARS to continue research on
conservation practices and the incorporation of technology in
farm management in order to quantify management impacts on
water quality and quantity.
Technology Transfer and Innovation.--The Committee
encourages the Agricultural Research Service to utilize
existing Agricultural Technology Innovation Partnerships to
establish a pilot program to provide regional collaborations,
technology transfer and commercialization, and innovative
venture development training.
BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
Appropriations, 2013....................................................
Budget estimate, 2014................................... $155,000,000
Committee recommendation................................................
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommendation does not include funding for
the Agricultural Research Service, Buildings and Facilities
account.
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Section 7511(f)(2) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy
Act of 2008 amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization
Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971) by establishing an agency to be
known as the National Institute of Food and Agriculture [NIFA].
The Secretary transferred to the Director of NIFA, effective
October 1, 2009, all authorities administered by the
Administrator of the Cooperative State, Research, Education and
Extension Service. The mission is to work with university
partners and customers to advance research, extension, and
higher education in the food and agricultural sciences and
related environmental and human sciences to benefit people,
communities, and the Nation.
RESEARCH AND EDUCATION ACTIVITIES
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $718,636,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 801,140,000
Committee recommendation................................ 772,794,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
Research and Education programs administered by NIFA are
USDA's principal entree to the university system of the United
States for the purpose of conducting agricultural research and
education programs as authorized by the Hatch Act of 1887, as
amended (7 U.S.C. 361a-361i); the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative
Forestry Act of 1962, as amended (16 U.S.C. 582a et seq.); the
Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act, as
amended (7 U.S.C. 450i); the National Agricultural, Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as amended (7
U.S.C. 3101 et seq.); the Equity in Educational Land-Grant
Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note); the Agricultural
Research, Extension and Education Reform Act of 1998 (Public
Law 105-185), as amended; the Food, Agriculture, Conservation
and Trade Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-624); the Farm Security
and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-171); and the
Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-246).
Through these authorities, USDA participates with State and
other cooperators to encourage and assist the State
institutions in the conduct of agricultural research and
education through the State Agricultural Experiment Stations of
the 50 States and the territories; by approved Schools of
Forestry; the 1890 Land-Grant Institutions and Tuskegee
University and West Virginia State University; 1994 Land-Grant
Institutions; by Colleges of Veterinary Medicine; and other
eligible institutions. The appropriated funds provide Federal
support for research and education programs at these
institutions.
The research and education programs participate in a
nationwide system of agricultural research program planning and
coordination among the State institutions, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, and the agricultural industry of America.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $772,794,000
for research and education activities of the National Institute
of Food and Agriculture.
The following table summarizes the Committee's
recommendations for research and education activities:
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE--RESEARCH AND EDUCATION ACTIVITIES
[Dollars in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Program/Activity Authorization recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hatch Act..................................... 7 U.S.C. 361a-i................................ $243,701
McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act..... U.S.C. 582a through a-7........................ 33,961
Research at 1890 Institutions (Evans-Allen 7 U.S.C. 3222.................................. 52,485
Program).
Payments to the 1994 Institutions............. 534(a)(1) of Public Law 103-382................ 3,439
Education Grants for 1890 Institutions........ 7 U.S.C. 3152(b)............................... 19,336
Education Grants for Hispanic-Serving 7 U.S.C. 3241.................................. 9,219
Institutions.
Education Grants for Alaska Native and Native 7 U.S.C. 3156.................................. 3,194
Hawaiian-Serving Institutions.
Research Grants for 1994 Institutions......... 7 U.S.C. 301 note.............................. 1,801
Capacity Building for Non Land-Grant Colleges 7 U.S.C. 3319i................................. 4,500
of Agriculture.
Resident Instruction and Distance Education 7 U.S.C. 3363 and 3362......................... 1,650
Grants for Insular Areas.
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative...... 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)............................... 316,409
Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment............ 7 U.S.C. 3151a................................. 4,790
Continuing Animal Health and Disease Research 7 U.S.C. 3195.................................. 4,000
Program.
Supplemental and Alternative Crops............ 7 U.S.C. 3319d................................. 825
Critical Agricultural Materials Act........... 7 U.S.C. 178 et seq............................ 1,081
Multicultural Scholars, Graduate Fellowship 7 U.S.C. 3152(b)............................... 9,000
and Institution Challenge Grants.
Secondary and 2-year Post-Secondary Education. 7 U.S.C. 3152(j)............................... 900
Aquaculture Centers........................... 7 U.S.C. 3322.................................. 4,000
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education 7 U.S.C. 5811, 7 U.S.C. 343(d), and 7 U.S.C. 22,667
5813.
Farm Business Management...................... 7 U.S.C. 5925f................................. 1,450
Sun Grant Program............................. 7 U.S.C. 8114.................................. 2,500
Minor Crop Pest Management [IR-4]............. 7 U.S.C. 450i(c)............................... 11,913
Alfalfa Forage and Research Program........... 7 U.S.C. 5925.................................. 1,500
Special Research Grants:
Global Change/UV Monitoring............... 7 U.S.C. 450i(c)............................... 1,405
Potato Research........................... 7 U.S.C. 450i(c)............................... 1,350
Aquaculture Research...................... 7 U.S.C. 450i(c)............................... 1,350
----------------
Total, Special Research Grants.......... ............................................... 4,105
================
Necessary Expenses of Research and Education
Activities:
Grants Management Systems................. ............................................... 7,830
Other, Necessary Expenses................. ............................................... 6,538
----------------
Total, Necessary Expenses............... ............................................... 14,368
================
Total, Research and Education Activities ............................................... 772,794
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative.--The Committee
recommendation includes $316,409,000 for the Agriculture and
Food Research Initiative [AFRI].
Section 7406 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of
2008 specifies priority areas within the Agriculture and Food
Research Initiative [AFRI], including an emphasis on
conventional (classical) plant and animal breeding. The
Committee strongly concurs with the intent of this section, and
requests a report from the agency as to its plans for
implementing this important conventional/classical plant and
animal breeding requirement. The Committee also encourages the
agency to specifically focus on the development of public
cultivars and breeds as part of the general classical breeding
research program.
Agricultural Research Enhancement Awards.--The Committee
remains determined to see that quality research and enhanced
human resources development in the agricultural and related
sciences be a nationwide commitment. Therefore, the Committee
continues its direction that not less than 10 percent of the
competitive research grant funds be used for USDA's
agricultural research enhancement awards program (including
USDA-EPSCoR), in accordance with 7 U.S.C. 450i. The Committee
recognizes that funding for EPSCoR has increased as a result of
the growth in AFRI funding over the past several years. The
Committee directs NIFA to report to the Committees on demand
for this program over the past 3 fiscal years in relation to
available funding and to increase funding for EPSCoR, if
appropriate.
Alfalfa and Forage Research.--The Committee notes that
research into alfalfa and forage holds the potential to
increase alfalfa and forage yields, increase milk production,
and improve forage genetics to increase biomass for the
production of cellulosic ethanol. The Committee recommendation
includes $1,500,000 to support research into the improvement of
yields, creation of new uses of alfalfa and forages for
bioenergy, and the development of new storage and harvest
systems.
Aquaculture Disease Research.--The Committee encourages
USDA to support aquaculture disease and vaccine research,
including research on coldwater aquaculture vaccines. There is
currently no national facility for pathogen testing. Research
into finfish vaccines and pathogens has the potential to
accelerate the growth of sustainable U.S. aquaculture, reduce
the trade deficit attributable to imported seafood, and reduce
the pressure on overfished species.
Aquaculture Research.--The Committee recognizes the
importance of the domestic aquaculture industry to the U.S.
economy. The Committee recommendation includes $1,350,000 for
aquaculture research to address issues related to genetics,
disease, systems, and economics.
Cereal Crop Research.--Research on cereal crops has
historically been conducted by USDA and public universities,
and the Committee recognizes the importance of continuing
investment in cereal crop research. The Committee strongly
encourages USDA to provide funding for cereal crop research in
the areas of genetic and genomic research, plant pest research,
and improved production systems.
Cranberry and Blueberry Research.--The Committee encourages
the NIFA to continue working with research institutions to
develop resilient cranberry and blueberry breeds and establish
effective and environmentally sound pest management
technologies.
Herbicide Resistance.--Herbicide resistant weeds are a
major threat to food, feed, and fiber production in the U.S.
and the problem is expected to continue to increase in size and
scope. Current funding for research and extension is woefully
inadequate. The Committee is concerned that the lack of
research based information significantly delays developing
effective management strategies to address the herbicide
resistance problem. The Committee encourages NIFA, in
conjunction with ARS and land-grant institutions, to conduct
research that will more comprehensively address herbicide
resistance. Research may include: identification of herbicide
resistant weed populations or those most likely to develop
resistance, characterization of mechanisms of resistance, and
development of innovative weed management strategies to
overcome current resistance problems and delay or prevent
future ones. In addition, effective and widespread
dissemination of results to farmers, foresters, and rights of
way land managers through extension and outreach will be
critical to the success of this endeavor.
Lowbush Blueberries.--The Committee directs NIFA to
continue working with research institutions to develop
environmentally sound integrated pest management practices for
invasive and native pests and processing techniques and
technologies to increase the margin of food safety and product
quality.
Pest Management.--As proposed in the budget request,
funding for Expert IMP Decision Support System, Integrated Pest
Management, and Pest Management Alternatives within Research,
Education and Extension have been consolidated into the Crop
Protection/Pest Management line within Integrated Activities.
The Committee expects NIFA to continue full support for each of
these activities.
Regional Research Priorities.--The Committee encourages
NIFA to consider providing funding within AFRI to assist with
State and regional research priorities, with USDA oversight and
review.
Seafood.--The Committee encourages USDA, in partnership
with universities with established domestic shrimp farming
programs, to support the development of a domestic industry
that will help ensure the safety and quality of the Nation's
seafood supply, promote environmentally sustainable
aquaculture, create new opportunities for U.S. agriculture, and
forge new markets for U.S. grain and oilseed products and
technology services.
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education.--As
proposed in the budget request, the Committee recommendation
includes the consolidation of research, education and extension
activities in the Sustainable Agriculture Research and
Education [SARE] program. All three activities authorized in
Subtitle B of the Food , Agriculture, Conservation and Trade
Act of 1990 are vital to the success of the SARE program, and
the Committee directs the Department to ensure that each
activity remain intact in the future.
HISPANIC-SERVING AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES ENDOWMENT FUND
Appropriations, 2013\1\.................................................
Budget estimate, 2014................................... $10,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 10,000,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
Section 7129 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of
2008, provides for the establishment of an endowment fund for
the Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities
[HSACU]. The Hispanic/Latino community is the fastest-growing
sector of the American population. This investment in the
Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities is
needed to ensure institutions can effectively compete for NIFA
competitive grants.
On the termination of each fiscal year, the Secretary shall
withdraw the income from the endowment fund for the fiscal
year, and after making adjustments for the cost of
administering the endowment fund, shall distribute the adjusted
income as follows: 60 percent of the adjusted income shall be
distributed among the Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges
and Universities on a pro rata basis based on the Hispanic
enrollment count of each institution; and 40 percent shall be
distributed in equal shares to the Hispanic-Serving
Agricultural Colleges and Universities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $10,000,000
for the Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities
Endowment Fund.
NATIVE AMERICAN INSTITUTIONS ENDOWMENT FUND
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $11,880,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 11,880,000
Committee recommendation................................ 11,880,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The Native American Institutions Endowment Fund authorized
by Public Law 103-382, the Equity in Educational Land-Grant
Status Act, provides an endowment for the 1994 land-grant
institutions (34 tribally controlled colleges). This program
will enhance educational opportunity for Native Americans by
building educational capacity at these institutions in the
areas of student recruitment and retention, curricula
development, faculty preparation, instruction delivery systems,
and scientific instrumentation for teaching. Income funds are
also available for facility renovation, repair, construction,
and maintenance. On the termination of each fiscal year, the
Secretary shall withdraw the income from the endowment fund for
the fiscal year, and after making adjustments for the cost of
administering the endowment fund, distribute the adjusted
income as follows: 60 percent of the adjusted income from these
funds shall be distributed among the 1994 land-grant
institutions on a pro rata basis, the proportionate share being
based on the Indian student count; and 40 percent of the
adjusted income shall be distributed in equal shares to the
1994 land-grant institutions.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $11,880,000
for the Native American Institutions Endowment Fund.
EXTENSION ACTIVITIES
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $462,968,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 459,037,000
Committee recommendation................................ 469,399,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
Cooperative extension work was established by the Smith-
Lever Act of May 8, 1914, as amended. The Department of
Agriculture is authorized to provide, through the land-grant
colleges, cooperative extension work that consists of the
development of practical applications of research knowledge and
the giving of instruction and practical demonstrations of
existing or improved practices or technologies in agriculture
and related subjects, and to encourage the application of such
information by demonstrations, publications, through 4-H clubs,
and other means to persons not in attendance or resident at the
colleges.
To fulfill the requirements of the Smith-Lever Act, State
and county extension offices in each State, the District of
Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American
Samoa, the Northern Marianas, and Micronesia conduct
educational programs to improve American agriculture and
strengthen the Nation's families and communities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $469,399,000
for extension activities of the National Institute of Food and
Agriculture.
The following table summarizes the Committee's
recommendations for extension activities:
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE--EXTENSION ACTIVITIES
[Dollars in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Program/Activity Authorization recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Smith-Lever Act, Section 3(b) and (c) programs 7 U.S.C. 343(b) and (c) and 208(c) of Public $300,000
and Cooperative Extension. Law 93-471.
Extension Services at 1890 Institutions....... 7 U.S.C. 3221.................................. 43,920
Extension Services at 1994 Institutions....... 7 U.S.C. 343(b)(3)............................. 4,446
Facility Improvements at 1890 Institutions.... 7 U.S.C. 3222b................................. 19,730
Renewable Resources Extension Act............. U.S.C. 1671 et seq............................. 4,060
Rural Health and Safety Education Programs.... 7 U.S.C. 2662(i)............................... 1,500
Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database Program 7 U.S.C. 7642.................................. 1,000
Women and Minorities in STEM Fields........... 7 U.S.C. 5925.................................. 400
Smith-Lever Act, Section 3(d):
Food and Nutrition Education.............. 7 U.S.C. 343(d)................................ 67,934
Farm Safety and Youth Farm Safety 7 U.S.C. 343(d)................................ 4,610
Education Programs.
New Technologies for Agricultural 7 U.S.C. 343(d)................................ 1,750
Extension.
Children, Youth, and Families at Risk..... 7 U.S.C. 343(d)................................ 8,395
Federally Recognized Tribes Extension 7 U.S.C. 343(d)................................ 3,039
Program.
----------------
Total, Section 3(d)..................... ............................................... 85,728
================
Federal Administration--Other Necessary ............................................... 8,615
Expenses for Extension Activities.
----------------
Total, Extension Activities........... ............................................... 469,399
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program.--The
Committee is concerned that in fiscal year 2013, NIFA limited
competition for the Federally Recognized Tribes Extension
Program funding to current awardees effectively excluding
eligible tribes not currently funded from extension funding.
NIFA has assured the Committee that this practice is exclusive
and unique to fiscal year 2013, does not set precedent, and
will not be replicated in any other program.
Pest Management.--As proposed in the budget request,
funding for Pest Management within Extension Activities has
been consolidated into the Crop Protection/Pest Management line
within Integrated Activities. The Committee expects NIFA to
continue full support for this activity.
INTEGRATED ACTIVITIES
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $20,900,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 28,129,000
Committee recommendation................................ 35,317,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
Section 406, as amended, of the Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 authorizes an
integrated research, education, and extension competitive
grants program.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $35,317,000
for integrated activities of the National Institute of Food and
Agriculture.
The following table summarizes the Committee's
recommendations for integrated activities:
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE--INTEGRATED ACTIVITIES
[Dollars in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Program/Activity Authorization recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Water Quality Program........................... 7 U.S.C. 7626................................ $4,500
Methyl Bromide Transition Program............... 7 U.S.C. 7626................................ 1,996
Organic Transition Program...................... 7 U.S.C. 7626................................ 4,000
Regional Rural Development Centers.............. 7 U.S.C. 450i(c)............................. 998
Food and Agriculture Defense Initiative......... 7 U.S.C. 3351................................ 5,988
Crop Protection/Pest Management................. 7 U.S.C. 450i(c), 7 U.S.C. 343(d) and 7 17,835
U.S.C. 7626.
----------------
Total, Integrated Activities.............. ............................................. 35,317
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Potato Research.--To minimize the application of pesticides
and to maximize the yield and quality of harvested potatoes,
the Committee directs the Secretary to support pest management
programs in potato growing States. Such programs help
scientists track potential pest outbreaks and provide growers
and industry professionals with current information on specific
and timely treatments. Additionally, the programs help identify
serious diseases, such as late blight disease, in their early
stages, allowing for preventive measure to be put into place
quickly to avoid crop losses.
Regional Pest Management Centers.--As proposed in the
budget request, funding for Regional Pest Management Centers
has been consolidated into the Crop Protection/Pest Management
line. The Committee expects NIFA to continue full support for
this activity.
Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $869,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 898,000
Committee recommendation................................ 898,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and
Regulatory Programs provides direction and coordination in
carrying out laws with respect to the Department's marketing,
grading, and standardization activities related to grain;
competitive marketing practices of livestock, marketing orders,
and various programs; veterinary services; and plant protection
and quarantine. The Office has oversight and management
responsibilities for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service; Agricultural Marketing Service; and Grain Inspection,
Packers and Stockyards Administration.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $898,000 for
the Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory
Programs.
Forest Products.--The Committee supports allowing forest
products to qualify for USDA's Biobased Markets Programs. The
Committee believes examples of innovation include sourcing
fiber from non-controversial, responsible or certified sources;
disclosing the environmental impact of the product; improving
processing technologies; modifying manufacturing facilities to
make them more energy efficient and enhancing their ability to
use renewable energy sources.
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $799,595,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 797,601,000
Committee recommendation................................ 825,754,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The Secretary of Agriculture established the Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service [APHIS] on April 2, 1972, under
the authority of reorganization plan No. 2 of 1953, and other
authorities. The major objectives of APHIS are to protect the
animal and plant resources of the Nation from diseases and
pests. These objectives are carried out under the major areas
of activity, as follows:
Safeguarding and Emergency Preparedness/Response.--The
agency monitors plant and animal health worldwide, and sets
import polices to prevent the introduction of foreign plant and
animal pests and diseases. Domestically, the agency works
cooperatively to conduct plant and animal health monitoring
programs, pursue eradication, or limit the spread of the
threat. The agency also conducts diagnostic laboratory
activities that support disease prevention, detection, control,
and eradication programs. In addition, the agency protects
agriculture from detrimental animal predators, and through its
regulatory structure helps advance genetic research while
protecting against the release of harmful organisms.
Safe Trade and International Technical Assistance.--The
agency helps resolve technical trade issues to ensure the
smooth and safe movement of agricultural commodities into and
out of the United States. The agency negotiates animal and
plant health certification requirements and assists U.S.
exporters meet foreign regulatory demands. In addition, the
agency assists developing countries in improving their
safeguarding systems, to protect the United States from
emerging plant and animal pests and diseases.
Animal Care.--The agency conducts regulatory activities
that ensure the humane care and treatment of animals and horses
as the Animal Welfare and Horse Protection Acts require. These
activities include inspection of certain establishments that
handle animals intended for research, exhibition, and as pets,
and monitoring certain horse shows.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $825,754,000
for salaries and expenses of the Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service.
The following table reflects the Committee's specific
recommendations for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service:
ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year
Fiscal year 2014 budget Committee
2013 enacted request recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Safeguarding and International Technical Assistance:
Animal Health Technical Services......................... 35,860 37,891 36,858
Aquatic Animal Health.................................... 2,200 2,272 2,272
Avian Health............................................. 50,592 49,840 49,840
Cattle Health............................................ 95,233 91,777 91,777
Equine and Cervid Health\1\.............................. 18,650 3,735 5,730
National Veterinary Stockpile............................ 2,676 3,723 3,723
Sheep and Goat Health\1\................................. ............... 14,259 14,259
Swine Health............................................. 22,377 20,393 21,500
Veterinary Biologics..................................... 16,011 16,513 16,513
Veterinary Diagnostics................................... 30,755 31,708 31,708
Zoonotic Disease Management.............................. 10,093 9,023 10,023
--------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Animal Health................................ 284,447 281,134 284,203
==================================================
Agricultural Quarantine Inspection....................... 27,728 25,298 26,900
Cotton Pests............................................. 15,538 8,944 12,720
Field Crop and Rangeland Ecosystems Pests................ 8,822 8,877 8,877
Pest Detection........................................... 26,755 27,574 27,574
Plant Protection Methods Development..................... 21,015 20,673 24,673
Specialty Crop Pests..................................... 149,781 147,419 151,500
Tree and Wood Pests...................................... 55,104 48,290 57,000
--------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Plant Health................................. 304,744 287,075 309,244
==================================================
Wildlife Damage Management............................... 71,510 85,428 87,428
Wildlife Services Methods Development.................... 18,485 18,085 19,000
--------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Wildlife Services............................ 89,995 103,513 106,428
==================================================
Animal and Plant Health Regulatory Enforcement........... 15,834 16,350 16,350
Biotechnology Regulatory Services........................ 17,644 18,215 18,215
--------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Regulatory Services.......................... 33,478 34,565 34,565
==================================================
Contingency Fund......................................... 1,459 1,507 1,507
Emergency Preparedness and Response...................... 16,540 17,045 17,045
--------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Emergency Management......................... 17,999 18,552 18,552
==================================================
Subtotal, Safeguarding and Emergency Preparedness/ 730,663 724,839 752,992
Response..............................................
==================================================
Safe Trade and International Technical Assistance:
Agriculture Import/Export................................ 12,992 14,181 14,181
Overseas Technical and Trade Operations.................. 19,472 19,785 19,785
--------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Safe Trade................................... 32,464 33,966 33,966
==================================================
Animal Welfare:
Animal Welfare........................................... 26,353 28,203 28,203
Horse Protection......................................... 677 893 893
--------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Animal Welfare............................... 27,031 29,096 29,096
==================================================
Agency Management:
APHIS Information Technology Infrastructure.............. 4,218 4,335 4,335
Physical/Operational Security............................ 5,220 5,365 5,365
--------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Agency Management............................ 9,437 9,700 9,700
==================================================
Total.................................................. 799,595 797,601 825,754
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Equine and Cervid Health, and Sheep and Goat Health were combined into ``Equine, Cervid & Small Ruminant
Health'' in fiscal year 2013.
The Committee encourages the Secretary to continue use of
contingency funding from the Commodity Credit Corporation, as
in past fiscal years, to cover additional emergencies as the
Secretary determines necessary. Furthermore, the Committee
encourages the Secretary to employ cooperative agreements where
appropriate to support activities related to animal health.
Agricultural Quarantine Inspection.--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 $26,900,000 for the agriculture
quarantine inspections function, including pre-departure
inspections.
Animal Disease Traceability.--The Committee provides
$13,000,000 to continue support for implementation of the new
animal disease traceability system.
APHIS Cargo Release.--The Committee recommends that APHIS
continue to work with the Department of Homeland Security's
Custom and Border Protection [CBP] in order to facilitate the
release of cargo at commercial import facilities by ensuring
that CBP officials earn Cargo Release Authority certification
for those species and groups of organisms listed in the Cargo
Release Authority Plan. Such coordination will allow CBP
officials to release cargo authorized by the Cargo Release
Authority Plan while allowing APHIS entomologists, plant
pathologists, and botanists to make release decisions upon
discovery of those reportable organisms that may pose a threat
to the Nation's agricultural security.
Chronic Wasting Disease.--The Committee is concerned about
the persistent threat that Chronic Wasting Disease poses on
cervid populations and the potential economic and ecological
devastation caused by an outbreak. The Committee directs APHIS
to maintain Federal contributions for addressing Chronic
Wasting Disease.
Feral Swine.--The Committee is aware of the growing
economic and ecological damage caused by feral swine across the
United States. Conservative estimates indicate feral swine are
present in 44 States, and agricultural losses and control
efforts cost $1,500,000,000 annually. The Committee understands
that computer models have shown that lethal methods combined
with contraception could significantly reduce feral swine
populations over several years. In addition to the Committee's
support for the Department's proposed increased funding of
$20,000,000 for feral swine management, the Committee
encourages Wildlife Services to explore development and field
testing of nonhormonal, species-specific oral contraceptives,
such as phaged-peptide constructs.
Geese Depredation.--The Committee remains interested in
efforts to manage geese depredation on crops. The Committee
expects APHIS to use an appropriate portion of the funding to
provide technical support and equipment to farmers for hazing
and other mitigation measures.
Invasive Honey Bee Pests.--The Committee remains concerned
with declining bee populations and the tragic implications for
pollination of U.S. agriculture. The Committee directs the
agency to continue priority work with other Federal and State
agencies and the public to manage, suppress, and eradicate
varroa mites, small hive beetles, and other pests and diseases
contributing to colony collapse disorder and has provided
increased funding for Plant Protection Methods Development for
this purpose.
National Clean Plant Network.--The National Clean Plant
Network is instrumental in ensuring that safe, virus-free plant
materials are available to orchards, vineyards, and other
growers. Clean plant materials are critical to keeping our
agriculture industry competitive in a global marketplace. The
Committee recognizes the value of the National Clean Plant
Network to improve detection and eradication of viruses,
encourages the Department to continue its work on this
important program, and includes $4,000,000 for these purposes
in Plant Protection Methods Development.
Peer-Reviewed Accreditation.--The Committee recognizes the
diversity of individuals and establishments regulated under
APHIS' animal welfare programs and the commensurate diversity
of violations of the animal protection statutes which APHIS is
charged with enforcing. The Committee expects APHIS to
prioritize its inspection resources and frequency of inspection
to better address higher risk individuals and institutions. The
Committee encourages APHIS to consider the merits of zoos and
aquariums receiving peer-reviewed accreditation from a
commissioned organization that heeds rigorous publicly
available standards, utilizes notable experts in the field to
conduct comprehensive inspection and review, and provides
opportunity for public input. The Committee encourages APHIS to
consider if a new, separate classification of inspected
establishments would allow APHIS to conducts its animal welfare
programs more efficiently.
Sudden Oak Death.--The Committee remains interested in
APHIS' efforts to manage Sudden Oak Death while minimizing
disruption to the interstate movement of plant materials and
commercial trade. The Committee expects APHIS to use an
appropriate portion of the funding provided for specialty crop
pests to expeditiously implement the review of the Federal
order governing shipment of plant materials from quarantined
and regulated counties. The Committee further expects APHIS to
continue its review of the efficacy of the pre-notification
requirements for western nurseries and to continue efforts to
partner with the regulated States to develop new best
management practices regarding P. ramorum during the effective
period of the order.
Wildlife Damage Management.--APHIS is responsible for
providing Federal leadership in managing problems caused by
wildlife. The Committee provides $87,428,000 for wildlife
damage control to maintain priority initiatives, including
preventing the transport of invasive snakes and other harmful
species.
The Committee is concerned about reductions in the level of
service provided by APHIS in States impacted by wolf
reintroduction. These areas have increasing needs for predator
control services, but have also seen significant decreases in
USDA resources in recent years. The Committee urges the
Department to utilize some of the Wildlife Damage Management
funding to address shortfalls and reduced services in States
that have been impacted by wolf reintroduction.
The Committee is concerned about the proposed elimination
of assistance to aquaculture producers. Wildlife depredation,
especially by fish-eating birds, significantly impacts
aquaculture production, and Wildlife Damage Management efforts
are essential in preventing substantial industry losses. The
Committee rejects the proposed elimination of the aquaculture
program and encourages USDA to continue providing tools and
resources to assist aquaculture producers.
Wildlife Services Education and Training.--The Committee is
aware of the wide range of hazardous procedures and materials
utilized by APHIS personnel in the conduct of daily duties. In
addition, a recent comprehensive study noted the critical need
to provide standardized safety training, certification, and
database management for tracking, to ensure the safest working
environment possible. As such, the Committee directs APHIS to
deliver a training program focused on those areas of greatest
concern such as pyrotechnics, firearms, hazardous materials,
immobilization and euthanasia drugs, pesticides, animal care
and handling, land vehicles, watercraft, and zoonotic diseases.
Wildlife Services Methods Development.--The Committee
appreciates the important work done by the National Wildlife
Research Center and its affiliated field locations to resolve
problems caused by the interaction of wild animals and society.
The Committee provides $19,000,000 to ensure continued
development of technical and scientific information on wildlife
damage management.
COMMITTEE DIRECTIVES
In complying with the Committee's directives, the Committee
expects APHIS not to redirect support for programs and
activities without prior notification to and approval by the
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations in accordance
with the reprogramming procedures specified in the act. Unless
otherwise directed, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service shall implement appropriations by programs, projects,
and activities as specified by the Appropriations Committees of
both Houses of Congress. Unspecified reductions necessary to
carry out the provisions of this act are to be implemented in
accordance with the definitions contained in the program,
project, and activity section of this report.
BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $3,089,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 3,175,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,175,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The APHIS appropriation for ``Buildings and Facilities''
funds major nonrecurring construction projects in support of
specific program activities and recurring construction,
alterations, preventive maintenance, and repairs of existing
APHIS facilities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommendation includes an appropriation of
$3,175,000 for buildings and facilities of the Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service. This funding is necessary to allow
APHIS to maintain existing facilities, and perform critically
needed repairs to and replacements of building components, such
as heating, ventilation and air-conditioning on a prioritized
basis at APHIS facilities. The Committee notes that due to the
environmentally sensitive nature of many APHIS facilities,
closure of a facility could result if APHIS is unable to
complete the required repairs.
Agricultural Marketing Service
MARKETING SERVICES
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $76,727,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 82,792,000
Committee recommendation................................ 82,792,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The Agricultural Marketing Service [AMS] was established by
the Secretary of Agriculture on April 2, 1972. AMS carries out
programs authorized by more than 50 different statutory
authorities, the primary ones being the Agricultural Marketing
Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621-1627, 1635-1638); the U.S. Cotton
Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 51-65); the Cotton Statistics and
Estimates Act (7 U.S.C. 471-476); the Tobacco Inspection Act (7
U.S.C. 511-511q); the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act
(7 U.S.C. 499a-499t); the Egg Products Inspection Act (21
U.S.C. 1031-1056); and section 32 of the Act of 1935 (Public
Law 74-320, 7 U.S.C. 612c).
Programs administered by this agency include the market
news services, standardization, grading, classing, shell egg
surveillance services, transportation services, wholesale
farmers and alternative market development, grant payments to
States for marketing activities, the Federal administration of
marketing agreements and orders, commodity purchases,
Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, the Plant Variety
Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 2321 et seq.), and market protection
and promotion activities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $82,792,000
for marketing services of the Agricultural Marketing Service.
Organic Data Collection.--The Committee encourages the
Department to collect price data on organic commodities and
other data relevant to the marketing of organic agricultural
products.
LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Limitation, 2013........................................ $62,592,000
Budget limitation, 2014................................. 60,435,000
Committee recommendation................................ 60,435,000
The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 (Public Law
97-35) initiated a system of user fees for the cost of grading
and classing cotton, and tobacco. These activities, authorized
under the U.S. Cotton Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 51 et seq.), the
Tobacco Inspection Act (7 U.S.C. 511 et seq.), and other
provisions of law are designed to facilitate commerce and
protect participants in the industry.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends a limitation of $60,435,000 on
administrative expenses of the Agricultural Marketing Service.
FUNDS FOR STRENGTHENING MARKETS, INCOME, AND SUPPLY
(SECTION 32)
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $1,090,000,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 1,107,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,107,000,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
Under section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935, (7 U.S.C.
612c), an amount equal to 30 percent of customs receipts
collected during each preceding calendar year and unused
balances are available for encouraging the domestic consumption
and exportation of agricultural commodities. An amount equal to
30 percent of receipts collected on fishery products is
transferred to the Department of Commerce. Additional transfers
to the child nutrition programs of the Food and Nutrition
Service have been provided in recent appropriations Acts.
The following table reflects the status of this fund for
fiscal years 2012-2014:
ESTIMATED TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE AND BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD--FISCAL YEARS 2012-2014
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2012 Fiscal year 2013 Fiscal year 2014
actual estimate budget
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation (30 percent of Customs Receipts)............ $7,947,045,940 $8,990,116,825 $9,211,182,713
Less Transfers:
Food and Nutrition Service............................ -6,749,900,970 -7,697,030,541 -7,815,038,277
Commerce Department................................... -109,098,387 -131,371,895 -130,144,436
-----------------------------------------------------
Total, Transfers.................................... -6,858,999,357 -7,828,402,436 -7,945,182,713
=====================================================
Prior Year Appropriation Available, Start of Year......... 259,953,417 219,285,611 117,000,000
Prior Year Collections and Recoveries..................... 562,865 ................ ................
Unavailable for Obligations (recoveries and offsetting -562,865 ................ ................
collections).............................................
Transfer of Prior Year Funds to FNS [F&V]................. -117,000,000 -133,000,000 -117,000,000
-----------------------------------------------------
Budget Authority, Farm Bill........................... 1,231,000,000 1,248,000,000 1,266,000,000
Rescission of Current Year Funds...................... -150,000,000 -109,608,000 -166,000,000
Appropriations Temporarily Reduced--5.1 percent ................ -40,392,000 ................
Sequestration\1\.....................................
Unavailable for Obligations (Fruit and Veg transfer to -133,000,000 -117,000,000 -119,000,000
FNS).................................................
-----------------------------------------------------
Budget Authority, Appropriations Act.............. 948,000,000 981,000,000 981,000,000
Less Obligations:
Child Nutrition Programs (Entitlement Commodities).... 462,912,511 465,000,000 465,000,000
State Option Contract................................. ................ 5,000,000 5,000,000
Removal of Defective Commodities...................... ................ 2,500,000 2,500,000
Emergency Surplus Removal\2\.......................... 171,725,654 106,400,000 ................
Small Business Support................................ ................ ................ 500,000
Disaster Relief....................................... 447,089 5,000,000 5,000,000
Additional Fruits, Vegetables, and Nuts Purchases..... 162,172,999 206,000,000 206,000,000
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program..................... 20,000,000 41,000,000 40,000,000
Accounting Adjustment................................. -1,981,059 ................ ................
Estimated Future Needs................................ ................ 102,313,000 202,197,000
-----------------------------------------------------
Total, Commodity Procurement........................ 815,277,194 933,213,000 926,197,000
=====================================================
Administrative Funds:
Commodity Purchase Support............................ 27,151,129 27,731,000 34,622,000
Marketing Agreements and Orders....................... 19,848,931 20,056,000 20,181,000
-----------------------------------------------------
Total, Administrative Funds......................... 47,000,060 47,787,000 54,803,000
=====================================================
Total Obligations................................... 862,277,254 981,000,000 981,000,000
=====================================================
Unobligated Balance, End of Year.......................... 85,722,746 ................ ................
Unavailable for Obligations (Fruit and Vegetable transfer 133,000,000 117,000,000 119,000,000
to FNS)..................................................
Balances, Collections and Recoveries Not Available........ 562,865 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------
Total End of Year Balances.......................... 219,285,611 117,000,000 119,000,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\The Budget Control Act of 2011 as amended by the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 reduced all non-defense
mandatory accounts by 5.1 percent.
\2\Fiscal year 2012: $11,800,000 for lamb and lamb products, $100,000,000 for pork and pork products, $9,900,000
for catfish products, and $50,000,000 for chicken products. Fiscal year 2013: $35,000,000 for turkey products,
$16,000,000 for wild berries, $25,000,000 for fresh and processed potatoes products, $4,500,000 for fresh
tomatoes, $4,300,000 for grapefruit juice, $5,000,000 for cranberry products, $6,600,000 for frozen
strawberries, and $10,000,000 for catfish products.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends a transfer from section 32 funds
of $20,181,000 for the formulation and administration of
marketing agreements and orders.
Section 32 Authorities.--Under the authority described in
clause 3 of 7 U.S.C. 612c, the Secretary is able to direct
funds from the section 32 account to increase the purchasing
power of producers. This practice has been used on various
occasions to provide direct assistance to producers when market
forces or natural conditions adversely affect the financial
condition of farmers and ranchers. The Committee notes the
importance of the ability of the Secretary to utilize this
authority, but believes that communication between the
Department and the Congress should be improved when this
practice is used. Therefore, the Committee directs the
Secretary to provide notification to the Appropriations
Committee in advance of any public announcement or release of
section 32 funds under the specific authorities cited above.
PAYMENTS TO STATES AND POSSESSIONS
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $1,295,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 1,363,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,363,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program [FSMIP] is
authorized by section 204(b) of the Agricultural Marketing Act
of 1946 and is also funded from appropriations. Matching grants
are awarded on a competitive basis to State marketing agencies
to identify and test market alternative farm commodities,
determine methods of providing more reliable market
information, and develop better commodity grading standards.
This program has made possible many types of projects, such as
electronic marketing and agricultural product diversification.
Current projects are focused on the improvement of marketing
efficiency and effectiveness, and seeking new outlets for
existing farm produced commodities. The legislation grants the
U.S. Department of Agriculture authority to establish
cooperative agreements with State departments of agriculture or
similar State agencies to improve the efficiency of the
agricultural marketing chain. The States perform the work or
contract it to others, and must contribute at least one-half of
the cost of the projects.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,363,000 for
Payments to States and Possessions for Federal-State marketing
projects and activities.
Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $39,171,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 40,531,000
Committee recommendation................................ 40,531,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration
[GIPSA] was established pursuant to the Secretary's 1994
reorganization. Grain inspection and weighing programs are
carried out under the U.S. Grain Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 71 et
seq.) and other programs under the authority of the
Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, including the inspection
and grading of rice and grain-related products; conducting
official weighing and grain inspection activities; and grading
dry beans and peas, and processed grain products. Under the
Packers and Stockyards Act (7 U.S.C. 181 et seq.), assurance of
the financial integrity of the livestock, meat, and poultry
markets is provided. The Administration monitors competition in
order to protect producers, consumers, and industry from
deceptive and fraudulent practices which affect meat and
poultry prices.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $40,531,000
for salaries and expenses of the Grain Inspection, Packers and
Stockyards Administration.
LIMITATION ON INSPECTION AND WEIGHING SERVICES EXPENSES
Limitation, 2013........................................ $50,000,000
Budget limitation, 2014................................. 50,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 50,000,000
The agency provides an official grain inspection and
weighing system under the U.S. Grain Standards Act [USGSA], and
official inspection of rice and grain-related products under
the Agricultural Marketing Act [AMA] of 1946. The USGSA was
amended in 1981 to require the collection of user fees to fund
the costs associated with the operation, supervision, and
administration of Federal grain inspection and weighing
activities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends a limitation of $50,000,000 on
inspection and weighing services expenses.
Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $789,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 816,000
Committee recommendation................................ 816,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety provides
direction and coordination in carrying out the laws enacted by
the Congress with respect to the Department's inspection of
meat, poultry, and processed egg products. The Office has
oversight and management responsibilities for the Food Safety
and Inspection Service.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $816,000 for
the Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety.
Food Safety and Inspection Service
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $1,027,819,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 1,008,473,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,020,473,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The major objectives of the Food Safety and Inspection
Service are to assure that meat and poultry products are
wholesome, unadulterated, and properly labeled and packaged, as
required by the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601 et
seq.) and the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 451 et
seq.); and to provide continuous in-plant inspection to egg
processing plants under the Egg Products Inspection Act.
The Food Safety and Inspection Service was established on
June 17, 1981, by Secretary's Memorandum No. 1000-1, issued
pursuant to Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1953.
The inspection program of the Food Safety and Inspection
Service provides in-plant inspection of all domestic plants
preparing meat, poultry or egg products for sale or
distribution; reviews foreign inspection systems and
establishments that prepare meat or poultry products for export
to the United States; and provides technical and financial
assistance to States which maintain meat and poultry inspection
programs.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,020,473,000
for the Food Safety and Inspection Service [FSIS]. The
Committee finds the implementation schedule set forth by FSIS
for revised inspections processes unrealistically rapid and
provides additional funds to accomplish this transition in a
more feasible manner.
Humane Slaughter.--The Committee directs FSIS to continue
to provide annual reports to the Committee on the
implementation of objective scoring methods undertaken by FSIS
to enforce the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act.
The Committee also directs FSIS to ensure that personnel
hired with funding previously provided specifically for Humane
Methods of Slaughter Act enforcement focus their attention on
overseeing compliance with humane handling rules for live
animals as they arrive and are offloaded and handled in pens,
chutes, and stunning areas.
Inspections.--The Committee supports implementation of
section 11016 of Public Law 110-246, and directs USDA to meet
its statutory obligation and promulgate final regulations to
implement this section.
The following table represents the Committee's specific
recommendations for the Food Safety and Inspection Service as
compared to the fiscal year 2013 and budget request levels:
FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE SALARIES AND EXPENSES
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year
Fiscal year 2014 budget Committee
2013 enacted request recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Food safety inspection:
Federal..................................................... 904,949 888,929 900,929
State....................................................... 65,934 65,168 65,168
International............................................... 16,649 16,031 16,031
Codex Alimentarius.......................................... 3,943 3,765 3,765
PHDCIS...................................................... 36,344 34,580 34,580
-----------------------------------------------
Total..................................................... 1,027,819 1,008,473 1,020,473
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural
Services
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $869,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 898,000
Committee recommendation................................ 898,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The Office of the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign
Agricultural Services provides direction and coordination in
carrying out the laws enacted by the Congress with respect to
the Department's international affairs (except for foreign
economic development), commodity programs, farm loans, disaster
assistance, crop insurance, and some conservation and energy
programs. The Office has oversight and management
responsibilities for the Farm Service Agency (including the
Commodity Credit Corporation), Risk Management Agency, and the
Foreign Agricultural Service.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $898,000 for
the Office of the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign
Agricultural Services.
Farm Service Agency
The Farm Service Agency [FSA] was established October 3,
1994, pursuant to the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and
Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994, Public
Law 103-354. The FSA administers a variety of activities, such
as the commodity price support and production adjustment
programs financed by the Commodity Credit Corporation; the
Conservation Reserve Program [CRP]; the Emergency Conservation
Program; the Commodity Operation Programs including the
warehouse examination function; farm ownership, farm operating,
emergency disaster, and other loan programs; and the Noninsured
Crop Disaster Assistance Program [NAP], which provides crop
loss protection for growers of many crops for which crop
insurance is not available. In addition, FSA currently provides
certain administrative support services to the Foreign
Agricultural Service [FAS] and to the Risk Management Agency
[RMA].
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transfers from Total, FSA,
Appropriations program salaries and
accounts expenses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2013\1\...................................... 1,175,570 299,792 1,475,362
Budget estimate, 2014........................................ 1,176,460 309,980 1,486,440
Committee recommendation..................................... 1,176,460 310,082 1,486,542
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public Law 112-25.
The account Salaries and Expenses, Farm Service Agency,
funds the administrative expenses of program administration and
other functions assigned to FSA. The funds consist of
appropriations and transfers from the CCC export credit
guarantees, Food for Peace loans, and Agricultural Credit
Insurance Fund program accounts, and miscellaneous advances
from other sources. All administrative funds used by FSA are
consolidated into one account. The consolidation provides
clarity and better management and control of funds, and
facilitates accounting, fiscal, and budgetary work by
eliminating the necessity for making individual allocations and
allotments and maintaining and recording obligations and
expenditures under numerous separate accounts.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,486,542,000
for salaries and expenses of the Farm Service Agency, including
a direct appropriation of $1,176,460,000.
Information Technology.--The Committee remains aware of the
unstable status of the Farm Service Agency computer system
which is responsible for the calculation and tracking of the
agency's payments to agricultural producers, and which has
resulted in disruption of services to U.S. farmers and
ranchers. The Committee recommendation includes resources to
continue the progress made regarding information technology
modernization.
National Agriculture Imagery Program.--The Committee
recommends that funding shall be allocated to purchase imagery
products to meet programmatic requirements.
STATE MEDIATION GRANTS
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $4,251,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 3,782,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,782,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
This program is authorized under title V of the
Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 (7 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.).
Originally designed to address agricultural credit disputes,
the program was expanded by the Federal Crop Insurance Reform
and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994
(Public Law 103-354) to include other agricultural issues such
as wetland determinations, conservation compliance, rural water
loan programs, grazing on National Forest System lands, and
pesticides. Grants are made to States whose mediation programs
have been certified by the FSA. Grants will be solely for
operation and administration of the State's agricultural
mediation program.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,782,000 for
State Mediation Grants.
GRASSROOTS SOURCE WATER PROTECTION PROGRAM
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $5,351,000
Budget estimate, 2014...................................................
Committee recommendation................................ 6,500,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
This program is intended to assist in the protection of
groundwater through State rural water associations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $6,500,000 for
Grassroots Source Water Protection.
DAIRY INDEMNITY PROGRAM
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $100,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 250,000
Committee recommendation................................ 250,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
Under the program, the Department makes indemnification
payments to dairy farmers and manufacturers of dairy products
who, through no fault of their own, suffer income losses
because they are directed to remove their milk from commercial
markets due to contamination of their products by registered
pesticides. The program also authorizes indemnity payments to
dairy farmers for losses resulting from the removal of cows or
dairy products from the market due to nuclear radiation or
fallout.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of such sums as
may be necessary, estimated in fiscal year 2014 to be $250,000,
for indemnity payments to dairy farmers.
AGRICULTURAL CREDIT INSURANCE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT
The Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund Program Account is
used to provide direct and guaranteed farm ownership, farm
operating, conservation, Indian highly fractioned land, and
emergency loans to individuals, as well as the following types
of loans to associations: irrigation and drainage, grazing,
Indian tribe land acquisition, and boll weevil eradication.
FSA is also authorized to provide financial assistance to
borrowers by guaranteeing loans made by private lenders having
a contract of guarantee from FSA as approved by the Secretary
of Agriculture and to establish Beginning Farmer and Rancher
Individual Development grant accounts.
The following programs are financed through this fund:
Boll Weevil Eradication Loans.--Made to assist foundations
in financing the operations of the boll weevil eradication
programs provided to farmers.
Credit Sales of Acquired Property.--Property is sold out of
inventory and is made available to an eligible buyer by
providing FSA loans.
Emergency Loans.--Made to producers to aid recovery from
production and physical losses due to drought, flooding, other
natural disasters, or quarantine. The loans may be used to:
restore or replace essential property; pay all or part of
production costs associated with the disaster year; pay
essential family living expenses; reorganize the farming
operation; and refinance certain debts.
Farm Operating Loans.--Provide short-to-intermediate term
production or chattel credit to farmers who cannot obtain
credit elsewhere, to improve their farm and home operations,
and to develop or maintain a reasonable standard of living. The
term of the loan varies from 1 to 7 years.
Farm Ownership Loans.--Made to borrowers who cannot obtain
credit elsewhere to restructure their debts, improve or
purchase farms, refinance nonfarm enterprises which supplement
but do not supplant farm income, or make additions to farms.
Loans are made for 40 years or less.
Indian Tribe Land Acquisition Loans.--Made to any Indian
tribe recognized by the Secretary of the Interior or tribal
corporation established pursuant to the Indian Reorganization
Act (Public Law 93-638) which does not have adequate
uncommitted funds to acquire lands or interest in lands within
the tribe's reservation or Alaskan Indian community, as
determined by the Secretary of the Interior, for use of the
tribe or the corporation or the members thereof.
Indian Highly Fractionated Land Loans.--Made to Indian
tribal members to purchase highly fractionated lands, as
authorized by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends a total loan level of
$5,595,344,000 for programs within the Agricultural Credit
Insurance Fund Program Account.
The following table reflects the program levels for farm
credit programs administered by the Farm Service Agency
recommended by the Committee, as compared to the fiscal year
2013 and the budget request levels:
AGRICULTURAL CREDIT PROGRAMS--LOAN LEVELS
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year
2013\1\ enacted Fiscal year Committee
2014 budget recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Farm ownership:
Direct................................................... 462,137 575,000 575,000
Guaranteed............................................... 1,500,000 2,000,000 2,000,000
Farm Operating:
Direct................................................... 1,021,654 1,223,686 1,223,686
Guaranteed unsubsidized.................................. 1,459,380 1,500,000 1,500,000
Emergency loans.............................................. 22,800 34,658 34,658
Indian Tribe Land Acquisition................................ 2,000 2,000 2,000
Conservation Loans:
Guaranteed............................................... 150,000 150,000 150,000
Indian Highly Fractionated Land Loans........................ 9,769 10,000 10,000
Boll Weevil Eradication...................................... 100,000 60,000 100,000
--------------------------------------------------
Total, Farm loans...................................... 4,727,740 5,555,344 5,595,344
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public Law 112-25.
The Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 established the
program account. Appropriations to this account are used to
cover the lifetime subsidy costs associated with the direct
loans obligated and loan guarantees committed, as well as for
administrative expenses.
The following table reflects the cost of programs under
credit reform:
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2013\1\ enacted Committee
2014 budget recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan subsidies:
Farm ownership:
Direct............................................... 19,595 4,428 4,428
Farm operating:
Direct............................................... 56,906 67,058 67,058
Guaranteed unsubsidized.............................. 17,367 18,300 18,300
Emergency loans.......................................... 1,281 1,698 1,698
Indian Highly Fractionated Land Loans.................... 168 68 68
--------------------------------------------------
Total, loan subsidies.................................. 95,317 91,552 91,552
==================================================
ACIF expenses................................................ 304,424 314,918 314,918
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public Law 112-25.
Risk Management Agency
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $72,872,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 71,496,000
Committee recommendation................................ 71,496,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The Risk Management Agency performs administrative
functions relative to the Federal crop insurance program that
is authorized by the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
1508), as amended by the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of
2000 [ARPA], Public Law 106-224, and the Food, Conservation,
and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-246).
ARPA authorized significant changes in the crop insurance
program. This act provides higher government subsidies for
producer premiums to make coverage more affordable; expands
research and development for new insurance products and under-
served areas through contracts with the private sector; and
tightens compliance. Functional areas of risk management are:
research and development; insurance services; and compliance,
whose functions include policy formulation and procedures and
regulations development.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $71,496,000
for the Risk Management Agency.
Organic Crop Insurance.--The Committee is pleased that the
Department intends to improve crop insurance for organic
producers by eliminating premium surcharges, insuring crops at
their actual organic value, and making organic crop insurance
more actuarially sound. Department statements indicate that
organic price elections for almonds, apples, pears, additional
stonefruits, blueberries, table grapes, wheat, barley, and oats
may be completed in crop year 2014 or 2015. As many of these
changes were required in the 2008 Farm Bill, the Committee
urges the Department to make every effort to complete these
price elections as quickly as possible and believes these
changes should be implemented by the 2015 crop year. The
Committee further requests a report from the Department within
6 months detailing its strategic plan and timetable to
implement organic price elections for all organic crops
produced in compliance with the National Organic Program
regulations under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7
U.S.C. 6501 et seq.).
Prevented Planting.--The Committee directs the Secretary to
conduct a review of the special provisions of crop insurance
policies related to the application of normal weather in
determining prevented planting limitations affecting crops in
the Prairie Pothole Region and where appropriate make changes
to simplify these provisions to make their application more
predicable to producers and reflective of local conditions.
CORPORATIONS
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $9,517,433,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 9,502,944,000
Committee recommendation................................ 9,502,944,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The Federal Crop Insurance Act, as amended by the Federal
Crop Insurance Reform Act of 1994, authorizes the payment of
expenses which may include indemnity payments, loss adjustment,
delivery expenses, program-related research and development,
startup costs for implementing this legislation such as
studies, pilot projects, data processing improvements, public
outreach, and related tasks and functions.
All program costs, except for Federal salaries and
expenses, are mandatory expenditures subject to appropriation.
Producers of insurable crops are eligible to receive a
basic level of protection against catastrophic losses, which
cover 50 percent of the normal yield at 55 percent of the
expected price. The only cost to the producer is an
administrative fee of $300 per crop per county.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of such sums as
may be necessary, estimated to be $9,502,944,000 in fiscal year
2014 for the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund.
Commodity Credit Corporation Fund
The Commodity Credit Corporation [CCC] is a wholly owned
Government corporation created in 1933 to stabilize, support,
and protect farm income and prices; to help maintain balanced
and adequate supplies of agricultural commodities, including
products, foods, feeds, and fibers; and to help in the orderly
distribution of these commodities. CCC was originally
incorporated under a Delaware charter and was reincorporated
June 30, 1948, as a Federal corporation within the Department
of Agriculture by the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act,
approved June 29, 1948 (15 U.S.C. 714).
The Commodity Credit Corporation engages in buying,
selling, lending, and other activities with respect to
agricultural commodities, their products, food, feed, and
fibers. Its purposes include stabilizing, supporting, and
protecting farm income and prices; maintaining the balance and
adequate supplies of selected commodities; and facilitating the
orderly distribution of such commodities. In addition, the
Corporation makes available materials and facilities required
in connection with the storage and distribution of such
commodities. The Corporation also disburses funds for sharing
of costs with producers for the establishment of approved
conservation practices on environmentally sensitive land and
subsequent rental payments for such land for the duration of
Conservation Reserve Program contracts.
Corporation activities are primarily governed by the
following statutes: the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter
Act (Public Law 80-806), as amended; the Agricultural Act of
1949 (Public Law 81-439), as amended (1949 Act); the
Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 (Public Law 75-430), as
amended (the 1938 Act); the Food Security Act of 1985 (Public
Law 99-198), as amended (1985 Act); and the Food, Conservation,
and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-246).
Management of the Corporation is vested in a board of
directors, subject to the general supervision and direction of
the Secretary of Agriculture, who is an ex officio director and
chairman of the board. The board consists of seven members, in
addition to the Secretary, who are appointed by the President
of the United States with the advice and consent of the Senate.
Officers of the Corporation are designated according to their
positions in the Department of Agriculture.
The activities of the Corporation are carried out mainly by
the personnel and through the facilities of the Farm Service
Agency [FSA] and the Farm Service Agency State and county
committees. The Foreign Agricultural Service, the General Sales
Manager, other agencies and offices of the Department, and
commercial agents are also used to carry out certain aspects of
the Corporation's activities.
Under Public Law 87-155 (15 U.S.C. 713a-11, 713a-12),
annual appropriations are authorized for each fiscal year,
commencing with fiscal year 1961. These appropriations are to
reimburse the Corporation for net realized losses.
REIMBURSEMENT FOR NET REALIZED LOSSES
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $11,018,509,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 12,538,880,000
Committee recommendation................................ 12,538,880,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of such sums as
may be necessary, estimated in fiscal year 2014 to be
$12,538,880,000, for the payment to reimburse the Commodity
Credit Corporation for net realized losses.
HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT
Limitation, 2013........................................ $5,000,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 5,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 5,000,000
The Commodity Credit Corporation's [CCC] hazardous waste
management program is intended to ensure compliance with the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.) and the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.). The CCC
funds operations and maintenance costs as well as site
investigation and cleanup expenses. Investigative and cleanup
costs associated with the management of CCC hazardous waste are
also paid from USDA's hazardous waste management appropriation.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends a limitation of $5,000,000 for the
Commodity Credit Corporation's hazardous waste management
program.
TITLE II
CONSERVATION PROGRAMS
Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $869,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 898,000
Committee recommendation................................ 898,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and
Environment provides direction and coordination in carrying out
the laws enacted by the Congress with respect to natural
resources and the environment. The Office has oversight and
management responsibilities for the Natural Resources
Conservation Service and the Forest Service.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $898,000 for
the Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and
Environment.
Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service [NRCS] was
established pursuant to Public Law 103-354, the Department of
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6962). The
NRCS works with conservation districts, watershed groups, and
Federal and State agencies to bring about physical adjustments
in land use that will conserve soil and water resources,
provide for agricultural production on a sustained basis, and
reduce flood damage and sedimentation.
CONSERVATION OPERATIONS
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $808,495,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 807,937,000
Committee recommendation................................ 818,376,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
Conservation operations are authorized by Public Law 74-46
(16 U.S.C. 590a-590f). Activities include:
Conservation Technical Assistance provides assistance to
district cooperators and other land users in the planning and
application of conservation treatments to control erosion and
improve the quantity and quality of soil resources, improve and
conserve water, enhance fish and wildlife habitat, conserve
energy, improve woodland, pasture and range conditions, and
reduce upstream flooding; all to protect and enhance the
natural resource base.
Resource appraisal and program development ensures that
programs administered by the Secretary of Agriculture for the
conservation of soil, water, and related resources shall
respond to the Nation's long-term needs.
Plant Materials Centers assemble, test, and encourage
increased use of plant species which show promise for use in
the treatment of conservation problem areas.
Snow Survey and Water Forecasting provides estimates of
annual water availability from high mountain snow packs and
relates to summer stream flow in the Western States and Alaska.
Information is used by agriculture, industry, and cities in
estimating future water supplies.
Soil Surveys inventory the Nation's basic soil resources
and determine land capabilities and conservation treatment
needs. Soil survey publications include interpretations useful
to cooperators, other Federal agencies, State, and local
organizations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $818,376,000
for Conservation Operations.
Herbicide Resistance.--The Committee directs NRCS to ensure
agency staff, partners, and producers are aware of new and
interim conservation practice standards and conservation
activity plans to address herbicide-resistant weeds, and that
financial assistance through certain conservation programs is
available to assist producers in their efforts to control these
weeds.
Watershed Projects.--The Committee notes that there are
currently authorized ongoing watershed projects with a primary
purpose of providing water to rural communities. The Committee
recommendation includes $3,500,000 for NRCS to continue
providing assistance to these projects, including, but not
limited to, environmental assessments.
WATERSHED REHABILITATION PROGRAM
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $14,302,000
Budget estimate, 2014...................................................
Committee recommendation................................................
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The watershed rehabilitation program account provides for
technical and financial assistance to carry out rehabilitation
of structural measures, in accordance with section 14 of the
Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act, approved August
4, 1954 (16 U.S.C. 1012, U.S.C. 1001, et seq.), as amended by
section 313 of Public Law 106-472, November 9, 2000, and by
section 2803 of Public Law 110-246.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee does not recommend an appropriation for the
Watershed Rehabilitation Program.
TITLE III
RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
The Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-354)
abolished the Farmers Home Administration, Rural Development
Administration, and Rural Electrification Administration and
replaced those agencies with the Rural Housing and Community
Development Service, (currently, the Rural Housing Service),
Rural Business and Cooperative Development Service (currently,
the Rural Business--Cooperative Service), and Rural Utilities
Service and placed them under the oversight of the Under
Secretary for Rural Economic and Community Development,
(currently, Rural Development). These agencies deliver a
variety of programs through a network of State, district, and
county offices.
Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $869,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 898,000
Committee recommendation................................ 898,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development
provides direction and coordination in carrying out laws with
respect to the Department's rural economic and community
development activities. The Office has oversight and management
responsibilities for the Rural Housing Service, Rural
Business--Cooperative Service, and the Rural Utilities Service.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $898,000 for
the Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development.
RURAL DEVELOPMENT SALARIES AND EXPENSES
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year--
---------------------------------- Committee
2013\1\ 2014 budget recommendation
appropriation request
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation................................................ 201,255 204,695 204,695
Transfer from:
Rural Housing Insurance Fund Loan Program Account........ 399,507 417,692 417,692
Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Program 33,534 34,694 34,694
Account.................................................
Rural Development Loan Fund Program Account.............. 4,318 4,467 4,467
--------------------------------------------------
Total Rural Development salaries and expenses.......... 638,614 661,548 661,548
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public Law 112-25.
These funds are used to administer the loan and grant
programs of the Rural Utilities Service, the Rural Housing
Service, and the Rural Business--Cooperative Service, including
reviewing applications, making and collecting loans and
providing technical assistance and guidance to borrowers; and
to assist in extending other Federal programs to people in
rural areas.
Under credit reform, administrative costs associated with
loan programs are appropriated to the program accounts.
Appropriations to the salaries and expenses account will be for
costs associated with grant programs.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends $661,548,000 for salaries and
expenses of Rural Development.
The Committee expects the Secretary to consider innovative
ways to leverage the administrative funding provided in this
bill. In that regard, the Secretary is reminded of his
authorities to utilize knowledgeable third parties to assist in
program outreach, technical assistance, and certain application
underwriting, bundling, and loan servicing, as long as the
activities are not inherently governmental functions. The
Secretary is directed to engage program partners in
discussions, and to report to the Committee on new ways to more
effectively leverage Rural Development funding with the
resources of knowledgeable third parties to deliver programs,
with special emphasis on the Community Facilities and Water and
Waste Water programs.
Frontier Communities.--The Committee notes that across the
Nation there are many very small, very rural communities, or
Frontier Communities (as defined by the Economic Research
Service), that lack established infrastructure and that have
difficulty competing for Rural Development loans and grants
because of lack of personnel, sufficient communications
infrastructure, access to credit and limited ability to
generate revenue. The Committee encourages Rural Development to
focus efforts and investment on these Frontier Communities, to
the degree practicable.
Rural Housing Service
The Rural Housing Service [RHS] was established under the
Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture
Reorganization Act of 1994, dated October 13, 1994.
RURAL HOUSING INSURANCE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT
Appropriations, 2013\1\ (budget authority).............. $482,281,000
Budget estimate, 2014 (budget authority)................ 450,308,000
Committee recommendation (budget authority)............. 464,996,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
This fund was established in 1965 (Public Law 89-117)
pursuant to section 517 of title V of the Housing Act of 1949
(42 U.S.C. 517(d)), as amended. This fund may be used to insure
or guarantee rural housing loans for single-family homes,
rental and cooperative housing, farm labor housing, and rural
housing sites. Rural housing loans are made to construct,
improve, alter, repair, or replace dwellings and essential farm
service buildings that are modest in size, design, and cost.
Rental housing insured loans are made to individuals,
corporations, associations, trusts, or partnerships to provide
low-cost rental housing and related facilities in rural areas.
These loans are repayable in terms up to 30 years. Loan
programs are limited to rural areas, which include towns,
villages, and other places of not more than 10,000 population,
which are not part of an urban area. Loans may also be made in
areas with a population in excess of 10,000, but less than
20,000, if the area is not included in a standard metropolitan
statistical area and has a serious lack of mortgage credit for
low- and moderate-income borrowers.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $464,996,000
for the Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account [RHIF].
The Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-508)
established the RHIF program account. Appropriations to this
account will be used to cover the lifetime subsidy costs
associated with the direct loans obligated and loan guarantees
committed in 2013, as well as for administrative expenses. The
following table presents the loan subsidy levels as compared to
the 2013 levels and the 2014 budget request:
RURAL HOUSING INSURANCE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year
2013\1\ 2014 budget Committee
appropriation request recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan Levels:
Single-Family Housing (sec. 502):
Direct............................................... 875,628 360,000 900,000
Guaranteed........................................... 24,000,000 24,000,000 24,000,000
Housing Repair (sec. 504)................................ 27,195 26,280 26,280
Direct rental housing (sec. 515)......................... 30,428 28,432 28,432
Guaranteed rental housing (sec. 538)..................... 150,000 150,000 150,000
Site development loans (sec. 524)........................ ............... 5,000 5,000
Credit sales of acquired property........................ 10,000 10,000 10,000
Self help land development loans (sec. 523).............. 5,000 ............... 5,000
Farm labor housing loans (sec. 514)...................... 22,347 23,855 23,855
--------------------------------------------------
Total, loan levels..................................... 25,120,598 24,603,567 25,148,567
==================================================
Loan Subsidies and Grants:
Single-Family Housing (sec. 502):
Direct............................................... 52,275 9,792 24,480
Housing Repair (sec. 504)................................ 3,718 2,176 2,176
Direct rental housing (sec. 515)......................... 10,702 6,656 6,656
Farm labor housing loans (sec. 514)...................... 7,451 5,656 5,656
Farm labor housing grants (sec. 516)..................... 8,628 8,336 8,336
--------------------------------------------------
Total, loan subsidies and grants....................... 82,774 32,616 47,304
==================================================
Administrative expenses...................................... 399,507 417,692 417,692
==================================================
Total, loan subsidies, grants and administrative ex- 482,281 450,308 464,996
penses................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public Law 112-25.
Application Bundling Pilot Program.--The Committee is aware
of and appreciates the successful pilot program that leverages
support provided by non-profit partners in outreach and
bundling of section 502 single family housing loans. This pilot
allows the agency to maximize the effectiveness of the
administrative support provided in this bill. Given the
demonstrated success of this initiative, the Committee
encourages the Department to expand the pilot program to the
degree practicable.
Centralized Servicing Center.--The Secretary is encouraged
to explore opportunities to provide services to other Federal
agencies, through Economy Act Agreements, and thereby leverage
existing capacity and expertise at Rural Development's
Centralized Servicing Center.
Section 502 Direct Loan Program.--The Committee is
encouraged by the Department's efforts to assemble a task force
to examine the current administrative procedures regarding the
section 502 direct loan program and efforts to meet legislative
mandates to serve the very low income population. The Committee
encourages the Department and the task force to examine
regional tax burdens and cost of housing when determining the
impact of administrative procedures and alternative options to
avoid unnecessary delays or denials regarding low income
applicants. The Secretary shall report to the Committee on the
findings of the task force and recommendations for the program
no later than 120 days after enactment.
RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $882,563,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 1,015,050,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,015,050,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
Rental assistance is authorized under section 521(a)(2) of
the Housing Act of 1949, as amended (42 U.S.C. 1490a). The
objective of the program is to reduce rents paid by low-income
families living in Rural Housing Service financed rental
projects and farm labor housing projects. Under this program,
low-income tenants will contribute the higher of: (1) 30
percent of monthly adjusted income; (2) 10 percent of monthly
income; or (3) designated housing payments from a welfare
agency.
Payments from the fund are made to the project owner for
the difference between the tenant's payment and the approved
rental rate established for the unit.
The program is administered in tandem with the Rural
Housing Service section 515 rural rental housing program and
the farm labor loan and grant programs. Priority is given to
existing projects for units occupied by rent over-burdened low-
income families and projects experiencing financial
difficulties beyond the control of the owner; any remaining
authority will be used for projects receiving new construction
commitments under sections 514, 515, or 516 for very low-income
families with certain limitations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,015,050,000
for the Rental Assistance Program.
Rental Assistance.--The Committee includes statutory
language requiring rental assistance to be held in 514/516
projects for a minimum period of time. Rental assistance
contracts are funded for 1-year durations.
The Committee directs the Secretary to provide a report
detailing: the total number of households served by rental
assistance [RA]; the average per unit RA cost per State; the
number of RA contracts expiring in fiscal year 2013 that were
not renewed; the extraordinary servicing actions undertaken by
Rural Development [RD] in fiscal year 2013 to address the RA
shortfall; the costs of those servicing actions (i.e.
reductions in project reserve accounts, etc.); the implications
of these servicing actions on the credit quality of the loan
portfolio and on the physical maintenance of the properties;
the implications of these servicing actions on the project
owners; a revised estimate of RA needs in fiscal year 2014, to
cover the original estimate of expiring units and those not
renewed in fiscal year 2013; the fiscal year 2014 inflation
factor included in the estimate above; and in addition to the
servicing actions undertaken by RD, what additional actions
could and did property owners take to protect the financial
integrity of the projects while also protecting current
occupants from untenable rent increases.
MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING REVITALIZATION PROGRAM ACCOUNT
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $27,030,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 32,575,000
Committee recommendation................................ 32,575,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The Rural Housing Voucher Program was authorized under the
Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1940r) to assist very low income
families and individuals who reside in rental housing in rural
areas. Housing vouchers may be provided to residents of rental
housing projects financed by section 515 loans that have been
prepaid after September 30, 2005. Voucher amounts reflect the
difference between comparable market rents and tenant-paid rent
prior to loan prepayment. Vouchers allow tenants to remain in
existing projects or move to other rental housing.
The Multi-family Housing Revitalization Program includes
funding for housing vouchers and a demonstration program for
the preservation and revitalization of affordable multi-family
housing projects. Rural Development's multi-family housing
portfolio faces dual pressures for loan prepayments and repair/
rehabilitation stemming from inadequate reserves resulting in
deferred property maintenance.
Provision of affordable rental housing can be accomplished
more economically by revitalizing existing housing stock rather
than funding new construction. The Multi-family Housing
Revitalization Program includes revitalization tools for
maintenance of existing units and vouchers to protect tenants
in those projects that prepay. Flexibility is provided to allow
Rural Development to utilize funding to meet the most urgent
local needs for tenant protection and project revitalization.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $32,575,000
for the Multi-family Housing Revitalization Program, including
$12,575,000 for vouchers and $20,000,000 for a housing
preservation demonstration program.
MUTUAL AND SELF-HELP HOUSING GRANTS
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $29,188,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 10,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 25,000,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The Mutual and Self-Help Housing Grants Program is
authorized by title V of the Housing Act of 1949. Grants are
made to local organizations to promote the development of
mutual or self-help programs under which groups of usually 6 to
10 families build their own homes by mutually exchanging labor.
Funds may be used to pay the cost of construction supervisors
who work with families in the construction of their homes and
for administrative expenses of the organizations providing the
self-help assistance.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $25,000,000
for Mutual and Self-Help Housing Grants.
RURAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE GRANTS
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $32,239,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 25,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 32,239,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The Rural Housing Assistance Grants Program consolidates
funding for rural housing grant programs. This consolidation of
housing grant funding provides greater flexibility to tailor
financial assistance to applicant needs.
Very Low-Income Housing Repair Grants.--The Very Low-Income
Housing Repair Grants Program is authorized under section 504
of title V of the Housing Act of 1949. The rural housing repair
grant program is carried out by making grants to very low-
income families to make necessary repairs to their homes in
order to make such dwellings safe and sanitary, and remove
hazards to the health of the occupants, their families, or the
community.
These grants may be made to cover the cost of improvements
or additions, such as repairing roofs, providing toilet
facilities, providing a convenient and sanitary water supply,
supplying screens, repairing or providing structural supports
or making similar repairs, additions, or improvements,
including all preliminary and installation costs in obtaining
central water and sewer service. A grant can be made in
combination with a section 504 very low-income housing repair
loan.
No assistance can be extended to any one individual in the
form of a loan, grant, or combined loans and grants in excess
of $27,500, and grant assistance is limited to persons, or
families headed by persons who are 62 years of age or older.
Supervisory and Technical Assistance Grants.--Supervisory
and technical assistance grants are made to public and private
nonprofit organizations for packaging loan applications for
housing assistance under sections 502, 504, 514/516, 515, and
533 of the Housing Act of 1949. The assistance is directed to
very low-income families in underserved areas where at least 20
percent of the population is below the poverty level and at
least 10 percent or more of the population resides in
substandard housing. In fiscal year 1994 a Homebuyer Education
Program was implemented under this authority. This program
provides low-income individuals and families education and
counseling on obtaining and/or maintaining occupancy of
adequate housing and supervised credit assistance to become
successful homeowners.
Compensation for Construction Defects.--Compensation for
construction defects provides funds for grants to eligible
section 502 borrowers to correct structural defects, or to pay
claims of owners arising from such defects on a newly
constructed dwelling purchased with RHS financial assistance.
Claims are not paid until provisions under the builder's
warranty have been fully pursued. Requests for compensation for
construction defects must be made by the owner of the property
within 18 months after the date financial assistance was
granted.
Rural Housing Preservation Grants.--Rural housing
preservation grants (section 533) of the Housing and Urban-
Rural Recovery Act of 1983 (42 U.S.C. 1490m) authorizes the
Rural Housing Service to administer a program of home repair
directed at low- and very low-income people.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $32,239,000
for the Rural Housing Assistance Grants Program.
The following table compares the grant program levels
recommended by the Committee to the fiscal year 2013 levels and
the budget request:
RURAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE GRANTS
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year--
---------------------------------- Committee
2013 level 2014 request recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Very low-income housing repair grants........................ 28,701 25,000 28,701
Housing preservation grants.................................. 3,538 ............... 3,538
--------------------------------------------------
Total.................................................. 32,239 25,000 32,239
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rural Community Facilities Program Account
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $31,434,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 17,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 32,508,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
Community facility loans were created by the Rural
Development Act of 1972 (7 U.S.C. 1926 et seq.) to finance a
variety of rural community facilities. Loans are made to
organizations, including certain Indian tribes and corporations
not operated for profit and public and quasi-public agencies,
to construct, enlarge, extend, or otherwise improve community
facilities providing essential services to rural residents.
Such facilities include those providing or supporting overall
community development, such as fire and rescue services,
healthcare, transportation, traffic control, and community,
social, cultural, and recreational benefits. Loans are made for
facilities which primarily serve rural residents of open
country and rural towns and villages of not more than 20,000
people. Healthcare and fire and rescue facilities are the
priorities of the program and receive the majority of available
funds.
The Community Facility Grant Program authorized in the
Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (Public
Law 104-127), is used in conjunction with the existing direct
and guaranteed loan programs for the development of community
facilities, such as hospitals, fire stations, and community
centers. Grants are targeted to the lowest income communities.
Communities that have lower population and income levels
receive a higher cost-share contribution through these grants,
to a maximum contribution of 75 percent of the cost of
developing the facility.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $32,508,000
for the Rural Community Facilities Program Account.
The following table provides the Committee's
recommendations, as compared to the fiscal year 2013 and budget
request levels:
RURAL COMMUNITY FACILITIES PROGRAM ACCOUNT
[Loan levels and budget authority in thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year
2013\1\ 2014 budget Committee
appropriation request recommendations
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan levels:
Community facilities direct loans........................ 2,200,000 1,500,000 1,500,000
Community facilities guaranteed loans.................... 55,926 ............... 59,543
--------------------------------------------------
Total loan levels...................................... 2,255,926 1,500,000 1,559,543
==================================================
Budget authority:
Community facility guaranteed loans...................... 3,775 ............... 3,775
Community facility grants................................ 12,648 13,000 13,000
Economic impact initiative grants........................ 5,778 ............... 5,778
Rural community development initiative................... 5,955 ............... 5,955
Tribal college grants.................................... 3,278 4,000 4,000
--------------------------------------------------
Total budget authority................................. 31,434 17,000 32,508
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public Law 112-25.
Day Care Facilities.--The Committee directs the Secretary
to increase efforts to provide assistance for day care
facilities through the Community Facilities program.
Availability of proper day care facilities is limited in rural
areas, making it difficult for many parents to work and
sometimes resulting in children receiving substandard care.
Rural Business--Cooperative Service
The Rural Business--Cooperative Service [RBS] was
established by Public Law 103-354, Federal Crop Insurance
Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of
1994, dated October 13, 1994. Its programs were previously
administered by the Rural Development Administration, the Rural
Electrification Administration, and the Agricultural
Cooperative Service.
RURAL BUSINESS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $83,578,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 51,777,000
Committee recommendation................................ 98,539,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The Rural Business and Industry Loan Program was created by
the Rural Development Act of 1972, and finances a variety of
rural industrial development loans. Loans are made for rural
industrialization and rural community facilities under Rural
Development Act amendments to the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932 et seq.) authorities. Business
and industrial loans are made to public, private, or
cooperative organizations organized for profit, to certain
Indian tribes, or to individuals for the purpose of improving,
developing or financing business, industry, and employment or
improving the economic and environmental climate in rural
areas. Such purposes include financing business and industrial
acquisition, construction, enlargement, repair or
modernization, financing the purchase and development of land,
easements, rights-of-way, buildings, payment of startup costs,
and supplying working capital.
Rural business enterprise grants were authorized by the
Rural Development Act of 1972. Grants are made to public bodies
and nonprofit organizations to facilitate development of small
and emerging business enterprises in rural areas, including the
acquisition and development of land; the construction of
buildings, plants, equipment, access streets and roads, parking
areas, and utility extensions; refinancing fees; technical
assistance; and startup operating costs and working capital.
Rural business opportunity grants are authorized under
section 306(a)(11) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act, as amended. Grants may be made to public
bodies and private nonprofit community development corporations
or entities. Grants are made to identify and analyze business
opportunities that will use local rural economic and human
resources: to identify, train, and provide technical assistance
to rural entrepreneurs and managers; to establish business
support centers; to conduct economic development planning and
coordination, and leadership development; and to establish
centers for training, technology, and trade that will provide
training to rural businesses in the utilization of interactive
communications technologies.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $98,539,000
for the Rural Business Program Account.
The following table provides the Committee's
recommendations, as compared to the fiscal year 2013 and budget
request levels:
RURAL BUSINESS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
[Loan levels and budget authority in thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year
2013\1\ 2014 budget Committee
appropriation request recommendations
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan levels:
Business and Industry guaranteed loans loan levels....... 932,145 740,730 958,097
Budget authority:
Business and industry guaranteed loans................... 54,810 51,777 66,971
Business enterprise grants............................... 23,660 ............... 24,318
Business opportunity grants.............................. 2,189 ............... 2,250
Delta Regional Authority grants.......................... 2,919 ............... 5,000
--------------------------------------------------
Total budget authority................................. 83,578 51,777 98,539
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public Law 112-25.
Rural Business Program Account.--The Committee recommends
$500,000 for transportation technical assistance.
The Committee directs that of the $4,000,000 recommended
for grants to benefit Federally Recognized Native American
Tribes, $250,000 shall be used to implement an American Indian
and Alaska Native passenger transportation development and
assistance initiative.
RURAL DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year--
---------------------------------- Committee
2013 level\1\ 2014 request recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated loan level......................................... 18,377 18,889 18,889
Direct loan subsidy.......................................... 5,888 4,082 4,082
Administrative expenses...................................... 4,318 4,467 4,467
--------------------------------------------------
Total, loan subsidies and administrative expenses...... 10,206 8,549 8,549
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public Law 112-25.
The rural development (intermediary relending) loan program
was originally authorized by the Economic Opportunity Act of
1964 (Public Law 88-452). The making of rural development loans
by the Department of Agriculture was reauthorized by Public Law
99-425, the Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1986.
Loans are made to intermediary borrowers (small investment
groups) who in turn will reloan the funds to rural businesses,
community development corporations, private nonprofit
organizations, public agencies, et cetera, for the purpose of
improving business, industry, community facilities, and
employment opportunities and diversification of the economy in
rural areas.
The Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 established the
program account. Appropriations to this account will be used to
cover the lifetime subsidy costs associated with the direct
loans obligated in 2013, as well as for administrative
expenses.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $8,549,000 for
the Rural Development Loan Fund Program Account.
RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated loan
level
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2013 level................................. 33,077
Fiscal year 2014 request............................... 33,077
Committee recommendation............................... 33,077
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Rural Economic Development Loans program was
established by the Reconciliation Act of December 1987 (Public
Law 100-203), which amended the Rural Electrification Act of
1936 (Act of May 20, 1936), by establishing a new section 313.
This section of the Rural Electrification Act (7 U.S.C. 901)
established a cushion of credits payment program and created
the rural economic development subaccount. The Administrator of
RUS is authorized under the act to utilize funds in this
program to provide zero interest loans to electric and
telecommunications borrowers for the purpose of promoting rural
economic development and job creation projects, including
funding for feasibility studies, startup costs, and other
reasonable expenses for the purpose of fostering rural economic
development.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a loan program level of
$33,077,000, to be funded from earnings on the Cushion of
Credit and fees on guaranteed underwriting loans made pursuant
to section 313A of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936.
RURAL COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $26,956,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 17,250,000
Committee recommendation................................ 26,050,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
Rural cooperative development grants are authorized under
section 310B(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act, as amended. Grants are made to fund the establishment and
operation of centers for rural cooperative development with
their primary purpose being the improvement of economic
conditions in rural areas. Grants may be made to nonprofit
institutions or institutions of higher education. Grants may be
used to pay up to 75 percent of the cost of the project and
associated administrative costs. The applicant must contribute
at least 25 percent from non-Federal sources, except 1994
institutions, which only need to provide 5 percent. Grants are
competitive and are awarded based on specific selection
criteria.
Cooperative research agreements are authorized by 7 U.S.C.
2204b. The funds are used for cooperative research agreements,
primarily with colleges and universities, on critical
operational, organizational, and structural issues facing
cooperatives.
Cooperative agreements are authorized under 7 U.S.C. 2201
to any qualified State departments of agriculture, university,
and other State entity to conduct research that will strengthen
and enhance the operations of agricultural marketing
cooperatives in rural areas.
The Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas [ATTRA]
program was first authorized by the Food Security Act of 1985.
The program provides information and technical assistance to
agricultural producers to adopt sustainable agricultural
practices that are environmentally friendly and lower
production costs.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $26,050,000
for Rural Cooperative Development Grants.
Of the funds recommended, $2,250,000 is for the Appropriate
Technology Transfer for Rural Areas program.
The Committee has included language in the bill that not
more than $3,000,000 shall be made available to cooperatives or
associations of cooperatives whose primary focus is to provide
assistance to small, minority producers.
Value Added.--The Committee recommends $15,000,000 for
value-added agricultural product market development grants.
RURAL MICROENTERPRISE INVESTMENT PROGRAM
Appropriations, 2013\1\.................................................
Budget estimate, 2014................................... $1,405,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,405,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
This program, authorized by section 379E of the
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1981 et
seq.), provides loans and grants to intermediaries that assist
micro-entrepreneurs.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,405,000 for
the Rural Microenterprise Investment Program.
RURAL ENERGY FOR AMERICA PROGRAM
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $3,308,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 19,741,000
Committee recommendation................................ 4,000,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The Rural Energy for America Program is authorized under
section 9007 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107). This program may fund energy audits,
direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants to farmers, ranchers,
and small rural businesses for the purchase of renewable energy
systems and for energy efficiency improvements.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,000,000 for
the Rural Energy for America Program.
The following table provides the Committee's recommendation
as compared to the fiscal year 2013 and budget request levels:
RURAL ENERGY FOR AMERICA PROGRAM
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year Committee
2013\1\ level 2014 request recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated loan level............................................ 13,778 44,987 14,583
Guaranteed loan subsidy......................................... 3,308 12,340 4,000
Grants.......................................................... .............. 7,401 ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public Law 112-25.
Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service [RUS] was established under the
Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture
Reorganization Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-354), October 13,
1994. RUS administers the electric and telephone programs of
the former Rural Electrification Administration and the water
and waste programs of the former Rural Development
Administration.
RURAL WATER AND WASTE DISPOSAL PROGRAM ACCOUNT
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $510,265,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 304,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 455,000,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The water and waste disposal program is authorized by
sections 306, 306A, 309A, 306C, 306D, 306E, and 310B of the
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1921 et
seq., as amended). This program makes loans for water and waste
development costs. Development loans are made to associations,
including corporations operating on a nonprofit basis,
municipalities and similar organizations, generally designated
as public or quasi-public agencies, that propose projects for
the development, storage, treatment, purification, and
distribution of domestic water or the collection, treatment, or
disposal of waste in rural areas. Such grants may not exceed 75
percent of the development cost of the projects and can
supplement other funds borrowed or furnished by applicants to
pay development costs.
The solid waste grant program is authorized under section
310B(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act.
Grants are made to public bodies and private nonprofit
organizations to provide technical assistance to local and
regional governments for the purpose of reducing or eliminating
pollution of water resources and for improving the planning and
management of solid waste disposal facilities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $455,000,000
for the Rural Water and Waste Disposal Program Account.
The Committee recommends $66,500,000 for water and waste
disposal systems grants for Native Americans, including Native
Alaskans, the Colonias, and residents of Hawaiian Home Lands.
The Committee recognizes the special needs and problems for
delivery of basic services to these populations. In addition,
the Committee makes up to $15,000,000 available for the circuit
rider program.
The following table provides the Committee's
recommendations, as compared to the fiscal year 2013 and budget
request levels:
RURAL WATER AND WASTE DISPOSAL PROGRAM ACCOUNT
[Loan levels and budget authority in thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year
2013\1\ 2014 budget Committee
appropriation request recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan levels:
Water and waste disposal direct loans................. 972,912 1,200,000 1,200,000
Direct loans authorized by Public Law 83-566.......... 40,000 ................ 40,000
Water and waste disposal guaranteed loans............. 59,660 ................ 50,000
-----------------------------------------------------
Total loan levels................................... 1,072,572 1,200,000 1,290,000
=====================================================
Budget authority:
Water and waste disposal direct loans................. 78,514 ................ ................
Direct loans authorized by Public Law 83-566.......... ................ ................ 284
Water and waste disposal guaranteed loans............. 632 ................ 355
Water and waste disposal grants....................... 318,364 246,800 337,868
Solid waste management grants......................... 3,308 4,000 4,000
Water well system grants.............................. 966 ................ 993
Colonias and AK/HI/Native American grants............. 64,699 36,480 66,500
Water and waste water revolving funds................. 973 ................ 1,000
High-energy cost grants............................... 9,730 ................ 10,000
Circuit Rider......................................... 14,594 7,600 15,000
Technical assistance grants........................... 18,485 9,120 19,000
-----------------------------------------------------
Total, budget authority............................. 510,263 304,000 455,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public Law 112-25.
RURAL ELECTRIFICATION AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
The Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et
seq.) provides the statutory authority for the electric and
telecommunications programs.
The Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-508)
established the program account. An appropriation to this
account will be used to cover the lifetime subsidy costs
associated with the direct loans obligated and loan guarantees
committed in fiscal year 2013, as well as for administrative
expenses.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The following table reflects the Committee's recommendation
for the Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Loans
Program Account, the loan subsidy and administrative expenses,
as compared to the fiscal year 2013 and budget request levels:
RURAL ELECTRIFICATION AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year--
---------------------------------- Committee
2013\1\ level 2014 request recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan authorizations:
Electric:
Direct, 5 percent.................................... 100,000 ............... ...............
Direct FFB........................................... 6,500,000 4,000,000 5,000,000
Guaranteed underwriting.............................. 500,000 ............... 500,000
--------------------------------------------------
Subtotal........................................... 7,100,000 4,000,000 5,500,000
==================================================
Telecommunications--Direct, Treasury rate................ 690,000 690,000 690,000
--------------------------------------------------
Total, loan authorizations............................. 7,790,000 4,690,000 6,190,000
==================================================
Administrative expenses...................................... 33,534 34,694 34,694
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public Law 112-25.
The Committee expects that the RUS Energy Efficiency and
Conservation loan program will be under way by October 1, 2013,
and will significantly increase demand. The Committee
encourages RUS to utilize a significant portion of the electric
loan program for this initiative.
DISTANCE LEARNING, TELEMEDICINE, AND BROADBAND PROGRAM LOANS AND GRANTS
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year--
---------------------------------- Committee
2013\1\ level 2014 request recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan and grant levels:
Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program:
Grants............................................... 24,274 24,950 24,274
==================================================
Broadband program:
Treasury rate loans...................................... 41,095 63,356 30,651
Treasury rate loans budget authority..................... 3,892 8,268 4,000
Grants................................................... 10,091 10,372 10,372
--------------------------------------------------
Total DLT and Broadband program level.................. 65,369 88,306 65,297
==================================================
Total DLT and Broadband budget authority............... 38,257 43,590 38,646
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public Law 112-25.
The Distance Learning, Telemedicine, and Broadband Program
is authorized by the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade
Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 950aaa et seq.), as amended by the
Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (Public
Law 104-127). This program provides incentives to improve the
quality of phone services, to provide access to advanced
telecommunications services and computer networks, and to
improve rural opportunities.
This program provides the facilities and equipment to link
rural education and medical facilities with more urban centers
and other facilities providing rural residents access to better
healthcare through technology and increasing educational
opportunities for rural students. These funds are available for
loans and grants.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $38,646,000
for the Distance Learning, Telemedicine, and Broadband Program.
The Committee recommendation includes $2,750,000 for public
broadcasting systems grants to allow noncommercial educational
television broadcast stations that serve rural areas to convert
from analog to digital operations. Funds recommended for the
RUS broadband program are intended to promote broadband
availability in those areas where there is not otherwise a
business case for private investment in a broadband network.
The Committee encourages RUS to focus expenditures on projects
that bring broadband service to currently unserved households.
The Committee is concerned about the longstanding, unmet
health needs in the Mississippi River Delta. The Committee
recommendation includes $3,000,000 to address critical
healthcare needs in the region, as authorized by section 379G
of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act.
Broadband Grants.--Of the funds recommended, $10,372,000 in
grants shall be made available to support broadband
transmission and local dial-up Internet services for rural
areas.
TITLE IV
DOMESTIC FOOD PROGRAMS
Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $789,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 816,000
Committee recommendation................................ 816,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and
Consumer Services provides direction and coordination in
carrying out the laws enacted by the Congress with respect to
the Department's nutrition assistance activities. The Office
has oversight and management responsibilities for the Food and
Nutrition Service.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $816,000 for
the Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and
Consumer Services.
Direct Certification.--The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of
2010 requires States to meet federally set thresholds for
direct certification of 80 percent in school year 2011; 90
percent in school year 2012; and 95 percent in school year 2013
and each year thereafter. States that do not meet these
benchmarks must submit continuous improvement plans to the
Secretary for approval. Recognizing the importance of ensuring
that all eligible children participate in school meal programs,
the Committee directs the Secretary to immediately provide all
States with rigorous technical assistance, including direct
consultation and intensive training, to help States meet these
ambitious thresholds. Additionally, the Committee directs the
Secretary to involve the Nation's Governors by accumulating and
disseminating State best practices on direct certification.
Identity Theft.--The Committee is concerned that
beneficiaries of the numerous nutrition programs funded by this
bill may be exposed to identity theft. The Committee directs
the Secretary to provide a report detailing capabilities
currently deployed to detect and prevent identity based fraud;
the prevalence of identity theft incidents perpetrated against
USDA nutrition program beneficiaries; steps the Department is
undertaking to protect program beneficiaries' personally
identifiable information against unauthorized disclosure; and
what if any actions are being taken to educate beneficiaries on
the threat of identity theft.
Food and Nutrition Service
The Food and Nutrition Service represents an organizational
effort to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in this country.
Nutrition assistance programs provide access to a nutritionally
adequate diet for families and persons with low incomes and
encourage better eating patterns among the Nation's children.
These programs include:
Child Nutrition Programs.--The National School Lunch and
School Breakfast, Summer Food Service, and Child and Adult Care
Food programs provide funding to the States, Puerto Rico, the
Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Guam for use in serving
nutritious lunches and breakfasts to children attending schools
of high school grades and under, to children of preschool age
in child care centers, and to children in other institutions in
order to improve the health and well-being of the Nation's
children, and broaden the markets for agricultural food
commodities. Through the Special Milk Program, assistance is
provided to the States for making reimbursement payments to
eligible schools and child care institutions which institute or
expand milk service in order to increase the consumption of
fluid milk by children. Funds for this program are provided by
direct appropriation and transfer from section 32.
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants,
and Children [WIC].--This program safeguards the health of
pregnant, postpartum, and breast-feeding women, infants, and
children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk because of
inadequate nutrition and income by providing supplemental
foods. The delivery of supplemental foods may be done through
health clinics, vouchers redeemable at retail food stores, or
other approved methods which a cooperating State health agency
may select. Funds for this program are provided by direct
appropriation.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.--This program
seeks to improve nutritional standards of needy persons and
families. Assistance is provided to eligible households to
enable them to obtain a better diet by increasing their food
purchasing capability, usually by furnishing benefits in the
form of electronic access to funds. The program also includes
Nutrition Assistance to Puerto Rico.
The program also includes the Food Distribution Program on
Indian Reservations, which provides nutritious agricultural
commodities to low-income persons living on or near Indian
reservations who choose not to participate in the Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program.
Commodity Assistance Program [CAP].--This program provides
funding for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program [CSFP], the
Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, Disaster Assistance, Pacific
Island Assistance, and administrative expenses for TEFAP.
CSFP provides supplemental foods to infants and children up
to age 6, and to pregnant, postpartum, and breast-feeding women
with low incomes, and who reside in approved project areas. In
addition, this program operates commodity distribution projects
directed at low-income elderly persons.
TEFAP provides commodities and grant funds to State
agencies to assist in the cost of storage and distribution of
donated commodities.
Nutritious agricultural commodities are provided to
residents of the Federated States of Micronesia and the
Marshall Islands. Cash assistance is provided to distributing
agencies to assist them in meeting administrative expenses
incurred. It also provides funding for use in non-
presidentially declared disasters, and for FNS' administrative
costs in connection with relief for all disasters. Funds for
this program are provided by direct appropriation.
Nutrition Programs Administration.--Most salaries and
Federal operating expenses of the Food and Nutrition Service
are funded from this account. Also included is the Center for
Nutrition Policy and Promotion [CNPP] which oversees
improvements in and revisions to the food guidance systems, and
serves as the focal point for advancing and coordinating
nutrition promotion and education policy to improve the health
of all Americans.
child nutrition programs
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $19,916,165,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 20,487,229,000
Committee recommendation................................ 20,487,229,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The Child Nutrition Programs, authorized by the Richard B.
Russell National School Lunch Act (Public Law 79-396) and the
Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (Public Law 89-642), provide
Federal assistance to State agencies in the form of cash and
commodities for use in preparing and serving nutritious meals
to children while they are attending school, residing in
service institutions, or participating in other organized
activities away from home. The purpose of these programs is to
help maintain the health and proper physical development of
America's children. Milk is provided to children either free or
at a low cost, depending on their family income level. FNS
provides cash subsidies to States for administering the
programs and directly administers the program in the States
which choose not to do so. Grants are also made for nutritional
training and surveys and for State administrative expenses.
Under current law, most of these payments are made on the basis
of reimbursement rates established by law and applied to
lunches and breakfasts actually served by the States. The
reimbursement rates are adjusted annually to reflect changes in
the Consumer Price Index for food away from home.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends $20,487,229,000 for the Child
Nutrition Programs.
The Committee's recommendation provides for the following
annual rates for the child nutrition programs.
TOTAL OBLIGATIONAL AUTHORITY
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Child nutrition programs 2014 budget recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
School Lunch Program.................. 11,647,505 11,647,505
School Breakfast Program.............. 3,842,895 3,842,895
Child and Adult Care Food Program..... 3,052,176 3,052,176
Summer Food Service Program........... 467,932 467,932
Special Milk Program.................. 10,778 10,778
State administrative expenses......... 247,544 247,544
Commodity procurement................. 1,103,244 1,103,244
Team Nutrition/HUSSC.................. 17,004 17,004
Food safety education................. 2,649 2,649
Coordinated review.................... 10,000 10,000
Computer support...................... 11,002 11,002
CACFP training and technical 8,016 8,016
assistance...........................
Child Nutrition Program Studies and 19,697 19,697
Evaluations..........................
Farm to school tactical team.......... 2,170 2,170
Payment Accuracy...................... 9,617 9,617
School Meals Equipment Grants......... 35,000 35,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee expects FNS to utilize the National Food
Service Management Institute to carry out the food safety
education program.
Income Determinations.--The Committee is concerned about a
perceived disparity in the eligibility of military families for
the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast
Program based on whether they live in military housing or
receive Basic Allowance for Housing. Within 180 days of
enactment, the Secretary of Agriculture is directed to submit a
report to the Committee on the process for calculating incomes
for these programs.
School Meals.--The Committee is concerned that the
Department has not made the elimination of weekly maximum
limits on grains and meats/meat alternates served in the school
lunch program permanent. Given that school food authorities are
beginning to consider their menus for the 2014-2015 school
year, the Committee urges the Department to take action to make
this exemption permanent as soon as possible.
Summer Food Service Program [SFSP].--The Committee
recognizes the importance of SFSP to promote year-round child
nutrition. The Committee encourages FNS to work with nonprofit
national youth mentoring organizations in administering this
program. When working with these organizations, FNS should
consider organizations with national headquarters that already
provide services to the community and have well defined
management practices.
SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN
[WIC]
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $6,855,196,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 7,141,625,000
Committee recommendation................................ 7,070,415,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The special supplemental nutrition program for women,
infants, and children [WIC] is authorized by section 17 of the
Child Nutrition Act of 1966. Its purpose is to safeguard the
health of pregnant, breast-feeding and postpartum women and
infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk
because of inadequate nutrition and inadequate income.
The WIC program food packages are designed to provide foods
which studies have demonstrated are lacking in the diets of the
WIC program target population. The authorized supplemental
foods are iron-fortified breakfast cereal, fruit or vegetable
juice which contains vitamin C, dry beans, peas, and peanut
butter.
There are three general types of delivery systems for WIC
foods: (1) retail purchase in which participants obtain
supplemental foods through retail stores; (2) home delivery
systems in which food is delivered to the participant's home;
and (3) direct distribution systems in which participants pick
up food from a distribution outlet. The food is free of charge
to all participants.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $7,070,415,000
for the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants,
and Children [WIC].
The Committee recommendation fully funds estimated WIC
participation in fiscal year 2014. The Committee recommendation
includes $50,000,000 for breastfeeding support initiatives,
$14,000,000 for infrastructure, and $30,000,000 for management
information systems.
Cost Containment.--The Committee supports efforts to
evaluate cost containment measures in the WIC program. The
Committee encourages FNS, when considering options for cost
containment, to closely monitor this process to ensure there
are no unintended consequences for participants, vendors, or
product manufacturers.
Eligible Foods.--The Committee encourages the Secretary to
amend 7 CFR 246.10 in order for State agencies to include all
varieties of fresh, whole, or cut vegetables, except for
vegetables with added sugars, fats, oils; provided that
inclusion of such vegetables contribute towards meeting the
special nutritional needs of program participants and increases
the availability of low-cost, high-nutrient alternatives for
participants throughout the year.
SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Appropriations, 2013.................................... $77,290,133,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 78,389,610,000
Committee recommendation................................ 78,383,112,000
The Food Stamp Program was reauthorized through fiscal year
2012 and renamed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
[SNAP] in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. The
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program attempts to alleviate
hunger and malnutrition among low-income persons by increasing
their food purchasing power. Eligible households receive SNAP
benefits with which they can purchase food through regular
retail stores.
Other programs funded through SNAP include Nutrition
Assistance to Puerto Rico and American Samoa, the Food
Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, the Emergency Food
Assistance Program, and the Community Food Projects program.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is currently
in operation in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, the
Virgin Islands, and Guam. Participating households receive food
benefits, the value of which is determined by household size
and income. The cost of the benefits is paid by the Federal
Government. As required by law, the Food and Nutrition Service
annually revises household benefit allotments to reflect
changes in the cost of the thrifty food plan.
Administrative Costs.--All direct and indirect
administrative costs incurred for certification of households,
issuance of benefits, quality control, outreach, and fair
hearing efforts are shared by the Federal Government and the
States on a 50-50 basis.
State Antifraud Activities.--Under the provisions of the
Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, States are eligible to be
reimbursed for 50 percent of the costs of their fraud
investigations and prosecutions.
States are required to implement an employment and training
program for the purpose of assisting members of households
participating in SNAP in gaining skills, training, or
experience that will increase their ability to obtain regular
employment. The Department of Agriculture has implemented a
grant program to States to assist them in providing employment
and training services.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of
$78,383,112,000 for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program. Of the amount recommended, $5,000,000,000 is made
available as a contingency reserve.
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.--The
Committee encourages the Secretary to continue the purchase of
bison from producer-owned and Native American owned
cooperatives for the Food Distribution Program on Indian
Reservations. Although funding is not provided specifically for
bison purchase, historically these purchases have been
important for the Native American population both economically
and nutritionally.
commodity assistance program
Appropriations, 2013\1\\2\.............................. $253,075,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 271,701,000
Committee recommendation................................ 271,701,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
\2\Includes emergency funding of $6,000,000 in the Disaster Relief
Appropriations Act, 2013 (division A of Public Law 113-2).
The Commodity Assistance Program includes funding for the
Commodity Supplemental Food Program and funding to pay expenses
associated with the storage and distribution of commodities
through The Emergency Food Assistance Program.
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program [CSFP].--Authorized
by section 4(a) of the Agricultural and Consumer Protection Act
of 1973 (7 U.S.C. 612c note), as amended in 1981 by Public Law
97-98, this program provides supplemental food to infants and
children up to age 6, and to pregnant, post partum, and breast-
feeding women who have low incomes, and reside in approved
project areas. In addition, the program operates commodity
distribution projects directed at low-income elderly persons 60
years of age or older.
The foods for CSFP are provided by the Department of
Agriculture for distribution through State agencies. The
authorized commodities include: iron-fortified infant formula,
rice cereal, cheese, canned juice, evaporated milk and/or
nonfat dry milk, canned vegetables or fruits, canned meat or
poultry, egg mix, dehydrated potatoes, farina, and peanut
butter and dry beans. Elderly participants may receive all
commodities except iron-fortified infant formula and rice
cereal.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program [TEFAP].--Authorized
by the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7501 et
seq.), as amended, the program provides nutrition assistance to
low-income people through prepared meals served on site and
through the distribution of commodities to low-income
households for home consumption. The commodities are provided
by USDA to State agencies for distribution through State-
established networks. State agencies make the commodities
available to local organizations, such as soup kitchens, food
pantries, food banks, and community action agencies, for their
use in providing nutrition assistance to those in need.
Funds are administered by FNS through grants to State
agencies which operate commodity distribution programs.
Allocation of the funds to States is based on a formula which
considers the States' unemployment rate and the number of
persons with income below the poverty level.
Farmers' Market Nutrition Program.--The Farmers' Market
Nutrition Program [FMNP] provides WIC or WIC-eligible
participants with coupons to purchase fresh, nutritious,
unprepared foods, such as fruits and vegetables, from farmers'
markets. This benefits both participants and local farmers by
increasing the awareness and use of farmers' markets by low-
income households.
Pacific Island and Disaster Assistance.--This program
provides funding for assistance to the nuclear-affected islands
in the form of commodities and administrative funds. It also
provides funding for use in non-presidentially declared
disasters and for FNS' administrative costs in connection with
relief for all disasters.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $271,701,000
for the Commodity Assistance Program. The Committee continues
to encourage the Department to distribute Commodity Assistance
Program funds equitably among the States, based on an
assessment of the needs and priorities of each State and the
State's preference to receive commodity allocations through
each of the programs funded under this account.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program.--The Committee
recommends $202,682,000 for the Commodity Supplemental Food
Program. This amount fully funds participation in fiscal year
2014. The Committee is aware that there are additional States
that have approved applications to participate in the Commodity
Supplemental Food Program, and encourages USDA to work to
provide sufficient funding for these States in future budget
requests.
Farmers' Market Nutrition Program.--The Committee is aware
that the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program provides fresh
fruits and vegetables to low-income mothers and children,
benefiting not only WIC participants, but local farmers as
well. Therefore, the Committee recommends $16,548,000 for the
Farmers' Market Nutrition Program and directs the Secretary to
obligate these funds within 45 days.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program.--The Food,
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 provides $268,500,000 for
TEFAP commodities to be purchased with Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program funds. The Committee recommendation includes
$51,401,000 for TEFAP transportation, storage, and program
integrity. In addition, the Committee recommendation grants the
Secretary authority to transfer up to an additional 10 percent
from TEFAP commodities for this purpose.
The Committee encourages the Secretary to identify
opportunities for increasing the supply of TEFAP commodities in
the coming fiscal year through bonus and specialty crop
purchases.
nutrition programs administration
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $139,619,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 146,592,000
Committee recommendation................................ 146,592,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The Nutrition Programs Administration appropriation
provides for most of the Federal operating expenses of the Food
and Nutrition Service, which includes the Child Nutrition
Programs; Special Milk Program; Special Supplemental Nutrition
Program for Women, Infants, and Children [WIC]; Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program; Nutrition Assistance for Puerto
Rico; the Commodity Assistance Program, including the Commodity
Supplemental Food Program and the Emergency Food Assistance
Program; and Farmers' Market Nutrition Program and Pacific
Island and Disaster Assistance.
The major objective of Nutrition Programs Administration is
to efficiently and effectively carry out the nutrition
assistance programs mandated by law. This is to be accomplished
by the following: (1) giving clear and consistent guidance and
supervision to State agencies and other cooperators; (2)
assisting the States and other cooperators by providing
program, managerial, financial, and other advice and expertise;
(3) measuring, reviewing, and analyzing the progress being made
toward achieving program objectives; and (4) carrying out
regular staff support functions.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $146,592,000
for Nutrition Programs Administration.
TITLE V
FOREIGN ASSISTANCE AND RELATED PROGRAMS
Foreign Agricultural Service
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transfers from
Appropriations loan accounts Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2013\1\...................................... 172,002 6,277 178,279
Budget estimate, 2014........................................ 178,826 6,394 185,220
Committee recommendation..................................... 178,826 6,394 185,220
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public Law 112-25.
The Foreign Agricultural Service [FAS] was established
March 10, 1953, by Secretary's Memorandum No. 1320, supplement
1. Public Law 83-690, approved August 28, 1954, transferred the
agricultural attaches from the Department of State to the
Foreign Agricultural Service.
The mission of FAS overseas is to represent U.S.
agricultural interests, to promote export of domestic farm
products, improve world trade conditions, and report on
agricultural production and trade in foreign countries. FAS
staff are stationed at 98 offices around the world where they
provide expertise in agricultural economics and marketing, as
well as provide attache services.
FAS carries out several export assistance programs to
counter the adverse effects of unfair trade practices by
competitors on U.S. agricultural trade. The Export Enhancement
Program uses CCC-owned commodities as export bonuses to provide
export enhancements to U.S. producers. The Market Access
Program [MAP] conducts both generic and brand-identified
promotional programs in conjunction with nonprofit agricultural
associations and private firms financed through reimbursable
CCC payments.
The General Sales Manager was established pursuant to
section 5(f) of the charter of the Commodity Credit Corporation
and 15 U.S.C. 714-714p. The funds allocated to the General
Sales Manager are used for conducting the following programs:
(1) CCC Export Credit Guarantee Program (GSM-102), including
facilities financing guarantees; (2) Food for Peace; (3)
section 416b Overseas Donations Program; (4) Market Access
Program; and (5) programs authorized by the Commodity Credit
Corporation Charter Act including barter, export sales of most
CCC-owned commodities, export payments, and other programs as
assigned to encourage and enhance the export of U.S.
agricultural commodities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends $185,220,000 for the Foreign
Agricultural Service, including a direct appropriation of
$178,826,000. While the Committee has a history of supporting
USDA reconstruction and stabilization activities, the Committee
expects appropriated funds to be used for established FAS trade
promotion, trade policy, trade capacity building, and food
security efforts.
Borlaug Fellows Program.--The Committee recommendation
includes $1,000,000 for the Borlaug International Agricultural
Science and Technology Fellows Program. This program provides
training for international scientists and policymakers from
selected developing countries. The fellows work closely with
U.S. specialists in their fields of expertise and apply that
knowledge in their home countries. The Committee recognizes the
importance of this program in helping developing countries
strengthen their agricultural practices and food security.
Cochran Fellowship Program.--The Committee recommendation
includes $5,000,000 for the Cochran Fellowship Program. The
Committee encourages the Secretary to continue to provide
additional support for the program through the Commodity Credit
Corporation Emerging Markets Program.
Food for Progress.--The Committee supports the work of the
Food for Progress program, which increases rural incomes and
enhances food security by improving agricultural productivity,
supporting agribusiness development, and expanding the
availability of financial services. The Committee encourages
USDA to consider the work of nongovernmental organizations that
are involved in small-scale agricultural biomass projects when
issuing awards in the program. These types of projects may
offer numerous benefits, from the production of biomass crops
to the processing and marketing of crop and animal products.
Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program.--Subject to
authorization, the Committee expects the FAS to fund the
Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program.
Market Access Program.--Subject to authorization, the
Committee continues the full mandatory funding for the Market
Access Program and expects the Department to administer the
program as authorized in 7 U.S.C. 5623, without changing the
eligibility requirements for participation of cooperative
organizations, small businesses, trade associations, and other
entities.
FOOD FOR PEACE TITLE I DIRECT CREDIT AND FOOD FOR PROGRESS PROGRAM
ACCOUNT
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $2,730,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 2,628,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,730,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,730,000 for
administrative expenses to continue servicing existing Food for
Peace title I agreements.
FOOD FOR PEACE TITLE II GRANTS
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $1,433,106,000
Budget estimate, 2014...................................................
Committee recommendation................................ 1,466,000,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
Commodities Supplied in Connection With Dispositions Abroad
(Title II) (7 U.S.C. 1721-1726).--Commodities are supplied
without cost through foreign governments to combat malnutrition
and to meet famine and other emergency requirements.
Commodities are also supplied for nonemergencies through public
and private agencies, including intergovernmental
organizations. The Commodity Credit Corporation pays ocean
freight on shipments under this title, and may also pay
overland transportation costs to a landlocked country, as well
as internal distribution costs in emergency situations. The
funds appropriated for title II are made available to private
voluntary organizations and cooperatives to assist these
organizations in meeting administrative and related costs.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,466,000,000
for Food for Peace title II grants.
The Committee recognizes the important mission of the Food
for Peace Program to combat hunger and malnutrition; promote
broad-based equitable and sustainable development; and to
foster and encourage the development of private enterprise and
democratic participation in developing countries. The Committee
maintains that the Food for Peace program shall continue to
bear the primary responsibility of the United States government
for international food aid activities. The Committee recognizes
that the practice of monetization contains programmatic
inefficiencies for non-emergency assistance. The fiscal year
2014 bill provides an additional $35,000,000 for administrative
activities that allows non-governmental organizations greater
flexibility for development activities. This represents a
significant initial step in phasing out the practice of
monetization over the next several years to ensure government
resources are efficiently utilized. The Committee rejects the
elimination of the Food for Peace Program in the President's
budget request and strongly supports the continued operation of
this important program.
The Committee directs the Administrator to submit
semiannual reports listing the organizations that have received
funding for development activities under Public Law 480 title
II; the amount each organization received; a list of the
development projects; the methods used for determining funding
recipients; and oversight activities undertaken by USAID.
MCGOVERN-DOLE INTERNATIONAL FOOD FOR EDUCATION AND CHILD NUTRITION
PROGRAM GRANTS
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $183,757,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 185,126,000
Committee recommendation................................ 185,126,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and
Child Nutrition Program helps support education, child
development, and food security for some of the world's poorest
children. The program provides for donations of U.S.
agricultural products, as well as financial and technical
assistance, for school feeding and maternal and child nutrition
projects in low-income, food-deficit countries that are
committed to universal education. Commodities made available
for donation through agreements with private voluntary
organizations, cooperatives, intergovernmental organizations,
and foreign governments may be donated for direct feeding or
for local sale to generate proceeds to support school feeding
and nutrition projects.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $185,126,000
for the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and
Child Nutrition Program.
COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION EXPORT LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT (EXPORT CREDIT
PROGRAMS AND GSM-102)
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guaranteed loan Administrative
levels\1\ expenses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2013.................. 5,500,000 6,621
Budget estimate, 2014................. 5,500,000 6,748
Committee recommendation.............. 5,500,000 6,748
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\No appropriation required since export credit authorizations are
permanent authority.
In 1980, the Commodity Credit Corporation [CCC] instituted
the Export Credit Guarantee Program (GSM-102) under its charter
authority. With this program, CCC guarantees, for a fee,
payments due U.S. exporters under deferred payment sales
contracts (up to 36 months) for defaults due to commercial as
well as noncommercial risks. The risk to CCC extends from the
date of export to the end of the deferred payment period
covered in the export sales contract and covers only that
portion of the payments agreed to in the assurance agreement.
Operation of this program is based on criteria which will
assure that it is used only where it is determined that it will
develop new market opportunities and maintain and expand
existing world markets for U.S. agricultural commodities. The
program encourages U.S. financial institutions to provide
financing to those areas where the institutions would be
unwilling to provide financing in the absence of the CCC
guarantees. CCC also provides facilities financing guarantees.
The Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 establishes the
program account. The subsidy costs of the CCC export guarantee
programs are exempt from the requirement of advance
appropriations of budget authority according to section
504(c)(2) of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990, Public Law
101-508. Appropriations to this account will be used for
administrative expenses.
TITLE VI
RELATED AGENCY AND FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
Department of Health and Human Services
FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
The Food and Drug Administration [FDA] is a scientific
regulatory agency whose mission is to promote and protect the
public health and safety of Americans. FDA's work is a blend of
science and law. The Food and Drug Administration Amendments
Act of 2007 [FDAAA] (Public Law 110-85) reaffirmed the
responsibilities of the FDA: to ensure safe and effective
products reach the market to a timely way, and to monitor
products for continued safety after they are in use. In
addition, FDA is entrusted with two critical functions in the
Nation's war on terrorism: preventing willful contamination of
all regulated products, including food, and improving the
availability of medications to prevent or treat injuries caused
by biological, chemical, radiological, or nuclear agents.
The FDA Foods program has the primary responsibility for
assuring that the food supply, quality of foods, food
ingredients and dietary supplements are safe, sanitary,
nutritious, wholesome, and honestly labeled, and that cosmetic
products are safe and properly labeled. The variety and
complexity of the food supply has grown dramatically while new
and more complex safety issues, such as emerging microbial
pathogens, natural toxins, and technological innovations in
production and processing, have developed. This program plays a
major role in keeping the United States food supply among the
safest in the world.
In January 2011, the Food Safety Modernization Act was
signed into law. This law enables FDA to better protect public
health by strengthening the food safety system. It enables FDA
to focus more on preventing food safety problems rather than
relying primarily on reacting to problems after they occur. The
law also provides FDA with new enforcement authorities designed
to achieve higher rates of compliance with prevention- and
risk-based food safety standards and to better respond to and
contain problems when they do occur. The law also gives FDA
important new tools to hold imported foods to the same
standards as domestic foods and directs FDA to build an
integrated national food safety system in partnership with
State and local authorities.
The FDA Drugs programs are comprised of four separate
areas, Human Drugs, Animal Drugs, Medical Devices and
Biologics. FDA is responsible for the lifecycle of products,
including premarket review and postmarket surveillance of human
and animal drugs, medical devices and biological products to
ensure their safety and effectiveness. FDA is responsible for
the lifecycle of the product, including premarket review and
postmarket surveillance of human, animal and biological
products to ensure their safety and efficacy. For Human Drugs
this includes assuring that all drug products used for the
prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease are safe and
effective. Additional procedures include the review of
investigational new drug applications; evaluation of market
applications for new and generic drugs, labeling and
composition of prescription and over-the-counter drugs;
monitoring the quality and safety of products manufactured in,
or imported into, the United States; and, regulating the
advertising and promotion of prescription drugs. The Animal
Drugs and Feeds Program ensures only safe and beneficial
veterinary drugs, intended for the treatment and/or prevention
of diseases in animals and the improved production of food-
producing animals, are approved for marketing.
The FDA Biologics program assures that blood and blood
products, blood test kits, vaccines, and therapeutics are pure,
potent, safe, effective, and properly labeled. The program
inspects blood banks and blood processors, licenses and
inspects firms collecting human source plasma, evaluates and
licenses biologics manufacturing firms and products; lot
releases licensed products; and monitors adverse events
associated with vaccine immunization, blood products, and other
biologics.
The FDA Devices and Radiological program ensures the safety
and effectiveness of medical devices and eliminates unnecessary
human exposure to manmade radiation from medical, occupational,
and consumer products. In addition, the program enforces
quality standards under the Mammography Quality Standards Act
(Public Law 108-365). Medical devices include thousands of
products from thermometers and contact lenses to heart
pacemakers, hearing aids, and MRIs. Radiological products
include items such as microwave ovens and video display
terminals.
FDA's National Center for Toxicological Research in
Jefferson, Arkansas, serves as a specialized resource,
conducting peer-review scientific research that provides the
basis for FDA to make sound science-based regulatory decisions
through its premarket review and postmarket surveillance. The
research is designed to define and understand the biological
mechanisms of action underlying the toxicity of products and
lead to developing methods to improve assessment of human
exposure, susceptibility and risk of those products regulated
by FDA.
In 2009, Congress granted FDA new authority to regulate the
manufacture, distribution, and marketing of tobacco products.
FDA exercises this responsibility by protecting the public
health from the health effects of tobacco, setting scientific
standards and standards for tobacco product review, conducting
compliance activities to enforce its authority over tobacco,
and conducting public education and outreach about the health
effects of tobacco products.
salaries and expenses
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation User fees Total
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2013......... 2,456,128 1,730,569 4,186,697
Budget estimate, 2014........ 2,548,905 1,826,530 4,375,435
Committee recommendation..... 2,551,905 1,826,530 4,378,435
------------------------------------------------------------------------
committee recommendations
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,551,905,000
for FDA salaries and expenses. The Committee also recommends
$760,000,000 in Prescription Drug User Fee Act user fee
collections; $114,833,000 in Medical Device User Fee and
Modernization Act user fee collections; $23,600,000 in Animal
Drug User Fee Act user fee collections; $7,328,000 in Animal
Generic Drug User Fee Act user fee collections; $534,000,000 in
Tobacco Product user fee collections; $15,367,000 for food
reinspection user fee collections; $12,925,000 for recall user
fee collections; $19,318,000 in Mammography Quality Standards
Act fee collections; and $12,447,000 in export and
certification fees, as assumed in the President's budget. The
Committee recommendation includes bill language which prohibits
FDA from developing, establishing, or operating any program of
user fees authorized by 31 U.S.C. 9701.
The Committee notes that ADUFA and AGDUFA user fees need to
be reauthorized for fiscal year 2014. ADUFA and AGDUFA
legislation is currently being negotiated by the appropriate
authorizing committees. The Committee recommendation includes
amounts that represent the current budget request for these
fees. The Committee will follow the reauthorization of these
fees and adjust the fee collection amounts if necessary.
The Committee recommendation does not include proposed user
fees for food establishment registration and inspection, food
import, food contact notification, medical product re-
inspection, cosmetics, and international courier imports. None
of these user fee proposals have been authorized by Congress.
The Committee will continue to monitor any action by the
appropriate authorizing Committees regarding these proposed
user fees.
The following table reflects the Committee's
recommendations, as compared to the fiscal year 2013 and budget
request levels:
FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION SALARIES AND EXPENSES
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year--
---------------------------------- Committee
2013 enacted 2014 request recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Centers and related field activities:
Foods.................................................... 838,422 882,817 882,817
--------------------------------------------------
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition [CFSAN]. 258,767 266,408 266,408
Field Activities..................................... 579,655 616,409 616,409
==================================================
Human Drugs.............................................. 461,326 465,950 465,950
--------------------------------------------------
Center for Drug Evaluation and Research [CDER]....... 336,091 339,414 339,414
Field Activities..................................... 125,235 126,536 126,536
==================================================
Biologics................................................ 204,784 210,759 210,759
--------------------------------------------------
Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research [CBER].. 165,755 170,575 170,575
Field Activities..................................... 39,029 40,184 40,184
==================================================
Animal Drugs............................................. 132,562 141,566 141,566
--------------------------------------------------
Center for Veterinary Medicine [CVM]................. 81,305 87,846 87,846
Field Activities..................................... 51,257 53,720 53,720
==================================================
Medical and radiological devices......................... 311,627 320,544 320,544
--------------------------------------------------
Center for Devices and Radiological Health [CDRH].... 233,405 240,064 240,064
Field Activities..................................... 78,222 80,480 80,480
==================================================
National Center for Toxicological Research [NCTR]........ 57,820 59,494 62,494
==================================================
Other Activities............................................. 167,970 173,111 173,111
==================================================
Rent and related activities.................................. 123,857 132,650 132,650
==================================================
Rental payments to GSA....................................... 157,759 162,014 162,014
==================================================
Total, FDA salaries and expenses, new budget authority. 2,456,128 2,548,905 2,551,905
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee recommendation includes the following
increases: $53,451,000 for implementation of the Food Safety
Modernization Act; $19,479,000 for medical product safety;
$1,572,000 for consolidation of FDA facilities on the White Oak
campus; and $21,276,000 for necessary expenses and mandatory
rental payments.
The Committee expects FDA to continue all projects,
activities, laboratories, and programs as included in fiscal
year 2013 unless otherwise specified.
Antimicrobial Drugs.--The Commissioner is directed to
develop enhancements to FDA's annual summary of data reported
under Section 105 of the Animal Drug User Fee Act. To the
extent possible, enhanced summaries should include information
about the weight of antimicrobial active ingredient sold,
categorized by medical importance, dosage form, marketing
status, and target animals, and may include other cross-
tabulations.
Artificial Pancreas.--The Committee applauds the FDA for
its final guidance for artificial pancreas device systems,
released in November 2012, which provides clear and reasonable
guidance for research and premarket reviews of such systems,
which could transform the lives of those living with type one
diabetes. The Committee urges the FDA to ensure that the
flexible, science-based approach reflected in its guidance is
implemented consistently in the Investigational Device
Exemption and Premarket Approval review process and to ensure
that safety and effectiveness of innovative systems can be
tested without delay and improved devices can become available
to those with type one diabetes in the near future.
Dietary Supplements.--The Committee is aware that U.S.
consumers widely use plant-derived dietary supplements, and
that FDA inspects manufacturers and distributors that are
responsible for ensuring that such products are not adulterated
or contaminated, and do no cause harm to the consumer. The
Committee believes that methods and standards are needed to
verify source plants and ingredients and to detect toxic
contaminants. The Committee encourages FDA to develop guidance
for industry on such methods and standards, which would enhance
FDA's ability to inspect and assess industry practices for
manufacturing botanical dietary supplements.
Drug Shortages.--The Committee is concerned with the
significant number of drug shortages occurring in the U.S. and
the impact it is having on patient access to needed life-saving
treatments. Recent shortages have included sterile injectable
forms of simple but essential nutritional elements such as
calcium chloride, calcium gluconate, sodium phosphate,
potassium phosphate, and zinc sulfate. These products are
essential to providing nutrition particularly to children with
serious medical conditions and a lack of supply can result in
severe harm and death.
By Executive Order, the President has instructed FDA to
broaden its reporting of potential shortages and speed reviews
of applications to begin or alter production of drugs in short
supply. As part of this enhanced activity, the Committee
encourages FDA to increase its communication with medical
practitioners through specialty-specific list-serves and other
means of targeted communications to provide information on
potential shortages, the anticipated length time of the
shortage, and options for obtaining therapies while drugs are
in short supply.
Additionally, the Committee directs the Food and Drug
Administration [FDA] to continue the work of the FDA intra-
agency Task Force to address drug shortages. The Task Force
should continue to seek input from other government agencies
and external stakeholders, including pediatric and other
specialists, whenever necessary to more fully analyze the
sources and potential responses to drugs shortages.
Further, the Committee directs the Food and Drug
Administration to continue to consult with the Secretary of HHS
and other relevant agencies, including international regulatory
agencies, about drug shortages. Important aspects of these
discussions should include the steps international regulatory
counterparts can take to mitigate or prevent such shortages,
and relevant differences in regulations between those countries
and the United States, and how those differences may impact
shortages.
Energy Drinks.--The Committee is aware that FDA has
declared an intent to review any risks associated with
consumption of energy drinks. The Committee expects FDA to
conclude the review and report findings to the Senate Committee
on Appropriations as soon as practicable.
Food Safety Outreach and Technical Assistance.--The
Committee applauds the FDA's decision to extend the comment
period for regulations under the Food Safety Modernization Act
[FSMA]. It is critical that FDA work with USDA to perform
outreach and technical assistance to farmers and small
businesses to help them understand the Food Safety
Modernization Act and resources available to help with FSMA
compliance as rules are developed and implemented.
Food Traceability.--FDA announced two pilot projects on
September 7, 2011 pursuant to section 204 of the Food Safety
Modernization Act, which required pilot projects for improving
product tracing along the food supply system and establishment
of recordkeeping requirements for high-risk foods to help in
tracing products. The pilots were conducted by the Institute of
Food Technologists, in consultation with industry sectors,
USDA, State agencies and consumer groups, and the resulting
report was released on March 4, 2013. The Committee notes that
industry and government continue to pursue their traceability
goals on separate tracks and with little collaboration. The
Committee directs the Commissioner, in consultation with the
Secretary of Agriculture, to create a science-based
international food traceability initiative through a public-
private partnership model. The initiative should include public
and private sector stakeholders from the food industry,
government, academia, solution providers and consumer groups.
Furthermore, the Committee directs the Commissioner to provide
a report within 180 days of enactment of this Act detailing the
structure, goals, and implementation status of the initiative.
Global Health.--The Committee encourages FDA, as resources
allow, to expand its capacity building programs abroad to help
build strong regulatory authorities in other nations, including
regulators, industry, and other relevant stakeholders to
support the development of safe and effective global health
tools. Additionally, the Committee is aware that Chagas disease
is not on the list of neglected diseases as currently defined
by the FDA. The Committee encourages FDA to make the necessary
modifications to include Chagas disease in its list of
neglected diseases.
Honey Labeling and Production Standards.--The Committee
recognizes that honey is produced in the United States, traded
internally and consumed as both a packaged food and as a food
ingredient. However, there have been instances where
manufacturers have been marketing products illegally as
``honey'' or ``pure honey'' that contained other ingredients.
The Committee believes that guidance about the composition and
labeling of honey is needed to protect consumers from
misbranded honey and honey-derived products that are currently
entering the U.S. market and to remind manufacturers of honey
about the misbranding and adulteration provisions of the
Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Further, the Committee
directs the FDA to expedite the publication of the draft
guidance for industry on the proper labeling of honey and honey
products.
Hydrocodone.--The Committee strongly encourages the Food
and Drug Administration to act without delay to complete their
scientific and medical evaluation of a 14-year-old petition to
reschedule hydrocodone combination products from Schedule III
to Schedule II of the Controlled Substances Act.
Mammography Quality Standards Act.--The Committee
recommendation includes full funding as requested for
implementation of the Mammography Quality Standards Act. This
program sets national quality standards for mammography
facilities, equipment, personnel and operating procedures, and
has improved the quality of mammography and made mammograms a
more reliable tool to detect breast cancers.
Nanotechnology.--The Committee recognizes that FDA
possesses the facilities and expertise to study nanotechnology
at the National Center for Toxicological Research [NCTR] and
its consolidated headquarters at White Oak. The Nanotechnology
Regulatory Science Program was established within the Food and
Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act (Public Law 112-
144). The Committee directs the FDA to carry out the activities
described in section 1126 of Public Law 112-144 to address
issues relevant to the regulation of nano-enabled products,
including the potential toxicology of such nanomaterials, the
potential benefit of new therapies derived from nanotechnology,
the effects of such nanomaterials on biological systems and the
interaction of such nanomaterials with biological systems, at
these facilities. Additionally, the Committee encourages FDA to
support collaborative research with universities and industry
on the toxicology of nanotechnology products and processes in
accordance with the National Nanotechnology Initiative
Environment, Health and Safety Research Strategy as updated in
October 2011, including ensuring appropriate technology is
available to facilitate this research.
In connection with the expenditure of funds to upgrade the
facilities at NCTR, FDA is directed to permit NCTR to enter
into agreements with adjacent facilities for connection to its
utilities and infrastructure at its NCTR facility such as gas,
electrical, potable water, waste, and sewage as necessary; use
or expansion of FDA's infrastructure, including secure access,
roadways, or parking as necessary; and FDA is directed to
provide utility easements as necessary.
National Agriculture and Food Defense Strategy.--The
Committee remains concerned over the safety of our nation's
food supply and recognizes the importance of revising and
updating the National Agriculture and Food Defense Strategy
Plan. To that end, FDA is encouraged to fund research that
would develop in-field tools that can provide differential
detection and accurate identification tests, including those
applicable to seafood, which will assist in advancing food
safety efforts and help provide a more secure food supply
chain.
Office of Cosmetics and Colors.--The Committee provides not
less than $11,700,000 for cosmetics activities, including not
less than $7,200,000 for the Office of Colors and Cosmetics
[OCAC]. Funding provided for OCAC is for direct support of the
operation, staffing, compliance, research and international
activities performed by this office. The Committee further
directs the Office of Colors and Cosmetics to respond by March
7, 2014, to a citizen petition setting safety levels for trace
amounts of lead in cosmetics. Additionally, the Committee
understands China has become the source of an increasing number
of cosmetic products and ingredients being marketed to U.S.
consumers. In light of China's importance to U.S.-based
manufacturers and consumers, the Committee recommends FDA
establish a bilateral technical dialogue with Chinese
regulators on cosmetic safety issues.
Pediatric Device Grants.--The Committee is pleased with the
success of the Pediatric Device Consortia Grant Program,
authorized under section 620 of the Food and Drug
Administration Safety and Innovation Act of 2012 (Public Law
112-144). The program funds consortia to assist innovators in
developing medical and surgical devices designed for the unique
needs of children, needs that often go unmet by devices
currently available on the market. The consortia funded by this
program have assisted in the development of over 227 pediatric
device ideas since its inception in 2009. The Committee urges
the FDA's continued support of this important program, as the
development of children's medical devices continues to lag
those manufactured for adults by several years.
Seafood Advisory.--The Committee is concerned that despite
repeated direction from Congress over the past several years,
the FDA 2004 seafood advisory still has not been updated and
made available to the public. The Committee understands that
the advisory is now undergoing further intra-departmental
review. It has been well over 2 years since HHS and USDA
jointly released new dietary guidelines that communicated the
nutritional benefits of healthy seafood consumption for
pregnant women and mothers of young children. Commitments from
the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services
and the FDA Commissioner that the revised seafood advisory
would be completed in 2011 and 2012 have been missed. As a
result, pregnant women are presented with conflicting advice
between the 2004 seafood advisory and the 2010 dietary
guidelines. The Committee directs the Commissioner and
Secretary to personally engage to resolve all pending issues
and authorize FDA to issue its seafood advice to pregnant women
consistent with the latest science as soon as possible
thereafter.
Seafood Economic Integrity.--The Committee recognizes the
importance of seafood to a healthy diet, but is concerned that
the FDA does not focus sufficient attention on economic
integrity issues, particularly with respect to mislabeling of
species, weights, and treatment. The Committee encourages the
FDA to work with sates and the Department of Commerce to more
aggressively combat fraud in parts of the seafood industry.
Sodium.--In 2011, FDA and USDA's Food Safety and Inspection
Service [FSIS] issued a Federal Register notice requesting
comments, research, data, and other information to better
inform both Agencies about current and emerging practices by
the private sector regarding sodium consumption practices;
motivation and barriers in reducing sodium in consumers' food
intakes; and issues associated with the development of targets
for sodium reduction in foods to promote reduction in excess
sodium intake. The Committee directs that FDA, in coordination
with FSIS, submit an analysis of the significance of the 2013
Institutes of Medicine [IOM] report on ``Sodium Intake in
Populations'' for broad, gradual sodium reduction efforts,
within 120 days.
Sunscreen Labeling.--The Committee is pleased that the FDA
finalized regulations establishing labeling and testing
requirements for products marketed under FDA's monograph for
over-the-counter sunscreen drug products. The Committee directs
the FDA to work expeditiously to evaluate the data and
information, including proposed testing protocols, submitted in
response to its proposed rule to limit the maximum Sun
Protection Factor [SPF] to ``50'' or ``50+''. Additionally, the
Committee encourages FDA to issue a proposed rule to establish
appropriate conditions of use for various formulations of over-
the-counter sunscreen drug products, including spray
formulations.
Trade Facilitation and Interagency Cooperation.--The FDA
Safety and Innovation Act provided FDA several new tools to
meet the challenges of globalization. Section 713 of the Act
allows FDA to require, as a condition of granting admission to
a drug imported or offered for import into the United States,
that an importer electronically submit information
demonstrating that the drug complies with applicable
requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
Section 713 of the Act also authorizes FDA to establish a
partnership program for highly compliant importers. Such a
program would enable FDA to know more about highly compliant
drug importers, incentivize greater compliance with FDA
regulations, and facilitate entry of low risk products. The
Committee strongly encourages FDA to expeditiously implement
section 713 and to keep the Committee advised on its efforts
and progress in this regard.
User Fees.--The Committee is aware that FDA user fee
programs have been subjected to sequester, and is concerned
because these user fees are not normal tax revenue. The
Committee believes that it is important to maintain industry
support for user fee programs, and for FDA to continue to meet
negotiated performance standards. Therefore, the Committee
encourages the Administration to reconsider the inclusion of
FDA user fees when calculating sequester.
buildings and facilities
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $5,176,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 8,788,000
Committee recommendation................................ 11,000,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
FDA maintains offices and staff in 49 States and in the
District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, including field
laboratories and specialized facilities, as well as the
National Center for Toxicological Research complex. Repairs,
modifications, improvements, and construction to FDA
headquarters and field facilities must be made to preserve the
properties, ensure employee safety, meet changing program
requirements, and permit the agency to keep its laboratory
methods up to date.
committee recommendations
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $11,000,000
for FDA buildings and facilities. This funding shall be used to
upgrade FDA facilities and laboratories which are currently
below public safety standards and incapable of performing
agency requirements.
INDEPENDENT AGENCY
Farm Credit Administration
limitation on administrative expenses
Appropriations, 2013\1\................................. $63,300,000
Budget estimate, 2014................................... 63,300,000
Committee recommendation................................ 63,300,000
\1\Does not reflect the March 1, 2013, sequester of funds under Public
Law 112-25.
The Farm Credit Administration [FCA] is the independent
agency in the executive branch of the Government responsible
for the examination and regulation of the banks, associations,
and other institutions of the Farm Credit System.
Activities of the Farm Credit Administration include the
planning and execution of examinations of Farm Credit System
institutions and the preparation of examination reports. FCA
also establishes standards, enforces rules and regulations, and
approves certain actions of the institutions.
The administration and the institutions under its
jurisdiction now operate under authorities contained in the
Farm Credit Act of 1971, Public Law 92-181, effective December
10, 1971. Public Law 99-205, effective December 23, 1985,
restructured FCA and gave the agency regulatory authorities and
enforcement powers.
The act provides for the farmer-owned cooperative system to
make sound, adequate, and constructive credit available to
farmers and ranchers and their cooperatives, rural residences,
and associations and other entities upon which farming
operations are dependent, and to modernize existing farm credit
law to meet current and future rural credit needs.
The Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 authorized the
formation of the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation
[FAMC] to operate a secondary market for agricultural and rural
housing mortgages. The Farm Credit Administration, under
section 8.11 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971, as amended, is
assigned the responsibility of regulating this entity and
assuring its safe and sound operation.
Expenses of the Farm Credit Administration are paid by
assessments collected from the Farm Credit System institutions
and by assessments to the Federal Agricultural Mortgage
Corporation.
committee recommendations
The Committee recommends a limitation of $63,300,000 on
administrative expenses of the Farm Credit Administration.
Annual Report.--The Committee recognizes the importance of
the Farm Credit System in agricultural finance, including
lending to beginning farmers and ranchers and to farmers and
ranchers utilizing local and regional food markets. The
Committee encourages the Farm Credit Administration to provide
to the Committee an annual report with data and analysis of the
operations and achievements of the Farm Credit System in
providing financial and other forms of support for farms and
ranches serving emerging local and regional food markets,
including but not limited to beginning farmers and ranchers.
TITLE VII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
The Committee recommends the following provisions:
Section 701. This section makes funds available for the
purchase, replacement, and hire of passenger motor vehicles.
Section 702. This section gives the Secretary of
Agriculture authority to transfer unobligated balances to the
Working Capital Fund and clarifies longstanding practices
associated with the Fund.
Section 703. This section limits the funding provided in
the bill to 1 year, unless otherwise specified.
Section 704. This section limits negotiated indirect costs
on cooperative agreements between the Department of Agriculture
and nonprofit organizations to 10 percent.
Section 705. This section makes appropriations to the
Department of Agriculture for the cost of direct guaranteed
loans available until expended to disburse obligations for
certain Rural Development programs.
Section 706. This section prohibits the purchase of new
information technology equipment in excess of $25,000 without
the prior approval of the Chief Information Officer.
Section 707. This section makes funds for certain
conservation programs available until expended to disburse
certain obligations made in the current fiscal year.
Section 708. This section makes certain former Rural
Utilities Service borrowers eligible for the Rural Economic
Development loan and grant program.
Section 709. This section modifies matching requirements
for certain research grants.
Section 710. This section provides funds for Rural
Development and the Farm Service Agency information technology
expenses.
Section 711. This section includes language regarding
reconstituted infant formula.
Section 712. This section includes language regarding
first-class travel.
Section 713. This section includes language regarding the
Commodity Credit Corporation.
Section 714. This section limits the amount of funding
available to reimburse the Commodity Credit Corporation for the
release of commodities under the Bill Emerson Humanitarian
Trust.
Section 715. This section makes funds available for the
expenses and activities of certain advisory committees, panels,
commissions, and task forces at the Department of Agriculture.
Section 716. This section includes language regarding the
limitation on direct costs for grants awarded by the National
Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Section 717. This section includes language regarding loan
levels.
Section 718. This section includes language regarding the
availability of funds for certain Department of Agriculture
programs.
Section 719. This section includes language regarding the
availability of funds for certain Department of Agriculture
programs.
Section 720. This section prohibits the use of funds for
user fee proposals that fail to provide sufficient budget
impact information.
Section 721. This section prohibits the reprogramming of
funds for programs, projects, or activities in excess of
$500,000 or 10 percent, whichever is less without the prior
notification of the Committee on Appropriations.
Section 722. This section includes language for the
establishment of a fee under the business and industry loan
program.
Section 723. This section prohibits the Department of
Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services
from transmitting questions or responses as a result of the
appropriations hearing process to non-Department employees.
Section 724. This section includes language regarding
prepackaged news.
Section 725. This section requires Department of
Agriculture agencies to provide reimbursement to other
Department of Agriculture agencies for employees detailed for
longer than 30 days.
Section 726. This section provides funding for the
Geographically Disadvantaged Farmers Program as authorized in
the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.
Section 727. This section provides funding to carry out a
program for hardwood trees.
Section 728. This section includes language regarding
spending plans.
Section 729. This section includes language regarding
unobligated balances.
Section 730. This section includes language regarding rural
housing programs.
Section 731. This section includes language regarding
servicing of Rural Housing Service loans.
Section 732. This section includes language regarding the
guaranteed single family housing program.
Section 733. This section includes language regarding the
Water Bank Program.
Section 734. This section includes language regarding
conferences.
Section 735. This section includes language regarding the
Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center.
Section 736. This section includes language regarding the
Food Safety and Inspection Service.
PROGRAM, PROJECT, AND ACTIVITY
During fiscal year 2014, for purposes of the Balanced
Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Public Law
99-177) or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control
Reaffirmation Act of 1987 (Public Law 100-119), the following
information provides the definition of the term ``program,
project, and activity'' for departments and agencies under the
jurisdiction of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and
Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee. The
term ``program, project, and activity'' shall include the most
specific level of budget items identified in the Agriculture,
Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related
Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014, and the accompanying Senate
Report.
If a sequestration order is necessary, in implementing the
Presidential order, departments and agencies shall apply any
percentage reduction required for fiscal year 2014 pursuant to
the provisions of Public Law 99-177 or Public Law 100-119 to
all items specified in the explanatory notes submitted to the
Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate in support
of the fiscal year 2014 budget estimates, as amended, for such
departments and agencies, as modified by congressional action,
and in addition:
For the Agricultural Research Service the definition shall
include specific research locations as identified in the
explanatory notes.
For the Natural Resources Conservation Service the
definition shall include individual flood prevention projects
as identified in the explanatory notes and individual
operational watershed projects as summarized in the notes.
For the Farm Service Agency the definition shall include
individual, regional, State, district, and county offices.
COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 7, RULE XVI OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE
SENATE
Paragraph 7 of rule XVI requires that Committee reports
accompanying general appropriations bills identify each
recommended amendment which proposes an item of appropriation
which is not made to carry out the provisions of an existing
law, a treaty stipulation, or an act or resolution previously
passed by the Senate during that session.
The Committee is filing an original bill, which is not
covered under this rule, but reports this information in the
spirit of full disclosure.
The Committee recommends funding for the following programs
or activities which currently lack authorization for fiscal
year 2014:
Dairy Indemnity Program
Grassroots Source Water Protection Program
Geographically Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers
Reforestation Program
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Commodity
Supplemental Food Program
The Emergency Food Assistance Program
McGovern-Dole International Food for Education Program
1994 institution research grants
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative
Education grants for Hispanic-serving institutions
Extension service
Grants for insular areas
Grants to upgrade facilities at 1890 institutions
Integrated research, education and extension competitive
grants program
Value-added Agricultural Product Market Development
Grants
Rural Cooperative Development Grants
Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas
Rural Microenterpreneur Assistance Program
Rural Energy for America Program
Rural Business Opportunity Grants
Delta Regional Authority Grants
Health Care Services Grant Program
Tribal College and University Essential Community
Facilities
Multi-family Housing Revitalization Program
Distance Learning and Telemedicine
Access to Broadband Telecommunications Services in Rural
Areas
Broadband Telecommunications Grants
Guaranteed Water and Waste Loans
Water and Waste Revolving Loan Fund Grants
Public Broadcasting System Grants
COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 7(c), RULE XXVI OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE
SENATE
Pursuant to paragraph 7(c) of rule XXVI, on June 27, 2013,
the Committee ordered favorably reported an original bill (S.
1244) making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for
the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, and for other
purposes, provided, that the bill be subject to amendment and
that the bill be consistent with the subcommittee funding
guidance, by a recorded vote of 23-6, a quorum being present.
The vote was as follows:
Yeas Nays
Chairwoman Mikulski Mr. Shelby
Mr. Leahy Mr. McConnell
Mr. Harkin Mr. Alexander
Mrs. Murray Mr. Graham
Mrs. Feinstein Mr. Coats
Mr. Durbin Mr. Johanns
Mr. Johnson
Ms. Landrieu
Mr. Reed
Mr. Pryor
Mr. Tester
Mr. Udall
Mrs. Shaheen
Mr. Merkley
Mr. Begich
Mr. Cochran
Ms. Collins
Ms. Murkowski
Mr. Kirk
Mr. Blunt
Mr. Moran
Mr. Hoeven
Mr. Boozman
COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 12, RULE XXVI OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE
SENATE
Paragraph 12 of rule XXVI requires that Committee reports
on a bill or joint resolution repealing or amending any statute
or part of any statute include ``(a) the text of the statute or
part thereof which is proposed to be repealed; and (b) a
comparative print of that part of the bill or joint resolution
making the amendment and of the statute or part thereof
proposed to be amended, showing by stricken-through type and
italics, parallel columns, or other appropriate typographical
devices the omissions and insertions which would be made by the
bill or joint resolution if enacted in the form recommended by
the committee.''
The Committee bill as recommended contains no such
provisions.
BUDGETARY IMPACT OF BILL
PREPARED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE PURSUANT TO SEC. 308(a), PUBLIC LAW 93-344, AS
AMENDED
[In millions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget authority Outlays
----------------------------------------------------
Committee Amount in Committee Amount in
guidance\1\ bill guidance bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison of amounts in the bill with Committee guidance
to its subcommittees of amounts for 2014: Subcommittee on
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug
Administration, and Related Agencies:
Mandatory.............................................. NA 122,905 NA \2\107,615
Discretionary.......................................... 20,930 20,930 NA \2\22,140
Security........................................... ............ ........... NA NA
Nonsecurity........................................ 20,930 20,930 NA NA
Projections of outlays associated with the recommendation:
2014................................................... ............ ........... ........... \3\118,987
2015................................................... ............ ........... ........... 4,338
2016................................................... ............ ........... ........... 890
2017................................................... ............ ........... ........... 92
2018 and future years.................................. ............ ........... ........... -1,418
Financial assistance to State and local governments for NA 38,796 NA 36,712
2014......................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\There is no section 302(a) allocation to the Committee on Appropriations for fiscal year 2014.
\2\Includes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
\3\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
NA: Not applicable.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2014
[In thousands of dollars]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senate Committee recommendation
compared with (+ or -)
Item 2013 Budget estimate Committee ---------------------------------
appropriation recommendation 2013
appropriation Budget estimate
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TITLE I--AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS
Production, Processing, and Marketing
Office of the Secretary
Office of the Secretary............................................ 4,914 5,086 5,086 +172 ...............
Office of Tribal Relations......................................... 485 502 502 +17 ...............
Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Coordination............. 1,455 1,507 1,507 +52 ...............
Office of Advocacy and Outreach.................................... 1,383 1,217 1,217 -166 ...............
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration............... 782 809 809 +27 ...............
Departmental Administration........................................ 23,586 22,993 22,993 -593 ...............
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations...... 3,764 3,897 3,897 +133 ...............
Office of Communications........................................... 8,762 8,137 8,137 -625 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Office of the Secretary............................... 45,131 44,148 44,148 -983 ...............
====================================================================================
Executive Operations:
Office of the Chief Economist.................................. 15,575 12,854 16,854 +1,279 +4,000
National Appeals Division...................................... 13,840 12,940 12,940 -900 ...............
Office of Budget and Program Analysis.......................... 8,804 11,129 9,129 +325 -2,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Executive Operations............................... 38,219 36,923 38,923 +704 +2,000
Office of the Chief Information Officer............................ 42,839 44,159 44,159 +1,320 ...............
Office of the Chief Financial Officer.............................. 6,078 6,243 6,243 +165 ...............
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights................. 869 898 898 +29 ...............
Office of Civil Rights............................................. 22,078 21,550 21,550 -528 ...............
Agriculture buildings and facilities and rental payments........... (263,988) (233,095) (233,095) (-30,893) ...............
Payments to GSA................................................ 170,936 164,470 164,470 -6,466 ...............
Department of Homeland Security................................ 13,108 13,800 13,800 +692 ...............
Building operations and maintenance............................ 50,756 54,825 54,825 +4,069 ...............
Repair and renovation.......................................... 29,188 ............... ............... -29,188 ...............
Hazardous materials management..................................... 3,884 3,600 3,600 -284 ...............
Office of Inspector General........................................ 86,605 89,902 89,902 +3,297 ...............
Office of the General Counsel...................................... 43,853 45,014 47,304 +3,451 +2,290
Office of Ethics............................................... ............... (3,451) (3,451) (+3,451) ...............
Office of Ethics................................................... 3,313 ............... ............... -3,313 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Departmental Administration........................... 556,857 525,532 529,822 -27,035 +4,290
====================================================================================
Office of the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and 869 898 898 +29 ...............
Economics.........................................................
Economic Research Service.......................................... 75,301 78,506 78,506 +3,205 ...............
National Agricultural Statistics Service........................... 174,617 159,601 162,133 -12,484 +2,532
Census of Agriculture.......................................... (60,808) (42,295) (44,545) (-16,263) (+2,250)
Agricultural Research Service:
Salaries and expenses.......................................... 1,072,015 1,124,003 1,123,150 +51,135 -853
Buildings and facilities....................................... ............... 155,000 ............... ............... -155,000
National Institute of Food and Agriculture:
Research and education activities.............................. 718,636 801,140 772,794 +54,158 -28,346
Native American Institutions Endowment Fund.................... (11,880) (11,880) (11,880) ............... ...............
Extension activities........................................... 462,968 459,037 469,399 +6,431 +10,362
Integrated activities.......................................... 20,900 28,129 35,317 +14,417 +7,188
Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities ............... (10,000) (10,000) (+10,000) ...............
Endowment Fund................................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, National Institute of Food and Agriculture............ 1,202,504 1,288,306 1,277,510 +75,006 -10,796
====================================================================================
Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs 869 898 898 +29 ...............
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service:
Salaries and expenses.......................................... 799,595 797,601 825,754 +26,159 +28,153
Buildings and facilities....................................... 3,089 3,175 3,175 +86 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service............ 802,684 800,776 828,929 +26,245 +28,153
====================================================================================
Agricultural Marketing Service:
Marketing Services............................................. 76,727 82,792 82,792 +6,065 ...............
Standardization activities (user fees) NA.................. ............... (64,000) (64,000) (+64,000) ...............
(Limitation on administrative expenses, from fees collected)... (62,592) (60,435) (60,435) (-2,157) ...............
Funds for strengthening markets, income, and supply (Section
32):
Permanent, Section 32...................................... 1,090,000 1,107,000 1,107,000 +17,000 ...............
Marketing agreements and orders (transfer from section (20,056) (20,181) (20,181) (+125) ...............
32)...................................................
Payments to States and Possessions............................. 1,295 1,363 1,363 +68 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Agricultural Marketing Service program................ 1,230,614 1,251,590 1,251,590 +20,976 ...............
====================================================================================
Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration:
Salaries and expenses.......................................... 39,171 40,531 40,531 +1,360 ...............
Limitation on inspection and weighing services................. (50,000) (50,000) (50,000) ............... ...............
Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety...................... 789 816 816 +27 ...............
Food Safety and Inspection Service................................. 1,027,819 1,008,473 1,020,473 -7,346 +12,000
Lab accreditation fees......................................... (1,000) (1,000) (1,000) ............... ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Production, Processing, and Marketing................. 6,121,517 6,374,495 6,254,821 +133,304 -119,674
====================================================================================
Farm Assistance Programs
Office of the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural 869 898 898 +29 ...............
Services..........................................................
Farm Service Agency:
Salaries and expenses.......................................... 1,175,570 1,176,460 1,176,460 +890 ...............
(Transfer from Food for Peace (Public Law 480))................ (2,730) (2,628) (2,730) ............... (+102)
(Transfer from export loans)................................... (344) (354) (354) (+10) ...............
(Transfer from ACIF)........................................... (296,718) (306,998) (306,998) (+10,280) ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, transfers from program accounts.................... (299,792) (309,980) (310,082) (+10,290) (+102)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Salaries and expenses................................. (1,475,362) (1,486,440) (1,486,542) (+11,180) (+102)
====================================================================================
State mediation grants......................................... 4,251 3,782 3,782 -469 ...............
Grassroot source water protection program...................... 5,351 ............... 6,500 +1,149 +6,500
Dairy indemnity program........................................ 100 250 250 +150 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Farm Service Agency................................ 1,185,272 1,180,492 1,186,992 +1,720 +6,500
Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund [ACIF] Program Account:
Loan authorizations:
Farm ownership loans:
Direct............................................. (462,137) (575,000) (575,000) (+112,863) ...............
Guaranteed......................................... (1,500,000) (2,000,000) (2,000,000) (+500,000) ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal......................................... (1,962,137) (2,575,000) (2,575,000) (+612,863) ...............
Farm operating loans:
Direct............................................. (1,021,654) (1,223,686) (1,223,686) (+202,032) ...............
Unsubsidized guaranteed............................ (1,459,380) (1,500,000) (1,500,000) (+40,620) ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal......................................... (2,481,034) (2,723,686) (2,723,686) (+242,652) ...............
Emergency loans........................................ (22,800) (34,658) (34,658) (+11,858) ...............
Indian tribe land acquisition loans.................... (2,000) (2,000) (2,000) ............... ...............
Conservation loans:
Guaranteed......................................... (150,000) (150,000) (150,000) ............... ...............
Indian Highly Fractionated Land Loans.................. (9,769) (10,000) (10,000) (+231) ...............
Boll weevil eradication loans.......................... (100,000) (60,000) (100,000) ............... (+40,000)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Loan authorizations........................... (4,727,740) (5,555,344) (5,595,344) (+867,604) (+40,000)
====================================================================================
Loan subsidies:
Farm ownership loans:
Direct............................................. 19,595 4,428 4,428 -15,167 ...............
Farm operating loans:
Direct............................................. 56,906 67,058 67,058 +10,152 ...............
Unsubsidized guaranteed............................ 17,367 18,300 18,300 +933 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal......................................... 74,273 85,358 85,358 +11,085 ...............
Emergency Loans........................................ 1,281 1,698 1,698 +417 ...............
Indian Highly Fractionated Land Loans.................. 168 68 68 -100 ...............
Individual Development Account grants.................. ............... ............... ............... ............... ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Loan subsidies................................ 95,317 91,552 91,552 -3,765 ...............
====================================================================================
ACIF administrative expenses:
Salaries and expense (transfer to FSA)................. 296,718 306,998 306,998 +10,280 ...............
Administrative expenses................................ 7,706 7,920 7,920 +214 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, ACIF expenses................................. 304,424 314,918 314,918 +10,494 ...............
====================================================================================
Total, Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund............ 399,741 406,470 406,470 +6,729 ...............
(Loan authorization)............................. (4,727,740) (5,555,344) (5,595,344) (+867,604) (+40,000)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Farm Service Agency........................... 1,585,013 1,586,962 1,593,462 +8,449 +6,500
====================================================================================
Risk Management Agency, Administrative and operating expenses...... 72,872 71,496 71,496 -1,376 ...............
====================================================================================
Total, Farm Assistance Programs.............................. 1,658,754 1,659,356 1,665,856 +7,102 +6,500
====================================================================================
Corporations
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation:
Federal crop insurance corporation fund........................ 9,517,433 9,502,944 9,502,944 -14,489 ...............
Commodity Credit Corporation Fund:
Reimbursement for net realized losses.......................... 11,018,509 12,538,880 12,538,880 +1,520,371 ...............
Hazardous waste management (limitation on expenses)............ (5,000) (5,000) (5,000) ............... ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Corporations.......................................... 20,535,942 22,041,824 22,041,824 +1,505,882 ...............
====================================================================================
Total, Title I, Agricultural Programs........................ 28,316,213 30,075,675 29,962,501 +1,646,288 -113,174
(By transfer)............................................ (319,848) (330,161) (330,263) (+10,415) (+102)
(Loan authorization)..................................... (4,727,740) (5,555,344) (5,595,344) (+867,604) (+40,000)
(Limitation on administrative expenses).................. (117,592) (115,435) (115,435) (-2,157) ...............
====================================================================================
TITLE II--CONSERVATION PROGRAMS
Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment 869 898 898 +29 ...............
Natural Resources Conservation Service:
Conservation operations........................................ 808,495 807,937 818,376 +9,881 +10,439
Farm Security and Rural Investment program (transfer ............... (695,000) ............... ............... (-695,000)
authority)................................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Public Lands Conservation operations.............. 808,495 1,502,937 818,376 +9,881 -684,561
====================================================================================
Watershed rehabilitation program............................... 14,302 ............... ............... -14,302 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Natural Resources Conservation Service................ 822,797 807,937 818,376 -4,421 +10,439
====================================================================================
Total, Title II, Conservation Programs....................... 823,666 808,835 819,274 -4,392 +10,439
====================================================================================
TITLE III--RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development................ 869 898 898 +29 ...............
Rural Development:
Rural development expenses:
Salaries and expenses...................................... 201,255 204,695 204,695 +3,440 ...............
(Transfer from RHIF)....................................... (399,507) (417,692) (417,692) (+18,185) ...............
(Transfer from RDLFP)...................................... (4,318) (4,467) (4,467) (+149) ...............
(Transfer from RETLP)...................................... (33,534) (34,694) (34,694) (+1,160) ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Transfers from program accounts................ (437,359) (456,853) (456,853) (+19,494) ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Rural development expenses........................ (638,614) (661,548) (661,548) (+22,934) ...............
====================================================================================
Rural Housing Service:
Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account:
Loan authorizations:
Single family direct (Sec. 502)........................ (875,628) (360,000) (900,000) (+24,372) (+540,000)
Unsubsidized guaranteed............................ (24,000,000) (24,000,000) (24,000,000) ............... ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Single family.......................... (24,875,628) (24,360,000) (24,900,000) (+24,372) (+540,000)
Housing repair (Sec. 504).............................. (27,195) (26,280) (26,280) (-915) ...............
Rental housing (Sec. 515).............................. (30,428) (28,432) (28,432) (-1,996) ...............
Multi-family housing guarantees (Sec. 538)............. (150,000) (150,000) (150,000) ............... ...............
Site Development loans (Sec. 524)...................... ............... (5,000) (5,000) (+5,000) ...............
Single family housing credit sales..................... (10,000) (10,000) (10,000) ............... ...............
Self-help housing land develop. (Sec. 523)............. (5,000) ............... (5,000) ............... (+5,000)
Farm Labor Housing (Sec.514)........................... (22,347) (23,855) (23,855) (+1,508) ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Loan authorizations........................... (25,120,598) (24,603,567) (25,148,567) (+27,969) (+545,000)
====================================================================================
Loan subsidies:
Single family direct (Sec. 502)........................ 52,275 9,792 24,480 -27,795 +14,688
Housing repair (Sec. 504).............................. 3,718 2,176 2,176 -1,542 ...............
Rental housing (Sec. 515).............................. 10,702 6,656 6,656 -4,046 ...............
Farm labor housing (Sec.514)........................... 7,451 5,656 5,656 -1,795 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Loan subsidies................................ 74,146 24,280 38,968 -35,178 +14,688
====================================================================================
Farm labor housing grants.............................. 8,628 8,336 8,336 -292 ...............
RHIF administrative expenses (transfer to RD).......... 399,507 417,692 417,692 +18,185 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Rural Housing Insurance Fund program.......... 482,281 450,308 464,996 -17,285 +14,688
(Loan authorization)............................. (25,120,598) (24,603,567) (25,148,567) (+27,969) (+545,000)
====================================================================================
Rental assistance program:
Rental assistance (Sec. 521)............................... 879,644 1,012,050 1,015,050 +135,406 +3,000
New construction (Sec. 515)................................ ............... ............... ............... ............... ...............
New construction (Farm Labor Housing)...................... 2,919 3,000 ............... -2,919 -3,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Rental assistance program......................... 882,563 1,015,050 1,015,050 +132,487 ...............
====================================================================================
Multi-Family Housing Revitalization Program Account:
Rural housing voucher program.................................. 9,729 12,575 12,575 +2,846 ...............
Multi-family housing revitalization program.................... 17,301 20,000 20,000 +2,699 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Multi-family housing revitalization................... 27,030 32,575 32,575 +5,545 ...............
====================================================================================
Mutual and self-help housing grants............................ 29,188 10,000 25,000 -4,188 +15,000
Rural housing assistance grants................................ 32,239 25,000 32,239 ............... +7,239
Rural community facilities program account:
Loan authorizations:
Community facility:
Direct............................................. (2,200,000) (1,500,000) (1,500,000) (-700,000) ...............
Guaranteed......................................... (55,926) ............... (59,543) (+3,617) (+59,543)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Loan authorizations....................... (2,255,926) (1,500,000) (1,559,543) (-696,383) (+59,543)
====================================================================================
Loan subsidies and grants:
Community facility:
Guaranteed......................................... 3,775 ............... 3,775 ............... +3,775
Grants............................................. 12,648 13,000 13,000 +352 ...............
Rural community development initiative................. 5,955 ............... 5,955 ............... +5,955
Economic impact initiative grants...................... 5,778 ............... 5,778 ............... +5,778
Tribal college grants.................................. 3,278 4,000 4,000 +722 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, RCFP Loan subsidies and grants................ 31,434 17,000 32,508 +1,074 +15,508
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, grants and payments........................ 92,861 52,000 89,747 -3,114 +37,747
====================================================================================
Total, Rural Housing Service......................... 1,484,735 1,549,933 1,602,368 +117,633 +52,435
(Loan authorization)............................. (27,376,524) (26,103,567) (26,708,110) (-668,414) (+604,543)
====================================================================================
Rural Business-Cooperative Service:
Rural Business Program Account:
(Guaranteed business and industry loans)................... (932,145) (740,700) (958,097) (+25,952) (+217,397)
Loan subsidies and grants:
Guaranteed business and industry subsidy............... 54,810 51,777 66,971 +12,161 +15,194
Grants:
Rural business enterprise.......................... 23,660 ............... 24,318 +658 +24,318
Rural business opportunity......................... 2,189 ............... 2,250 +61 +2,250
Delta regional authority........................... 2,919 ............... 5,000 +2,081 +5,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, RBP loan subsidies and grants............. 83,578 51,777 98,539 +14,961 +46,762
====================================================================================
Rural Business and Cooperative Grants.......................... ............... 55,000 ............... ............... -55,000
Rural Development Loan Fund Program Account:
(Loan authorization)....................................... (18,377) (18,889) (18,889) (+512) ...............
Loan subsidy............................................... 5,888 4,082 4,082 -1,806 ...............
Administrative expenses (transfer to RD)................... 4,318 4,467 4,467 +149 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Rural Development Loan Fund....................... 10,206 63,549 8,549 -1,657 -55,000
====================================================================================
Rural Economic Development Loans Program Account:
(Loan authorization)....................................... (33,077) (33,077) (33,077) ............... ...............
Limit cushion of credit interest spending.................. (180,000) (155,000) (180,000) ............... (+25,000)
(Rescission)........................................... -180,000 -155,000 -180,000 ............... -25,000
Rural cooperative development grants:
Cooperative development.................................... 6,810 ............... 5,800 -1,010 +5,800
Appropriate technology transfer for rural areas............ 2,189 2,250 2,250 +61 ...............
Grants to assist minority producers........................ 3,362 ............... 3,000 -362 +3,000
Value-added agricultural product market development........ 14,595 15,000 15,000 +405 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Rural Cooperative development grants.............. 26,956 17,250 26,050 -906 +8,800
====================================================================================
Rural Microenterprise Investment Program Account:
(Loan authorization)....................................... ............... (22,444) (22,444) (+22,444) ...............
Loan subsidy............................................... ............... 1,405 1,405 +1,405 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Rural Microenterprise Investment.................. ............... 1,405 1,405 +1,405 ...............
====================================================================================
Rural Energy for America Program (Loan authorization).......... (13,778) (44,987) (14,583) (+805) (-30,404)
Loan subsidy............................................... 3,308 12,340 4,000 +692 -8,340
Grants..................................................... ............... 7,401 ............... ............... -7,401
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Rural Energy for America Program.................. 3,308 19,741 4,000 +692 -15,741
====================================================================================
Total, Rural Business-Cooperative Service................ -55,952 -1,278 -41,457 +14,495 -40,179
(Loan authorization)................................. (997,377) (860,097) (1,047,090) (+49,713) (+186,993)
====================================================================================
Rural Utilities Service:
Rural water and waste disposal program account:
Loan authorizations:
Direct................................................. (972,912) (1,200,000) (1,200,000) (+227,088) ...............
Guaranteed............................................. (59,660) ............... (50,000) (-9,660) (+50,000)
Direct loans authorized by Public Law 83-566........... (40,000) ............... (40,000) ............... (+40,000)
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Total, Loan authorization............................ 1,072,572 1,200,000 1,290,000 +217,428 +90,000
====================================================================================
Loan subsidies and grants:
Direct subsidy......................................... 78,514 ............... ............... -78,514 ...............
Direct loans authorized by Public Law 83-566........... ............... ............... 284 +284 +284
Guaranteed subsidy..................................... 632 ............... 355 -277 +355
Water and waste revolving fund......................... 973 ............... 1,000 +27 +1,000
Water well system grants............................... 966 ............... 993 +27 +993
Colonias and AK/HI/Native Americans grants............. 64,699 36,480 66,500 +1,801 +30,020
Water and waste technical assistance................... 18,485 9,120 19,000 +515 +9,880
Circuit rider program.................................. 14,594 7,600 15,000 +406 +7,400
Solid waste management grants.......................... 3,308 4,000 4,000 +692 ...............
High energy cost grants................................ 9,730 ............... 10,000 +270 +10,000
Water and waste disposal grants........................ 318,364 246,800 337,868 +19,504 +91,068
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Loan subsidies and grants..................... 510,265 304,000 455,000 -55,265 +151,000
====================================================================================
Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Loans Program
Account:
Loan authorizations:
Electric:
Direct, 5 percent.................................. (100,000) ............... ............... (-100,000) ...............
Direct, FFB........................................ (6,500,000) (4,000,000) (5,000,000) (-1,500,000) (+1,000,000)
Guaranteed underwriting............................ (500,000) ............... (500,000) ............... (+500,000)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Electric............................... (7,100,000) (4,000,000) (5,500,000) (-1,600,000) (+1,500,000)
Telecommunications:
Direct, 5 percent.................................. ............... ............... ............... ............... ...............
Direct, Treasury rate.............................. (690,000) (690,000) (690,000) ............... ...............
Direct, FFB........................................ ............... ............... ............... ............... ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Telecommunications..................... (690,000) (690,000) (690,000) ............... ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Loan authorizations....................... (7,790,000) (4,690,000) (6,190,000) (-1,600,000) (+1,500,000)
====================================================================================
Loan subsidies:
Electric:
Guaranteed underwriting............................ ............... ............... ............... ............... ...............
RETLP administrative expenses (transfer to RD)............. 33,534 34,694 34,694 +1,160 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Loans 33,534 34,694 34,694 +1,160 ...............
Program Account.........................................
(Loan authorization)................................. (7,790,000) (4,690,000) (6,190,000) (-1,600,000) (+1,500,000)
====================================================================================
Distance learning, telemedicine, and broadband program:
Loan authorizations:
Broadband telecommunications........................... (41,095) (63,356) (30,651) (-10,444) (-32,705)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Loan authorizations........................... (41,095) (63,356) (30,651) (-10,444) (-32,705)
====================================================================================
Loan subsidies and grants:
Distance learning and telemedicine:
Grants............................................. 24,274 24,950 24,274 ............... -676
Broadband telecommunications:
Direct............................................. 3,892 8,268 4,000 +108 -4,268
Grants............................................. 10,090 10,372 10,372 +282 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Loan subsidies and grants................. 38,256 43,590 38,646 +390 -4,944
====================================================================================
Total, Rural Utilities Service................... 582,055 382,284 528,340 -53,715 +146,056
(Loan authorization)......................... (8,903,667) (5,953,356) (7,510,651) (-1,393,016) (+1,557,295)
====================================================================================
Total, Title III, Rural Development Programs..... 2,212,962 2,136,532 2,294,844 +81,882 +158,312
(By transfer)................................ (437,359) (456,853) (456,853) (+19,494) ...............
(Loan authorization)......................... (37,277,568) (32,917,020) (35,265,851) (-2,011,717) (+2,348,831)
====================================================================================
TITLE IV--DOMESTIC FOOD PROGRAMS
Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer 789 816 816 +27 ...............
Services..........................................................
Food and Nutrition Service:
Child nutrition programs....................................... 19,906,436 20,452,229 20,452,229 +545,793 ...............
School breakfast program grants............................ ............... ............... ............... ............... ...............
School breakfast program equipment grants.................. 9,729 35,000 35,000 +25,271 ...............
Hunger-free communities grants............................. ............... ............... ............... ............... ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Child nutrition programs.......................... 19,916,165 20,487,229 20,487,229 +571,064 ...............
====================================================================================
Special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and 6,855,196 7,141,625 7,070,415 +215,219 -71,210
children (WIC)................................................
Supplemental nutrition assistance program:
(Food stamp program)....................................... 74,289,135 73,382,114 73,382,114 -907,021 ...............
Reserve................................................ 3,000,000 5,000,000 5,000,000 +2,000,000 ...............
FDPIR nutrition education.............................. 998 998 998 ............... ...............
Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion.............. ............... 1,498 ............... ............... -1,498
National food consumption survey....................... ............... 5,000 ............... ............... -5,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Food stamp program............................ 77,290,133 78,389,610 78,383,112 +1,092,979 -6,498
====================================================================================
Commodity assistance program:
Commodity supplemental food program........................ 181,873 202,682 202,682 +20,809 ...............
Farmers market nutrition program........................... 16,100 16,548 16,548 +448 ...............
Emergency food assistance program.......................... 48,063 51,401 51,401 +3,338 ...............
Pacific island and disaster assistance..................... 1,039 1,070 1,070 +31 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Commodity assistance program...................... 247,075 271,701 271,701 +24,626 ...............
====================================================================================
Nutrition programs administration.............................. 139,619 146,592 146,592 +6,973 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Food and Nutrition Service............................ 104,448,188 106,436,757 106,359,049 +1,910,861 -77,708
====================================================================================
Total, Title IV, Domestic Food Programs...................... 104,448,977 106,437,573 106,359,865 +1,910,888 -77,708
====================================================================================
TITLE V--FOREIGN ASSISTANCE AND RELATED PROGRAMS
Foreign Agricultural Service
Salaries and expenses.............................................. 172,002 178,826 178,826 +6,824 ...............
(Transfer from export loans)................................... (6,277) (6,394) (6,394) (+117) ...............
(Transfer from Commodity Credit Corporation Fund).............. ............... ............... ............... ............... ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Salaries and expenses................................. 178,279 185,220 185,220 +6,941 ...............
====================================================================================
Food for Peace Title I Direct Credit and Food for Progress Program 2,730 2,628 2,730 ............... +102
Account, Administrative Expenses Farm Service Agency, Salaries and
expenses (transfer to FSA)........................................
Food for Peace Title II Grants:
Expenses....................................................... 1,433,106 ............... 1,466,000 +32,894 +1,466,000
Commodity Credit Corporation Export Loans Program Account
(administrative expenses):
Salaries and expenses (Export Loans):
General Sales Manager (transfer to FAS).................... 6,277 6,394 6,394 +117 ...............
Farm Service Agency S&E (transfer to FSA).................. 344 354 354 +10 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, CCC Export Loans Program Account.................. 6,621 6,748 6,748 +127 ...............
====================================================================================
McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition 183,757 185,126 185,126 +1,369 ...............
program grants....................................................
====================================================================================
Total, Title V, Foreign Assistance and Related Programs...... 1,798,216 373,328 1,839,430 +41,214 +1,466,102
(By transfer)............................................ (6,277) (6,394) (6,394) (+117) ...............
====================================================================================
TITLE VI--RELATED AGENCIES AND FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration
Salaries and expenses, direct appropriation........................ 2,456,128 2,548,905 2,551,905 +95,777 +3,000
Prescription drug user fees.................................... (718,669) (760,000) (760,000) (+41,331) ...............
Medical device user fees....................................... (97,722) (114,833) (114,833) (+17,111) ...............
Animal drug user fees.......................................... (23,848) (23,600) (23,600) (-248) ...............
Animal generic drug user fees.................................. (6,031) (7,328) (7,328) (+1,297) ...............
Tobacco product user fees...................................... (505,000) (534,000) (534,000) (+29,000) ...............
Food and Feed recall user fees................................. (12,925) (12,925) (12,925) ............... ...............
Food Reinspection fees......................................... (15,367) (15,367) (15,367) ............... ...............
Human generic drug user fees................................... (299,000) (305,996) (305,996) (+6,996) ...............
Biosimilar biological products user fees....................... (20,242) (20,716) (20,716) (+474) ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal (including user fees)............................... (4,154,932) (4,343,670) (4,346,670) (+191,738) (+3,000)
Mammography user fees.......................................... (19,318) (19,318) (19,318) ............... ...............
Export certification/color certification user fees............. (12,447) (12,447) (12,447) ............... ...............
Voluntary qualified importer program fees...................... ............... ............... ............... ............... ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, FDA (with user fees)............................... (4,186,697) (4,375,435) (4,378,435) (+191,738) (+3,000)
FDA New User Fees (Leg. proposals):
Food import user fees...................................... ............... (165,690) ............... ............... (-165,690)
Food inspections/food facility user fees................... ............... (58,936) ............... ............... (-58,936)
Food contact notification user fees........................ ............... (4,999) ............... ............... (-4,999)
Reinspection fees.......................................... ............... (15,043) ............... ............... (-15,043)
Cosmetic activities fees................................... ............... (19,074) ............... ............... (-19,074)
International express courier import fees.................. ............... (5,692) ............... ............... (-5,692)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, FDA new user fees (Leg Proposals).............. ............... (269,434) ............... ............... (-269,434)
Buildings and facilities........................................... 5,176 8,788 11,000 +5,824 +2,212
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, FDA (w/user fees, including proposals)................ (4,191,873) (4,653,657) (4,389,435) (+197,562) (-264,222)
Total, FDA (w/enacted user fees only)........................ (4,191,873) (4,384,223) (4,389,435) (+197,562) (+5,212)
Total, FDA (excluding user fees)............................. 2,461,304 2,557,693 2,562,905 +101,601 +5,212
====================================================================================
INDEPENDENT AGENCIES
Farm Credit Administration (limitation on administrative expenses). (63,300) (63,300) (63,300) ............... ...............
====================================================================================
Total, Title VI, Related Agencies and Food and Drug 2,461,304 2,557,693 2,562,905 +101,601 +5,212
Administration..............................................
====================================================================================
TITLE VII--GENERAL PROVISIONS
CCC use of permanent indefinite authority.......................... ............... 50,000 ............... ............... -50,000
FDA, Salaries and expenses (Sec. 719).............................. 48,646 ............... ............... -48,646 ...............
Geographic Disadvantaged farmers (Sec. 720)........................ 1,942 ............... 1,996 +54 +1,996
Limit Dam Rehab (Sec. 721(1))...................................... -165,000 -165,000 -153,000 +12,000 +12,000
Limit Environmental Quality Incentives program (Sec. 721(2))....... -279,000 -272,000 -272,000 +7,000 ...............
Limit Farmland Protection program.................................. ............... -35,000 ............... ............... +35,000
Limit Wildlife habitat incentives (Sec. 721(3)).................... -9,000 -34,000 -9,000 ............... +25,000
Limit Agriculture management assistance (section 1524) (Sec. -5,000 -5,000 -5,000 ............... ...............
721(4))...........................................................
Limit fruit and vegetable program (Sec. 722)....................... -117,000 -119,000 -119,000 -2,000 ...............
Section 32 (rescission) (Sec. 722)................................. -110,000 ............... -166,000 -56,000 -166,000
Hardwood Trees (Reforestation Pilot Program) (Sec. 724)............ 584 ............... 600 +16 +600
Water Bank Program................................................. ............... ............... 4,000 +4,000 +4,000
Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program.............. ............... 5,000 ............... ............... -5,000
Resource Conservation and Development (rescission)................. ............... -2,017 ............... ............... +2,017
Broadband Loans (rescission) (Sec. 737)............................ -25,320 ............... ............... +25,320 ...............
Repowering Assistance (rescission) (Sec. 738)...................... -28,045 ............... ............... +28,045 ...............
Agriculture B&F (rescission)....................................... ............... ............... -30,000 -30,000 -30,000
Emergency Conservation Program (Sec. 741).......................... 10,799 ............... ............... -10,799 ...............
Emergency Forest Restoration (Sec. 741)............................ 13,815 ............... ............... -13,815 ...............
Emergency Watershed Protection (Sec. 741).......................... 63,682 ............... ............... -63,682 ...............
====================================================================================
Total, Title VII, General provisions......................... -598,897 -577,017 -747,404 -148,507 -170,387
====================================================================================
Other Appropriations
DISASTER RELIEF APPROPRIATIONS 2013 (PUBLIC LAW 113-2)
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
DOMESTIC FOOD PROGRAMS
Food and Nutrition Service
Commodity assistance program
Emergency food assistance program (emergency)...................... 6,000 ............... ............... -6,000 ...............
Office of the Secretary: Emergency Conservation
Emergency conservation program (emergency)......................... 15,000 ............... ............... -15,000 ...............
Emergency watershed protection program (emergency)................. 180,000 ............... ............... -180,000 ...............
Emergency forest restoration program (emergency)................... 23,000 ............... ............... -23,000 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Emergency Conservation activities..................... 218,000 ............... ............... -218,000 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Disaster Relief Appropriations 2013................... 224,000 ............... ............... -224,000 ...............
====================================================================================
Total, Other Appropriations.................................. 224,000 ............... ............... -224,000 ...............
====================================================================================
Grand total.................................................. 139,686,441 141,812,619 143,091,415 +3,404,974 +1,278,796
Appropriations........................................... (139,805,806) (141,969,636) (143,467,415) (+3,661,609) (+1,497,779)
Emergency Appropriations................................. (224,000) ............... ............... (-224,000) ...............
Rescissions.............................................. (-343,365) (-157,017) (-376,000) (-32,635) (-218,983)
(By transfer)................................................ (763,484) (793,408) (793,510) (+30,026) (+102)
(Loan authorization)......................................... (42,005,308) (38,472,364) (40,861,195) (-1,144,113) (+2,388,831)
(Limitation on administrative expenses)...................... (180,892) (178,735) (178,735) (-2,157) ...............
====================================================================================
RECAPITULATION
Title I--Agricultural programs..................................... 28,316,213 30,075,675 29,962,501 +1,646,288 -113,174
Mandatory...................................................... (21,626,042) (23,149,074) (23,149,074) (+1,523,032) ...............
Discretionary.................................................. (6,690,171) (6,926,601) (6,813,427) (+123,256) (-113,174)
Title II--Conservation programs (discretionary).................... 823,666 808,835 819,274 -4,392 +10,439
Title III--Rural development (discretionary)....................... 2,212,962 2,136,532 2,294,844 +81,882 +158,312
Title IV--Domestic food programs................................... 104,448,977 106,437,573 106,359,865 +1,910,888 -77,708
Mandatory...................................................... (97,196,569) (98,835,341) (98,835,341) (+1,638,772) ...............
Discretionary.................................................. (7,252,408) (7,602,232) (7,524,524) (+272,116) (-77,708)
Title V--Foreign assistance and related programs (discretionary)... 1,798,216 373,328 1,839,430 +41,214 +1,466,102
Title VI--Related agencies and Food and Drug Administration 2,461,304 2,557,693 2,562,905 +101,601 +5,212
(discretionary)...................................................
Title VII--General provisions (discretionary)...................... -598,897 -577,017 -747,404 -148,507 -170,387
Other Appropriations............................................... 224,000 ............... ............... -224,000 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total........................................................ 139,686,441 141,812,619 143,091,415 +3,404,974 +1,278,796
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