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[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 5526 Reported in Senate (RS)]
<DOC>
Calendar No. 683
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 5526
To provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other
programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2031, and
for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
September 24, 2026
Mr. Boozman, from the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
Forestry, reported the following original bill; which was read twice
and placed on the calendar
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other
programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2031, and
for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Agricultural Act
of 2026''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
TITLE I--COMMODITIES
Subtitle A--Commodity Policy
Sec. 1101. Suspension of permanent price support authority.
Sec. 1102. Servicing of loans.
Sec. 1103. Certification of average adjusted gross income by enrolled
agents.
Sec. 1104. Commodity Credit Corporation records, reports, and data.
Sec. 1105. Storage facility loans.
Sec. 1106. Strengthening domestic food production supply chains.
Sec. 1107. Dry edible beans study.
Sec. 1108. Additional base acres.
Subtitle B--Dairy
Sec. 1201. Reauthorizations.
Sec. 1202. Mandatory reporting of dairy product processing costs.
Sec. 1203. Dairy reports.
Sec. 1204. Dairy margin coverage.
Subtitle C--Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance
Sec. 1301. Noninsured crop disaster assistance program.
Sec. 1302. Supplemental agricultural disaster assistance.
Sec. 1303. Tree assistance program.
Sec. 1304. Specialty crop emergency assistance framework.
Sec. 1305. Assistance in the form of block grants.
Subtitle D--Administration
Sec. 1401. Regulations.
Sec. 1402. Technical correction.
Sec. 1403. Implementation.
TITLE II--CONSERVATION
Subtitle A--Conservation Reserve Program
Sec. 2101. Conservation reserve.
Sec. 2102. Conservation reserve enhancement program.
Sec. 2103. Farmable wetland program.
Sec. 2104. Duties of the Secretary.
Sec. 2105. Payments.
Subtitle B--Environmental Quality Incentives Program
Sec. 2201. Definitions.
Sec. 2202. Establishment and administration.
Sec. 2203. Limitation on payments.
Sec. 2204. Conservation innovation grants and payments.
Subtitle C--Conservation Stewardship Program
Sec. 2301. Conservation stewardship program.
Sec. 2302. Duties of the Secretary.
Subtitle D--Funding and Administration
Sec. 2401. Funding.
Sec. 2402. Conservation standards and requirements.
Sec. 2403. Establishment and review of conservation practice standards.
Sec. 2404. Delivery of technical assistance.
Sec. 2405. Administrative requirements for conservation programs.
Sec. 2406. Temporary administration of conservation programs.
Sec. 2407. Prohibition on conservation payments benefitting foreign
countries of concern.
Subtitle E--Agricultural Conservation Easement Program
Sec. 2501. Definitions.
Sec. 2502. Agricultural land easements.
Sec. 2503. Wetland reserve easements.
Sec. 2504. Administration.
Sec. 2505. Adjusted gross income limitation.
Subtitle F--Regional Conservation Partnership Program
Sec. 2601. Establishment and purposes.
Sec. 2602. Inclusion of emergency watershed program as a covered
program.
Sec. 2603. Definitions.
Sec. 2604. Regional conservation partnerships.
Sec. 2605. Assistance to producers.
Sec. 2606. Funding.
Sec. 2607. Critical conservation areas.
Subtitle G--Forest Conservation Easement Program
Sec. 2701. Forest Conservation Easement Program.
Sec. 2702. Healthy forests reserve program.
Subtitle H--Other Conservation Programs
Sec. 2801. Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act.
Sec. 2802. Emergency conservation programs.
Sec. 2803. Feral swine eradication and control program.
Sec. 2804. Conservation of private grazing land.
Sec. 2805. State conservation assistance.
Sec. 2806. Natural Resources Conservation Service initiative.
TITLE III--TRADE
Subtitle A--Food for Peace Act
Sec. 3101. United States policy.
Sec. 3102. Food aid quality assurance.
Sec. 3103. Repeal of minimum levels of assistance.
Sec. 3104. Food Aid Consultative Group.
Sec. 3105. Program oversight, monitoring, and evaluation.
Sec. 3106. International food relief partnership.
Sec. 3107. Use of Commodity Credit Corporation.
Sec. 3108. Technical corrections and administrative provisions.
Sec. 3109. Expiration date.
Sec. 3110. Minimum level of nonemergency food assistance.
Sec. 3111. Micronutrient fortification programs.
Sec. 3112. Plan and transfer of functions of Food for Peace to
Department of Agriculture.
Sec. 3113. John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program.
Subtitle B--Agricultural Trade Act of 1978
Sec. 3201. Preserving foreign markets for goods using common names.
Sec. 3202. Technical assistance to improve infrastructure in foreign
markets for United States agricultural
commodities.
Sec. 3203. Report on competitiveness of United States exports of
specialty crops.
Sec. 3204. Definition of specialty crops.
Sec. 3205. Agricultural trade promotion and facilitation.
Sec. 3206. Interagency seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetable
working group.
Subtitle C--Other Agricultural Trade Laws
Sec. 3301. Food for Progress Act of 1985.
Sec. 3302. Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act.
Sec. 3303. McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child
Nutrition Program.
Sec. 3304. International agricultural education fellowship program.
Sec. 3305. International agriculture cultural immersion and exchange
program.
Sec. 3306. International food security technical assistance.
Sec. 3307. Global Crop Diversity Trust.
Sec. 3308. Local and regional food aid procurement projects.
Subtitle D--Reports
Sec. 3401. Report on the domestic competitiveness of United States-
grown agricultural commodities.
Sec. 3402. Report on international shrimp trade.
TITLE IV--NUTRITION
Subtitle A--Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Sec. 4101. Eligible food.
Sec. 4102. State cost share delay.
Sec. 4103. Food distribution program on Indian reservations.
Sec. 4104. Support for wireless and mobile equipment for certain
entities.
Sec. 4105. Prohibited fees.
Sec. 4106. Permanent authority for online purchasing.
Sec. 4107. Enhanced cybersecurity for SNAP.
Sec. 4108. Approval of retail food stores and wholesale food concerns.
Sec. 4109. Streamlining applications for farmers.
Sec. 4110. Administrative processes for retailers.
Sec. 4111. Animal protein as eligible incentive food.
Sec. 4112. Staffing flexibility.
Sec. 4113. Quality control improvements.
Sec. 4114. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 4115. Retail food store and recipient trafficking.
Sec. 4116. The Emergency Food Assistance Program.
Sec. 4117. Dairy nutrition incentive program.
Subtitle B--Commodity Distribution Programs
Sec. 4201. Delivering for rural seniors.
Sec. 4202. Commodity distribution program.
Sec. 4203. Commodity supplemental food program.
Sec. 4204. Distribution of surplus commodities to special nutrition
projects.
Subtitle C--Miscellaneous
Sec. 4301. Seniors farmers' market nutrition program.
Sec. 4302. Purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables for distribution to
schools and service institutions.
Sec. 4303. Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program reauthorization.
Sec. 4304. Buy American requirements.
Sec. 4305. Dietary guidelines.
Sec. 4306. Food loss and waste reduction liaison annual report.
Sec. 4307. Healthy food financing initiative.
Sec. 4308. Option for purchasing TEFAP through DoD Fresh.
Sec. 4309. Technical corrections.
TITLE V--CREDIT
Subtitle A--Farm Credit System
Sec. 5101. Extension of credit to businesses providing services to
producers or harvesters of aquatic
products.
Sec. 5102. Export finance authority.
Sec. 5103. Support for rural water systems.
Sec. 5104. Financing for essential rural community facilities.
Sec. 5105. Limitation on rural business investment companies.
Sec. 5106. Loan guarantees.
Sec. 5107. Standards for qualified loans.
Sec. 5108. Study on rural home mortgage credit.
Subtitle B--Farm Ownership and Operating Loans
Sec. 5201. Limitations on loan amounts.
Sec. 5202. Inflation percentage.
Sec. 5203. Precision agriculture under the conservation loan and loan
guarantee program.
Sec. 5204. Down payment loan program.
Sec. 5205. Persons eligible for loans.
Sec. 5206. Refinancing of bridge loans.
Sec. 5207. Support for resolving ownership and succession issues
relating to farmland.
Sec. 5208. Limitation on microloan amounts.
Sec. 5209. Cooperative lending pilot projects.
Sec. 5210. Refinancing of guaranteed loans into direct loans.
Sec. 5211. Pilot projects for preapproval of direct farm ownership
loans.
Sec. 5212. Definition of qualified beginning farmer or rancher.
Sec. 5213. Use of additional funds for direct operating microloans
under certain conditions.
Sec. 5214. State agricultural mediation programs.
Sec. 5215. Prompt approval of loans and loan guarantees.
Sec. 5216. Farm operating loans for commercial fishing.
Subtitle C--Administrative Provisions
Sec. 5301. Beginning farmer and rancher individual development accounts
pilot program.
Sec. 5302. Loan authorization levels.
Sec. 5303. Loan fund set-asides.
Sec. 5304. Temporary prohibition of loans to borrowers that have
received debt forgiveness.
Sec. 5305. Technical corrections.
TITLE VI--RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Subtitle A--Rural Electrification Act of 1936
PART I--Rural Broadband Access
Sec. 6101. Streamlining broadband authorities.
Sec. 6102. Expansion of middle mile infrastructure into rural areas.
Sec. 6103. Community Connect Grant Program.
Sec. 6104. Last mile broadband deployment.
PART II--Additional Amendments
Sec. 6111. Guarantees for bonds and notes issued for utility
infrastructure purposes.
Sec. 6112. Rural development loans and grants.
Sec. 6113. Expansion of 911 access.
Sec. 6114. Rural Utilities Service electric programs.
Subtitle B--Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
Sec. 6201. Water, waste disposal, and wastewater facility grants.
Sec. 6202. SEARCH grants.
Sec. 6203. Rural water, wastewater, and waste disposal facility direct
loans.
Sec. 6204. Rural water and wastewater technical assistance and training
programs.
Sec. 6205. Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program.
Sec. 6206. Rural water and wastewater cybersecurity circuit rider
program.
Sec. 6207. Tribal college and university essential community
facilities.
Sec. 6208. Essential community facilities technical assistance and
training.
Sec. 6209. Emergency preparedness, response, and recovery technical
assistance program.
Sec. 6210. Assistance to provide water and wastewater services in
financially distressed rural areas.
Sec. 6211. Community facilities direct and guaranteed loans for health
care services.
Sec. 6212. Community Facilities Relending Program.
Sec. 6213. Emergency and imminent community water assistance grant
program.
Sec. 6214. Additional assistance for rural water systems.
Sec. 6215. Water systems for rural and native villages in Alaska.
Sec. 6216. Rural decentralized water systems.
Sec. 6217. Healthy drinking water affordability assistance program.
Sec. 6218. Solid waste management grants.
Sec. 6219. Rural business development grants.
Sec. 6220. Rural cooperative development grants.
Sec. 6221. Locally or regionally produced agricultural products.
Sec. 6222. Appropriate technology transfer for rural areas program.
Sec. 6223. Rural economic area partnership zones.
Sec. 6224. Intermediary relending program.
Sec. 6225. Lender fees in guaranteed loan programs; rural water
refinancing improvements.
Sec. 6226. Definition of rural and rural area.
Sec. 6227. Streamlining review.
Sec. 6228. Rural Business-Cooperative Service programs technical
assistance and training.
Sec. 6229. National Rural Development Partnership.
Sec. 6230. Grants for NOAA weather radio transmitters.
Sec. 6231. Rural microentrepreneur assistance program.
Sec. 6232. Health care services.
Sec. 6233. Strategic community investment plans.
Sec. 6234. Rural innovation stronger economy grant program.
Sec. 6235. Rural Development Innovation Center.
Sec. 6236. Rural business investment program.
Subtitle C--Miscellaneous
PART I--Rural Care Economy
Sec. 6301. Improving the rural care economy; prioritizations.
Sec. 6302. Rural hospital revitalization.
Sec. 6303. Rural health care facility assistance.
PART II--Other Miscellaneous Provisions
Sec. 6311. Distance learning and telemedicine.
Sec. 6312. Agriculture Innovation Center Demonstration Program.
Sec. 6313. Rural Energy Savings Program.
Sec. 6314. Interagency task force on outdoor recreation coordination.
Sec. 6315. New, mobile, and expanded meat and poultry processing and
rendering grants.
Sec. 6316. Annual efficiency report.
TITLE VII--RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND RELATED MATTERS
Subtitle A--National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
Policy Act of 1977
Sec. 7101. National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and
Economics Advisory Board.
Sec. 7102. Specialty crop committee.
Sec. 7103. Veterinary medicine loan repayment.
Sec. 7104. Veterinary services grant program.
Sec. 7105. Grants and fellowships for food and agriculture sciences
education.
Sec. 7106. Agricultural and food policy research centers.
Sec. 7107. Education grants to Alaska Native serving institutions and
Native Hawaiian serving institutions.
Sec. 7108. Nutrition education program.
Sec. 7109. Continuing animal health and disease research programs.
Sec. 7110. Extension at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee
University.
Sec. 7111. Agricultural research at 1890 land-grant colleges, including
Tuskegee University.
Sec. 7112. David A. Scott Scholarship Program for Students at 1890
Institutions.
Sec. 7113. Grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities
at 1890 land-grant colleges, including
Tuskegee University.
Sec. 7114. Grants to upgrade agriculture and food sciences facilities
and equipment at insular area land-grant
institutions.
Sec. 7115. New beginning for Tribal students.
Sec. 7116. Hispanic-serving institutions.
Sec. 7117. Binational agricultural research and development.
Sec. 7118. International agriculture partnerships and grants program.
Sec. 7119. Research equipment grants.
Sec. 7120. University research.
Sec. 7121. Cooperative extension service.
Sec. 7122. Supplemental and alternative crops.
Sec. 7123. New Era Rural Technology Program.
Sec. 7124. Capacity building grants for NLGCA institutions.
Sec. 7125. Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority.
Sec. 7126. Capacity building grants for community college agriculture
and natural resources programs.
Sec. 7127. Aquaculture assistance programs.
Sec. 7128. Rangeland research programs.
Sec. 7129. Special authorization for biosecurity planning and response.
Sec. 7130. Distance education and resident instruction grants program
for insular area institutions of higher
education.
Sec. 7131. Limitation on certain research in countries of concern.
Subtitle B--Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990
Sec. 7201. Best utilization of biological applications.
Sec. 7202. Integrated management systems.
Sec. 7203. Sustainable agriculture technology development and transfer
program.
Sec. 7204. National training program.
Sec. 7205. National Genetics Resources Program.
Sec. 7206. National Agricultural Weather Information System.
Sec. 7207. Agricultural genome to phenome initiative.
Sec. 7208. High-priority research and extension initiatives.
Sec. 7209. Organic agriculture research and extension initiative.
Sec. 7210. Farm business management.
Sec. 7211. Urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production
research, education, and extension
initiative.
Sec. 7212. Centers of Excellence at 1890 Institutions.
Sec. 7213. Assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities.
Sec. 7214. National Rural Information Center Clearinghouse.
Subtitle C--Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act
of 1998
Sec. 7301. National food safety training, education, extension,
outreach, and technical assistance program.
Sec. 7302. Integrated research, education, and extension competitive
grants program.
Sec. 7303. Support for research regarding diseases of wheat, triticale,
and barley caused by Fusarium graminearum
or by Tilletia indica.
Sec. 7304. Grants for youth organizations.
Sec. 7305. Specialty crop research initiative.
Sec. 7306. Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database program.
Sec. 7307. Forestry products advanced utilization research.
Sec. 7308. Agriculture grants for veteran education and training
services.
Sec. 7309. National biochar research network.
Subtitle D--Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008
PART I--Agricultural Security
Sec. 7401. Agricultural biosecurity communication center.
Sec. 7402. Assistance to build local capacity in agricultural
biosecurity planning, preparation, and
response.
Sec. 7403. Research and development of agricultural countermeasures.
Sec. 7404. Agricultural biosecurity grant program.
PART II--Miscellaneous Provisions
Sec. 7411. Grazinglands research laboratory.
Sec. 7412. Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network.
Sec. 7413. Natural products research program.
Sec. 7414. Sun grant program.
Subtitle E--Other Matters
Sec. 7501. Agricultural and food law research.
Sec. 7502. Critical Agricultural Materials Act.
Sec. 7503. Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994.
Sec. 7504. Report on the extension service needs of Tribal lands and
populations.
Sec. 7505. Restoration of 4-H name and emblem authority.
Sec. 7506. Amendments to the Hatch Act.
Sec. 7507. Amendment to Smith-Lever Act.
Sec. 7508. Agriculture and Food Research Initiative.
Sec. 7509. Extension Design and Demonstration Initiative.
Sec. 7510. Biomass research and development.
Sec. 7511. Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978.
Sec. 7512. National Aquaculture Act of 1980.
Sec. 7513. Federal agriculture research facilities.
Sec. 7514. Enhanced use lease authority program.
Sec. 7515. Agricultural security and durability initiative.
Sec. 7516. Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research.
TITLE VIII--FORESTRY
Subtitle A--Forest Data Modernization
Sec. 8101. Forest inventory and analysis strategic plan.
Sec. 8102. Forest inventory and analysis program blue ribbon panel.
Subtitle B--Forest Health and Management
Sec. 8201. Definitions.
PART I--Forest Service Management
Sec. 8211. Hazardous fuel reduction on Federal land.
Sec. 8212. Insect infestations and related diseases.
Sec. 8213. Insect and disease treatment areas.
Sec. 8214. Collaborative restoration project.
Sec. 8215. Wildfire resilience project size.
Sec. 8216. Greater sage-grouse and mule deer habitat.
Sec. 8217. Fuel breaks in forests and other wildland vegetation.
Sec. 8218. Categorical exclusion for high-priority hazard trees.
Sec. 8219. Categorical exclusion for electric utility lines rights-of-
way.
Sec. 8220. Consultation under certain land and resource management
plans and land use plans.
Sec. 8221. Forest Service participation in ACES program.
Sec. 8222. Timber sales on National Forest System land.
Sec. 8223. Prairie dog management.
PART II--State and Private Partnerships
Sec. 8231. Support for State assessments and strategies for forest
resources.
Sec. 8232. State and private forest landscape-scale restoration
program.
Sec. 8233. Promoting cross-boundary wildfire mitigation.
Sec. 8234. Extension of stewardship contracting maximum term limits.
Sec. 8235. Water source protection program.
Sec. 8236. Watershed condition framework improvements.
Sec. 8237. Authorization for lease of Forest Service sites.
Sec. 8238. Modification of good neighbor authority.
Sec. 8239. Collaborative forest landscape restoration program.
Sec. 8240. Joint Chiefs Landscape Restoration Partnership program.
PART III--Timber Innovation
Sec. 8251. Wood innovations grant program.
Sec. 8252. Community Wood Facilities Grant Program.
Sec. 8253. Report on use of mass timber in construction of Department
of Agriculture facilities and other Federal
structures.
Sec. 8254. Forest and wood products data tracker.
Subtitle C--Forest Conservation
Sec. 8301. Semiarid agroforestry research center.
Sec. 8302. Forest Service Legacy Road and Trail Remediation program.
Subtitle D--Land Designations
Sec. 8401. Chester County reversionary and mineral interests release.
Sec. 8402. Rough Mountain Wilderness and Rich Hole Wilderness
designations.
Sec. 8403. Conveyance of specified Forest Service property to Perry
County, Arkansas.
Sec. 8404. Okhissa Lake rural economic development land conveyance.
Sec. 8405. Lake Winnibigoshish land exchange.
Sec. 8406. Release of reversionary interest, Black River State Forest,
Wisconsin.
Sec. 8407. Shawnee National Forest conservation.
Sec. 8408. Shenandoah Mountain.
Sec. 8409. Flatside Wilderness additions.
Sec. 8410. Talladega National Forest boundary modification.
Sec. 8411. Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail feasibility study.
Sec. 8412. Relocation of memorial honoring the 9 Air Force crew members
who lost their lives in an airplane crash
during a training mission on August 31,
1982.
Sec. 8413. Appraisals.
Subtitle E--White Oak Resilience
Sec. 8501. White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition.
Sec. 8502. Forest Service pilot program.
Sec. 8503. White oak regeneration and upland oak habitat.
Sec. 8504. Tree nursery shortages.
Subtitle F--Other Matters
Sec. 8601. National Forest Foundation Act.
Sec. 8602. Rural revitalization technologies.
Sec. 8603. Resource advisory committees.
Sec. 8604. Tribal forest protection management.
Sec. 8605. Civilian Conservation Centers.
Sec. 8606. Permits and agreements with electrical utilities.
Sec. 8607. Exemption for previously analyzed areas of National Forest
System land.
Sec. 8608. Alignment of Farm Service Agency and Forest Service drought
response.
Sec. 8609. Rural fire prevention and control.
Sec. 8610. Safety standards for wildland firefighters.
Sec. 8611. Technical corrections.
TITLE IX--ENERGY
Sec. 9001. Definition of advanced biofuel.
Sec. 9002. Biobased markets program.
Sec. 9003. Biorefinery, renewable chemical, biobased product
manufacturing, and sustainable aviation
fuel assistance.
Sec. 9004. Bioproduct labeling terminology.
Sec. 9005. Bioenergy program for advanced biofuels.
Sec. 9006. Biodiesel fuel education program.
Sec. 9007. Rural Energy for America Program.
Sec. 9008. Feedstock flexibility program for bioenergy producers.
Sec. 9009. Biomass crop assistance program.
Sec. 9010. Carbon utilization and biogas education program.
Sec. 9011. Sustainable aviation fuels strategy.
Sec. 9012. Leveraging efficiency awareness for pumping systems.
Sec. 9013. Technical corrections.
TITLE X--HORTICULTURE
Subtitle A--Horticulture Marketing and Information
Sec. 10101. Marketing orders.
Sec. 10102. Specialty crops market news allocation.
Sec. 10103. Local agriculture market program.
Sec. 10104. Acer access and development program.
Sec. 10105. National organic program.
Sec. 10106. National organic certification cost-share program.
Sec. 10107. Food safety education initiatives.
Sec. 10108. National Plant Diagnostic Network.
Sec. 10109. Specialty crop block grants.
Sec. 10110. Organic inputs verification.
Sec. 10111. Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production.
Sec. 10112. National organic program oversight protocols and inspection
requirements.
Sec. 10113. Study on barriers to participation in Department of
Agriculture programs faced by certified
organic farms and farms interested in
transitioning to organic production.
Sec. 10114. Strengthening Local Food Security Program.
Subtitle B--Regulatory Reform
Sec. 10201. Biostimulants.
Sec. 10202. Soil health study.
Sec. 10203. FIFRA interagency working group.
Sec. 10204. Interstate movement outside of the continental United
States.
Sec. 10205. Construction projects to support emergency plant health
response efforts.
Sec. 10206. Agriculture quarantine and inspection program reserve fee.
Sec. 10207. Registration review.
Sec. 10208. Office of Pest Management Policy.
Sec. 10209. Coordination.
Sec. 10210. Multiple crop and pesticide use survey.
Sec. 10211. Office of Biotechnology Policy.
Sec. 10212. National Clean Plant Network.
Sec. 10213. Proper administration of the definition of specialty crop.
TITLE XI--CROP INSURANCE
Sec. 11001. Definition of specialty crop.
Sec. 11002. Management of Corporation.
Sec. 11003. Identification of holders of substantial interests.
Sec. 11004. Restoration of final agency determinations.
Sec. 11005. Coverage of revenue losses.
Sec. 11006. Yield determinations.
Sec. 11007. Crop insurance support for beginning and veteran farmers
and ranchers.
Sec. 11008. Marketability.
Sec. 11009. Reimbursement rates for administrative and operating costs.
Sec. 11010. Quality loss adjustment coverage.
Sec. 11011. Limitation on farm program participation.
Sec. 11012. Pilot program to review effectiveness of coverage penalty.
Sec. 11013. Program compliance and integrity.
Sec. 11014. Whole farm improvements.
Sec. 11015. Research and development.
Sec. 11016. Risk management study for lamb.
Sec. 11017. Report on standard reinsurance agreement.
TITLE XII--MISCELLANEOUS
Subtitle A--Livestock
Sec. 12101. Animal importation inspections.
Sec. 12102. Animal disease prevention and management.
Sec. 12103. Engagement with export markets.
Sec. 12104. Report on support for livestock and poultry producers
during a foreign animal disease outbreak.
Sec. 12105. Additional training facilities.
Sec. 12106. Allowed interest of livestock auction owners in meatpacking
businesses.
Sec. 12107. Hazard analysis and critical control point guidance and
resources for small and very small poultry
and meat establishments.
Sec. 12108. National Poultry Improvement Plan.
Sec. 12109. U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan.
Sec. 12110. Interstate internet sales of certain State-inspected meat
and poultry.
Sec. 12111. Outreach on Cooperative Interstate Shipment.
Sec. 12112. Livestock and meat marketing study.
Sec. 12113. Country of origin labeling for beef.
Subtitle B--National Security
Sec. 12201. Definitions; organizational updates.
Sec. 12202. Reporting requirements.
Sec. 12203. Civil penalties.
Sec. 12204. Investigative actions.
Sec. 12205. Public inspection.
Sec. 12206. Secretarial reports.
Sec. 12207. Office of Homeland Security, Department of Agriculture.
Sec. 12208. Assessment of cybersecurity threats and security
vulnerabilities in the agriculture and food
critical infrastructure sector.
Subtitle C--Fertilizer
Sec. 12301. Crop input reporting.
Sec. 12302. Fertilizer research.
Sec. 12303. Fertilizer mandatory reporting.
Subtitle D--United States Grain Standards Reauthorization
Sec. 12401. Prioritizing improvements to grain grading technology.
Sec. 12402. Additional flexibilities.
Sec. 12403. Investment authority.
Sec. 12404. Administrative and supervisory costs.
Sec. 12405. General authorities.
Sec. 12406. Reporting requirements.
Sec. 12407. Improving advisory committee nominations efficiency and
continuity.
Sec. 12408. Reauthorization of other expiring provisions.
Subtitle E--Year-Round E15 and RFS Reform
Sec. 12501. Year-Round E15 and RFS Reform.
Subtitle F--Other Miscellaneous Provisions
Sec. 12601. Protecting animals with shelter.
Sec. 12602. Importation of live dogs.
Sec. 12603. Dairy business innovation initiatives.
Sec. 12604. Country of origin labeling for cooked king crab and tanner
crab and cooked and canned salmon.
Sec. 12605. Country of origin and method of production labeling for
fish.
Sec. 12606. Establishment of Office of Seafood.
Sec. 12607. Study and report on expanding seafood processing capacity.
Sec. 12608. Office of Small Farms.
Sec. 12609. Innovative feed enhancement.
Sec. 12610. Codifying useful regulatory definitions.
Sec. 12611. Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program review and report.
Sec. 12612. Qualified renewable biomass.
Sec. 12613. Promoting precision agriculture.
Sec. 12614. Farming opportunities training and outreach.
Sec. 12615. Improvements to United States Drought Monitor.
Sec. 12616. Whole milk under the school breakfast program.
Sec. 12617. Commission on Rural Maternal Health.
Sec. 12618. Cost-share grants for rollover protection structures.
Sec. 12619. Improving whistleblower protections under the Commodity
Exchange Act.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the
Department of Agriculture.
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Agriculture.
TITLE I--COMMODITIES
Subtitle A--Commodity Policy
SEC. 1101. SUSPENSION OF PERMANENT PRICE SUPPORT AUTHORITY.
Section 1602 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9092) is
amended by striking ``2023'' each place it appears and inserting
``2031''.
SEC. 1102. SERVICING OF LOANS.
(a) Marketing Assistance Loans.--Section 1204 of the Agricultural
Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9034) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(j) Effect of Lapse in Appropriations.--The servicing of a
marketing assistance loan under section 1201 by an officer or employee
of the Department of Agriculture shall be deemed, for purposes of
section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, services for emergencies
involving the safety of human life or the protection of property.''.
(b) Loans Under Sugar Program.--Section 156(d) of the Federal
Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7272(d)) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Effect of lapse in appropriations.--The servicing of
a loan under this section by an officer or employee of the
Department shall be deemed, for purposes of section 1342 of
title 31, United States Code, services for emergencies
involving the safety of human life or the protection of
property.''.
SEC. 1103. CERTIFICATION OF AVERAGE ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME BY ENROLLED
AGENTS.
Section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-3a)
is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(3)(A), by striking ``accountant or
attorney'' and inserting ``accountant, an enrolled agent
properly licensed to practice as required under rules
promulgated under section 330(a) of title 31, United States
Code, or an attorney''; and
(2) in subsection (c)(1)(A), by inserting ``, an enrolled
agent properly licensed to practice as required under rules
promulgated under section 330(a) of title 31, United States
Code,'' after ``certified public accountant''.
SEC. 1104. COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION RECORDS, REPORTS, AND DATA.
(a) In General.--Section 13 of the Commodity Credit Corporation
Charter Act (15 U.S.C. 714k) is amended--
(1) by striking the section designation and heading and all
that follows through ``The Corporation'' in the first sentence
and inserting the following:
``SEC. 13. RECORDS, REPORTS, AND DATA.
``(a) Records.--The Corporation'';
(2) in subsection (a) (as so designated), in the first
sentence, by striking ``account and shall'' and inserting the
following: ``account.
``(b) Annual Reports.--The Corporation shall'';
(3) in subsection (b) (as so designated)--
(A) in the first sentence, by striking ``forwarded
by the Secretary of Agriculture to the President for
transmission to the'' and inserting ``transmitted by
the Secretary of Agriculture to''; and
(B) in the second sentence, by striking ``In
addition to the annual report,'' and inserting the
following:
``(c) Quarterly Reports.--In addition to the annual reports filed
under subsection (b),'';
(4) in subsection (c) (as so designated), by striking
``$10,000'' and inserting ``$25,000''; and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Commodity Estimate Books.--
``(1) Data.--In addition to the reports under subsections
(b) and (c), the Corporation shall biannually submit to
Congress a report comprising a Commodity Estimate Book that
contains the data included in, and in a format substantially
similar to, the Commodity Estimate Books formerly published by
the budget division of the Farm Service Agency, which shall
contain both actual and estimated years of budgetary data by
program and account for the Corporation, including the latest
policy assumptions and supporting economic data.
``(2) Public availability.--Each Commodity Estimate Book
submitted under paragraph (1) shall be made publicly available
in a searchable electronic format on a website maintained by
the Department of Agriculture.
``(e) Submission to Congress.--Each report required to be submitted
to Congress under this section shall be submitted to--
``(1) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives;
``(2) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
of the Senate;
``(3) the Committee on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives; and
``(4) the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.
``(f) Categorization of Certain Data.--To the extent a report
prepared and submitted to Congress under this section includes a
description of expenditures made by the Secretary pursuant to section
5, each of those expenditures shall be clearly categorized by the
corresponding subsection of section 5 providing the authority for the
expenditure.''.
(b) Applicability.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
apply to the reports required under section 13 of the Commodity Credit
Corporation Charter Act (15 U.S.C. 714k) beginning with the first
calendar year that begins after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 1105. STORAGE FACILITY LOANS.
(a) In General.--Section 1614(a) of the Food, Conservation, and
Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8789(a)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``funds for producers'' and inserting the
following: ``funds for--
``(1) producers'';
(2) in paragraph (1) (as so designated), by striking the
period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) producers to construct or upgrade storage facilities
for propane and fertilizer that is primarily used for
agricultural production (as defined in section 4279.2 of title
7, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of
enactment of this paragraph)).''.
(b) Rulemaking.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall amend part 1436 of title 7,
Code of Federal Regulations, to reflect the amendments made by
subsection (a), including to ensure that, with respect to fertilizer,
loans may be made under the Farm Storage Facility Loan Program for, at
a minimum, the following:
(1) Dry bins and dry flat storage.
(2) Fertilizer blenders.
(3) Liquid tanks.
(4) Anhydrous ammonia pressure vessels.
(5) Foundations, electrical systems, conveyors, plumbing,
piping, and pumps necessary for the receipt, storage, and
removal of fertilizer products.
SEC. 1106. STRENGTHENING DOMESTIC FOOD PRODUCTION SUPPLY CHAINS.
(a) In General.--Subtitle C of title I of the Agricultural Act of
2014 (Public Law 113-79; 128 Stat. 688) is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``SEC. 1302. STRENGTHENING DOMESTIC FOOD PRODUCTION SUPPLY CHAINS.
``(a) In General.--With respect to any Federal policy that would
impact the administration of the programs described in the provisions
of law described in this subtitle or any rule, policy, or guidance
issued pursuant to such programs, the preservation and strengthening of
the domestic production described in subsection (b) shall be a priority
objective of the President.
``(b) Domestic Production Described.--The domestic production
described in this subsection is the production of an agricultural
commodity--
``(1) described in a program described in subsection (a);
and
``(2) from which a food ingredient that serves an important
function throughout the domestic food production supply chain
is derived.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents for the Agricultural
Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79; 128 Stat. 649) is amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 1301 the following:
``1302. Strengthening domestic food production supply chains.''.
SEC. 1107. DRY EDIBLE BEANS STUDY.
(a) In General.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall contract with 1 or more qualified
entities to conduct a study to determine whether the inclusion of dry
edible beans as a covered commodity (as defined in section 1111 of the
Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9011)) and a loan commodity (as
defined in section 1201(a) of that Act (7 U.S.C. 9031(a))) under the
programs authorized under subtitles A and B of title I of that Act (7
U.S.C. 9011 et seq.) would provide producers of dry edible beans with
an effective safety net.
(b) Analysis Required.--The Secretary shall ensure that the 1 or
more entities conducting the study required under this section include
evaluations and recommendations concerning the appropriate
establishment of--
(1) loan rates;
(2) reference prices;
(3) base acres;
(4) payment acres and yields; and
(5) other relevant program details to effectuate full
inclusion of dry edible beans as a covered commodity and a loan
commodity.
(c) Report Required.--Not later than 120 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on
Agriculture of the House of Representatives a report describing the
findings of the study required under this section.
(d) Mitigation.--There are authorized to be appropriated such sums
as necessary to establish a mitigation program under which the
Secretary shall reduce stocks-to-use ratios of dry edible beans to
achieve and maintain average historical levels.
SEC. 1108. ADDITIONAL BASE ACRES.
Section 1112(e) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9012(e))
is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in the first sentence, by striking ``a total of
not more than an additional 30,000,000 base acres'' and
inserting ``additional base acres''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following: ``The total
number of additional base acres allocated under this
subsection may not exceed the lesser of the number of
base acres eligible to be allocated under this
subsection during the period beginning on the date of
enactment of this subsection and ending on September 1,
2026, less any base acres that owners of farms elect
not to receive, and 31,500,000.''; and
(2) in paragraph (6)--
(A) by striking ``exceed 30,000,000 acres'' and
inserting ``exceed the maximum total number of acres
described in paragraph (1)''; and
(B) by striking ``equal to 30,000,000 acres'' and
inserting ``equal to that maximum total number of
acres''.
Subtitle B--Dairy
SEC. 1201. REAUTHORIZATIONS.
(a) Dairy Forward Pricing Program.--Section 1502 of the Food,
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8772) is amended by
striking subsection (e).
(b) Dairy Indemnity Payment Program.--Section 3 of Public Law 90-
484 (7 U.S.C. 4553) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''.
(c) Dairy Promotion and Research Board.--Section 113(e)(2) of the
Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 4504(e)(2)) is
amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 1202. MANDATORY REPORTING OF DAIRY PRODUCT PROCESSING COSTS.
Section 273 of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C.
1637b) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking
``and'' at the end;
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the
period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) for each manufacturer required to report
under subparagraph (A) for any product, require that
manufacturer to report production cost and product
yield information, as determined by the Secretary, for
all products processed in the same facility or
facilities.''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting ``products
and'' after ``those'';
(2) in subsection (c)(3)(B), by inserting ``, subject to
subsection (b)(1),'' after ``of information'';
(3) in subsection (d)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking
``Electronic Reporting''; and inserting ``Reporting'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the paragraph heading, by striking
``Electronic reporting'' and inserting
``Reporting''; and
(ii) by striking ``this section'' and
inserting ``subparagraphs (A) and (B) of
subsection (b)(1)'';
(C) in paragraph (2), by striking ``this section''
and inserting ``subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection
(b)(1)''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Dairy product processing costs.--Not later than 2
years after the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of
2026, and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall publish
a report containing the information obtained under subsection
(b)(1)(C), subject to the conditions described in subsection
(b)(2).''.
(4) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and
(5) by inserting after subsection (d) the following:
``(e) Regulation.--Any actions taken by the Secretary under this
section shall not be subject to review under Executive Order 12866 (5
U.S.C. 601 note; relating to regulatory planning and review) or any
successor order.''.
SEC. 1203. DAIRY REPORTS.
Section 301(4) of the Dairy and Tobacco Adjustment Act of 1983 (7
U.S.C. 4514(4)) is amended by striking ``Not later'' and all that
follows through ``an annual report'' and inserting ``With respect to
each calendar year beginning after the date of enactment of the
Agricultural Act of 2026, a report (which shall be submitted not later
than 18 months after the last day of each calendar year)''.
SEC. 1204. DAIRY MARGIN COVERAGE.
(a) Termination of Administrative Fee.--Section 1404 of the
Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9054) is amended by striking
subsection (c) and inserting the following:
``(c) No Fees.--No participating dairy operation shall be required
to pay a fee to participate in dairy margin coverage.''.
(b) Dairy Margin Coverage Payments.--Section 1406(a)(1)(A) of the
Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9056(a)(1)(A)) is amended by
striking ``For purposes'' and inserting ``Except in the case of
coverage under section 1407(b)(1), for purposes''.
(c) Premiums for Dairy Margin Coverage.--Section 1407 of the
Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9057) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph
(1), by inserting ``under subsection (c)'' after ``dairy margin
coverage'';
(2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
``(b) Premiums and Election.--
``(1) No premiums for first 6,000,000 pounds of
production.--For the first 6,000,000 pounds of milk marketings
included in the production history of a participating dairy
operation, the participating dairy operation may participate in
dairy margin coverage without paying any premium and without
making an annual coverage election.
``(2) Producer election.--A participating dairy operation
may elect tier II coverage under subsection (c) on an annual
basis in a manner prescribed by the Secretary that maximizes
participation in dairy margin coverage under tier II.''; and
(3) in subsection (g)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
striking ``tables contained in subsections (b) and''
and inserting ``table contained in subsection''; and
(B) in paragraphs (1) and (2)(B), by striking
``coverage level in a tier'' each place it appears and
inserting ``a tier II coverage level under subsection
(c)''.
(d) Effect of Failure to Pay Premiums.--Section 1408 of the
Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9058) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
striking ``fails to pay the required annual
administrative fee under section 1404 or'';
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``administrative
fee or premiums, as the case may be'' and inserting
``premiums''; and
(C) in paragraph (2), by striking ``until the fees
or'' and inserting ``for tier II coverage under section
1407(c) until the''; and
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``administrative fees
and''.
Subtitle C--Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance
SEC. 1301. NONINSURED CROP DISASTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
Section 196(c)(2) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform
Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333(c)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(C) Community ditches.--
``(i) Definition of community ditch.--In
this subparagraph, the term `community ditch'
means a private, unincorporated or cooperative
irrigation ditch system, including an acequia
or an unincorporated mutual ditch company.
``(ii) Causes of loss.--On making a
determination described in subsection (a)(3)
for producers that rely on a community ditch,
the Secretary shall provide assistance under
this section to those producers from all losses
suffered as a result of the causes described in
subsection (a)(3).''.
SEC. 1302. SUPPLEMENTAL AGRICULTURAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE.
(a) Definitions.--Section 1501(a)(4)(G) of the Agricultural Act of
2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(a)(4)(G)) is amended by striking ``livestock,'' and
inserting ``livestock (including unweaned livestock),''.
(b) Livestock Indemnity Payments.--Section 1501(b) of the
Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting ``(including Mexican
Gray Wolves), panthers,'' after ``wolves''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) Weight categories.--For the purposes of establishing
weight categories to carry out paragraph (1) with respect to
non-adult livestock described in subsection (a)(4)(A), the
Secretary shall establish weight categories of--
``(A) less than 400 pounds; and
``(B) such other weights that are more than 400
pounds as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
``(7) Required documentation for certain losses.--With
respect to eligible attacks by animals or avian predators, the
Secretary shall treat documentation showing probability or
confirmation of such an attack as sufficient to qualify for
payments under this subsection.''.
(c) Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised
Fish.--Section 1501(d)(2) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C.
9081(d)(2)) is amended by striking ``reduce losses'' and all that
follows through the period at the end and inserting the following:
``reduce--
``(A) losses caused by feed or water shortages
(including transportation costs that are necessary to
reduce losses), disease, adverse weather, drought, or
other factors, as determined by the Secretary,
including inspections of cattle tick fever; and
``(B) winter stockpile grazing losses.''.
SEC. 1303. TREE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
Section 1501(e) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(e))
is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``or
biennial'' after ``annual''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``or pest''
after ``insect''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) Timing requirements.--An eligible orchardist or
nursery tree grower shall agree, as a condition on receipt of
assistance under this subsection, to carry out any replacement
and rehabilitation activities for which the assistance is
provided not later than--
``(A) 2 years after the application for the
assistance is approved; or
``(B) if the period described in subparagraph (A)
is not adequate for tree survival, such period as is
necessary to ensure tree survival.
``(7) Alternatives used in replanting.--
``(A) In general.--An eligible orchardist or
nursery tree grower that receives assistance under this
subsection with respect to tree loss may use the
assistance to replant using--
``(i) an alternative variety from the
variety used prior to the loss;
``(ii) an alternative stand density from
the stand density used prior to the loss; and
``(iii) an alternative location from the
location used prior to the loss.
``(B) Payment limitations with respect to
alternatives.--Assistance provided for replanting under
subparagraph (A) may not exceed--
``(i) for a use described in subparagraph
(A)(i), the amount the eligible orchardist or
nursery tree grower would receive if the
eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower
replanted using the variety lost;
``(ii) for a use described in subparagraph
(A)(ii), the amount the eligible orchardist or
nursery tree grower would receive if the
eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower
replanted using the stand density lost; and
``(iii) for a use described in subparagraph
(A)(iii), the amount the eligible orchardist or
nursery tree grower would receive if the
eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower
replanted in the location in which the loss
occurred.
``(8) Notice of application status.--Not later than 120
days after receiving an application for assistance under this
subsection, the Secretary shall--
``(A) approve or deny such application; and
``(B) notify the applicant of the approval or
denial.
``(9) Initial payments.--
``(A) In general.--An eligible orchardist or
nursery tree grower may opt to receive an initial
assistance payment with respect to losses described in
paragraph (2) before incurring the costs described in
paragraph (3) relating to such losses.
``(B) Amount.--An initial assistance payment under
subparagraph (A) shall be in an amount that is equal to
the fair market value of the estimated costs described
in paragraph (3) that the eligible orchardist or
nursery tree grower is likely to incur with respect to
losses described in paragraph (2), as determined by the
Secretary.
``(C) Subsequent payment.--
``(i) In general.--In the case of an
eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower that
opts to receive an initial payment under
subparagraph (A) with respect to losses
described in paragraph (2), the Secretary
shall, as soon as practicable after providing
such initial payment, provide a subsequent
payment to the eligible orchardist or nursery
tree grower in an amount equal to--
``(I) the payment amount the
eligible orchardist or nursery tree
grower would have received with respect
to such losses under paragraph (3) or
pursuant to paragraph (5); minus
``(II) the initial payment amount
provided to such eligible orchardist or
nursery tree grower under subparagraph
(B) with respect to such losses.
``(ii) Overpayment.--If an initial payment
under subparagraph (B) with respect to losses
described in paragraph (2) is greater than the
amount an eligible orchardist or nursery tree
grower would have received under paragraph (3)
or pursuant to paragraph (5) for such losses,
such eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower
shall repay the Secretary the excess amount.
``(D) Sunset.--The authority to make payments under
this paragraph shall terminate on September 30,
2035.''.
SEC. 1304. SPECIALTY CROP EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FRAMEWORK.
(a) In General.--The Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act
of 1996 is amended by inserting after section 196 (7 U.S.C. 7333) the
following:
``SEC. 197. SPECIALTY CROP EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FRAMEWORK.
``(a) In General.--In the case of additional funds made available
after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall
establish a framework to provide direct assistance to producers of
specialty crops the production of which is impacted by an adverse event
(including an economic crisis or market disruption), as determined by
the Secretary, in accordance with this section.
``(b) Payment Calculation.--In determining a payment calculation
for purposes of direct assistance to a producer of specialty crops
under subsection (a), the Secretary shall calculate payments based on--
``(1) the producer's sales of specialty crops for a
calendar year that precedes the year in which the adverse event
described in such subsection occurred or the average of such
sales over a set of consecutive calendar years that precedes
the year in which such adverse event occurred, as determined by
the Secretary; multiplied by
``(2) a payment factor the Secretary determines, subject to
the availability of funds, to address losses of such specialty
crops from such adverse event.
``(c) Special Rules.--Subject to subsection (d), in providing
direct assistance pursuant to this section, the Secretary shall
consider--
``(1) the higher value of specialty crops relative to other
crops;
``(2) the greater input costs required to grow specialty
crops relative to other crops; and
``(3) diverse types of legal entities and business
structures used by specialty crop producers.
``(d) Limitations.--
``(1) Total amount.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (B), the total amount of payments
received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal
entity (except a qualified pass-through entity) (as
such terms are defined in section 1001(a) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308(a))) for any crop
year under this section may not exceed the amount
specified in subsection (b) of section 1001 of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308), as adjusted
pursuant to subsection (i) of such section.
``(B) Exception.--In the case of a person or legal
entity with an average gross income (as calculated
under subparagraph (B) of section 1001D(b)(4) of the
Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-3a(b)(4))) for
which greater than or equal to 75 percent of the
average derives from farming, ranching, or silviculture
activities (as defined in subparagraph (A) of that
section)--
``(i) subparagraph (A) of this paragraph
shall not apply; and
``(ii) the total maximum amount of payments
received, directly or indirectly, by such
person or legal entity for any crop year under
this section shall be set by the Secretary,
except such amount may not be less than
$900,000.
``(2) Notification of interests; eligibility; denials.--
Sections 1001A(a), 1001B, and 1001C of the Food Security Act of
1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-1(a); 1308-2; 1308-3) shall apply to a
producer of a specialty crop under this section in the same
manner as such sections apply to a person or legal entity with
respect to a covered commodity, except to the extent such
sections relate to the application of subsections (b) through
(d) of section 1001A of that Act (7 U.S.C. 1308-1).
``(e) Definition of Specialty Crop.--In this section, the term
`specialty crop' has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the
Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note; Public
Law 108-465).''.
(b) Payment Limitation Conforming Amendment.--Section 1001D(b) of
the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-3a(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)(E), by inserting ``or section 197 of
that Act'' before the period at the end; and
(2) in paragraph (4)(A)(i)(II), by inserting ``or section
197 of that Act'' before the semicolon.
SEC. 1305. ASSISTANCE IN THE FORM OF BLOCK GRANTS.
(a) In General.--Subtitle E of title I of the Agricultural Act of
2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 1502. ASSISTANCE IN THE FORM OF BLOCK GRANTS.
``(a) In General.--In the case of additional funds made available
after the date of the enactment of this section for covered losses, the
Secretary may make assistance for such losses available in the form of
block grants to States.
``(b) Covered Losses.--In this section, the term `covered losses'
means losses--
``(1) of revenue, quality, or production of crops, trees,
bushes, vines, timber, poultry, or livestock as a consequence
of a natural disaster (as determined by the Secretary); and
``(2) for which assistance is not available pursuant to any
other Federal law.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents for the Agricultural
Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79; 128 Stat. 650) is amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 1501 the following:
``1502. Assistance in the form of block grants.''.
Subtitle D--Administration
SEC. 1401. REGULATIONS.
Section 1601(c)(2) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C.
9091(c)(2)) is amended by striking ``and section 10109 of that Act''
and inserting ``section 10109 of that Act, and title I of the
Agricultural Act of 2026 and the amendments made by that title''.
SEC. 1402. TECHNICAL CORRECTION.
Section 1001E(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-
4(c)) is amended by striking ``Agricultural Stabilization and
Conservation Service'' and inserting ``Farm Service Agency''.
SEC. 1403. IMPLEMENTATION.
Section 1614 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9097) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``pursuant 2 U.S.C.
901(a)'' and inserting ``pursuant to section
251(a) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency
Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C.
901(a))''; and
(ii) by striking ``subtitle B'' the first
place it appears and all that follows through
the period at the end and inserting ``a covered
provision of law.'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``of subtitles B or C'';
and
(ii) by striking ``under subtitles B or C''
and inserting ``under the repayment
provisions''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Covered provision of law.--The term `covered
provision of law' means--
``(i) subtitle B or C or the amendments
made by subtitle B or C;
``(ii) the amendments made by subtitle B or
C of title I of the Agriculture Improvement Act
of 2018 (Public Law 115-334; 132 Stat. 4509),
except with respect to the assistance provided
under sections 1207(c) and 1208; and
``(iii) section 156 of the Federal
Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996
(7 U.S.C. 7272).
``(B) Repayment provisions.--The term `repayment
provisions' means the repayment requirements under--
``(i) subtitle B or C; or
``(ii) section 156 of the Federal
Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996
(7 U.S.C. 7272).'';
(2) in subsection (e)--
(A) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding
subparagraph (A), by striking ``Agriculture Improvement
Act of 2018'' and inserting ``Agricultural Act of
2026'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), in the matter
preceding clause (i), by striking ``Agriculture
Improvement Act of 2018'' and inserting
``Agricultural Act of 2026''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) by redesignating clauses (ii)
through (viii) as clauses (x) through
(xvi), respectively; and
(II) by inserting after clause (i)
the following:
``(ii) Title I of division N of the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public
Law 117-328; 136 Stat. 5201).
``(iii) Title I of division B of the
Extending Government Funding and Delivering
Emergency Assistance Act (Public Law 117-43;
135 Stat. 356).
``(iv) Chapter 1 of subtitle B of title VII
of division N of the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 116-260;
134 Stat. 2105).
``(v) Title I of division B of the
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security
Act (Public Law 116-136; 134 Stat. 505).
``(vi) Section 791 of division B of the
Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020
(Public Law 116-94; 133 Stat. 2658).
``(vii) Title I of the Additional
Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief
Act, 2019 (Public Law 116-20; 133 Stat. 871).
``(viii) Title I of the Agriculture
Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-334;
132 Stat. 4490).
``(ix) Title I of the Further Additional
Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief
Requirements Act, 2018 (Public Law 115-123; 132
Stat. 65).''; and
(3) in subsection (f), in the matter preceding paragraph
(1), by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
TITLE II--CONSERVATION
Subtitle A--Conservation Reserve Program
SEC. 2101. CONSERVATION RESERVE.
(a) In General.--Section 1231(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985
(16 U.S.C. 3831(a)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''.
(b) Eligible Land.--Section 1231(b) of the Food Security Act of
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``the Agriculture
Improvement Act of 2018'' and inserting ``the Agricultural Act
of 2026'';
(2) in paragraph (5)(E), by adding ``or'' at the end;
(3) in paragraph (6)(B)(ii), by striking ``; or'' and
inserting a period; and
(4) by striking paragraph (7).
(c) Enrollment.--Section 1231(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985
(16 U.S.C. 3831(d)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``during--'' in the
matter preceding subparagraph (A) and all that follows through
the period at the end of subparagraph (E) and inserting
``during fiscal years 2027 through 2031 not more than
27,000,000 acres.'';
(2) in paragraph (2)(A)--
(A) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' at the end;
and
(B) by striking clause (ii) and inserting the
following:
``(ii) in carrying out clause (i), to the
maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall
maintain not fewer than 2,000,000 acres in the
conservation reserve at any one time during
fiscal years 2027 through 2031; and
``(iii) the Secretary shall not maintain in
the conservation reserve more than 12,000,000
acres of land described in subsection
(b)(3).''; and
(3) in paragraph (6)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)(i)--
(i) in subclause (II), by striking ``and''
at the end; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(IV) land that will be enrolled
under the State acres for wildlife
enhancement practice established by the
Secretary; and''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in clause (i), by striking ``2023;
and'' and inserting ``2031.'';
(ii) by striking clause (ii); and
(iii) by striking ``paragraph (1)--'' in
the matter preceding clause (i) and all that
follows through ``the Secretary'' in clause (i)
and inserting ``paragraph (1), the Secretary''.
(d) Eligibility for Consideration.--Section 1231(h) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(h)) is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``(3) Land with grazing infrastructure.--On the expiration
of a contract entered into under this subchapter that covers
land that includes grazing infrastructure established with cost
sharing assistance under section 1234(b)(1)(B)--
``(A) the Secretary shall consider that land to be
planted for purposes of subsection (b)(1)(B); and
``(B) that land shall be eligible for reenrollment
in the conservation reserve, subject to the
requirements of this subchapter.''.
SEC. 2102. CONSERVATION RESERVE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 1231A of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
U.S.C. 3831a) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(4), in the matter preceding
subparagraph (A), by inserting ``(other than an agreement
described in subsection (e))'' after ``this subchapter'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (2)(A)(vi), by inserting ``or
other appropriate practices, such as dryland
agricultural uses and grazing,'' after ``conservation
practices''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by adding at the end the
following:
``(C) Updates to existing agreements.--
``(i) In general.--
``(I) Option to update.--The
Secretary shall provide an option to
signatories to an agreement under this
subsection to update the agreement,
without renegotiating other provisions
of the agreement, to include new
incentives made available under this
subchapter beginning on January 1,
2018, such as riparian forest buffer
management payments.
``(II) Matching funds.--
Requirements for matching funds
described in paragraph (2)(B) shall not
apply to the updates to an agreement
described in subclause (I).
``(ii) Drought and water conservation
agreements.--In the case of an agreement
covered by subparagraph (B) of subsection
(c)(5) entered into before the date of
enactment of that subparagraph under which the
payment rate is lower than the payment rate
that would be calculated for the agreement
under that subparagraph, the Secretary shall
modify the agreement by calculating the payment
rate in accordance with that subparagraph.'';
(3) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Drought and water conservation agreements.--
``(A) Retirement of water rights.--In the case of
an agreement described in subsection (e) that includes
a permanent retirement of water rights, the payment
rates for annual payments shall be equal to the
irrigated acre payment rates determined by the
Secretary.
``(B) Dryland agricultural uses.--In the case of an
agreement described in subsection (e) that permits
dryland agricultural uses pursuant to paragraph (2) of
that subsection, the payment rates for annual payments
shall be equal to the difference between--
``(i) the irrigated acre payment rates
determined by the Secretary; and
``(ii) the dryland acre payment rates
determined by the Secretary.''; and
(4) in subsection (e)(3), by inserting ``subject to
subsection (c)(5),'' before ``calculate''.
(b) Seasonally Flooded Working Lands Habitat Conservation
Agreements.--Section 1231A of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3831a) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (e) the following:
``(f) Seasonally Flooded Working Lands Habitat Conservation
Agreements.--In the case of an agreement entered into under subsection
(b)(1) that addresses diminished quantity and quality of wetland
wildlife habitats, the Secretary, in consultation with the applicable
State technical committee established under section 1261(a), may--
``(1) enroll other agricultural land on which the
conservation concerns identified in the agreement can be
addressed if the enrollment of such other agricultural land is
critical to the accomplishment of the purposes of the
agreement;
``(2) if the agreement involves the maintenance of habitat
for 1 or more wetland-dependent species on working cropland,
permit seasonally flooded agricultural uses on such working
cropland with the adoption of seasonal flooding and at least 1
best management practice; and
``(3) calculate annual rental payments in a manner that--
``(A) is comparable with annual costs to maintain
other seasonally-flooded wetland wildlife habitats in
the region; and
``(B) ensures regional consistency in rental
payment rates.''.
SEC. 2103. FARMABLE WETLAND PROGRAM.
Section 1231B(a)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3831b(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``the 2008 through 2023 fiscal
years'' and inserting ``each of fiscal years 2008 through 2031''.
SEC. 2104. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY.
Section 1233(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3833(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by inserting ``subject
to subclauses (I) and (III) of clause (i), and
subclauses (I) and (II) of clause (ii), of subparagraph
(B),'' before ``are subject to''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B)(i)--
(i) by redesignating subclauses (I) through
(VI) as subclauses (II) through (VII),
respectively;
(ii) by inserting before subclause (II) (as
so redesignated) the following:
``(I) emergency haying in response
to a localized or regional drought,
flooding, wildfire, or other emergency,
on certain practices, outside the
primary nesting season or during the
final 2 weeks of the primary nesting
season, on not more than 50 percent of
contract acres, as identified in the
site-specific plan, when--
``(aa) the county is
designated as D2 (severe
drought) or greater according
to the United States Drought
Monitor;
``(bb) there is at least a
40 percent loss in forage
production in the county; or
``(cc) the Secretary, in
coordination with the State
technical committee, determines
that the program can assist in
the response to a natural
disaster event without
permanent damage to the
established cover;''; and
(iii) in subclause (II) (as so
redesignated), in the matter preceding item
(aa), by striking ``emergency haying, emergency
grazing, or other emergency use'' and inserting
``emergency grazing or other emergency use'';
and
(2) in paragraph (2)(B)--
(A) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iv);
and
(B) by inserting after clause (i) the following:
``(ii) Damage to cover for wildlife
populations.--Haying or grazing described in
paragraph (1) shall not be permitted on land
subject to a contract under the conservation
reserve program, or under a particular
practice, if haying or grazing during the final
2 weeks of the primary nesting season under
that practice, as applicable, would cause long-
term damage to vegetative cover for wildlife
populations supported by the applicable
practice on that land.
``(iii) Applicability of nepa.--The
exceptions described in clauses (i) and (ii)
shall not be subject to the requirements of the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).''.
SEC. 2105. PAYMENTS.
(a) Cost Sharing Payments.--Section 1234(b) of the Food Security
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3834(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``establishing water'' and
inserting the following: ``establishing--
``(A) water'';
(B) in subparagraph (A) (as so designated), by
striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and'';
and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) grazing infrastructure and water
infrastructure under each contract, for all practices,
if grazing is included in the conservation plan and
addresses a resource concern.''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraph (B) and
inserting the following:
``(B) Management payments.--The Secretary shall
make cost sharing payments to an owner or operator
under this subchapter for any management activity
described in section 1232(a)(5), except for those
management activities relating to haying or grazing.''.
(b) Annual Rental Payments.--Section 1234(d)(1) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3834(d)(1)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (C) as
clauses (i) through (iii), respectively, and indenting
appropriately;
(2) in the matter preceding clause (i) (as so
redesignated), by striking ``the Secretary shall consider--''
and inserting the following: ``the Secretary--
``(A) shall determine for a tract of land a rental
rate based on the 3 predominant soils of cropland on
that tract, and apply that rental rate to any land
within that tract that is enrolled in the conservation
reserve under this subchapter;
``(B) subject to subparagraph (A), shall consider--
'';
(3) in subparagraph (B)(iii) (as so designated), by
striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) notwithstanding clauses (i) through (iii) of
subparagraph (B), shall not apply an adjustment based
on the rate of inflation to any payment, overall rental
payment, or other payment that an owner or operator
receives under this subchapter.''.
(c) Payment Limitation for Rental Payments.--Section 1234(g)(1) of
the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3834(g)(1)) is amended by
striking ``$50,000'' and inserting ``$125,000''.
Subtitle B--Environmental Quality Incentives Program
SEC. 2201. DEFINITIONS.
Section 1240A of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-1)
is amended--
(1) in paragraph (6)(B)(v), by inserting ``(including
planning for the adoption of precision agriculture practices
and precision agriculture technology)'' after ``planning'';
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (7) through (10) as
paragraphs (9) through (12), respectively; and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following:
``(7) Precision agriculture.--The term `precision
agriculture' means managing, tracking, or reducing crop or
livestock production inputs, including seed, feed, fertilizer,
chemicals, water, and time, at a heightened level of spatial
and temporal granularity and biological targeting to improve
efficiencies, reduce waste, and maintain environmental quality.
``(8) Precision agriculture technology.--The term
`precision agriculture technology' means any technology
(including targeted inputs and the equipment that is necessary
for the deployment of such technology) that directly
contributes to a reduction in, or improved efficiency of,
inputs used in crop or livestock production, including--
``(A) Global Positioning System-based or geospatial
mapping;
``(B) satellite or aerial imagery;
``(C) yield monitors;
``(D) soil mapping;
``(E) sensors for gathering data on crop, soil, or
livestock conditions;
``(F) Internet of Things and telematics
technologies;
``(G) data management software and advanced
analytics;
``(H) network connectivity products and solutions;
``(I) Global Positioning System guidance or auto-
steer systems;
``(J) variable rate technology for applying inputs,
such as section control; and
``(K) any other technology, as determined by the
Secretary, that leads to a reduction in, or improves
efficiency of, crop and livestock production inputs,
which may include seed, feed, fertilizer, chemicals,
water, and time.''.
SEC. 2202. ESTABLISHMENT AND ADMINISTRATION.
(a) Payments.--Section 1240B(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985
(16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(d)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (4)(B)(ii), by striking ``shall'' and
inserting ``may'';
(2) in paragraph (6)--
(A) by striking ``A producer shall'' and inserting
the following:
``(A) Payments under this subtitle.--A producer
shall''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Conservation loan and loan guarantee program
payments.--
``(i) In general.--A producer receiving
payments for practices on eligible land under
the program may also receive a loan or loan
guarantee under section 304 of the Consolidated
Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1924)
to cover costs for the same practices on the
same land.
``(ii) Notice to producers.--The Secretary
shall inform a producer participating in the
program in writing of the availability of a
loan or loan guarantee under section 304 of the
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
U.S.C. 1924) as it relates to the costs of
implementing practices under the program.'';
(3) in paragraph (7), in the paragraph heading, by
inserting ``State-determined'' before ``high-priority''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(8) Waiver of irrigation history requirement.--
``(A) Requests.--The Secretary shall provide an
opportunity for a State technical committee established
under section 1261(a) to submit to the Secretary a
request to waive a requirement established by the
Secretary that, to be eligible for a payment under the
program, there shall be a history of irrigation on the
applicable land.
``(B) Covered land.--A request submitted under
subparagraph (A) may cover--
``(i) all of the land in a State; or
``(ii) 1 or more regions in the State, as
described in the request.
``(C) Requirement of no adverse impact.--The
Secretary may approve a request submitted under
subparagraph (A) if the State technical committee
demonstrates that the waiver would not create an
adverse impact to aquifer depletion or surface streams
experiencing decreased flow.
``(D) Efficiency requirement.--In the case of a
contract entered into under the program that includes a
payment pursuant to a waiver under this paragraph, the
contract shall require the implementation of irrigation
equipment and an irrigation water management
conservation plan that is as efficient on water
resources as practicable.
``(9) Cost-share payments for grassland enrolled in the
conservation reserve program.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may provide
payments under the program for costs associated with
planning, design, materials, equipment, installation,
labor, management, maintenance, or training, for the
purpose of a wildlife corridor, with respect to
eligible land that is--
``(i) enrolled in the conservation reserve
program under section 1231(d)(2)(A); and
``(ii) of ecological significance, as
described in section 1231(d)(2)(B)(iii).
``(B) Limitation.--A producer shall not be eligible
for payments under subparagraph (A) for a practice if
the producer receives payments or other benefits for
the same practice on the same land under this title.
``(C) Emergency grazing and haying access
preserved.--No priority resource concern, practice, or
incentive relating to restoration and enhancement of
wildlife habitat connectivity and wildlife migration
corridors on eligible land described in subparagraph
(A) shall prevent or alter emergency grazing and haying
access for that land under the conservation reserve
program.''.
(b) Allocation of Funding.--Section 1240B(f)(1) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(f)(1)) is amended by striking
``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
(c) Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program.--Section 1240B(g) of the
Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(g)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as
subparagraph (G); and
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the
following:
``(F) practices enrolled under Working Lands for
Wildlife initiatives; and''; and
(2) in paragraph (4)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as
clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting
appropriately;
(B) in the matter preceding clause (i) (as so
redesignated), by striking ``For the purpose'' and
inserting the following:
``(A) Seasonal wetland habitat for waterfowl and
migratory birds.--For the purpose''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Forested habitat for upland birds.--For the
purposes of providing forested habitat for upland
birds, a practice that is eligible for payment under
paragraph (1) and targeted for funding under subsection
(f) may include a practice to establish native
vegetation beneficial to upland wildlife, including
soft-mast tree and shrub species and other vegetation
found in early successional habitats, on eligible
forest land.''.
(d) Water Conservation or Irrigation Efficiency Practice.--Section
1240B(h)(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(h)(2))
is amended by striking subparagraphs (C) and (D) and inserting the
following:
``(C) Payment limitations.--With respect to
contracts entered into under this paragraph during the
period of fiscal years 2027 through 2031, payments to
an entity, directly or indirectly, may not exceed, in
aggregate, $2,000,000.''.
(e) Payment Limitations for Payments for Conservation Practices
Related to Organic Production.--Section 1240B(i)(3)(A) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(i)(3)(A)) is amended--
(1) in clause (i)(II), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(iii) during the period of fiscal years
2027 through 2031, $140,000.''.
(f) Requirements.--Section 1240B of the Food Security Act of 1985
(16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(k) Requirements.--The Secretary shall not require as a term or
condition of any contract or implementation of a practice for payment
under the program--
``(1) soil testing, unless the practice standard for the
practice requires soil testing; or
``(2) a whole-farm assessment, whole farm plan, or other
conservation assessment or conservation plan beyond what is
required to implement the practice.''.
SEC. 2203. LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS.
Section 1240G of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-7)
is amended--
(1) by striking ``2018, or'' and inserting ``2018,''; and
(2) by inserting ``or the period of fiscal years 2027
through 2031,'' after ``2023,''.
SEC. 2204. CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS AND PAYMENTS.
(a) Competitive Grants for Innovative Conservation Approaches.--
Section 1240H(a)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-
8(a)(1)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``pay the cost of'' and inserting
``award'';
(2) by inserting ``the development and evaluation of new
and'' before ``innovative approaches''; and
(3) by inserting ``, including for the purpose of
incorporating innovation and new technologies into existing
conservation practice standards or establishing new
conservation practice standards'' before the period at the end.
(b) Reporting and Database.--Section 1240H(d)(2)(A) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-8(d)(2)(A)) is amended--
(1) in clause (i)--
(A) by striking ``practices'' and inserting
``practices, including both management and structural
practices,''; and
(B) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iii);
(3) by inserting after clause (i) the following:
``(ii) evaluation data for new and emerging
technology and recommendations for State and
regional applications; and''; and
(4) in clause (iii) (as so redesignated), by striking
``practices.'' and inserting ``practices for consideration
through the process established under section 1242(h)(3).''.
Subtitle C--Conservation Stewardship Program
SEC. 2301. CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM.
Section 1240J(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3839aa-22(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by inserting ``and except as provided in paragraph (3),''
after ``paragraph (2),''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Cost-share payments for grassland enrolled in the
conservation reserve program.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may provide
payments under the program for costs associated with
planning, design, materials, equipment, installation,
labor, management, maintenance, or training, for the
purpose of a wildlife corridor, with respect to
eligible land that is--
``(i) enrolled in the conservation reserve
program under section 1231(d)(2)(A); and
``(ii) of ecological significance, as
described in section 1231(d)(2)(B)(iii).
``(B) Limitation.--A producer shall not be eligible
for payments under subparagraph (A) for a conservation
activity if the producer receives payments or other
benefits for the same conservation activity on the same
land under this title.
``(C) Emergency grazing and haying access
preserved.--No priority resource concern, practice, or
incentive relating to restoration and enhancement of
wildlife habitat connectivity and wildlife migration
corridors on the eligible land described in
subparagraph (A) shall prevent or alter emergency
grazing and haying access for that land under the
conservation reserve program.''.
SEC. 2302. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY.
Section 1240L(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3839aa-24(f)) is amended by striking ``2019 through 2023'' and
inserting ``2027 through 2031''.
Subtitle D--Funding and Administration
SEC. 2401. FUNDING.
Section 1241(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3841(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027
through 2031 to provide cost sharing payments under
section 1234(b)(1)(B) for acreage not enrolled under
section 1231(d)(2).'';
(2) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking clauses (i)
through (vi) and inserting the following:
``(i) $2,500,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
``(ii) $2,600,000,000 for fiscal year 2028;
``(iii) $2,700,000,000 for fiscal year
2029;
``(iv) $2,900,000,000 for fiscal year 2030;
and
``(v) $3,255,000,000 for fiscal year 2031;
and''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking clauses (i)
through (vi) and inserting the following:
``(i) $1,275,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
``(ii) $1,300,000,000 for fiscal year 2028;
``(iii) $1,325,000,000 for fiscal year
2029;
``(iv) $1,325,000,000 for fiscal year 2030;
and
``(v) $1,325,000,000 for fiscal year
2031.''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) The Forest Conservation Easement Program under
subtitle I, using, to the maximum extent practicable--
``(A) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
``(B) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2028;
``(C) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2029;
``(D) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2030; and
``(E) $65,000,000 for fiscal year 2031.''.
SEC. 2402. CONSERVATION STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS.
Section 1241(j)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3841(j)(1)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) a schedule for the revision of existing, and
establishment of new, conservation practice standards
under section 1242(h).''.
SEC. 2403. ESTABLISHMENT AND REVIEW OF CONSERVATION PRACTICE STANDARDS.
Section 1242(h) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3842(h)) is amended--
(1) in the subsection heading, by inserting ``Establishment
and'' before ``Review'';
(2) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``not later than 1 year
after the date of enactment of the Agriculture
Improvement Act of 2018'' and inserting ``not
less frequently than once every 5 years'';
(ii) by inserting ``on a rolling basis,''
after ``standard,''; and
(iii) by striking ``that Act'' and
inserting ``the Agricultural Act of 2026'';
(B) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(C) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``ensures
equivalent natural resource benefits.'' and inserting
``integrates new and innovative technologies that
provide equivalent or improved natural resources
benefits compared to the current conservation practice
standard;''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) provide an opportunity for public input on
each conservation practice standard under review;
``(F) publicly post a summary of comments received
under subparagraph (E) and decisions made or not made
due to those comments; and
``(G) publish each revised conservation practice
standard.'';
(3) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
``(3) Establishment of conservation practice standards.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2026, the
Secretary shall--
``(i) develop, for the programs under this
title, a streamlined, publicly accessible,
administrative process for establishing,
including proposing, reviewing, and adopting,
interim conservation practice standards and
conservation practice standards; and
``(ii) publish a detailed description of
the process developed under clause (i),
including--
``(I) specific thresholds
appropriate for expedited review; and
``(II) an associated timeline for
the implementation of the review.
``(B) Requirements.--Under the process established
under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall--
``(i) consider conservation innovations and
scientific and technological advancements,
including from projects developed under section
1240H;
``(ii) allow State and local flexibility in
the creation of--
``(I) interim conservation practice
standards and supplements to existing
conservation practice standards to
address the considerations described in
clause (i); and
``(II) partnership-led proposals
for new and innovative techniques to
facilitate implementing agreements and
grants under this title;
``(iii) solicit regular input from State
technical committees established under section
1261(a) for recommendations that identify
innovations or advancements described in clause
(i); and
``(iv) allow for public submission of
conservation practices for consideration as
interim conservation practice standards.
``(C) Innovative technology priority.--The
Secretary shall prioritize the review of conservation
practice standards and interim conservation practice
standards under the process established under
subparagraph (A) for the purpose of integrating
innovative technologies, including--
``(i) precision agriculture technologies;
``(ii) biological sources of fertilizer,
nutrient use efficiency technologies, and other
tools, as determined by the Secretary, that
reduce nutrient loss;
``(iii) animal feed additives;
``(iv) perennial production systems,
including agroforestry and perennial forages
and grain crops; and
``(v) any other innovative technology, as
determined by the Secretary.
``(D) Public information.--Under the process
established under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall
make publicly available information describing--
``(i) what constitutes--
``(I) a conservation practice
standard; and
``(II) an interim conservation
practice standard;
``(ii) the process by which the public can
submit to the Secretary conservation practices
for consideration as interim conservation
practice standards, including a template and
written instructions for how to submit a
conservation practice for consideration;
``(iii) the data, metrics, third-party or
scientific information, and other relevant
information that the Secretary needs to
consider in the establishment of interim
conservation practice standards;
``(iv) the process by which an interim
conservation practice standard becomes a
conservation practice standard;
``(v) the means by which the public can
engage State technical committees established
under section 1261(a) to consider interim
conservation practice standards already in
effect in other States; and
``(vi) such other information as the
Secretary determines to be appropriate.''; and
(4) in paragraph (4)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``Agriculture Improvement
Act of 2018'' and inserting ``Agricultural Act
of 2026''; and
(ii) by striking ``Congress a report on--''
and inserting ``Congress and make publicly
available on a website of the Department of
Agriculture a report describing--'';
(B) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``a detailed
description of'' before ``the administrative'';
(C) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) by striking ``or revised''; and
(ii) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(D) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(E) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) such other information as the Secretary
determines to be appropriate with respect to improving
the process for reviewing and establishing conservation
practice standards.''.
SEC. 2404. DELIVERY OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.
Section 1242 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as
paragraphs (2) and (4), respectively;
(B) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so
redesignated) the following:
``(1) Approved non-federal certifying entity.--The term
`approved non-Federal certifying entity' means a non-Federal
entity approved by the Secretary under subsection (e)(5)(C)(ii)
to perform certifications of third-party providers under this
section.''; and
(C) by inserting after paragraph (2) (as so
redesignated) the following:
``(3) Farmer-to-farmer network.--The term `farmer-to-farmer
network' means any affiliation or association of farmers that
share information, technical assistance, or any other type of
mutually beneficial support.'';
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``science-based, site-
specific practices designed'' and inserting ``timely, science-
based, and site-specific practice design and implementation
assistance'';
(3) in subsection (d), by inserting ``(including private
sector entities)'' after ``non-Federal entities'';
(4) in subsection (e)--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``Food,
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008'' and inserting
``Agricultural Act of 2026'';
(B) in paragraph (3)(A), by striking ``ensure'' and
all that follows through ``engineering,'' and inserting
``ensure that third-party providers with expertise in
the technical aspects of conservation planning,
watershed planning, environmental engineering,
conservation practice design, implementation, and
evaluation, or other technical skills, as determined by
the Secretary,''; and
(C) by striking paragraphs (4) and (5) and
inserting the following:
``(4) Certification.--The Secretary shall certify a third-
party provider through--
``(A) a certification process administered by the
Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Natural
Resources Conservation Service;
``(B) a non-Federal entity (other than a State
agency) approved by the Secretary to perform the
certification; or
``(C) a State agency with statutory authority to
certify, administer, or license professionals in one or
more fields of natural resources, agriculture, or
engineering approved by the Secretary to perform the
certification.
``(5) Non-federal certifying entity process.--
``(A) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after
the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2026,
the Secretary shall establish a process for the
certification of third-party providers through approved
non-Federal certifying entities, with the goal of
increasing third-party provider capacity, including the
certification of qualified agricultural retailers,
cooperatives, professional societies, service
providers, and organizations described in section
1265A(4)(B)(i).
``(B) Eligibility of non-federal entities.--In
determining the eligibility of an entity described in
subparagraph (B) or (C) of paragraph (4) (referred to
in this paragraph as a `non-Federal entity') to perform
certifications, the Secretary shall consider--
``(i) the ability of the non-Federal entity
to assess qualifications of a third-party
provider and certify third-party providers at
scale;
``(ii) the experience of the non-Federal
entity in working with third-party providers
and eligible participants;
``(iii) the expertise of the non-Federal
entity in the technical and science-based
aspects of conservation delivery described in
paragraph (3)(A);
``(iv) the history of the non-Federal
entity in working with agricultural producers;
and
``(v) such other qualifications as the
Secretary determines to be appropriate.
``(C) Approval.--Not later than 60 business days
after the date on which the Secretary receives an
application submitted by a non-Federal entity to
perform certifications of third-party providers under
this section, the Secretary shall--
``(i) determine if the non-Federal entity
meets the eligibility requirements established
under subparagraph (B); and
``(ii) if the Secretary makes a positive
determination under clause (i), approve the
non-Federal entity to perform certifications of
third-party providers under this section.
``(D) Timely decisions.--Not later than 10 business
days after the date on which the Secretary receives a
notification submitted by a third-party provider that
the third-party provider has been certified by an
approved non-Federal certifying entity to provide
technical assistance for specified practices and
conservation activities, the Secretary shall--
``(i) review the certification; and
``(ii) if the certification is satisfactory
to the Secretary, include the name of the
third-party provider on the registry of
certified third-party providers maintained by
the Secretary.
``(E) Duties of approved non-federal certifying
entities.--An approved non-Federal certifying entity
shall--
``(i) assess the ability of a third-party
provider to appropriately provide technical
assistance to eligible participants for
specified practices and conservation
activities; and
``(ii) provide to third-party providers
certified by the approved non-Federal
certifying entity--
``(I) training to ensure that the
third-party providers are qualified to
provide the technical assistance
described in clause (i); and
``(II) continuing education, as
appropriate, to ensure that the third-
party providers are educated in the
most recent technical- and science-
based aspects of conservation delivery.
``(6) Streamlined certification.--Not later than 180 days
after the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2026,
the Secretary shall provide a streamlined certification process
for a third-party provider that has an appropriate specialty
certification, including a certified crop advisor certified by
the American Society of Agronomy, a professional engineer, or a
holder of a technical certification approved by the
Secretary.'';
(5) in subsection (f)--
(A) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the
following:
``(3) Review.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2026, and additionally
thereafter at the discretion of the Secretary, the Secretary
shall--
``(A) review certification requirements for third-
party providers;
``(B) make any adjustments considered necessary by
the Secretary to improve participation and the quality
and effectiveness of conservation practices implemented
and adopted with support from technical service
providers; and
``(C) conduct outreach to and receive input from
third-party providers, both that currently participate
in the program under this section and those that no
longer participate in the program, and entities,
organizations, and associations providing or supporting
consultative services to agriculture, livestock, and
forest producers to assess barriers and opportunities
for the use of third-party provider assistance for
improved conservation program delivery.'';
(B) in paragraph (4)(A)(i), by inserting
``maintenance,'' after ``outreach,''; and
(C) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the
following:
``(5) Payment amounts.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish
fair and reasonable amounts of payments for technical
services provided by third-party providers at rates
equivalent to, but that do not exceed, technical
assistance provided by the Secretary.
``(B) Considerations.--In determining fair and
reasonable payment amounts under subparagraph (A), the
Secretary shall consider specialized equipment,
frequency of site visits, training, travel and
transportation, and such other factors as the Secretary
determines to be appropriate.
``(C) Exclusion.--A payment provided under another
Federal program directly to an eligible participant for
technical assistance provided by a third-party provider
certified under this section shall be--
``(i) excluded from cost-sharing
requirements under the program under which the
payment was provided; and
``(ii) equal to not more than 100 percent
of the fair and reasonable payment amount for
the applicable technical assistance determined
under subparagraph (B).
``(6) Transparency.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of establishment of the processes under paragraphs (5)(A) and
(6) of subsection (e), and routinely thereafter, the Secretary
shall provide accessible public information on--
``(A) funds obligated to third-party providers
through--
``(i) contracts entered into under this
subtitle; and
``(ii) agreements with public and private
sector entities to secure third-party technical
assistance;
``(B) certification results, including--
``(i) the number of third-party providers
certified by the Secretary;
``(ii) the number of approved non-Federal
certifying entities;
``(iii) the number of third-party providers
certified through approved non-Federal
certifying entities; and
``(iv) the number of third-party providers
certified based on State agency or professional
association credentialing; and
``(C) to the maximum extent practicable, the
estimated number of staff hours or full-time
equivalents saved through work accomplished by third-
party providers.''; and
(6) by adding at the end the following:
``(j) Provision of Assistance to Farmer-to-Farmer Networks.--
``(1) Purposes.--The purposes of this subsection are--
``(A) to build capacity for farmer-to-farmer
networks, connect farmers with mentors or group
learning opportunities, and support goal setting to
increase long-term adoption of consistent, science-
based, site-specific practices designed to achieve
conservation objectives on land active in agricultural,
forestry, or related uses;
``(B) to increase the provision of technical
assistance that meets the specific needs of, and is
accessible to, farmers, ranchers, and forest owners
using different farming models, practices, and scales;
``(C) to establish and steward farmer-to-farmer
networks; and
``(D) to establish reporting requirements for
activities carried out under this subsection.
``(2) Cooperative agreements.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may enter into
cooperative agreements with eligible entities to carry
out the purposes described in paragraph (1).
``(B) Eligible entities.--An entity eligible to
enter into a cooperative agreement with the Secretary
under subparagraph (A) is--
``(i) a nonprofit entity described in
section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 and exempt from taxation under section
501(a) of that Code;
``(ii) a farmer-to-farmer network;
``(iii) an Indian Tribe;
``(iv) a Tribal organization (as defined in
section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and
Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304));
``(v) a unit of local government (including
a conservation district and a conservation
district association);
``(vi) an institution of higher education;
``(vii) a State; and
``(viii) any other entity designated by the
Secretary.
``(C) Prioritization.--In selecting eligible
entities with which to enter into cooperative
agreements under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall
give priority to eligible entities that seek to meet
the specific needs of, and are accessible to--
``(i) historically underserved farmers,
ranchers, and forest owners, including limited-
resource farmers, ranchers, and forest owners
(as determined by the Secretary); or
``(ii) farmers, ranchers, and forest owners
operating in high-poverty areas, as determined
by the Secretary.
``(3) Responsibilities of providers of assistance to
farmer-to-farmer networks.--
``(A) In general.--If an eligible entity provides
assistance to establish a farmer-to-farmer network
using assistance provided through a cooperative
agreement under paragraph (2), the eligible entity
shall be responsible for not less than 2 of the
following actions:
``(i) Facilitating and increasing farmer
access to farmer-to-farmer networks.
``(ii) Facilitating mentor and mentee
matchmaking among farmers.
``(iii) Coordinating training and resources
to build the skills of farmer-to-farmer network
leaders and participants for effective
education, grassroots-based learning, and
cross-training with respect to the facilitation
of, information about, and other skills with
respect to building effective farmer-to-farmer
networks.
``(iv) Maintaining and promulgating a list
of relevant entities, associations, and
individuals that are supporting, or have an
interest in supporting, farmer-to-farmer
networks.
``(v) Administering subawards to increase
farmer access to farmer-to-farmer assistance in
accordance with paragraph (4).
``(vi) Other actions determined appropriate
by the Secretary.
``(B) Language assistance.--If an eligible entity
provides assistance described in subparagraph (A) to a
non-English speaking farmer, rancher, or forest owner,
the eligible entity shall, to the greatest extent
practicable, provide that assistance in the native
language of the farmer, rancher, or forest owner.
``(C) Reporting.--An eligible entity that enters
into a cooperative agreement under paragraph (2) shall
annually submit to the Secretary a report describing--
``(i) the conservation activities carried
out under the cooperative agreement; and
``(ii) any subawards administered pursuant
to subparagraph (A)(v).
``(4) Subawards.--
``(A) In general.--If an eligible entity awards a
subaward pursuant to paragraph (3)(A)(v) to an eligible
subawardee described in subparagraph (B), the eligible
subawardee shall use that award--
``(i) to plan and conduct events, and
identify and develop innovative activities, to
support building capacity for farmer-to-farmer
networks, connecting farmers with mentors or
group learning opportunities, and supporting
goal setting to increase long-term adoption of
consistent, science-based, site-specific
conservation objectives on land active in
agricultural, forestry, or related uses; and
``(ii) to compensate participants in the
events and activities described in clause (i)
at market rates.
``(B) Eligible subawardees.--An entity eligible for
a subaward under paragraph (3)(A)(v) is--
``(i) a nonprofit entity described in
section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 and exempt from taxation under section
501(a) of that Code;
``(ii) a farmer-to-farmer network;
``(iii) an Indian Tribe;
``(iv) a Tribal organization (as defined in
section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and
Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304));
``(v) a unit of local government (including
a conservation district and a conservation
district association);
``(vi) an institution of higher education;
``(vii) an individual; and
``(viii) any other entity designated by the
Secretary.
``(C) Requirements.--The Secretary, in conjunction
with the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation
Service, shall establish any necessary additional
requirements for subawards under paragraph (3)(A)(v).
``(5) Reporting.--Not later than 4 years after the date of
enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall submit to the
Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and
the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the
Senate a report describing the status of activities funded
under this subsection, including--
``(A) funding awarded;
``(B) the results of the activities, including, if
feasible, conservation practice adoption outcomes; and
``(C) if applicable, outreach activities the
Secretary has considered incorporating into other
conservation technical assistance efforts as a result
of the program established under this subsection.
``(6) Funding.--In carrying out this subsection, the
Secretary may use funds appropriated by Congress under section
6 of the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act (16
U.S.C. 590f).''.
SEC. 2405. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSERVATION PROGRAMS.
Section 1244(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3844(f)) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
``(1) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not enroll more than
25 percent of the cropland in any county in the conservation
reserve program established under subchapter B of chapter 1 of
subtitle D and wetland reserve easements under section
1265C.'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
striking ``paragraph (1)(A)'' and inserting ``paragraph
(1)''; and
(B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the
end and inserting ``or'';
(3) in paragraph (3), by striking ``paragraph (1)(A)'' and
inserting ``paragraph (1)''; and
(4) in paragraph (4)(B), by striking ``classes IV'' and
inserting ``classes III''.
SEC. 2406. TEMPORARY ADMINISTRATION OF CONSERVATION PROGRAMS.
(a) Interim Administration.--Subject to subsection (d), the
Secretary shall use the applicable regulations in effect on the day
before the date of enactment of this Act, to the extent that the terms
and conditions of those regulations are consistent with the amendments
made by this title, to carry out the programs under laws as amended by
this title, including--
(1) the conservation reserve program under subchapter B of
chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act
of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq.) (as amended by subtitle A);
(2) the environmental quality incentives program under
subchapter A of chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the
Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa et seq.) (as
amended by subtitle B);
(3) the conservation stewardship program under subchapter B
of chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-21 et seq.) (as amended by
subtitle C); and
(4) the agricultural conservation easement program
established under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865 et seq.) (as amended by subtitle
E).
(b) Regional Conservation Partnership Program.--Notwithstanding
section 1271E(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871e(e)),
and subject to subsection (d), for fiscal year 2027, the Secretary may
use an availability of program funding announcement consistent with the
amendments made by subtitle F to carry out the regional conservation
partnership program under subtitle I of title XII of the Food Security
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871 et seq.) without issuing a regulation.
(c) Funding.--The Secretary may only use funds authorized to be
made available by this title or the amendments made by this title for
the specific programs described in paragraphs (1) through (4) of
subsection (a) and subsection (b), in accordance with any restrictions
on the use of those funds, for the purposes described in subsections
(a) and (b).
(d) Termination of Authority.--The authority of the Secretary to
carry out subsections (a) and (b) shall terminate 270 days after the
date of enactment of this Act.
(e) Permanent Administration.--Effective beginning on the
termination date described in subsection (d), the Secretary shall carry
out this title and the amendments made by this title in accordance with
such final regulations as the Secretary considers necessary to carry
out this title and the amendments made by this title.
SEC. 2407. PROHIBITION ON CONSERVATION PAYMENTS BENEFITTING FOREIGN
COUNTRIES OF CONCERN.
Section 1244 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(q) Prohibition on Conservation Payments Benefitting Foreign
Countries of Concern.--In carrying out any conservation program
administered by the Secretary, the Secretary may prohibit payments if
the Secretary determines that such payments would directly benefit an
entity or company that is headquartered in or owned by nationals or the
government of a foreign country of concern (as defined in section
10612(a) of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation
Act (42 U.S.C. 19221(a))).''.
Subtitle E--Agricultural Conservation Easement Program
SEC. 2501. DEFINITIONS.
Section 1265A of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865a) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) in clause (i)--
(I) by striking ``an eligible
entity'' the first place it appears and
inserting ``one or more eligible
entities''; and
(II) by striking ``an eligible
entity owns or is'' and inserting ``one
or more of those eligible entities own
or are'';
(ii) in clause (ii)--
(I) in the matter preceding
subclause (I), by striking ``the
eligible entity certifies to the
Secretary that the'' and inserting
``each eligible entity certifies to the
Secretary that an'';
(II) in subclause (I)--
(aa) by striking the
subclause designation and all
that follows through ``hold''
in item (bb) and inserting the
following:
``(I) hold'';
(bb) by striking ``transfer
ownership of the land'' and
inserting ``ownership of the
land will be transferred''; and
(cc) by striking ``and'' at
the end;
(III) in subclause (II), by
inserting ``that owns the land subject
to the agricultural land easement held
by another eligible entity'' after
``eligible entity''; and
(IV) by adding at the end the
following:
``(III) at no time hold both an
agricultural land easement and
ownership of the land subject to that
agricultural land easement; and''; and
(iii) in clause (iii), by striking ``by the
eligible entity'' and all that follows through
the period at the end and inserting ``by one or
more eligible entities if such an eligible
entity fails to transfer ownership under clause
(ii).''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``(A)(ii)(I)(bb)'' and inserting ``(A)(ii)(I)''; and
(2) in paragraph (4)(A)(i)(I), by inserting ``, including a
transaction in which the land is owned by an eligible entity
but ownership of the land will be transferred to a farmer or
rancher that is not an eligible entity prior to or on
acquisition of the agricultural land easement'' after
``eligible entity''.
SEC. 2502. AGRICULTURAL LAND EASEMENTS.
Section 1265B(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3865b(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding
clause (i), by striking ``50 percent'' and inserting
``60 percent, except as provided in subparagraph
(B)(ii)(I),'';
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in clause (i), by striking ``the
eligible entity shall provide a share that is
at least equivalent to that provided by the
Secretary'' and inserting ``the eligible entity
shall provide a non-Federal share that is
equivalent to the remainder of the fair market
value of the agricultural land easement not
provided by the Secretary under subparagraph
(A).''; and
(ii) in clause (ii)--
(I) by striking ``Secretary, the
Secretary'' and inserting the
following: ``Secretary--
``(I) the Secretary'';
(II) in subclause (I) (as so
designated)--
(aa) by striking ``75
percent'' and inserting ``80
percent''; and
(bb) by striking the period
at the end and inserting ``;
and''; and
(III) by adding at the end the
following:
``(II) the eligible entity shall
provide a non-Federal share that is
equivalent to the remainder of the fair
market value of the agricultural land
easement not provided by the Secretary
under subparagraph (A).''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) Lower cost-share option.--
``(i) In general.--Notwithstanding
paragraph (4)(C)(iii), an eligible entity may
elect to enter into an agreement under
paragraph (4) in which the terms and conditions
of the agricultural land easement funded under
the agreement do not include a right of
enforcement for the Secretary if the eligible
entity agrees to a Federal share that does not
exceed 25 percent of the fair market value of
the agricultural land easement, as determined
by the Secretary under subparagraph (A).
``(ii) Minimum terms and conditions.--Under
an agreement described in clause (i), an
eligible entity shall be authorized to use its
own terms and conditions for agricultural land
easements so long as the Secretary determines
such terms and conditions--
``(I) are consistent with the
purposes of the program; and
``(II) permit effective enforcement
of the conservation purposes of such
easements.
``(iii) Entity enforcement.--Under an
agreement described in clause (i), the
Secretary shall require the terms and
conditions for the agricultural land easement
to include a right of enforcement for the
eligible entity.
``(iv) Cash contribution.--Under an
agreement described in clause (i), the eligible
entity shall provide cash resources in an
amount that is not less than 50 percent of the
fair market value of the agricultural land
easement, as determined by the Secretary under
subparagraph (A).''; and
(2) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following:
``(5) Certification of eligible entities.--
``(A) Certification purpose.--The purpose of the
certification of eligible entities under this paragraph
is--
``(i) to minimize administrative burdens on
the Secretary; and
``(ii) to recognize the ability of
experienced eligible entities to carry out the
purposes of the program with minimal oversight
by the Secretary.
``(B) Certification process.--The Secretary shall
establish a process under which the Secretary--
``(i) directly certifies eligible entities
that meet established criteria described in
subparagraph (C) or (D);
``(ii) enters into long-term agreements
with certified eligible entities;
``(iii) accepts proposals for cost-share
assistance for the purchase of agricultural
land easements throughout the duration of such
agreements;
``(iv) allows a certified eligible entity
to use its own terms and conditions,
notwithstanding paragraph (4)(C), as long as
the terms and conditions are consistent with
the purposes of the program;
``(v) may allow a certified eligible entity
to include the minimum deed terms established
by the Secretary under paragraph (4)(C); and
``(vi) may allow a certified eligible
entity to assist a non-certified eligible
entity in the purchase and stewardship of an
agricultural land easement.
``(C) Certification criteria for eligible
entities.--To be certified through the process
established under subparagraph (B), an eligible entity
shall demonstrate to the Secretary that the eligible
entity--
``(i) will maintain, at a minimum, for the
duration of the agreement and the duration of
each agricultural land easement acquired under
the agreement--
``(I) a plan for administering
agricultural land easements that is
consistent with the purpose of the
program;
``(II) the capacity and resources
to monitor and enforce agricultural
land easements consistent with the
purposes of the program; and
``(III) policies and procedures to
ensure--
``(aa) the long-term
integrity of agricultural land
easements on eligible land
consistent with the purposes of
the program;
``(bb) timely completion of
acquisitions of such
agricultural land easements;
``(cc) timely and complete
evaluation and reporting to the
Secretary on the use of funds
provided under the program; and
``(dd) compliance with
program requirements, including
timely notification to the
Secretary required under the
program, such as notifications
of de minimis adjustments in
accordance with section
1265D(c)(6)(B); and
``(ii) has--
``(I) acquired not fewer than 10
agricultural land easements under the
program or any predecessor program; and
``(II) successfully met the
responsibilities of the eligible entity
under the applicable agreements with
the Secretary, as determined by the
Secretary, relating to agricultural
land easements that the eligible entity
has acquired under the program or any
predecessor program.
``(D) Expedited certification of public entities
and accredited land trusts.--The Secretary may certify
an eligible entity using an expedited certification
process under subparagraph (B) if the eligible entity
demonstrates that it--
``(i) is--
``(I) accredited by the Land Trust
Accreditation Commission, or by an
equivalent accrediting body, as
determined by the Secretary; or
``(II) a public agency with
statutory authority for farm and
ranchland protection;
``(ii) has acquired not fewer than 5
agricultural land easements under the program
or any predecessor program;
``(iii) has successfully met the
responsibilities of the eligible entity under
the applicable agreements with the Secretary,
as determined by the Secretary, relating to
agricultural land easements that the eligible
entity has acquired under the program or any
predecessor program; and
``(iv) meets the requirements of
subparagraph (C)(i).
``(E) Applicability to regional conservation
partnership program.--The certification of an eligible
entity under this paragraph, and the authorities under
this paragraph resulting from that certification, shall
apply to the establishment by the eligible entity of
easements under the regional conservation partnership
program under subtitle I.
``(F) Review; revocation.--
``(i) Review.--
``(I) In general.--The Secretary
shall conduct a review of eligible
entities certified under subparagraph
(B) every 3 years to ensure that such
entities are meeting the criteria
established under subparagraphs (C) and
(D).
``(II) De minimis adjustments.--
Each review under subclause (I) shall
include a review of any de minimis
adjustments made by each certified
eligible entity under section
1265D(c)(6)(B), including a review of
whether timely notification of each de
minimis adjustment was made to the
Secretary in accordance with clause
(iii)(I) of that section.
``(ii) Revocation.--If the Secretary finds
that a certified eligible entity no longer
meets the criteria established under
subparagraph (C) or (D), as applicable, the
Secretary may--
``(I) allow the certified eligible
entity a specified period of time, at a
minimum 180 days, in which to take such
actions as may be necessary to meet the
criteria; and
``(II) revoke the certification of
the eligible entity, if, after the
specified period of time, the certified
eligible entity does not meet such
criteria.''.
SEC. 2503. WETLAND RESERVE EASEMENTS.
Section 1265C of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865c) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(1)(C), by striking ``; or'' and
inserting ``; and'';
(2) by striking ``subsection (f)'' each place it appears
and inserting ``subsection (g)'';
(3) in subsection (c)(1), by inserting ``technical and''
before ``financial'';
(4) by redesignating subsections (e) through (g) as
subsections (f) through (h), respectively; and
(5) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:
``(d) Easement Stewardship.--
``(1) In general.--Using amounts made available to carry
out the program, the Secretary shall, with respect to eligible
land enrolled under this section--
``(A) regularly assess and monitor the enrolled
land;
``(B) provide technical and financial assistance
for the repair, necessary maintenance, and enhancement
activities described in the wetland reserve easement
plan developed for the eligible land under subsection
(g)(1); and
``(C) create and execute a 5-year stewardship plan
for assessment, capacity, and performance, ensuring the
monitoring, repair, maintenance, and enhancement
activities described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) are
completed to ensure wetland reserve easements fulfill
the purposes of--
``(i) the program; and
``(ii) the wetland reserve easement plans
described in subparagraph (B).
``(2) Payments.--In carrying out this subsection, the
Secretary shall make payments in amounts that are not more than
100 percent of the eligible costs, as determined by the
Secretary.
``(3) Report.--Not later than December 31, 2028, the
Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture,
Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report describing--
``(A) an inventory of the existing stewardship
needs of all wetland reserve easements;
``(B) a plan to address the stewardship needs
described in that inventory;
``(C) the amounts the Secretary will allocate to
address those stewardship needs; and
``(D) the planned use of compatible uses under
subsection (b)(5)(C), contracts or agreements under
subsection (e)(2), or wetland reserve easement plans
under subsection (g)(1) to ensure that each of those
stewardship needs is addressed.
``(e) Assistance.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall assist owners in
complying with the terms and conditions of a wetland reserve
easement.
``(2) Contracts or agreements.--The Secretary may enter
into 1 or more contracts or agreements with a Federal, State,
or local government agency, nongovernmental organization,
Indian Tribe or Tribal organization, or private entity to carry
out necessary restoration, enhancement, maintenance, repair,
assessment, or monitoring of a wetland reserve easement if the
Secretary determines that the contract or agreement will
advance the purposes of the program.''.
SEC. 2504. ADMINISTRATION.
Section 1265D(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3865d(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(6) De minimis adjustments.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may approve and
make a de minimis adjustment, as determined by the
Secretary and subject to conditions determined by the
Secretary, to any interest in land, or portion of such
interest, administered by the Secretary, directly or on
behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation, under the
program if the Secretary determines that the
adjustment--
``(i) increases conservation values or has
a neutral or limited negative effect on
conservation values;
``(ii) is in the public interest or
furthers the practical administration of the
program; and
``(iii) is not a subordination,
modification, exchange, or termination, as
determined by the Secretary.
``(B) De minimis adjustments by certified eligible
entities.--
``(i) In general.--The Secretary may
authorize an eligible entity certified under
section 1265B(b)(5) that has demonstrated the
ability to make easement management decisions
consistent with the purposes of the program to
approve and make de minimis adjustments
described in clause (ii) to any interest in
eligible land held by the certified eligible
entity if the certified eligible entity
determines that the adjustment--
``(I) increases conservation values
or has a neutral or limited negative
effect on conservation values;
``(II) is consistent with the
program purposes for which the interest
was originally acquired and furthers
the practical administration of the
program;
``(III) is not made to resolve a
violation or a potential violation; and
``(IV) is not made with respect to
an easement that is co-held by the
United States.
``(ii) Types of de minimis adjustments.--
The de minimis adjustments referred to in
clause (i) are limited to--
``(I) title corrections;
``(II) corrections of typographical
errors;
``(III) changes in legal
descriptions as a result of minor
survey or mapping errors;
``(IV) changes to the boundary of
one or more building envelopes that do
not result in an increase in the total
number of building envelopes or that
will result in an increase in the total
area of the original building envelope
boundary; and
``(V) relocation of easement
access.
``(iii) Notification.--
``(I) In general.--Not later than
30 days after the date on which a
certified eligible entity records a de
minimis adjustment under clause (i),
the certified eligible entity shall
provide to the Secretary a notice of
the de minimis adjustment and a copy of
the recorded instrument.
``(II) Failure to comply.--If an
eligible entity fails to comply with
subclause (I), the Secretary may--
``(aa) immediately revoke
the certification of the
eligible entity under section
1265B(b)(5); and
``(bb) pursue any other
remedies available to the
Secretary.
``(iv) Rule of construction.--Nothing in
this subparagraph requires the Secretary to
determine whether each eligible entity seeking
certification under section 1265B(b)(5) meets
the requirements to make de minimis adjustments
under this subparagraph.''.
SEC. 2505. ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME LIMITATION.
(a) Exemption.--Section 1265D of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
U.S.C. 3865d) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Adjusted Gross Income Exemption.--The adjusted gross income
limitation described in section 1001D(b)(1) shall not apply to any
payment or other assistance under this subtitle.''.
(b) Calculation.--Section 1001D(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985
(7 U.S.C. 1308-3a(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Exception for compensation under ACEP.--For purposes
of this subsection, the adjusted gross income of a person or
legal entity that is a landowner of eligible land (as defined
in section 1265A) shall not include any income received as
compensation for the acquisition of an agricultural land
easement or a wetland reserve easement on that eligible land
under subtitle H of title XII.''.
Subtitle F--Regional Conservation Partnership Program
SEC. 2601. ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSES.
Section 1271(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3871(b)) is amended by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the
following:
``(2) To address natural resource concerns on eligible land
on a regional or watershed scale, including--
``(A) the conservation, protection, restoration,
and sustainable use of soil;
``(B) the conservation and protection of water,
including sources of drinking water and groundwater;
``(C) the prevention and mitigation of the effects
of flooding and drought, and the improvement or
expansion of flood resiliency; and
``(D) the conservation of wildlife, agricultural
land, and related natural resources.''.
SEC. 2602. INCLUSION OF EMERGENCY WATERSHED PROGRAM AS A COVERED
PROGRAM.
Section 1271A(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3871a(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(G) The emergency watershed protection measures
described in section 403 of the Agricultural Credit Act
of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2203).''.
SEC. 2603. DEFINITIONS.
Section 1271A(4) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3871a(4)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(K) An agricultural retailer (including an
agrichemical business and a farm retail outlet or
supplier).''.
SEC. 2604. REGIONAL CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPS.
Section 1271B of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871b) is
amended--
(1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
``(a) Partnership Agreements Authorized.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may enter into a
partnership agreement with an eligible partner to implement a
project that will assist producers with installing and
maintaining an eligible activity on eligible land.
``(2) Streamlining required.--The Secretary shall ensure
that a partnership agreement under paragraph (1)--
``(A) is entered into not later than 180 days after
the date on which an application is selected under
subsection (e); and
``(B) contains only the information described under
subsections (c) and (d) necessary to fund and carry out
the project to be implemented under the partnership
agreement.'';
(2) in subsection (c)(2), by adding at the end the
following:
``(D) Other programs.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, a contribution of an eligible partner
under this paragraph may be used to satisfy matching or
cost participation requirements under another Federal
program (other than another Department of Agriculture
program) or non-Federal program.'';
(3) in subsection (d)--
(A) by striking paragraphs (4) and (5);
(B) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph
(4);
(C) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) make covered program authorities, such as entity
certification under section 1265B(b)(5), available in the
implementation of a partnership agreement; and''; and
(D) in paragraph (4) (as so redesignated), by
striking the semicolon at the end and inserting a
period; and
(4) in subsection (e)(4)(D), by inserting ``Tribal,'' after
``State,''.
SEC. 2605. ASSISTANCE TO PRODUCERS.
(a) Payments to Certain Producers.--
(1) In general.--Section 1271C(c) of the Food Security Act
of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871c(c)) is amended--
(A) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph
(5); and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) Advance payments to producers.--
``(A) In general.--On an election by a producer,
the Secretary may provide an advance payment for costs
related to purchasing materials or contracting
associated with implementing an eligible activity.
``(B) Return of funds.--If the funds provided under
subparagraph (A) are not expended within 90 days, the
Secretary may--
``(i) determine that the producer is in
violation of the program contract; and
``(ii) require the funds to be returned
within a reasonable period, as determined by
the Secretary.
``(4) Advance payments to eligible partners.--
``(A) In general.--On an election by an eligible
partner, the Secretary may provide an advance payment
to the eligible partner related to project
implementation, as provided in the partnership
agreement, including an alternative funding arrangement
under subsection (d)(1).
``(B) Timeframe.--If the funds provided under
subparagraph (A) are not expended within the period
specified in the partnership agreement, but not more
than 120 days, the Secretary shall not provide any
additional advance payment under that paragraph until
the eligible partner demonstrates the ability to expend
the funds within the applicable period.
``(C) Return of funds.--The Secretary may determine
that an eligible partner is in violation of the
partnership agreement and require the funds to be
returned within a reasonable period, as determined by
the Secretary, if the eligible partner--
``(i) fails to expend the funds within the
applicable period; or
``(ii) otherwise fails to manage any funds
in accordance with the terms of the partnership
agreement.''.
(2) Conforming amendment.--Section 1241(i)(2)(B) of the
Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(i)(2)(B)) is amended
by striking ``1271C(c)(3)'' and inserting ``1271C(c)(5)''.
(b) Funding Through Alternative Funding Arrangements.--Section
1271C(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871c(d)) is
amended--
(1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``or Grant
Agreements'';
(2) in paragraph (1), by striking ``or grant'';
(3) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ``or grant
agreements''; and
(4) in paragraph (3)(A)(iii)--
(A) in subclause (I), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in subclause (II), by striking ``or'' at the
end and inserting ``and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(III) agricultural equipment and
processing that can help scale
conservation benefits; and''.
SEC. 2606. FUNDING.
Section 1271D of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871d) is
amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f);
(2) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:
``(d) Federal Share.--Of the funds made available under subsection
(a), no single project shall receive a Federal share of funds greater
than $15,000,000.
``(e) Limitation on Administrative Expenses.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may provide to an eligible
partner a payment for indirect costs to cover administrative
expenses of the eligible partner under a partnership agreement.
``(2) Rate.--The rate of a payment for indirect costs under
paragraph (1) shall be--
``(A) an indirect cost rate negotiated by the
Secretary and the eligible partner, which shall not
exceed 15 percent; or
``(B) if the eligible partner does not have a
negotiated indirect cost rate described in subparagraph
(A), 10 percent.''; and
(3) in subsection (f) (as so redesignated)--
(A) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and
inserting the following:
``(1) In general.--
``(A) No separate agreements.--The Secretary shall
not require an eligible partner to enter into an
agreement separate from the partnership agreement to
provide technical assistance to producers.
``(B) Authorization.--An eligible partner may
provide technical assistance to producers as needed to
support project planning and implementation for
conservation benefits.
``(2) Limitations.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall limit costs
of the Secretary for technical assistance to costs
specific and necessary to carry out the objectives of
the program.
``(B) Technical assistance by the secretary.--The
Secretary shall not use amounts provided under a
partnership agreement for technical assistance provided
by the Secretary without providing explicit
notification to the eligible partner.
``(C) Technical assistance by eligible partners.--
The Federal share of the cost of technical assistance
provided by an eligible partner shall be not more than
30 percent of the total cost of the project.''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``pursuant to a
partnership agreement'' and inserting ``and producers
participating in the program''.
SEC. 2607. CRITICAL CONSERVATION AREAS.
Section 1271F of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871f) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph
(3);
(B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) Native big game species.--The term `native big game
species' means a native species of a large mammal, including a
wild deer, an elk, a pronghorn, a wild sheep, and a moose.'';
and
(C) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by inserting ``or substantially
affecting'' after ``located in''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``,
including restoration and enhancement of
wildlife habitat connectivity and wildlife
migration corridors, with a focus on native big
game species'' after ``local level''; and
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``In administering funds
under section 1271D(d)(2), the Secretary'' and inserting ``The
Secretary''.
Subtitle G--Forest Conservation Easement Program
SEC. 2701. FOREST CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
U.S.C. 3801 et seq.) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subtitle I (16 U.S.C. 3871 et seq.) as
subtitle J; and
(2) by inserting after subtitle H (16 U.S.C. 3865 et seq.)
the following:
``Subtitle I--Forest Conservation Easement Program
``SEC. 1267. DEFINITIONS.
``In this subtitle:
``(1) Acreage owned by an indian tribe.--The term `acreage
owned by an Indian Tribe' means--
``(A) land that is held in trust by the United
States for an Indian Tribe or individual Indian;
``(B) land the title to which is held by an Indian
Tribe or individual Indian, subject to a Federal
restriction against alienation or encumbrance;
``(C) land that is subject to rights of use,
occupancy, and benefit of 1 or more Indian Tribes;
``(D) land that is held in fee title by an Indian
Tribe;
``(E) land that is owned by a Native corporation
established under--
``(i) section 17 of the Act of June 18,
1934 (commonly known as the `Indian
Reorganization Act') (25 U.S.C. 5124); or
``(ii) section 8 of the Alaska Native
Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1607); and
``(F) any combination of 1 or more types of land
described in subparagraphs (A) through (E).
``(2) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means--
``(A) an agency of State or local government or an
Indian Tribe (including a land resource council
established under State law); and
``(B) an organization that is--
``(i) organized for, and at all times since
the formation of the organization has been
operated principally for, 1 or more of the
conservation purposes specified in clause (i),
(ii), (iii), or (iv) of section 170(h)(4)(A) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
``(ii) an organization described in section
501(c)(3) of that Code that is exempt from
taxation under section 501(a) of that Code; or
``(iii) described in--
``(I) paragraph (1) or (2) of
section 509(a) of that Code; or
``(II) section 509(a)(3) of that
Code, and is controlled by an
organization described in section
509(a)(2) of that Code.
``(3) Eligible land.--The term `eligible land' means
private land or acreage owned by an Indian Tribe--
``(A) that is--
``(i) forest land; or
``(ii) being restored to forest land;
``(B) in the case of a forest land easement--
``(i) the enrollment of which would protect
working forests and related conservation values
by conserving land; or
``(ii) the protection of which will further
a State or local policy in accordance with the
purposes of the Program; and
``(C) in the case of a forest reserve easement, the
enrollment of which will maintain, restore, enhance, or
otherwise measurably--
``(i) increase the likelihood of recovery
of a species that is listed as endangered or
threatened under section 4 of the Endangered
Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533); or
``(ii) improve the well-being of a species
that--
``(I) is not listed as endangered
or threatened under that section; but
``(II)(aa) is a candidate for that
listing or listing as a State-listed
species or a species of special
concern; or
``(bb) is designated by a State
wildlife action plan as a species of
greatest conservation need.
``(4) Forest land easement.--The term `forest land
easement' means an easement or other interest in eligible land
that--
``(A) is conveyed to an eligible entity for the
purpose of protecting the natural resources and forest
nature of the eligible land; and
``(B) permits the landowner the right to continue
working forest production and related uses, in
accordance with an applicable forest management plan.
``(5) Forest management plan.--The term `forest management
plan' means--
``(A) a forest stewardship plan described in
section 5(f) of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act
of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2103a(f));
``(B) a forest plan approved by the applicable
State forester or State forestry agency;
``(C) a forest plan developed under a third-party
certification system determined appropriate by the
Secretary; and
``(D) any other plan determined appropriate by the
Secretary.
``(6) Forest reserve easement.--The term `forest reserve
easement' means an easement or other interest in eligible land
that--
``(A) is conveyed by the landowner to the Secretary
for the purpose of protecting the natural resources and
forest nature of the eligible land; and
``(B) permits the landowner the right to continue
working forest production and related uses, in
accordance with the applicable forest reserve easement
plan developed under section 1267C(e)(1).
``(7) Program.--The term `Program' means the Forest
Conservation Easement Program established under section
1267A(a).
``(8) Socially disadvantaged forest landowner.--The term
`socially disadvantaged forest landowner' means a forest
landowner who is a member of a socially disadvantaged group (as
defined in section 2501(a) of the Food, Agriculture,
Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(a))).
``SEC. 1267A. ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSES.
``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a program, to
be known as the `Forest Conservation Easement Program', for the
conservation and restoration of eligible land and natural resources
through the acquisition of forest land easements or forest reserve
easements.
``(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the Program are--
``(1) to protect the viability and sustainability of
working forests and related conservation values of eligible
land and limit the negative effects of nonforest uses;
``(2) to protect and enhance forest ecosystem and landscape
functions and values;
``(3) to promote the restoration, protection, and
improvement of habitats of species that are threatened,
endangered, or otherwise at-risk; and
``(4) to carry out the purposes and functions of the
healthy forests reserve program established under title V of
the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6571 et
seq.) (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of
this section).
``SEC. 1267B. FOREST LAND EASEMENTS.
``(a) Authorization.--As part of the Program, the Secretary shall
facilitate and provide funding in accordance with this section for--
``(1) the purchase by eligible entities of forest land
easements on eligible land;
``(2) the development of forest management plans; and
``(3) technical assistance to implement this section.
``(b) Applications.--
``(1) In general.--To be eligible to receive assistance
under this section, an eligible entity shall submit to the
Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and
containing such information as the Secretary may require.
``(2) Criteria.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish
evaluation and ranking criteria with respect to
applications submitted under this subsection to
maximize the benefit of Federal investments under the
Program.
``(B) Considerations.--In establishing the criteria
under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall emphasize
support for--
``(i) protecting working forests and
related conservation values of eligible land;
``(ii) reducing fragmentation of forest
land; and
``(iii) maximizing the areas protected from
conversion to nonforest uses.
``(3) Priority.--In evaluating applications under this
subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to an application
for the purchase of a forest land easement--
``(A) that maintains the viability of a working
forest, as determined by the Secretary; and
``(B) on eligible land for which a forest
management plan has been developed at the time of
application.
``(4) Forest management plan.--
``(A) In general.--If eligible land proposed to be
subject to a forest land easement under the Program
does not have in effect a forest management plan on the
date on which an application relating to the eligible
land is submitted under this subsection, the landowner,
in partnership with the applicable eligible entity,
shall develop a forest management plan for that
eligible land as a condition of acquisition of the
forest land easement.
``(B) Reimbursement.--The Secretary may reimburse a
landowner for the cost of development of a forest
management plan under subparagraph (A).
``(5) Treatment.--The Secretary may evaluate and rank
applications submitted under this subsection by eligible
entities for the purchase of forest land easements from
landowners who are socially disadvantaged forest landowners
separately from applications submitted for the purchase of
forest land easements from other landowners.
``(c) Cost-Share Assistance.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall protect working
forests, and related conservation values of eligible land,
through cost-share assistance to eligible entities for
purchasing forest land easements.
``(2) Agreements.--
``(A) In general.--As a condition of receipt of
cost-share assistance under the Program, an eligible
entity shall enter into an agreement with the Secretary
to stipulate the terms and conditions under which the
eligible entity is permitted to use the cost-share
assistance.
``(B) Duration.--An agreement under subparagraph
(A) shall be for a term of not less than 3, but not
more than 5, years, unless the Secretary determines
that a longer term is justified.
``(C) Minimum terms and conditions.--An eligible
entity shall be authorized to use such terms and
conditions as the eligible entity determines to be
appropriate for a forest land easement purchased using
assistance under this section, subject to the condition
that the Secretary shall determine that those terms and
conditions--
``(i) are consistent with--
``(I) the purposes of the Program;
and
``(II) the forestry activities to
be conducted on the eligible land;
``(ii) permit effective enforcement of the
conservation purposes of the forest land
easement;
``(iii) include a requirement to implement
a forest management plan on eligible land
subject to the forest land easement, subject to
the condition that the forest management plan
shall not be incorporated in, or attached to,
the deed for the forest land easement;
``(iv) include a limit on the impervious
surfaces to be allowed that is consistent with
the forestry activities to be conducted; and
``(v) include a right of enforcement for
the Secretary that--
``(I) may be used only if the terms
and conditions of the forest land
easement are not enforced by the
eligible entity; and
``(II) does not extend to a right
of inspection unless--
``(aa)(AA) the holder of
the forest land easement fails
to provide monitoring reports
in a timely manner; or
``(BB) the Secretary has a
reasonable and articulable
belief that the terms and
conditions of the forest land
easement have been violated;
and
``(bb) prior to the
inspection, the Secretary
notifies the eligible entity
and the landowner of the
inspection and provides a
reasonable opportunity for the
eligible entity and the
landowner to participate in the
inspection.
``(D) Additional terms and conditions.--An eligible
entity may include any additional terms and conditions
for a forest land easement purchased using assistance
under this section that--
``(i) are intended to keep the eligible
land subject to the forest land easement in
active forest management, as determined by the
Secretary;
``(ii) allow subsurface mineral development
on the eligible land subject to the forest land
easement, in accordance with applicable State
law, if the Secretary determines that--
``(I) the subsurface mineral
development--
``(aa) has a limited and
localized impact;
``(bb) does not harm the
forest use and conservation
values of the eligible land;
``(cc) does not materially
alter or affect the existing
topography;
``(dd) complies with a
subsurface mineral development
plan that--
``(AA) includes a
plan for the
remediation of impacts
to the forest use and
conservation values of
the eligible land; and
``(BB) is approved
by the Secretary prior
to the initiation of
mineral development
activity;
``(ee) is not accomplished
by any surface mining method;
``(ff) is within the
impervious surface limits of
the forest land easement under
subparagraph (C)(iv); and
``(gg) uses practices and
technologies that minimize the
duration and intensity of
impacts to the forest use and
conservation values of the
eligible land; and
``(II) each area impacted by the
subsurface mineral development is
reclaimed and restored by the holder of
the mineral rights at cessation of
operation; and
``(iii) include other relevant activities
relating to the forest land easement, as
determined by the Secretary.
``(E) Substitution of qualified projects.--An
agreement under subparagraph (A) shall allow, on mutual
agreement of the parties, substitution of qualified
projects that are identified at the time of the
proposed substitution.
``(F) Effect of violation.--If a violation of a
term or condition of an agreement under subparagraph
(A) occurs, the Secretary may--
``(i) terminate the agreement; and
``(ii) require the eligible entity to
refund all, or any part of, the payments
received by the eligible entity under the
Program, with interest on the payments as
determined to be appropriate by the Secretary.
``(3) Scope.--
``(A) Federal share.--
``(i) In general.--Except as provided in
clause (ii), an agreement under paragraph (2)
shall provide for a Federal share of 50 percent
of the fair market value of the forest land
easement, as determined by the Secretary.
``(ii) Exception.--An agreement under
paragraph (2) may provide for a Federal share
of not more than 75 percent of the fair market
value of a forest land easement in the case of
eligible land that is--
``(I) a forest of special
environmental significance, as
determined by the Secretary; or
``(II) owned by a socially
disadvantaged forest landowner.
``(B) Non-federal share.--
``(i) In general.--Under an agreement under
paragraph (2), the eligible entity shall
provide a non-Federal share that is equivalent
to the remainder of the fair market value of
the forest land easement not provided by the
Secretary under subparagraph (A).
``(ii) Permissible forms.--The non-Federal
share provided by an eligible entity under this
subparagraph may comprise--
``(I) cash resources;
``(II) a charitable donation or
qualified conservation contribution (as
defined in section 170(h) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986) from the
private forest landowner from whom the
forest land easement will be purchased;
``(III) costs associated with
securing a deed to the forest land
easement, including the costs of
appraisal, survey, inspection, and
title; and
``(IV) other costs, as determined
by the Secretary.
``(C) Determination of fair market value.--For
purposes of this paragraph, the Secretary shall
determine the fair market value of a forest land
easement using--
``(i) the Uniform Standards of Professional
Appraisal Practice;
``(ii) an areawide market analysis or
survey; or
``(iii) another industry-approved method.
``(d) Methods of Enrollment.--On acquisition of a forest land
easement by an eligible entity using assistance provided under this
section, the Secretary shall enroll the eligible land subject to the
forest land easement in the Program through the use of--
``(1) a permanent easement; or
``(2) an easement for the maximum duration allowed under
applicable State law.
``(e) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary may provide technical
assistance, on request, to assist in compliance with the terms and
conditions of a forest land easement under this section.
``SEC. 1267C. FOREST RESERVE EASEMENTS.
``(a) Authorization.--As part of the Program, the Secretary shall
provide to landowners of eligible land assistance to restore, protect,
and enhance the eligible land through--
``(1) acquisition by the Secretary of forest reserve
easements on eligible land;
``(2) assistance in developing forest reserve easement
plans under subsection (e); and
``(3) technical assistance to implement this section.
``(b) Offers.--
``(1) In general.--To be eligible to grant to the Secretary
a forest reserve easement under this section, a landowner of
eligible land shall submit to the Secretary an offer at such
time, in such manner, and containing such information as the
Secretary may require.
``(2) Criteria.--The Secretary shall establish evaluation
and ranking criteria with respect to offers submitted under
this subsection.
``(3) Priority.--In evaluating offers under this
subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to an offer for a
forest reserve easement that provides the greatest conservation
benefit--
``(A) primarily, to a species listed as endangered
or threatened under section 4 of the Endangered Species
Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533); and
``(B) secondarily, to any species that--
``(i) is not listed as endangered or
threatened under that section; but
``(ii)(I) is a candidate for that listing
or listing as a State-listed species or species
of special concern; or
``(II) is designated by a State wildlife
action plan as a species of greatest
conservation need.
``(4) Other considerations.--The Secretary may give
additional consideration to eligible land the enrollment under
this section of which will--
``(A) improve biological diversity;
``(B) restore a native forest ecosystem;
``(C) conserve forest land that provides a habitat
for any species described in paragraph (3);
``(D) reduce fragmentation of forest land; or
``(E) increase carbon sequestration.
``(5) Treatment.--The Secretary may evaluate and rank
offers submitted under this subsection by landowners who are
socially disadvantaged forest landowners separately from offers
submitted by other landowners.
``(c) Methods of Enrollment.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall enroll eligible land
under this section--
``(A) through the use of--
``(i) permanent easements;
``(ii) 30-year easements; or
``(iii) easements for the maximum duration
allowed under applicable State law; and
``(B) in the case of acreage owned by an Indian
Tribe, through the use of--
``(i) 30-year contracts, the compensation
for which shall be equivalent to the
compensation for 30-year easements; or
``(ii) permanent easements.
``(2) Limitation.--Not more than 10 percent of amounts made
available to carry out this section for a fiscal year may be
used for 30-year easements under this subsection.
``(d) Easements.--
``(1) Terms and conditions.--
``(A) In general.--A forest reserve easement shall
include terms and conditions that--
``(i) are consistent with the purposes of
the Program and the forestry activities to be
conducted on the eligible land;
``(ii) are consistent with--
``(I) the management objectives of
the landowner of the eligible land; and
``(II) the implementation of the
relevant forest reserve easement plan
developed under subsection (e)(1);
``(iii) permit effective enforcement of the
conservation purposes of forest reserve
easements;
``(iv) provide for the efficient and
effective establishment or enhancement of
forest ecosystem functions and values; and
``(v) include such additional provisions as
the Secretary determines to be appropriate--
``(I) to carry out the Program; or
``(II) to facilitate the practical
administration of the Program.
``(B) Requested terms and conditions.--A landowner
of eligible land may request that a term or condition
be included in a forest reserve easement, and the
Secretary may include the term or condition, if the
Secretary determines that the term or condition--
``(i) is consistent with--
``(I) the management objectives of
the landowner; and
``(II) the implementation of the
relevant forest reserve easement plan;
and
``(ii) does not conflict with any term or
condition included under subparagraph (A).
``(2) Compensation.--
``(A) Permanent easements.--In the case of eligible
land enrolled in a permanent easement under this
section, the Secretary shall pay to the landowner of
the eligible land an amount equal to the difference
between, as determined by the Secretary--
``(i) the fair market value of the eligible
land before enrollment in the permanent
easement; and
``(ii) the fair market value of the
eligible land as encumbered by the permanent
easement.
``(B) Other.--The Secretary shall pay to the
landowner of eligible land enrolled under this section
in a 30-year contract, a 30-year easement, or an
easement for the maximum duration allowed under
applicable State law not less than 50 percent, and not
more than 75 percent, of the compensation that would be
paid under subparagraph (A) if the land were enrolled
in a permanent easement under this section.
``(C) Determination of fair market value.--For
purposes of this paragraph, the Secretary shall
determine the fair market value of eligible land
using--
``(i) the Uniform Standards of Professional
Appraisal Practice; or
``(ii) another industry-approved method.
``(e) Forest Reserve Easement Plans.--
``(1) In general.--Eligible land enrolled in a forest
reserve easement under this section shall be subject to a
forest reserve easement plan, to be developed jointly by the
landowner and the Secretary, that describes such activities to
be carried out on the eligible land as are necessary to
restore, maintain, and enhance habitat for species described in
subsection (b)(3).
``(2) Practices and measures.--A forest reserve easement
plan under paragraph (1) may include, with respect to the
eligible land subject to the plan--
``(A) vegetative management and silviculture
practices;
``(B) structural practices and measures;
``(C) practices to increase carbon sequestration;
``(D) practices to improve biological diversity;
and
``(E) other practices and measures, as determined
by the Secretary.
``(3) Financial assistance.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall provide to
landowners of eligible land enrolled in a forest
reserve easement under this section financial
assistance to carry out the activities, practices, and
measures described in the forest reserve easement plan
developed for the eligible land under paragraph (1).
``(B) Payments.--With respect to financial
assistance under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall
pay--
``(i) in the case of a forest reserve
easement plan for eligible land enrolled in a
permanent easement, an amount equal to not more
than 100 percent of the eligible costs
described in subparagraph (C), as determined by
the Secretary; and
``(ii) in the case of a forest reserve
easement plan for eligible land enrolled in a
30-year contract, a 30-year easement, or an
easement for the maximum duration allowed under
applicable State law, an amount equal to not
less than 50 percent, and not more than 75
percent, of the eligible costs described in
subparagraph (C), as determined by the
Secretary.
``(C) Eligible costs.--The costs eligible for
payments under this paragraph are the costs of
activities, practices, and measures described in the
applicable forest reserve easement plan that are
associated with restoration or enhancement of the
habitat conditions specified for the applicable species
described in the forest reserve easement plan.
``(D) Timing.--
``(i) Determination.--As soon as
practicable after the commencement on eligible
land enrolled in a forest reserve easement of
an activity, practice, or measure described in
subparagraph (C), the Secretary shall determine
whether the activity, practice, or measure is
established in accordance with appropriate
standards and specifications.
``(ii) Payment.--A payment under this
paragraph shall be made for an activity,
practice, or measure only, and as soon as
practicable, after the Secretary makes a
positive determination under clause (i) with
respect to that activity, practice, or measure.
``(E) Limitations.--A payment provided by the
Secretary under this paragraph may not exceed $500,000
per easement or 30-year contract.
``(f) Protections and Measures.--
``(1) Protections.--In the case of a landowner who enrolls
eligible land in a forest reserve easement, and whose
conservation activities under the forest reserve easement plan
developed for that eligible land result in a net conservation
benefit for a species described in subsection (b)(3), the
Secretary shall make available to the landowner safe harbor or
similar assurances and protection under--
``(A) section 7(b)(4) of the Endangered Species Act
of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536(b)(4)); or
``(B) section 10(a)(1) of that Act (16 U.S.C.
1539(a)(1)).
``(2) Measures.--If protection under paragraph (1) requires
the taking of measures that are in addition to the measures
covered by the forest reserve easement plan developed for the
applicable eligible land, the cost of the additional measures,
and the cost of any related permit, shall be considered to be
costs eligible for payments under subsection (e)(2).
``(g) Technical Assistance.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide to
landowners of eligible land technical assistance to assist the
landowners in--
``(A) developing a forest reserve easement plan
under subsection (e); and
``(B) complying with the terms and conditions of a
forest reserve easement, including the implementation
of a forest reserve easement plan.
``(2) Contracts or agreements.--The Secretary may enter
into 1 or more contracts or agreements with a Federal, State,
or local government agency, nongovernmental organization,
Indian Tribe or Tribal organization, or private entity to
provide technical assistance described in paragraph (1), if the
Secretary determines that the contract or agreement will
advance the purposes of the Program.
``(h) Administrative Provisions.--
``(1) Delegation.--
``(A) Federal and state agencies.--The Secretary
may delegate any of the management, monitoring, or
enforcement responsibilities of the Secretary under
this section to another Federal agency or a State
agency that has the appropriate authority, expertise,
and resources necessary to carry out the delegated
responsibilities.
``(B) Conservation organizations.--The Secretary
may delegate any of the management responsibilities of
the Secretary under this section to a nonprofit
conservation organization, if the Secretary determines
that the organization has the appropriate expertise and
resources necessary to carry out the delegated
responsibilities.
``(2) Involvement by other agencies and organizations.--In
carrying out this section, the Secretary may consult with--
``(A) private forest landowners;
``(B) other Federal agencies;
``(C) State forestry agencies;
``(D) State fish and wildlife agencies;
``(E) State environmental quality agencies;
``(F) other State conservation agencies; and
``(G) nonprofit conservation organizations.
``SEC. 1267D. ADMINISTRATION.
``(a) Ineligible Land.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall not use amounts made
available to carry out the Program for purposes of acquiring
any easement on--
``(A) land owned by a Federal agency, other than
land that is acreage owned by an Indian Tribe;
``(B) land owned in fee title by a State, including
an agency or a subdivision of a State, or a unit of
local government;
``(C) land subject to an easement or deed
restriction that, as determined by the Secretary,
provides similar protection as would be provided by
enrollment in the Program; or
``(D) land the enrollment in the Program of which
would undermine the purposes of the Program due to
onsite or offsite conditions, such as risk of hazardous
substances, permitted or existing rights-of-way,
infrastructure development, or adjacent land uses.
``(2) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not limit the
eligibility of land, except in the case of land owned by a
foreign entity or foreign individual from a country that is a
foreign adversary described in section 791.4(a) of title 15,
Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation), for
purposes of the Program based on--
``(A) acreage size;
``(B) the type of private forest landowner or the
size of their ownership; or
``(C) the presence of severed mineral rights.
``(b) Subordination, Exchange, Modification, and Termination.--
``(1) Subordination.--The Secretary may subordinate any
interest in eligible land, or a portion of such an interest,
administered by the Secretary (including for the purposes of
utilities and energy transmission services) directly or on
behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation under the Program if
the Secretary determines that the subordination--
``(A) increases conservation values or has a
limited negative effect on conservation values;
``(B) minimally affects the acreage subject to the
interest in eligible land; and
``(C) is in the public interest or furthers the
practical administration of the Program.
``(2) Modification and exchange.--
``(A) Modification.--
``(i) Authority.--The Secretary may approve
a modification of any interest in land, or a
portion of such an interest, administered by
the Secretary, directly or on behalf of the
Commodity Credit Corporation, under the Program
if the Secretary determines that the
modification--
``(I) will support the viability
and sustainability of working forests
and the conservation values of the
applicable easement;
``(II) will result in equal or
increased conservation values;
``(III) is consistent with the
original intent of the easement;
``(IV) is consistent with the
purposes of the Program; and
``(V) is in the public interest or
furthers the practical administration
of the Program, including correcting
errors and exercising reserved rights.
``(ii) Limitation.--In modifying an
interest in land, or a portion of such
interest, under this subparagraph, the
Secretary may not, except in the case of a
modification that includes a change to an
easement to add acreage, increase any payment
to an eligible entity.
``(B) Exchange.--
``(i) Authority.--The Secretary may approve
an exchange of any interest in land, or a
portion of such an interest, administered by
the Secretary, directly or on behalf of the
Commodity Credit Corporation, under the Program
if the Secretary determines that--
``(I) no reasonable alternative to
the exchange exists;
``(II) the effect of the exchange
on the interest in land is avoided or
minimized to the maximum extent
practicable; and
``(III) the exchange--
``(aa) results in equal or
increased conservation values;
``(bb) results in equal or
increased economic value to the
United States;
``(cc) is consistent with
the original intent of the
easement;
``(dd) is consistent with
the purposes of the Program;
and
``(ee) is in the public
interest or furthers the
practical administration of the
Program.
``(ii) Limitation.--In exchanging an
interest in land, or a portion of such an
interest, pursuant to this subparagraph, the
Secretary may not increase any payment to an
eligible entity.
``(3) Termination.--The Secretary may approve a termination
of any interest in eligible land, or a portion of such an
interest, administered by the Secretary, directly or on behalf
of the Commodity Credit Corporation, under the Program if the
Secretary determines that--
``(A) termination is in the interest of the Federal
Government;
``(B) the United States will be fully compensated
for--
``(i) the value of the interest in the
land, as determined by the Secretary;
``(ii) any costs relating to the
termination; and
``(iii) any damages determined appropriate
by the Secretary; and
``(C) the termination will--
``(i) address a compelling public need for
which there is no practicable alternative even
with avoidance and minimization; and
``(ii) further the practical administration
of the Program.
``(4) Consent.--The Secretary shall obtain consent from the
landowner and eligible entity, if applicable, for any
subordination, exchange, modification, or termination of an
interest in eligible land, or portion of such an interest,
under this subsection.
``(5) Notice.--Not less than 90 days before taking any
termination action described in paragraph (3), the Secretary
shall provide written notice of that action to the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the
Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives.
``(c) Land Enrolled in Other Programs.--In accordance with section
2702(b) of the Agricultural Act of 2026, land enrolled in the healthy
forests reserve program established under title V of the Healthy
Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6571 et seq.) on the day
before the date of enactment of this section shall be considered to be
enrolled in the Program.
``(d) Payment Limitations Exceptions.--The attribution of payments
limitation described in section 1001(e) and the adjusted gross income
limitation described in section 1001D(b)(1) shall not apply to any
payment or other assistance under the Program.''.
(b) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 1201(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
U.S.C. 3801(a)) is amended--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
striking ``subtitles A through I:'' and inserting
``subtitles A through J:''; and
(B) by striking paragraph (14) and inserting the
following:
``(14) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian Tribe' has the
meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).''.
(2) Title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3801 et seq.) is amended--
(A) by striking ``Indian tribes'' each place it
appears and inserting ``Indian Tribes''; and
(B) by striking ``Indian tribe'' each place it
appears and inserting ``Indian Tribe''.
(3) Section 1231A(a)(3)(C) of the Food Security Act of 1985
(16 U.S.C. 3831a(a)(3)(C)) is amended by striking ``(as defined
in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education
Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304))''.
(4) Section 1241(e)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
U.S.C. 3841(e)(1)) is amended by striking ``subtitle I'' and
inserting ``subtitle J''.
(5) Section 1244 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
U.S.C. 3844) is amended--
(A) in subsection (b)(1)(A)(ii), by striking ``(as
defined by the Secretary)''; and
(B) in subsection (d), by striking ``I.'' and
inserting ``J.''.
SEC. 2702. HEALTHY FORESTS RESERVE PROGRAM.
(a) Repeal.--Title V of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003
(16 U.S.C. 6571 et seq.) is repealed.
(b) Transitional Provisions.--
(1) Effect on existing contracts, agreements, and
easements.--The repeal made by subsection (a) shall not
affect--
(A) the validity or terms of any contract,
agreement, or easement entered into by the Secretary
under title V of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of
2003 (16 U.S.C. 6571 et seq.) before the date of
enactment of this Act; or
(B) any payment or technical assistance required to
be made in connection with a contract, agreement, or
easement described in subparagraph (A).
(2) Funding.--
(A) Use of prior year funds.--Not withstanding the
repeal made by subsection (a), any funds made available
from the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out the
healthy forests reserve program established under title
V of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16
U.S.C. 6571 et seq.) (as in effect on the day before
the date of enactment of this Act) for any of fiscal
years 2019 through 2026 shall be made available to
carry out contracts, agreements, or easements referred
to in paragraph (1)(A).
(B) Other.--The Secretary may use funds made
available to carry out the Forest Conservation Easement
Program established under subtitle I of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (as amended by section 2701) to
continue to carry out contracts, agreements, or
easements referred to in paragraph (1)(A) using the
provisions of law (including regulations) in effect on
the day before the date of enactment of this Act that
are applicable to those contracts, agreements, and
easements.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) The table of contents in section 1(b) of the Healthy
Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-148; 117 Stat.
1887) is amended by striking the items relating to title V.
(2) Section 1271A(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
U.S.C. 3871a(1)) is amended by striking subparagraph (D) and
inserting the following:
``(D) The Forest Conservation Easement Program
established under subtitle I.''.
Subtitle H--Other Conservation Programs
SEC. 2801. WATERSHED PROTECTION AND FLOOD PREVENTION ACT.
(a) Short Title; Findings; Declaration of Policy.--The first
section of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C.
1001) is amended to read as follows:
``SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; FINDINGS; DECLARATION OF POLICY.
``(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the `Watershed
Protection and Flood Prevention Act'.
``(b) Findings.--Congress finds that erosion, floodwater, drought,
and sediment damages in the watersheds of the rivers and streams of the
United States cause loss of life, declines in agricultural production,
harm to fish, birds, wildlife, and recreation opportunities, and damage
to property, thereby constituting a menace to the national welfare.
``(c) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the
Federal Government should cooperate with local organizations for the
purposes of--
``(1) preventing the damages described in subsection (b);
``(2) furthering the conservation, management, development,
utilization, and disposal of water, and the conservation and
utilization of land; and
``(3) thereby preserving, protecting, and improving land
and water resources and the quality of the environment.''.
(b) Definitions.--Section 2 of the Watershed Protection and Flood
Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1002) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
``In this Act:
``(1) Conservation of water.--The term `conservation of
water' means a reduction in total annual consumptive water use,
as compared to total annual consumptive water use before a work
of improvement is carried out under this Act.
``(2) Local organization.--The term `local organization'
means--
``(A)(i) any State, political subdivision of a
State, soil or water conservation district, flood
prevention or control district, or combination thereof;
or
``(ii) any other governmental agency having
authority under State law to carry out, maintain, and
operate a work of improvement;
``(B) any irrigation district or reservoir company,
water users' association, canal company, ditch
association, acequia, or similar entity, as determined
by the Secretary, with--
``(i) the capacity to engage in the
planning or implementation of land treatment
and related conservation measures; or
``(ii) the authority to construct and
maintain structural measures; or
``(C) any Indian Tribe or Tribal organization (as
those terms are defined in section 4 of the Indian
Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25
U.S.C. 5304)) having authority under Federal, State, or
Indian Tribal law to carry out, maintain, and operate a
work of improvement.
``(3) Management of water.--The term `management of water'
means any project or activity carried out to increase the
efficiency of water use, transfer, diversion, or conveyance, as
compared to the efficiency of water use, transfer, diversion,
or conveyance before a work of improvement is carried out under
this Act.
``(4) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary
of Agriculture.
``(5) Work of improvement.--
``(A) In general.--The term `work of improvement'
means any undertaking carried out in a watershed or
subwatershed area not exceeding 250,000 acres
(including on Federal land necessary to accomplish the
purposes of the undertaking) for--
``(i) flood prevention (including
structural and land treatment measures);
``(ii) the conservation, management,
development, utilization, and disposal of
water; or
``(iii) the conservation and proper
utilization of land.
``(B) Exclusion.--The term `work of improvement'
does not include any single structure that provides--
``(i) more than 12,500 acre-feet of
floodwater detention capacity; and
``(ii) more than 25,000 acre-feet of total
capacity.
``(C) Requirement for agriculture benefits.--Each
undertaking described in subparagraph (A) shall contain
benefits directly related to agriculture, including
communities in rural areas (as defined in section
343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a))), that account for at least 20
percent of the total benefits of the undertaking.
``(D) Consolidated planning.--1 or more
subwatersheds, when the subwatersheds are components of
a larger watershed, may be planned together at the
discretion of the local organization sponsoring the
applicable undertaking.''.
(c) Assistance to Local Organizations.--Section 3 of the Watershed
Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1003) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (f);
(2) in subsection (a)(6), in the first sentence, by
striking ``occupiers, individually'' and inserting the
following: ``occupiers in accordance with subsection (b).
``(b) Agreements With Landowners, Operators, and Occupiers.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may enter into agreements
under subsection (a)(6) with landowners, operators, and
occupiers, individually'';
(3) in subsection (b) (as so designated)--
(A) by striking ``supplemented. Applications'' and
inserting the following: ``supplemented.
``(2) Applications.--Applications'';
(B) in paragraph (2) (as so designated)--
(i) in the first sentence, by striking
``such conservation plans'' and inserting
``conservation plans described in paragraph
(1)''; and
(ii) by striking ``such district. In
return'' and all that follows through
``interest. The portion'' and inserting the
following: ``that district.
``(3) Cost sharing.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may agree to share
the costs of carrying out a work of improvement, or
specific practices and measures described in such an
agreement, if the Secretary determines that cost
sharing is appropriate and in the public interest.
``(B) Portion of costs.--The portion''; and
(iii) in subparagraph (B) (as so
designated)--
(I) by striking ``programs. The
Secretary'' and inserting the
following: ``programs.
``(4) Termination; modifications.--The Secretary'';
(C) in paragraph (4) (as so designated)--
(i) in the first sentence, by striking
``hereunder, as he'' and inserting ``under this
subsection, as the Secretary''; and
(ii) by striking ``herein.
Notwithstanding'' and inserting the following:
``under this subsection.
``(5) Preservation or surrender of history.--
Notwithstanding''; and
(D) in paragraph (5) (as so designated)--
(i) by striking ``he'' and inserting ``the
Secretary'';
(ii) by striking ``paragraph'' and
inserting ``subsection'';
(iii) by striking ``hereunder for (1)
preservation'' and inserting the following:
``under this paragraph for--
``(A) preservation''; and
(iv) in subparagraph (A) (as so
designated), by striking ``crop; or (2)
surrender'' and inserting the following:
``crop; or
``(B) surrender''; and
(4) by inserting after subsection (b) (as so designated)
the following:
``(c) Delegation of Authorities.--
``(1) Final authority.--The Secretary shall provide a State
Conservationist final authority to approve watershed plans for
works of improvement within the State.
``(2) Approval of outsourcing preliminary activities.--The
Secretary and a State Conservationist shall allow a local
organization sponsoring a work of improvement to use funds made
available under this Act to pay a third party approved by the
State Conservationist to conduct preliminary investigations and
pre-planning activities relating to the work of improvement.
``(3) Additional authorities.--The Secretary may provide
additional authority to a State Conservationist not otherwise
provided in this Act that the Secretary determines would
support a streamlined process for the planning, design, and
construction phases of a project.
``(d) Deadline for Approval or Disapproval.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), not later than
45 days after the date on which a local organization submits to
the Secretary a complete application to address a resource
concern, the Secretary shall approve or disapprove the
application.
``(2) Extensions.--The Secretary may extend the deadline
described in paragraph (1) by 45 days, if necessary.
``(e) Approved Watershed Plan Required.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary
may not provide funds under this Act for the costs of designing
or constructing a work of improvement without an approved
watershed plan.
``(2) Exceptions.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply if--
``(A) the Secretary determines that the
circumstances are so exigent that not providing funds
is against the public interest; or
``(B) the Secretary has waived the requirement for
a watershed plan under subsection (f).''.
(d) Cost Share Assistance.--Section 3A of the Watershed Protection
and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1003a) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``, as determined by
the Secretary,'' after ``assistance''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Treatment of Other Federal Funds for Works of Improvement.--
Any funds provided for a work of improvement through any Federal
department or agency other than the Department of Agriculture shall be
considered to be part of the non-Federal share of the cost of the work
of improvement provided by the sponsor of the work of improvement.''.
(e) Conditions for Federal Assistance.--Section 4(2) of the
Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1004(2)) is
amended by inserting ``management,'' after ``conservation,''.
(f) Notification Requirement.--The Watershed Protection and Flood
Prevention Act is amended by inserting after section 4 (16 U.S.C. 1004)
the following:
``SEC. 4A. NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENT.
``(a) In General.--No amounts shall be provided under this Act for
any plan for a work of improvement involving an estimated Federal
contribution to construction costs in excess of $50,000,000, or that
includes any structure that provides more than 2,500 acre-feet of total
capacity, unless the plan has been approved by resolutions adopted by
the appropriate committees of Congress described in subsection (b).
``(b) Committees Described.--The appropriate committees of Congress
referred to in subsection (a) are--
``(1) in the case of a plan involving no single structure
providing more than 4,000 acre-feet of total capacity, the
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate
and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives; and
``(2) in the case of any plan involving any single
structure providing more than 4,000 acre-feet of total
capacity, the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the
Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
of the House of Representatives.''.
(g) Construction Standards.--The Watershed Protection and Flood
Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.) is amended by inserting after
section 4A (as added by subsection (f)) the following:
``SEC. 4B. CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS.
``Subject to the requirements of this Act, the Secretary shall--
``(1) review and update as necessary the engineering
standards and requirements to be used for works of improvement
under this Act; and
``(2) in collaboration with each State Conservationist,
each State technical committee established under section
1261(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3861(a)),
and local organizations undertaking works of improvement under
this Act, review and update as necessary the acceptable
variances from national engineering standards that are
appropriate for the geomorphology and purpose for which works
of improvement are established within each State.''.
(h) Certain Authorities.--Section 7 of the Watershed Protection and
Flood Prevention Act (68 Stat. 668, chapter 656; 74 Stat. 131; 76 Stat.
610) is amended, in the last proviso, by inserting ``management,''
after ``conservation,''.
(i) Data.--Section 13 of the Watershed Protection and Flood
Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1010) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``collect and maintain'' and inserting ``collect, maintain, and
publish on the website of the Department of Agriculture''; and
(2) in paragraph (1), by striking ``control and
conservation'' and inserting ``control, conservation, and
drought resilience''.
(j) Funding.--Section 14(h)(2)(E) of the Watershed Protection and
Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1012(h)(2)(E)) is amended by striking
``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
(k) Conforming Amendment.--Section 11 of the Watershed Protection
and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1001 note; 68 Stat. 668; 70 Stat.
1090) is repealed.
SEC. 2802. EMERGENCY CONSERVATION PROGRAMS.
(a) Emergency Conservation Program.--Section 401(b) of the
Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2201(b)) is amended by
adding at the end the following
``(3) New or emerging technologies.--Repair or replacement
of fencing under this section may include updating of fencing
to new or emerging technology if such updating does not
increase the cost of the repair of replacement.''.
(b) Additional Requirements for the Emergency Conservation
Program.--Title IV of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 is amended by
inserting after section 402B (16 U.S.C. 2202b) the following:
``SEC. 402C. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE EMERGENCY CONSERVATION
PROGRAM.
``(a) Eligibility of Federal, State, and Local Land Users.--
``(1) In general.--An agricultural producer eligible to
receive payments under sections 401 and 402 includes a person
that--
``(A) holds a permit or lease from the Federal
Government to conduct agricultural production or
grazing on Federal land; or
``(B) holds a permit or leases land from a State or
unit of local government to conduct agricultural
production or grazing on that land.
``(2) Effect.--Nothing in this subsection authorizes the
Secretary to make a payment under section 401 or 402 to the
Federal Government, a State, or a unit of local government.
``(b) Permanent and Temporary Improvements.--Emergency measures
eligible for payments under sections 401 and 402 include--
``(1) new permanent or temporary measures, including
permanent water wells and permanent or temporary surface or
aboveground pipelines and watering facilities; and
``(2) replacement or restoration of existing emergency
measures with permanent or temporary measures, including
permanent water wells and permanent or temporary surface or
aboveground pipelines and watering facilities.
``(c) Streamlining Application Process.--
``(1) Waiver of public comment.--During an eligible natural
disaster or drought, as determined by the Secretary in
accordance with sections 401(a) and 402, the 30-day public
comment period required under the National Environmental Policy
Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) shall be waived with
respect to an application to carry out emergency measures under
section 401 or 402 on land administered by the Secretary of the
Interior, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Land
Management (referred to in this subsection as the `Secretary of
the Interior').
``(2) Acceptance of environmental reviews.--With respect to
an application to carry out emergency measures under section
401 or 402 on land administered by the Secretary of the
Interior, the Secretary of the Interior may accept--
``(A) during an eligible natural disaster, as
determined by the Secretary, an archeological review
conducted by the Department of Agriculture or a
qualified contractor that has been approved by the
Secretary of the Interior, for purposes of such an
archeological review required to be conducted;
``(B) an environmental review under the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et
seq.) conducted by the Department of Agriculture or a
qualified contractor that has been approved by the
Secretary of the Interior, for purposes of such an
environmental review required to be conducted; and
``(C) a review under the Endangered Species Act of
1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) conducted by the
Department of Agriculture or a qualified contractor
that has been approved by the Secretary of the
Interior, for purposes of such a review required to be
conducted.''.
(c) Emergency Watershed Program.--Section 403 of the Agricultural
Credit Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2203) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking the subsection designation and
heading and all that follows through ``The Secretary''
and inserting the following:
``(a) Authorizations.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Eligible purposes of floodplain easements.--A
floodplain easement acquired by the Secretary under this
section may be used--
``(A) to restore, protect, maintain, and enhance
the hydrologic and other functions and values of
floodplains, including wetlands and associated land,
riparian areas, and stream channels;
``(B) to conserve natural values, including fish
and wildlife habitat, water quality, flood water
retention, and groundwater recharge; and
``(C) to safeguard lives and property from floods,
drought, and the products of erosion.
``(3) Easement restoration.--The Secretary may restore the
hydrologic and other functions and values of wetlands on
floodplain easements acquired by the Secretary under this
section.
``(4) Level of restoration.--In carrying out this section,
this Secretary may undertake measures that increase the level
of protection above that which would be necessary to address
the immediate impairment of the watershed if the Secretary
determines that such restoration is in the best interest of--
``(A) the long-term health of the watershed; and
``(B) the protection of the watershed from
repetitive impairments.
``(5) Easement management.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall acquire the
rights and interests necessary to restore, protect,
manage, maintain, enhance, and monitor each floodplain
easement acquired under this section.
``(B) Allowable uses.--The Secretary may authorize,
in writing and subject to such terms and conditions as
the Secretary may prescribe in the sole discretion of
the Secretary, the use of the area covered by a
floodplain easement under this section by the landowner
for compatible uses, if the Secretary determines that
the use is consistent with the long-term protection and
enhancement of the floodplain, riparian areas,
wetlands, and associated land and other natural values
of the easement area.''; and
(2) in subsection (b), by striking the subsection
designation and heading and all that follows through the ``The
Secretary'' in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) of
paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
``(b) Modification and Termination of Floodplain Easements.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary''.
(d) Emergency Forest Restoration Program.--Section 407 of the
Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2206) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as
paragraphs (3) through (5), respectively;
(B) by inserting before paragraph (3) (as so
redesignated) the following:
``(1) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means--
``(A) with respect to nonindustrial private forest
land or industrial private forest land--
``(i) an owner of the nonindustrial private
forest land or industrial private forest land;
or
``(ii) a person that receives concurrence
from the landowner to carry out emergency
measures in lieu of the owner;
``(B) with respect to Federal forest land, a person
that holds a permit or lease from the Federal
Government to conduct livestock grazing on the Federal
forest land; and
``(C) with respect to forest land owned by a State
or a unit of local government, a person that holds a
permit or leases land from the State or unit of local
government to conduct livestock grazing on that forest
land.
``(2) Eligible land.--The term `eligible land' means--
``(A) nonindustrial private forest land;
``(B) Federal forest land on which livestock
grazing is authorized through a permit or lease; and
``(C) forest land owned by a State or unit of local
government on which livestock grazing is authorized
through a permit or lease.''; and
(C) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) in the matter preceding clause
(i), by striking ``nonindustrial
private forest land'' and inserting
``eligible land''; and
(II) by redesignating clauses (i)
and (ii) as subclauses (I) and (II),
respectively, and indenting
appropriately;
(ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and
(B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and
indenting appropriately;
(iii) in the matter preceding clause (i)
(as so redesignated), by striking ``The term''
and inserting the following:
``(A) In general.--The term''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Inclusions.--The term `emergency measures'
includes--
``(i) if the natural disaster is a drought
that has diminished the existing natural water
supply for grazing livestock, new permanent or
temporary measures described in subparagraph
(A), including permanent water wells and
permanent or temporary surface or aboveground
pipelines and watering facilities; and
``(ii) if the natural disaster affected or
destroyed the existing structures, replacement
or restoration of existing emergency measures
with permanent or temporary measures described
in subparagraph (A), including permanent water
wells and permanent or temporary surface or
aboveground pipelines and watering
facilities.''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``an owner of nonindustrial private
forest land who'' and inserting ``an eligible entity
that''; and
(B) by striking ``restore the land'' and inserting
``restore eligible land'';
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking ``owner must'' and inserting
``eligible entity shall''; and
(B) by striking ``nonindustrial private forest
land'' and inserting ``eligible land'';
(4) in subsection (d), by striking ``an owner of
nonindustrial private forest land'' and inserting ``an eligible
entity'';
(5) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (h); and
(6) by inserting after subsection (e) the following:
``(f) Streamlining Application Process.--
``(1) Waiver of public comment.--During an eligible natural
disaster, as determined by the Secretary, the 30-day public
comment period required under the National Environmental Policy
Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) shall be waived with
respect to an application to carry out emergency measures under
this section on land administered by the Secretary of the
Interior, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Land
Management (referred to in this subsection as the `Secretary of
the Interior').
``(2) Acceptance of environmental reviews.--With respect to
an application to carry out emergency measures under this
section on land administered by the Secretary of the Interior,
the Secretary of the Interior may accept--
``(A) during a drought emergency, as determined by
the Secretary, an archeological review conducted by the
Department of Agriculture or a qualified contractor
that has been approved by the Secretary of the
Interior, for purposes of such an archeological review
required to be conducted;
``(B) an environmental review under the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et
seq.) conducted by the Department of Agriculture or a
qualified contractor that has been approved by the
Secretary of the Interior, for purposes of such an
environmental review required to be conducted; and
``(C) a review under the Endangered Species Act of
1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) conducted by the
Department of Agriculture or a qualified contractor
that has been approved by the Secretary of the
Interior, for purposes of such a review required to be
conducted.
``(g) Effect.--Nothing in this section authorizes the Secretary to
make a payment under this section to the Federal Government, a State,
or a unit of local government.''.
SEC. 2803. FERAL SWINE ERADICATION AND CONTROL PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Chapter 5 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food
Security Act of 1985 is amended by inserting after section 1240M (16
U.S.C. 3839bb) the following:
``SEC. 1240N. FERAL SWINE ERADICATION AND CONTROL PROGRAM.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a feral swine
eradication and control program (referred to in this section as the
`program') to respond to the threat feral swine pose to agriculture,
native ecosystems, and human and animal health.
``(b) Duties of the Secretary.--In carrying out the program, the
Secretary shall--
``(1) study and assess the nature and extent of damage
caused by feral swine to the areas described in subsection (e);
``(2) develop methods to eradicate or control feral swine
in those areas;
``(3) develop methods to restore damage caused by feral
swine; and
``(4) provide financial assistance to agricultural
producers in those areas.
``(c) Assistance.--The Secretary may provide financial assistance
to agricultural producers under the program to implement methods--
``(1) to eradicate or control feral swine in the areas
described in subsection (e); and
``(2) to restore damage caused by feral swine.
``(d) Coordination.--The Secretary shall ensure that the Natural
Resources Conservation Service and the Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service coordinate for purposes of this section through
State technical committees established under section 1261(a).
``(e) Areas.--The Secretary shall carry out the program in areas of
States in which feral swine have been identified as a threat to
agriculture, native ecosystems, or human or animal health, as
determined by the Secretary.
``(f) Cost Sharing.--
``(1) Federal share.--The Federal share of the costs of
activities under the program may not exceed 75 percent of the
total costs of such activities.
``(2) In-kind contributions.--The non-Federal share of the
costs of activities under the program may be provided in the
form of in-kind contributions of materials or services.
``(g) Funding.--
``(1) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds made available under
section 1241(a)(3)(A), the Secretary shall use to carry out
this section $150,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2027
through 2031.
``(2) Distribution of funds.--Of the funds made available
under paragraph (1)--
``(A) 40 percent shall be allocated to the Natural
Resources Conservation Service to carry out the
program, including the provision of financial
assistance to producers for on-farm trapping and
technology related to capturing and confining feral
swine; and
``(B) 60 percent shall be allocated to the Animal
and Plant Health Inspection Service to carry out the
program, including the use of established, and testing
of innovative, population reduction methods.
``(3) Limitation on administrative expenses.--Not more than
10 percent of funds made available under this section may be
used for administrative expenses of the program.''.
(b) Repeal.--
(1) In general.--Section 2408 of the Agriculture
Improvement Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C. 8351 note; Public Law 115-
334) is repealed.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of contents for the
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-334; 132
Stat. 4491) is amended by striking the item relating to section
2408.
(c) Termination of Program.--Effective on the date of enactment of
this Act, the feral swine eradication and control pilot program under
section 2408 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C. 8351
note; Public Law 115-334) (as in effect on the day before the date of
enactment of this Act) shall cease to be effective.
(d) Transitional Provisions.--
(1) Effect on existing financial assistance.--The cessation
of effectiveness under subsection (c) shall not affect the
validity or terms of any financial assistance made by the
Secretary under section 2408 of the Agriculture Improvement Act
of 2018 (7 U.S.C. 8351 note; Public Law 115-334) before the
date of enactment of this Act, or any payments, modifications,
or technical assistance required to be made in connection with
the financial assistance.
(2) Extension permitted.--Notwithstanding subsection (c),
the Secretary may extend for 1 year financial assistance
described in paragraph (1) if that financial assistance expires
on or before December 31, 2026, under the terms and payment
rate of the existing financial assistance and in accordance
with section 2408 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7
U.S.C. 8351 note; Public Law 115-334) (as in effect on the day
before the date of enactment of this Act).
(3) Renewal not permitted.--
(A) In general.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), and
subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary may not
renew financial assistance described in that paragraph.
(B) Exception.--The Secretary may renew financial
assistance described in paragraph (1)--
(i) if that financial assistance expires on
or after December 31, 2026;
(ii) under the terms of the feral swine
eradication and control program under section
1240N of the Food Security Act of 1985 (as
added by subsection (a)); and
(iii) subject to the limitation on funding
under subsection (g) of that section.
(e) Contract Administration.--Subject to subsection (d)(3), the
Secretary shall administer financial assistance described in subsection
(d)(1) until the expiration of the financial assistance in accordance
with the regulations to carry out the feral swine eradication and
control pilot program under section 2408 of the Agriculture Improvement
Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C. 8351 note; Public Law 115-334) (as in effect on
the day before the date of enactment of this Act) that are in effect on
the day before that date of enactment.
(f) Funding of Existing Financial Assistance.--Notwithstanding
subsections (b) and (c), any funds made available from the Commodity
Credit Corporation under section 2408(g) of the Agriculture Improvement
Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C. 8351 note; Public Law 115-334) (as in effect on
the day before the date of enactment of this Act) for fiscal years 2019
through 2026 shall be available to carry out--
(1) financial assistance described in subsection (d)(1) for
fiscal year 2027;
(2) financial assistance extended under subsection (d)(2);
and
(3) financial assistance under 1240N of the Food Security
Act of 1985 (as added by subsection (a)).
SEC. 2804. CONSERVATION OF PRIVATE GRAZING LAND.
Section 1240M(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3839bb(e)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 2805. STATE CONSERVATION ASSISTANCE.
Chapter 5 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of
1985 is amended by inserting after section 1240O (16 U.S.C. 3839bb-2)
the following:
``SEC. 1240P. STATE CONSERVATION ASSISTANCE.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Agricultural land.--The term `agricultural land'
means--
``(A) cropland;
``(B) grassland;
``(C) rangeland;
``(D) pasture land;
``(E) nonindustrial private forest land; and
``(F) other land in agricultural areas (including
wetlands, marshes, and agricultural land used or
capable of being used for the production of livestock),
as determined by the Secretary.
``(2) Conservation assistance program.--The term
`conservation assistance program' means a program implemented
by an Indian Tribe or State to improve soil health or wildlife
habitat or address other local resource concerns on
agricultural land that--
``(A) is broadly consistent with the conservation
principles of the Natural Resources Conservation
Service, as determined by the Secretary, including the
use of perennial grasses; and
``(B) may include--
``(i) technical assistance;
``(ii) financial assistance;
``(iii) on-farm research and demonstration;
``(iv) education, outreach, and training;
``(v) monitoring and evaluation; or
``(vi) such other components as the
Secretary determines to be appropriate.
``(3) Eligible indian tribe.--The term `eligible Indian
Tribe' means an Indian Tribe that is--
``(A) implementing a new or existing conservation
assistance program for the area over which the Indian
Tribe has jurisdiction; and
``(B) meeting or exceeding performance measures
established by the Indian Tribe for the program.
``(4) Eligible state.--The term `eligible State' means a
State that is--
``(A) implementing a new or existing conservation
assistance program for the State; and
``(B) meeting or exceeding performance measures
established by the State for the program.
``(b) Availability and Purpose of Grants.--For fiscal years 2027
through 2031, the Secretary shall make grants to eligible States and
eligible Indian Tribes for the purpose of improving soil health or
wildlife habitat or addressing other local resource concerns on
agricultural land through the implementation of State and Tribal
conservation assistance programs.
``(c) Applications.--
``(1) In general.--To receive a grant under this section,
an eligible State or eligible Indian Tribe shall submit to the
Secretary an application at such time, in such a manner, and
containing such information as the Secretary shall require,
which shall include--
``(A) a description of performance measures to be
used to evaluate the State or Tribal conservation
assistance program and the expected results of any
activities carried out using grant funds received under
this section; and
``(B) an assurance that grant funds received under
this section will supplement, and not supplant, the
expenditure of State or Tribal funds.
``(2) Tribal option.--An Indian Tribe shall have the
option, at the sole discretion of the Indian Tribe, to be
incorporated into the application submitted by an eligible
State under paragraph (1).
``(d) Grants.--
``(1) Amount.--The amount of a grant to an eligible State
or eligible Indian Tribe under this section for a fiscal year
shall not exceed the lesser of--
``(A) $10,000,000; and
``(B) 100 percent of the cost of implementing the
State or Tribal conservation assistance program in the
fiscal year.
``(2) Term.--A grant under this section shall be for a term
of not longer than 5 years at the discretion of the eligible
State or eligible Indian Tribe and may be renewed in accordance
with paragraph (3), and the eligible State or eligible Indian
Tribe shall expend the grant funds by the end of the term of
the grant.
``(3) Renewal.--If the Secretary determines that a grant
under this section has met or exceeded the objectives of the
State or Tribal conservation assistance program, the Secretary
may renew the grant for up to 5 years through an expedited
noncompetitive process.
``(4) Limitations.--
``(A) The Secretary may not condition a grant under
this section on the basis that a conservation
assistance program, or any requirement of such program,
differs from a requirement, guideline, technical
standard, or administrative directive of the Department
of Agriculture.
``(B) Nothing in this section shall prohibit the
Secretary from requiring compliance with applicable
Federal law or requirements governing the use of funds
made available under this section.
``(e) Audits and Reviews.--An eligible State or eligible Indian
Tribe receiving a grant under this section shall submit to the
Secretary--
``(1) for each year for which the State or Indian Tribe
receives such a grant, the results of an audit of the
expenditures of the grant funds; and
``(2) at such intervals as the Secretary shall establish, a
review and evaluation of the State or Tribal conservation
assistance program.
``(f) Effect of Noncompliance.--If the Secretary, after reasonable
notice to an eligible State or eligible Indian Tribe receiving a grant
under this section, finds that the State or Indian Tribe has failed to
comply with 1 or more terms of the grant, the Secretary may disqualify,
for 1 or more years, the State or Indian Tribe from receipt of future
grants under this section.
``(g) Administration.--
``(1) Department.--The Secretary shall not use more than 3
percent of the funds made available to carry out this section
for a fiscal year for administrative expenses.
``(2) States and indian tribes.--An eligible State or
eligible Indian Tribe receiving a grant under this section
shall not use more than 7 percent of the grant funds for a
fiscal year for administrative expenses.
``(h) Funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation,
the Secretary shall use to make grants under this section $50,000,000
for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.''.
SEC. 2806. NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE INITIATIVE.
The Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Natural Resources
Conservation Service, shall establish an initiative on white oak--
(1) to re-establish white oak forests where appropriate;
(2) to improve the management of existing white oak forests
to foster natural regeneration of white oak; and
(3) to provide technical assistance to private landowners
to re-establish, improve management of, and naturally
regenerate white oak.
TITLE III--TRADE
Subtitle A--Food for Peace Act
SEC. 3101. UNITED STATES POLICY.
Section 2(1) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1691(1)) is
amended by striking ``hunger and malnutrition'' and inserting ``hunger,
malnutrition, child wasting,''.
SEC. 3102. FOOD AID QUALITY ASSURANCE.
Section 202 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1722) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``of law'' and inserting
``of this Act'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``agricultural commodities
for nonemergency assistance'' and inserting
``nonemergency assistance, including in the
form of agricultural commodities,''; and
(ii) by striking ``the commodities'' and
inserting ``that assistance''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Supported activities.--Nonemergency food assistance
activities funded by this title may include activities to
support--
``(A) access to fertilizer and fertilizer
solutions; and
``(B) food resilience activities to prevent food
insecurity.'';
(3) in subsection (d)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
striking ``subsection (b) an'' and inserting
``subsection (b), an'';
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``or'' at the
end;
(C) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the
end and inserting ``; or''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) a nongovernmental organization, as determined by the
Administrator.'';
(4) in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Limitation on diversion of funds.--Of the funds made
available to the Administrator for each fiscal year under this
title, not more than 50 percent may be made available for
expenses other than--
``(A) the procurement of United States-grown
agricultural commodities; and
``(B) ocean transportation of those commodities.'';
(5) in subsection (f)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``of
Commodities''; and
(B) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``agricultural commodities
made available under this title are'' and
inserting ``assistance made available under
this title is''; and
(ii) by striking ``such commodities are''
and inserting ``that assistance is'';
(6) in subsection (h)(3), by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031''; and
(7) by adding at the end the following:
``(i) Country Selection.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary, in coordination with the
Secretary of State and in consultation with the Integrated Food
Security Phase Classification System, the annual Hunger Hot
Spots Report of the Food and Agriculture Organization, the
Economic Research Service, and the Famine Early Warning Systems
Network, shall determine the countries that are eligible for
the Food for Peace program under this Act after identifying
countries and populations with the most acute food insecurity
and the greatest need for food assistance from the United
States for both emergency and non-emergency awards.
``(2) Coordination.--The Secretary shall consult with the
Secretary of State to ensure, with respect to countries
selected under paragraph (1), coordination with disaster and
humanitarian assistance programs and other food security
programs.
``(3) Responding to humanitarian needs.--The Secretary
shall use all mechanisms, including the procurement of locally
and regionally produced food and market-based mechanisms, to
respond to time-sensitive food crises.''.
SEC. 3103. REPEAL OF MINIMUM LEVELS OF ASSISTANCE.
(a) In General.--Section 204 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C.
1724) is repealed.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 302(c)(1) of the Bill Emerson
Humanitarian Trust Act (7 U.S.C. 1736f-1(c)(1)) is amended by striking
subparagraph (D).
SEC. 3104. FOOD AID CONSULTATIVE GROUP.
Section 205(f) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1725(f)) is
amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 3105. PROGRAM OVERSIGHT, MONITORING, AND EVALUATION.
Section 207(f)(4) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1726a(f)(4))
is amended by striking ``2023'' each place it appears and inserting
``2031''.
SEC. 3106. INTERNATIONAL FOOD RELIEF PARTNERSHIP.
Section 208 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1726b) is amended
by striking subsection (f) and inserting the following:
``(f) Availability of Appropriations.--In addition to amounts
otherwise made available to carry out this section, of the funds made
available to the Administrator for each fiscal year under this title,
not less than $15,000,000 shall be made available in each of fiscal
years 2027 through 2031 to carry out this section, to remain available
until expended.''.
SEC. 3107. USE OF COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION.
Section 406 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736) is amended by
striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
``(b) Included Expenses.--With respect to commodities made
available under titles II and III, the Commodity Credit Corporation may
pay all associated and incidental costs of those commodities.''.
SEC. 3108. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.
(a) Technical Corrections.--
(1) Food for peace act technical corrections.--
(A) Section 404(c)(2)(C) of the Food for Peace Act
(7 U.S.C. 1734(c)(2)(C)) is amended by striking ``need
for a 1 year'' and inserting ``need for a 1-year''.
(B) Section 414(b) of the Food for Peace Act (7
U.S.C. 1736g-1(b)) is amended by striking ``section
481(i)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961)'' and
inserting ``section 481(e) of the Foreign Assistance
Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2291(e)))''.
(C) Section 501(b)(2)(A)(viii) of the Food for
Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1737(b)(2)(A)(viii)) is amended by
adding a semicolon at the end.
(2) Correcting improper amendment.--
(A) In general.--Section 216 of the Federal
Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (Public
Law 104-127; 110 Stat. 957) is amended--
(i) in paragraph (2), in the matter
preceding subparagraph (A), by striking ``(c)''
and inserting ``(b)'';
(ii) in paragraph (3), in the matter
preceding subparagraph (A), by striking ``(d)''
and inserting ``(c)'';
(iii) in paragraph (4), in the matter
preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``(g)(2)'' and inserting ``(f)(2)''; and
(iv) in paragraph (5), by striking ``(h)''
and inserting ``(g)''.
(B) Effective date.--The amendments made by
subparagraph (A) shall take effect as if enacted in the
Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996
(Public Law 104-127; 110 Stat. 888).
(b) Administrative Provisions.--Section 407 of the Food for Peace
Act (7 U.S.C. 1736a) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by indenting subparagraph (B)
appropriately; and
(B) in paragraph (4)(A), by striking ``2023'' each
place it appears and inserting ``2031''; and
(2) in subsection (f)--
(A) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking subparagraph (H) and
inserting the following:
``(H) A statement of the amount of funds provided
to each eligible organization that received assistance
under this Act and the manner in which those funds were
used, including whether such use was for commodity
transportation or administrative costs.'';
(ii) in subparagraph (I)--
(I) by striking ``section 202(e),
406(b)(6), and 407(c)(1)(B)'' and
inserting ``subsection (c)(1)(B) or
section 202(e)''; and
(II) by striking ``such section''
and inserting ``such provision'';
(iii) by redesignating subparagraphs (E)
through (I) as subparagraphs (F) through (J),
respectively;
(iv) by inserting after subparagraph (D)
the following:
``(E) An assessment of activities specifically
targeting women and girls and the impact of those
activities in addressing the unique needs of women and
girls.''; and
(v) by adding at the end the following:
``(K) A description of the waste, spoilage, or
destruction of any commodities, including the amounts,
value, and circumstances of such waste, spoilage, or
destruction.''; and
(B) by striking paragraph (3).
SEC. 3109. EXPIRATION DATE.
Section 408 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736b) is amended
by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 3110. MINIMUM LEVEL OF NONEMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE.
Section 412(e)(1) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736f(e)(1))
is amended by striking ``2019 through 2023'' and inserting ``2027
through 2031''.
SEC. 3111. MICRONUTRIENT FORTIFICATION PROGRAMS.
Section 415(c) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736g-2(c)) is
amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 3112. PLAN AND TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS OF FOOD FOR PEACE TO
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
(a) Statement of Policy.--
(1) Purpose.--The purpose of United States international
food assistance programs is to respond to food security crises
while supporting the growth of healthier, more stable societies
with which the United States can engage in enduring security,
development, and trade partnerships and eventually end the need
for such assistance.
(2) Food for peace.--The Food for Peace program under the
Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1691 et seq.) has been, and
remains, a critical element of United States international food
assistance programs by--
(A) providing lifesaving, nutritious agricultural
commodities to people in need;
(B) enabling small holder farmers to become more
resilient to food shocks;
(C) catalyzing agriculture-led economic growth; and
(D) opening markets for United States agricultural
products.
(3) Alignment.--It is the policy of the United States to be
fully aligned with the humanitarian, development, and economic
growth programs of the United States authorized under the
Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151 et seq.).
(b) Plan and Transfer of Functions.--The Food for Peace Act (7
U.S.C. 1691 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``TITLE VII--TRANSFER PROVISIONS
``SEC. 701. DEFINITIONS.
``In this title:
``(1) Appropriate committee of congress.--The term
`appropriate committee of Congress' includes--
``(A) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the
Senate;
``(B) the Committee on Appropriations of the
Senate; and
``(C) the Committee on Appropriations of the House
of Representatives.
``(2) Plan.--The term `Plan' means the transfer and
reorganization plan submitted under section 702(a).
``SEC. 702. PLAN AND TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS.
``(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this title, the Secretary, in consultation with the
Secretary of State, shall submit a transfer and reorganization plan to
the appropriate committees of Congress describing the administration of
this Act by the Secretary, including--
``(1) steps that the Secretary will take to internally
reorganize the Department of Agriculture to carry out the
functions transferred to it under the Plan in accordance with
subsection (b) and other United States international food
assistance programs managed by the Department of Agriculture,
including--
``(A) consolidating offices and functions;
``(B) establishing new offices and functions; and
``(C) carrying out associated staffing plans for
each such office and function, including domestic and
overseas recruitment and staffing plans to ensure
efficient and effective planning, execution, and
monitoring and evaluation of programs;
``(2) the funds that shall be transferred from the
Department of State to the Department of Agriculture to carry
out the functions transferred under the Plan;
``(3) the proposed disposition of the property, facilities,
contracts, records, and other assets and liabilities of the
Department of State in connection with the transfer of
functions under the Plan, if applicable;
``(4) the actions that are necessary or planned to complete
the transfer and reorganization of the applicable programs and
funds;
``(5) the anticipated nature and substance of any orders,
directives, and other administrative and operational actions
that are expected to be required for completing or implementing
the Plan; and
``(6) any preliminary actions that have been taken to
initiate the Plan.
``(b) Transfer of Functions and Other Authorities.--Under the Plan,
the functions, duties, responsibilities, congressional reporting
requirements, and privileges of the Administrator relating to carrying
out any authority under this Act shall be carried out by the Secretary.
``(c) Interim Interagency Agreement.--The interagency agreement
between the Department of State and the Department of Agriculture
relating to administration of this Act as of the date of enactment of
this title shall be extended until the Plan has been submitted by the
Secretary to the appropriate committees of Congress under subsection
(a).
``(d) Effective Date.--The Plan shall go into effect on the date
that is 15 days after the date on which the Secretary submits the Plan
to the appropriate committees of Congress under subsection (a).
``(e) References.--Any reference to the Administrator or the United
States Agency for International Development in any provision of law or
regulation relating to the functions, duties, or functions transferred
pursuant to the Plan shall be deemed to be a reference to the Secretary
or to any department or office of the Department of Agriculture to
which the Secretary assigns such functions, duties, or
responsibilities, respectively.
``(f) Authorities.--Subject to the requirements under this section,
any existing statutory authorities available to the Administrator on
the date of enactment of this title that have or could have been used
by the Administrator to implement the functions, duties, or
responsibilities of the United States Agency for International
Development relating to implementing or administering this Act shall
apply to the Secretary in the manner such authorities applied to the
Administrator on the day before the date of enactment of this title.
``(g) Transfer Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this title, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report that includes, with respect to the
reporting period, a description of the administration and
implementation of this Act by the Secretary, including--
``(1) the functions, duties, responsibilities,
congressional reporting requirements, and privileges that have
been transferred to the Department of Agriculture;
``(2) an implementation and coordination plan, developed in
coordination with the Secretary of State, for United States
international food security assistance programs managed jointly
by the Department of State and the Department of Agriculture;
``(3) a budget analysis of the estimated costs and
potential savings related to the implementation of this Act by
the Secretary; and
``(4) personnel data, including the number of staff hired,
detailed, contracted, or working on the program under this Act,
including during the duration of the Interagency Agreement
described in subsection (c).
``SEC. 703. COORDINATION.
``The Secretary shall coordinate with the Secretary of State in
carrying out--
``(1) the authorities under title II in support of the
Global Food Security Strategy; and
``(2) disaster and humanitarian assistance programs.''.
SEC. 3113. JOHN OGONOWSKI AND DOUG BEREUTER FARMER-TO-FARMER PROGRAM.
Section 501 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1737) is amended by
striking ``2023'' each place it appears and inserting ``2031''.
Subtitle B--Agricultural Trade Act of 1978
SEC. 3201. PRESERVING FOREIGN MARKETS FOR GOODS USING COMMON NAMES.
(a) Definitions.--Section 102 of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978
(7 U.S.C. 5602) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``As
used in this Act--'' and inserting ``In this Act:'';
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (8) as
paragraphs (3), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), and (4), respectively,
and moving the paragraphs so as to appear in numerical order;
(3) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) Common name.--
``(A) In general.--The term `common name' means a
name that, as determined by the Secretary--
``(i) is ordinarily or customarily used for
an agricultural commodity or food product;
``(ii) is typically placed on the packaging
and product label of the agricultural commodity
or food product;
``(iii) with respect to wine--
``(I) is--
``(aa) ordinarily or
customarily used for a wine
grape varietal name; or
``(bb) a traditional term
or expression that is typically
placed on the packaging and
label of the wine; and
``(II) does not mean any
appellation of origin for wine listed
in subpart C of part 9 of title 27,
Code of Federal Regulations (or
successor regulations); and
``(iv) the use of which is consistent with
standards of the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
``(B) Examples.--The following names shall be
considered common names under subparagraph (A):
``(i) With respect to food products:
american, asiago, basmati, black forest ham,
blue, blue vein, bologna, bologne, bratwurst,
brie, burrata, camembert, capicola, capocollo,
cheddar, chevre, chorizo, colby, cottage
cheese, coulommiers, cream cheese, danbo, edam,
emmental, feta, fontina, gorgonzola, gouda,
grana, gruyere, havarti, kielbasa, limburger
and limburgo, mascarpone, monterey and monterey
jack, mortadella, munster and muenster,
neufchatel, parmesan, pancetta, pecorino,
pepper jack, prosciutto, provolone, ricotta,
romano, saint-paulin, salame, salami, samso,
swiss, tilsiter, and tomme.
``(ii) With respect to wine:
``(I) The list of grape varietal
terms in section 4.91 of title 27, Code
of Federal Regulations (or a successor
regulation).
``(II) The grape varietal
designations administratively approved
by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and
Trade Bureau.
``(III) The following nonvarietal
descriptors: chateau, classic, clos,
cream, crusted and crusting, noble,
ruby, sur lie, tawny, vintage, and
vintage character.
``(iii) With respect to beer: bitter, pale
ale, india pale ale, mild, porter, stout,
barleywine, dubbel, quadruple, witbier, saison,
biere de garde, oud red, altbier, weisse, gose,
hefeweizen, dunkel, helles, rauchbier,
pilsener, maerzen, schwarzbier, doppelbock,
bock, kellerbier, munchener and munich style,
oktoberfest, dortmunder, kolsch and koelsch,
cream, grodziskie, lager.
``(C) Considerations.--In making a determination
under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may take into
account--
``(i) competent sources, such as
dictionaries, newspapers, professional journals
and literature, and information posted on
websites that are determined by the Secretary
to be reliable in reporting market information;
``(ii) the use of the common name in a
domestic, regional, or international product
standard, including a standard promulgated by
the Codex Alimentarius Commission, for the
agricultural commodity or food product; and
``(iii) the ordinary and customary use of
the common name in the production or marketing
of the agricultural commodity or food product
in the United States or in other countries.
``(D) Rule of construction.--The enumeration of
certain names under subparagraph (B) shall not limit or
restrict the ability of the Secretary to determine,
consistent with subparagraph (A), that any other name
is a common name under subparagraph (A).''; and
(4) in paragraph (7) (as so redesignated), in subparagraph
(A)--
(A) in clause (iv)(II), by inserting a closing
parenthesis before the semicolon at the end;
(B) in clause (v), by striking ``or'' at the end;
(C) in clause (vi), by striking the period at the
end and inserting ``; or''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(vii) prohibits or disallows the use of
the common name of an agricultural commodity or
food product of the United States.''.
(b) Negotiations to Defend Use of Common Names.--Title III of the
Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5652 et seq.) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 303. NEGOTIATIONS TO DEFEND THE USE OF COMMON NAMES.
``The Secretary shall advise and support the efforts of the United
States Trade Representative to secure the right of United States
agricultural producers, processors, and exporters to use common names
for agricultural commodities or food products in foreign markets
through the negotiation by the United States Trade Representative of
bilateral, plurilateral, or multilateral agreements, memoranda of
understanding, or exchanges of letters that assure the current and
future use of each common name identified by the Secretary in
connection with United States agricultural commodities or food
products.''.
(c) Rule of Construction.--None of the amendments made by this
section--
(1) limit the ability of the United States Trade
Representative to negotiate trade agreements; or
(2) require the United States Trade Representative to
condition any trade agreement on the inclusion of language
relating to the use of common names.
SEC. 3202. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO IMPROVE INFRASTRUCTURE IN FOREIGN
MARKETS FOR UNITED STATES AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES.
Section 203(c) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C.
5623(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Technical assistance to improve infrastructure in
foreign markets for united states agricultural commodities.--
``(A) In general.--As part of the program
established under this subsection, the Secretary shall
enter into contracts or other agreements with eligible
trade organizations to provide needs assessments,
training, and other technical assistance to enhance the
capabilities of infrastructure in new and developing
foreign markets, including infrastructure relating to
cold chain capacity, port improvements, and other
developments, to ensure that United States agricultural
commodities are not damaged or lost due to deficiencies
of that infrastructure.
``(B) Funds.--
``(i) Authorization of appropriations.--
``(I) In general.--There is
authorized to be appropriated to carry
out this paragraph $1,000,000 for each
of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
``(II) Rule of construction.--
Subject to subclause (III), amounts
authorized to be appropriated under
this subparagraph may be used only for
the purposes described in subparagraph
(A).
``(III) Availability.--Amounts
authorized to be appropriated under
this subparagraph that are not
obligated by the end of the applicable
fiscal year shall be made available to
carry out the program established under
this subsection in the subsequent
fiscal year.
``(ii) Limitation from other funds.--
Beginning in fiscal year 2027, in addition to
the amounts made available under clause (i), of
the amounts made available to carry out the
program established under this subsection, not
more than $1,500,000 may be made available in a
fiscal year for the purposes described in
subparagraph (A).''.
SEC. 3203. REPORT ON COMPETITIVENESS OF UNITED STATES EXPORTS OF
SPECIALTY CROPS.
Section 203(e) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C.
5623(e)) is amended by striking paragraph (7) and inserting the
following:
``(7) Annual report.--
``(A) In general.--Each year, the Secretary, in
consultation with the United States Trade
Representative, shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report detailing the
competitiveness of United States exports of specialty
crops.
``(B) Elements.--Each report required under
subparagraph (A) shall--
``(i) identify and analyze acts, policies,
or practices of foreign countries that
constitute significant barriers to, or
distortions of, United States exports of
specialty crops, including the imposition of--
``(I) tariffs (including
retaliatory tariffs) and quotas
(including tariff-rate quotas); and
``(II) nontariff barriers,
including technical barriers to trade,
sanitary and phytosanitary measures,
import licensing procedures, and
subsidies;
``(ii) in conjunction with the United
States International Trade Commission, make an
estimate--
``(I) of the impacts on the
competitiveness of United States
exports of specialty crops of any act,
policy, or practice identified under
clause (i); and
``(II) if feasible, of the value of
additional specialty crops that would,
during the year preceding submission of
the report, have been exported from the
United States to each foreign country
an act, policy, or practice of which is
identified under clause (i) if each
that act, policy, or practice of that
country did not exist;
``(iii) assess the extent to which each
act, policy, or practice identified under
clause (i) is subject to international
agreements to which the United States is a
party;
``(iv) include information, provided by the
United States Trade Representative, with
respect to any action taken by the executive
branch during the year preceding submission of
the report to eliminate any act, policy, or
practice identified under clause (i),
including--
``(I) any action under section 301;
and
``(II) action under a trade
agreement, including at the World Trade
Organization (such as engagement
through committees, negotiations,
consultations, and dispute settlement
actions); and
``(v) a description of--
``(I) any funds provided under
subsection (f)(3)(A)(iv) that were not
obligated in the fiscal year preceding
submission of the report; and
``(II) the reason those funds were
not obligated.
``(C) Comment period.--In preparing the report
required under subparagraph (A), the Secretary, in
coordination with the United States Trade
Representative, shall seek and consider comments from
the public and the Agricultural Technical Advisory
Committee for Trade in Fruits and Vegetables.
``(D) Form of report.--The report required under
subparagraph (A) shall be made available to the public
in machine-readable format.
``(E) Congressional briefing.--Not later than 30
days after a report is made publicly available under
subparagraph (D), the Secretary shall provide a
briefing on any classified information not included in
the public report to--
``(i) the Committee on Agriculture,
Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate;
``(ii) the Committee on Agriculture of the
House of Representatives;
``(iii) the Committee on Finance of the
Senate; and
``(iv) the Committee on Ways and Means of
the House of Representatives.''.
SEC. 3204. DEFINITION OF SPECIALTY CROPS.
Section 203(e) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C.
5623(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(8) Definition of specialty crop.--In this subsection,
the term `specialty crop' has the meaning given the term in
section 3 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7
U.S.C. 1621 note; Public Law 108-465).''.
SEC. 3205. AGRICULTURAL TRADE PROMOTION AND FACILITATION.
(a) In General.--Section 203(f) of the Agricultural Trade Act of
1978 (7 U.S.C. 5623(f)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking ``For each'' and inserting the
following:
``(A) Fiscal years 2019 through 2026.--For each'';
(B) in subparagraph (A) (as so designated), by
striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2026''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Fiscal year 2027.--For fiscal year 2027, of
the funds of, or an equal value of commodities owned
by, the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary
shall use to carry out this section $515,000,000, to
remain available until expended.
``(C) Fiscal year 2028 and each fiscal year
thereafter.--For fiscal year 2028 and each fiscal year
thereafter, of the funds of, or an equal value of
commodities owned by, the Commodity Credit Corporation,
the Secretary shall use to carry out this section
$533,000,000, to remain available until expended.'';
and
(2) in paragraph (3)(A)--
(A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking
``2023'' and inserting ``2031'';
(B) in clause (i), by striking ``not less than''
and all that follows through the period at the end and
inserting the following: ``not less than--
``(I) $200,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2019 through 2026;
``(II) $421,000,000 for fiscal year
2027; and
``(III) $437,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2028 through 2031.''; and
(C) in clause (ii), by striking ``not less than''
and all that follows through the period at the end and
inserting the following: ``not less than--
``(I) $34,500,000 for fiscal year
2026;
``(II) $73,500,000 for fiscal year
2027; and
``(III) $75,500,000 for each of
fiscal years 2028 through 2031.''.
(b) Repeals.--
(1) In general.--The following provisions of law are
repealed:
(A) Section 718 of title VII of the Agriculture,
Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and
Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 (Public Law
105-277; 112 Stat. 2681-27).
(B) Section 10602 of Public Law 119-21 (7 U.S.C.
5623a).
(2) Conforming amendment.--The table of contents in section
1 of Public Law 119-21 (139 Stat. 73) is amended by striking
the item relating to section 10602.
SEC. 3206. INTERAGENCY SEASONAL AND PERISHABLE FRUITS AND VEGETABLE
WORKING GROUP.
Subtitle B of title IV of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7
U.S.C. 5671 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 418. INTERAGENCY SEASONAL AND PERISHABLE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
WORKING GROUP.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary, the United States Trade
Representative, the Secretary of Commerce, and the heads of other
Federal agencies or entities as determined to be appropriate by the
Secretary, shall jointly establish an interagency working group
(referred to in this section as the `working group') composed of
representatives from each such agency to monitor and assess, on an
ongoing basis, trade data and related information on seasonal and
perishable fruits and vegetables.
``(b) Consultation.--The working group shall consult with the
Agricultural Trade Advisory Committee on Fruits and Vegetables,
relevant seasonal or perishable agricultural producers, and other
relevant trade associations to identify threats that imports pose to
domestic producers of seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables.
``(c) Trade Actions and Investigations.--The working group shall
coordinate, as appropriate, regarding potential additional trade
actions and investigations with respect to any seasonal or perishable
fruits and vegetables, as determined to be advisable by the working
group.
``(d) Recommendations to the Secretary.--The working group shall
recommend programs or assistance that the Secretary may provide to
producers of seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables to promote
domestic competitiveness or address market impacts.''.
Subtitle C--Other Agricultural Trade Laws
SEC. 3301. FOOD FOR PROGRESS ACT OF 1985.
The Food for Progress Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1736o) is amended--
(1) in subsection (f)--
(A) in paragraph (5), by striking ``of eligible''
and inserting ``of''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) Prohibition on single commodity or single country.--
``(A) Commodity.--In making sales of eligible
commodities under this section, the Secretary shall
purchase more than 1 eligible commodity type in each
fiscal year.
``(B) Country.--In entering into agreements under
this section, the Secretary shall designate more than 1
country recipient in each fiscal year.'';
(2) in subsection (g), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031'';
(3) in subsection (k), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031'';
(4) in subsection (l)(1)--
(A) by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031'';
and
(B) by striking ``(or, in the case of fiscal year
1999, $12,000,000)''; and
(5) in subsection (p)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2024'' and
inserting ``2032''; and
(C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``2019 through
2023'' and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.
SEC. 3302. BILL EMERSON HUMANITARIAN TRUST ACT.
Section 302 of the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act (7 U.S.C.
1736f-1) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(2)(B)(i), by striking ``2023'' each
place it appears and inserting ``2031'';
(2) in subsection (c)(1)(C), by striking ``of that'' and
inserting ``of the Food for Peace'';
(3) in subsection (d)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by adding ``and'' after
the semicolon at the end; and
(B) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``; and'' at
the end and inserting a period; and
(4) in subsection (h)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2026'' and
inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 3303. MCGOVERN-DOLE INTERNATIONAL FOOD FOR EDUCATION AND CHILD
NUTRITION PROGRAM.
Section 3107 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
(7 U.S.C. 1736o-1) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(2)(B)(ii), in the matter preceding
subclause (I), by inserting ``or lower-middle'' before
``income'';
(2) in subsection (h)(2), by striking ``Committee on
International Relations'' and inserting ``Committee on Foreign
Affairs''; and
(3) in subsection (l)--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031''; and
(B) in paragraph (4), by striking ``not more than
10 percent'' and inserting ``not less than 8 percent,
but not more than 15 percent,''.
SEC. 3304. INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.
Section 3307 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C.
3295) is amended--
(1) in subsection (g)(1), by striking ``2019 through 2023''
and inserting ``2027 through 2031'';
(2) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (h); and
(3) by inserting after subsection (f) the following:
``(g) Program Continuity.--To assist eligible countries in the
long-term development of enduring, school-based agricultural education
and youth extension programs, the Secretary shall, to the maximum
extent practicable--
``(1) implement the fellowship program in each
participating host country for not fewer than 3 consecutive
years; and
``(2) ensure that contracts awarded to outside
organizations are multiyear contracts.''.
SEC. 3305. INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURE CULTURAL IMMERSION AND EXCHANGE
PROGRAM.
Subtitle C of title III of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018
(Public Law 115-334; 132 Stat. 4617) is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``SEC. 3313. INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURE CULTURAL IMMERSION AND EXCHANGE
PROGRAM.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Eligible candidate.--The term `eligible candidate'
means an individual that--
``(A) is between the ages of 19 and 30 years;
``(B) has demonstrated experience in agricultural
sciences, food systems, and food and nutrition
education;
``(C) is prepared to live in 1 or more host
countries for at least 2 months or up to 6 months; and
``(D) is a resident of the United States.
``(2) Eligible country.--The term `eligible country' means
a country that has agricultural trade relations with the United
States, as recognized by the Foreign Agriculture Service.
``(3) Program.--The term `Program' means the International
Agriculture Cultural Immersion and Exchange Program established
under subsection (b).
``(b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish an
international cultural immersion and exchange program, to be known as
the `International Agriculture Cultural Immersion and Exchange
Program', under which the Secretary shall--
``(1) provide eligible candidates with international
cultural exchange and immersion experiences focused on
agricultural sciences, food systems, and food and nutrition
education through placement with host families in eligible
countries; and
``(2) place in the United States with host families
individuals that meet the requirement of subsection (a)(1)(A)
and are residents of eligible countries to experience United
States agriculture, trade relations, and culture.
``(c) Purposes.--The purposes of the Program are--
``(1) to develop globally minded citizens of the United
States; and
``(2) to strengthen and enhance trade between eligible
countries and the United States in agricultural, food,
nutrition, and environmental industries.
``(d) Cooperative Agreement.--
``(1) In general.--To administer the Program, the Secretary
shall enter into a cooperative agreement with a nonprofit
organization that has experience in implementing international
cultural exchange programs focused on agricultural sciences,
food and nutrition education, and cultural understanding
through placement with host families.
``(2) Priority.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the
Secretary shall give priority to a nonprofit organization with
which the Secretary has a memorandum of understanding dated not
earlier than January 1, 2019.
``(3) Matching funds.--As a condition of entering into a
cooperative agreement under this subsection, a nonprofit
organization shall provide equal matching funds from non-
Federal sources.
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to
carry out this section.''.
SEC. 3306. INTERNATIONAL FOOD SECURITY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.
Section 1543B(f) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade
Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 1736dd(f)) is amended by striking ``2019 through
2023'' and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.
SEC. 3307. GLOBAL CROP DIVERSITY TRUST.
Section 3202 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (22
U.S.C. 2220a note; Public Law 110-246) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the
following:
``(1) In general.--For the period of fiscal years 2027
through 2031, the aggregate contributions of funds of the
Federal Government provided to the Trust under this section
shall not exceed 33 percent of the total amount of funds
contributed to the Trust from all sources and for all
purposes.''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by inserting ``under this section''
after ``Trust''; and
(ii) by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''; and
(2) in subsection (c), by striking ``2014 through 2023''
and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.
SEC. 3308. LOCAL AND REGIONAL FOOD AID PROCUREMENT PROJECTS.
Section 3206(e)(1) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of
2008 (7 U.S.C. 1726c(e)(1)) is amended by striking ``2019 through
2023'' and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.
Subtitle D--Reports
SEC. 3401. REPORT ON THE DOMESTIC COMPETITIVENESS OF UNITED STATES-
GROWN AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary, in coordination with the United
States Trade Representative and the United States International Trade
Commission, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a
report analyzing the competitiveness of agricultural commodities
produced in the United States in the domestic market.
(b) Elements.--The report required under subsection (a) shall--
(1) identify agricultural commodities produced in the
United States that experience injury from competition with
increased imports of foreign-produced agricultural commodities,
including an analysis of domestic market share trends;
(2) identify and analyze acts, policies, or practices of
foreign countries that unfairly enhance the competitiveness of
imported agricultural commodities against domestically produced
agricultural commodities, including--
(A) the subsidization of exports from the producing
country; and
(B) the lack or circumvention of labor and
environmental laws or protections in the producing
country;
(3) if feasible, make an estimate of--
(A) the injury to domestic producers and United
States industry, including the extent to which United
States production--
(i) is displaced;
(ii) declines in profitability; or
(iii) experiences impacts to its long-term
viability; and
(B) the value of commodities identified under
paragraph (1) that would, during the year preceding
submission of the report, have been sold in the United
States if each act, policy, or practice of foreign
countries identified under paragraph (2) did not exist;
(4) assess the extent to which each act, policy, or
practice identified under paragraph (2) is subject to 1 or more
international agreements to which the United States is a party;
(5) include information, provided by the United States
Trade Representative, with respect to any action taken by the
executive branch during the year preceding submission of the
report to enhance the domestic competitiveness of agricultural
commodities identified in paragraph (1) and counter any act,
policy, or practice identified under paragraph (2), including--
(A) any action under section 201 or 301 of the
Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5621, 5652);
and
(B) action under a trade agreement, including at
the World Trade Organization (such as engagement
through committees, negotiations, consultations, and
dispute settlement actions); and
(6) include recommendations for administrative, regulatory,
or legislative actions to promote the competitiveness of United
States-produced agricultural commodities in the domestic market
against imports of foreign-produced agricultural commodities.
(c) Form of Report.--The report required under subsection (a) shall
be made available to the public in machine-readable format.
(d) Congressional Briefing.--Not later than 30 days after a report
is made publicly available under subsection (c), the Secretary shall
provide a briefing on any classified information not included in the
public report to--
(1) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
of the Senate;
(2) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives;
(3) the Committee on Finance of the Senate; and
(4) the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of
Representatives.
SEC. 3402. REPORT ON INTERNATIONAL SHRIMP TRADE.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States
shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry,
the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, and the
Committee on Finance of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture,
the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and the Committee on Ways and
Means of the House of Representatives a report that examines policy
options available to the Secretary to boost the competitiveness of
domestic shrimp in global and domestic markets.
(b) Contents.--The report required under subsection (a) shall--
(1) include an analysis of--
(A) the authority of the Secretary with regard to
shrimp and other seafood products;
(B) access to financial support programs by
domestic shrimp and other seafood producers; and
(C) ways to facilitate interagency coordination
under existing authorities around common goals for
shrimp and other seafood commodities with respect to
tariffs, market access policies, and other nontariff
barriers; and
(2) identify trade or other legal barriers to United States
shrimp and seafood production that are maintained by trading
partners and may significantly impede United States production
or exports.
TITLE IV--NUTRITION
Subtitle A--Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SEC. 4101. ELIGIBLE FOOD.
Section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (k)(1)--
(A) by inserting ``hot rotisserie chicken and''
before ``those authorized'';
(B) by striking ``clauses'' and inserting
``paragraphs''; and
(C) by striking ``of this subsection''; and
(2) in subsection (q)(2)--
(A) by striking ``include accessory'' and inserting
the following: ``include--
``(A) accessory'';
(B) in subparagraph (A) (as so designated), by
striking the period at the end and inserting ``; or'';
and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) hot rotisserie chicken.''.
SEC. 4102. STATE COST SHARE DELAY.
Section 4(a)(2)(B) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
2013(a)(2)(B)) is amended--
(1) in clause (i), in the matter preceding subclause (I),
by striking ``clause (iii), beginning in fiscal year 2028'' and
inserting ``clauses (iii) and (iv), beginning in fiscal year
2029 and for each fiscal year thereafter'';
(2) in clause (ii)--
(A) in subclause (I)--
(i) in the subclause heading, by striking
``2028'' and inserting ``2029'';
(ii) by striking ``2028'' and inserting
``2029''; and
(iii) by striking ``2025 or 2026'' and
inserting ``2026 or 2027''; and
(B) in subclause (II)--
(i) in the subclause heading, by striking
``2029'' and inserting ``2030''; and
(ii) by striking ``2029'' and inserting
``2030'';
(3) in clause (iii)--
(A) by striking subclause (II);
(B) by striking the clause designation and heading
and all that follows through ``fiscal year 2025'' in
subclause (I) and inserting the following:
``(iii) Delayed implementation.--If, for
each of fiscal years 2025 and 2026''; and
(C) by striking ``2029'' and inserting ``2030'';
and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(iv) State share.--If, for fiscal year
2031 and each fiscal year thereafter, the
payment error rate of a State as determined
under clause (ii) is equal to or greater than
10 percent, the Federal share of the cost of
the allotment described in paragraph (1) for
that State in that fiscal year shall be 80
percent, and the State share shall be 20
percent.''.
SEC. 4103. FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON INDIAN RESERVATIONS.
(a) Traditional and Locally- and Regionally-grown Food Fund.--
Section 4(b)(6)(E) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
2013(b)(6)(E)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
(b) Increasing Tribal Input on Nutrition.--
(1) In general.--Section 4(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act
of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2013(b)) is amended--
(A) by striking ``tribal organization'' each place
it appears and inserting ``Tribal organization'';
(B) by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph
(9); and
(C) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following:
``(7) Tribal inclusion in contracting process.--Prior to
conducting evaluation of contracts under the food distribution
program on Indian reservations under this subsection, the
Secretary shall--
``(A) consult with Indian Tribes and Tribal
organizations and ensure their feedback is integrated
into the evaluation; and
``(B) consider feedback from Indian Tribes and
Tribal organizations throughout the evaluation process.
``(8) Supply chain disruptions.--
``(A) Definition of supply chain disruption.--
``(i) In general.--In this paragraph, the
term `supply chain disruption' means a shortage
of foods that impedes the distribution of
commodities, as determined by the Secretary.
``(ii) Inclusion.--The term `supply chain
disruption' includes a supplemental food
shortage due to a multifood warehouse issue
that affects contracting, production,
manufacture, sourcing, procurement,
transportation, or storage of food and impedes
the function of the food distribution program
on Indian reservations under this subsection,
as determined by the Secretary.
``(B) Emergency assistance.--If the Secretary
determines that there is a supply chain disruption, the
Secretary--
``(i) shall, not later than 45 days after
the date on which the Secretary makes that
determination, designate an emergency warehouse
contractor to provide the required food
capacity in a timely manner; and
``(ii) may provide direct payments or
reimbursements to an Indian Tribe or Tribal
organization administering the food
distribution program on Indian reservations
under this subsection to purchase food in
accordance with subparagraph (D).
``(C) Payments.--The total amount of payments
provided under subparagraph (B)(ii) to an Indian Tribe
or Tribal organization shall not exceed the amount of
funding that the Secretary would otherwise expend for
that Indian Tribe or Tribal organization during the
same time period under the food distribution program on
Indian reservations under this subsection.
``(D) Procurement of agricultural commodities.--
``(i) In general.--Any agricultural
commodities purchased by an Indian Tribe or
Tribal organization using payments under
subparagraph (B)(ii) shall satisfy the
conditions described in clause (ii), unless
waived by the Secretary.
``(ii) Conditions described.--The
conditions referred to in clause (i) for
agricultural commodities are the following:
``(I) The agricultural commodities
are domestically produced.
``(II) The agricultural commodities
supplant, not supplement, the type of
agricultural commodities in existing
food packages for that Indian Tribe or
Tribal organization.
``(III) The agricultural
commodities are of similar or higher
nutritional value as the type of
agricultural commodities that would be
supplanted in the existing food package
for that Indian Tribe or Tribal
organization.
``(IV) The agricultural commodities
meet any other criteria determined by
the Secretary.
``(E) Notification; publication.--If the Secretary
designates an emergency warehouse contractor under
subparagraph (B)(i), the Secretary shall--
``(i) notify each affected Tribal
organization or State agency of the
designation, including an explanation of the
determination of the Secretary of a supply
chain disruption; and
``(ii) make that designation, and
explanation of the determination, publicly
available on the website of the Department of
Agriculture.''.
(2) Commodity supplemental food program.--Section 5 of the
Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 (7 U.S.C. 612c
note; Public Law 93-86) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(n) Consultation With Indian Tribes.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall implement the
commodity supplemental food program in a manner that is
responsive to the needs of the members of Indian Tribes and
Tribal organizations by conducting annual consultations with
Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations.
``(2) Amendments to state plans.--
``(A) In general.--With respect to submitting any
amendment to a State plan pursuant to section 247.6 of
title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor
regulation), a State agency is encouraged--
``(i) prior to that submission, to consult
in good faith with applicable Indian Tribes or
Tribal organizations on the content of the
amendment; and
``(ii) to include in the submission
documentation evidencing that consultation.
``(B) Technical assistance.--The Secretary shall
provide technical assistance to State agencies,
including by entering into cooperative agreements, on
how to properly conduct consultations pursuant to
subparagraph (A), including relating to--
``(i) providing proper notice as to when a
consultation will take place;
``(ii) ensuring consultations are with
Tribal officials; and
``(iii) releasing a collaborative agenda in
advance of the consultation.
``(o) Supply Chain Disruptions.--
``(1) Definition of supply chain disruption.--
``(A) In general.--In this paragraph, the term
`supply chain disruption' means a shortage of foods
that impedes the distribution of commodities, as
determined by the Secretary.
``(B) Inclusion.--The term `supply chain
disruption' includes a supplemental food shortage due
to a multifood warehouse issue that affects
contracting, production, manufacture, sourcing,
procurement, transportation, or storage of food and
impedes the function of the commodity supplemental food
program, as determined by the Secretary.
``(2) Emergency warehouse contractor.--If the Secretary
determines that there is a supply chain disruption, the
Secretary shall, not later than 45 days after the date on which
the Secretary makes that determination, designate an emergency
warehouse contractor to provide the required food capacity in a
timely manner.
``(3) Notification; publication.--If the Secretary
designates an emergency warehouse contractor under paragraph
(2), the Secretary shall--
``(A) notify each affected Tribal organization or
State agency of the designation, including an
explanation of the determination of the Secretary of a
supply chain disruption; and
``(B) make that designation, and explanation of the
determination, publicly available on the website of the
Department of Agriculture.''.
SEC. 4104. SUPPORT FOR WIRELESS AND MOBILE EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN
ENTITIES.
Section 7(f)(2) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
2016(f)(2)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D);
and
(2) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:
``(C) Requirement.--The Secretary shall ensure that
equipment or systems made available to entities
described in clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (B)
by a State agency or an implementing partner of a State
agency is appropriate for the entity, including, with
respect to farmers markets and other direct-to-consumer
markets, wireless or mobile processing equipment and
technology systems.''.
SEC. 4105. PROHIBITED FEES.
Section 7(h)(13)(B) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
2016(h)(13)(B)) is amended by striking ``Effective through fiscal year
2023, neither'' and inserting ``Neither''.
SEC. 4106. PERMANENT AUTHORITY FOR ONLINE PURCHASING.
Section 7 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2016) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(l) Online Purchasing Program.--
``(1) Permanent authority.--Not later than 120 days after
the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall
begin transitioning the supplemental nutrition assistance
program online purchasing initiative from pilot or
demonstration status to permanent nationwide program operation,
with the completion of the regulations required under paragraph
(2) marking the end of the transition.
``(2) Regulations.--Not later than 2 years after the date
of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall issue such
regulations and guidance as may be necessary to carry out
paragraph (1), including provisions relating to program
integrity, consumer protections, and equitable access in rural
areas.
``(3) Stakeholder consultation.--
``(A) In general.--In carrying out this subsection,
the Secretary shall establish a formal process for
consultation with State agencies, authorized retailers,
electronic benefit transfer processors, consumer
advocates, and other relevant stakeholders to
incorporate lessons learned from online purchasing
operations during the period of 2014 through 2025.
``(B) Report.--Not later than 120 days after the
date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary
shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture,
Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee
on Agriculture of the House of Representatives a report
describing the consultation process under subparagraph
(A) and recommendations received from stakeholders
under that process.''.
SEC. 4107. ENHANCED CYBERSECURITY FOR SNAP.
(a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the ``Enhanced
Cybersecurity for SNAP Act of 2026''.
(b) Definition of EBT Card.--Section 3(i) of the Food and Nutrition
Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012(i)) is amended by inserting ``(or any
successor electronic benefit transfer product)'' before the period at
the end.
(c) Enhanced Cybersecurity and Online Transaction Security for EBT
Cards.--Section 7(h) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
2016(h)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(15) Cybersecurity of ebt cards.--
``(A) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
``(i) Chip-enabled.--
``(I) In general.--The term `chip-
enabled', with respect to a payment
card, means a payment card that uses
industry standard secure payment
technology, as identified by the
Secretary, in consultation with the
Secretary of the Treasury and the
Director of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology, that--
``(aa) provides for secure
card-based payment; and
``(bb) is resistant to
cloning.
``(II) Chip card technology.--The
Secretary, in consultation with the
Secretary of the Treasury and the
Accredited Standards Committee X9,
shall consider whether the secure
payment technology described in
subclause (I) should meet the industry
standards for contact and contactless
payments.
``(ii) Mobile friendly.--The term `mobile
friendly' has the meaning given the term in
section 3559(b) of title 44, United States
Code.
``(iii) NIST pin and password standards.--
The term `NIST PIN and password standards'
means the PIN and password standards described
in Special Publication 800-63B entitled
`Digital Identity Guidelines' (or a successor
document) of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology.
``(iv) PIN.--The term `PIN' has the meaning
given the term `personal identification number
(PIN)' in section 271.2 of title 7, Code of
Federal Regulations (or a successor
regulation).
``(B) Regulations.--
``(i) In general.--Not later than 2 years
after the date of enactment of this paragraph,
the Secretary shall promulgate, and every 5
years thereafter, the Secretary shall review
and update as necessary, cybersecurity and
digital service regulations relating to EBT
cards and mobile technologies under the
supplemental nutrition assistance program,
including, at a minimum, to ensure that
cybersecurity measures for EBT cards and mobile
technologies keep pace with security safeguards
used by the private sector and required by
Federal agencies for credit, debit, and other
payment cards and mobile technologies.
``(ii) Requirements.--The Secretary shall
ensure that the cybersecurity and digital
service regulations described in clause (i)
require the following:
``(I)(aa) Each State agency shall
operate the user interfaces listed on
the list of required user interfaces
maintained by the Secretary under item
(dd)(AA), in accordance with this
subclause, 1 or more user interfaces of
which households in the State may, at
the election of the applicable
household, use to manage the EBT
account of the applicable household.
``(bb)(AA) A State agency may
operate other user interfaces under
item (aa) in addition to the required
user interfaces on the list maintained
by the Secretary under item (dd)(AA).
``(BB) Any web-based online portal
operated by a State agency as a user
interface shall be mobile friendly.
``(cc) Each user interface offered
by a State agency under items (aa) and
(bb), as applicable, shall--
``(AA) provide information
in each language in which the
State agency is required to
make material available
pursuant to section 272.4(b) of
title 7, Code of Federal
Regulations (or a successor
regulation);
``(BB) be available to
households at least 99 percent
of the time; and
``(CC) include any other
features required by the
Secretary.
``(dd)(AA) The Secretary shall
maintain a list of required user
interfaces for purposes of item (aa),
which may include a web-based online
portal and a mobile application.
``(BB) During the 10-year period
following the date on which the
regulations promulgated pursuant to
clause (i) become final, unless the
Secretary extends that period, the
Secretary shall maintain on the list
under subitem (AA) the following user
interfaces: text message, voice
telephone service, and United States
Postal Service mail.
``(II)(aa) Each State agency shall
provide to households on an opt-in
basis--
``(AA) through each digital
user interface offered under
subclause (I), timely
electronic notice of
transactions using the EBT
account of the household; and
``(BB) through digital or
practicable user interfaces
offered under subclause (I),
access to, including the
ability to search, historical
transactions for not less than
the preceding 12 months.
``(bb) Transaction information
under subitems (AA) and (BB) of item
(aa) shall include the amount of the
transaction, the merchant for the
transaction, and the city and State of
the merchant.
``(cc) Each State agency shall
offer households the ability, through
each user interface offered under
subclause (I), to report a fraudulent
transaction to the State agency.
``(dd) A State agency shall not
require a household to respond to or
acknowledge a notice of transaction
delivered pursuant to item (aa)(AA).
``(ee) A State agency shall notify
any household that has reported an
instance of EBT card skimming or fraud,
or is otherwise identified as being a
victim of EBT card skimming or fraud,
of--
``(AA) any State or Federal
funds that may be reimbursed if
the household experiences fraud
again, if such funds are
available; and
``(BB) the ability of the
household to apply fraud-
prevention measures.
``(III) Each State agency shall
provide households issued an EBT card
the ability to check, through each user
interface offered under subclause (I),
the enrollment status of the household.
``(IV) Except as provided in clause
(iii)(I), not later than 2 years after
the date on which the regulations
promulgated pursuant to clause (i)
become final, State agencies shall
begin issuing chip-enabled EBT cards.
``(V) Except as provided in clause
(iii)(I), not later than 4 years after
the date on which the regulations
promulgated pursuant to clause (i)
become final, State agencies may not
issue new EBT cards with magnetic
stripes.
``(VI) Except as provided in
subclauses (I) and (II) of clause
(iii), not later than 5 years after the
date on which the regulations
promulgated pursuant to clause (i)
become final, State agencies shall be
required to reissue any existing valid
EBT cards with magnetic stripes as
chip-enabled EBT cards without magnetic
stripes.
``(VII) In the case of a chip-
enabled EBT card reissued pursuant to
any of subclauses (IV) through (VI),
absent suspicion of fraud, as
applicable, a State agency shall--
``(aa) reissue a new chip-
enabled EBT card; and
``(bb) deactivate the
current chip-enabled EBT card
on the earlier of--
``(AA) the date on
which the new chip-
enabled EBT card is
activated; and
``(BB) 90 days
after the date on which
the new chip-enabled
EBT card is sent to the
household.
``(iii) Exceptions.--
``(I) Waivers.--The Secretary may
issue a 1-time waiver of an applicable
deadline described in subclause (IV),
(V), or (VI) of clause (ii) with
respect to a State agency, subject to
the conditions that--
``(aa) the State agency
shall submit to the Secretary a
request for the waiver;
``(bb) the Secretary and
the State agency shall agree
that insufficient adoption of
payment terminals that accept
chip-enabled EBT cards has
occurred among retail food
stores in the State;
``(cc) the waiver may
extend the applicable deadline
by not more than 180 days; and
``(dd) the Secretary may
not issue more than 2 waivers
pursuant to this subclause for
a single State agency.
``(II) Early adopters.--The
deadline described in clause (ii)(VI)
shall not apply to any State agency
that commenced the issuance of chip-
enabled EBT cards without magnetic
stripes before the date of enactment of
the Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act
of 2026.
``(iv) Sunset for requirement to use chip
technology.--
``(I) In general.--Except as
provided in subclause (II), under the
cybersecurity regulations described in
clause (i), all EBT cards issued during
the 5-year period beginning on the
deadline for carrying out clause
(ii)(VI) shall be chip-enabled, unless
the Secretary--
``(aa) provides a waiver
for the applicable State agency
pursuant to clause (iii)(I); or
``(bb) extends that period
for all State agencies.
``(II) Exceptions.--Subclause (I)
shall not apply to EBT cards issued--
``(aa) by a State agency
described in clause (iii)(II);
``(bb) to victims of a
disaster pursuant to section
5(h); or
``(cc) solely for benefits
under the summer electronic
benefits transfer for children
program established under
section 13A of the Richard B.
Russell National School Lunch
Act (42 U.S.C. 1762).
``(III) Successor electronic
benefit transfer products.--Effective
beginning on the first day after the 5-
year period described in subclause (I),
the Secretary may implement a successor
electronic benefit transfer product to
a chip-enabled EBT card required under
this subparagraph pursuant to a review
of EBT card security measures conducted
under clause (i).
``(v) Rule of construction.--The
cybersecurity and digital service regulations
described in clause (i) shall supersede any
regulations promulgated pursuant to section
501(a)(2) of division HH of the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2023 (7 U.S.C.
2016a(a)(2)).
``(C) Reimbursement.--
``(i) In general.--Notwithstanding any
other provision of this Act, each State agency
upgrading EBT cards to comply with the
regulations promulgated pursuant to
subparagraph (B)(i) shall receive full
reimbursement from the Secretary for all
reasonable costs incurred by the State agency
during the 5-year period beginning on the date
on which the regulations become final,
including--
``(I) the 1-time up-front costs
paid by the State agency to EBT card
vendors;
``(II) the additional annual fees
associated with chip-enabled cards paid
by State agencies to EBT card vendors;
and
``(III) postage or other delivery-
related costs.
``(ii) Ongoing costs.--Any reasonable costs
incurred by a State agency to comply with the
regulations promulgated pursuant to
subparagraph (B)(i) incurred after the 5-year
period described in clause (i) shall be subject
to the administrative cost-share requirements
under section 16(a).
``(D) Prohibition on password and pin requirements
inconsistent with federal cybersecurity standards.--
Effective beginning on the date that is 1 year after
the date of enactment of this paragraph, a State agency
may not require, with respect to a PIN for use of an
EBT card or a password for access to an online account
or mobile application managing the EBT card, that--
``(i) the PIN or password be periodically
changed in circumstances that are prohibited by
the NIST PIN and password standards; or
``(ii) the password meet complexity
requirements that are prohibited by the NIST
PIN and password standards.
``(E) Grant program for chip-enabled ebt cards.--
``(i) Definitions.--In this subparagraph:
``(I) Administering entity.--The
term `administering entity' means an
entity awarded a grant under clause
(ii) to provide subgrants to eligible
entities.
``(II) Eligible entity.--The term
`eligible entity' means--
``(aa) an entity described
in paragraph (1) or (3) of
section 3(o) that--
``(AA) is
authorized to
participate in the
supplemental nutrition
assistance program
under section 9;
``(BB) does not
have payment terminals
that accept chip-
enabled EBT cards; and
``(CC) is located
in an area with limited
grocery access, as
determined by the
Secretary; and
``(bb) an entity described
in paragraph (2), (4), or (5)
of section 3(o) that meets the
requirements described in
subitems (AA) and (BB) of item
(aa).
``(ii) Grants.--Subject to the availability
of appropriations provided in advance in an
appropriation Act specifically for the purpose
of this clause, the Secretary shall establish a
grant program to award a grant to an
administering entity to provide subgrants to
eligible entities to upgrade to chip-compatible
payment terminals that support contact and
contactless payment card technology.
``(iii) Authorization of appropriations.--
There is authorized to be appropriated to the
Secretary to carry out this subparagraph
$15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027
through 2031.
``(iv) Sunset.--The grant program under
this subparagraph shall terminate on September
30, 2031.
``(F) Public reports.--
``(i) In general.--Not later than 1 year
after the date of enactment of this paragraph,
and every 2 years thereafter during the 5-year
period beginning on the date on which the
regulations promulgated pursuant to
subparagraph (B)(i) become final, the Secretary
shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture,
Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the
Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives, and make publicly available on
the website of the Department of Agriculture, a
report that, to the maximum extent
practicable--
``(I) identifies trends relating to
the theft of benefits, including--
``(aa) the frequency of
theft of benefits;
``(bb) the locations at
which EBT cards are
compromised;
``(cc) the methods by which
EBT cards are compromised;
``(dd) the number and value
of reported thefts from online
EBT card transactions; and
``(ee) the relevant online
retailers most commonly
compromised;
``(II) evaluates the effectiveness
of existing cybersecurity regulations
for the supplemental nutrition
assistance program, including
identifying ineffective measures and
the compliance burden borne by
individual benefit recipients;
``(III) describes--
``(aa) the measures and
methods developed, and
considerations taken, under
paragraph (16)(A); and
``(bb) the determinations
made under paragraph
(16)(B)(ii);
``(IV) describes the efforts of
State agencies--
``(aa) to update
cybersecurity measures for EBT
cards; and
``(bb) to reimburse stolen
benefits;
``(V) examines usability issues of
EBT cards, including issues that
present barriers to households using
benefits or affect fraud prevention
goals; and
``(VI) recommends potential new
methods to consistently detect, track,
report, and prevent theft of benefits,
including theft of data described in
paragraph (16)(A)(i)(I).
``(ii) Restricted annex.--A publicly
available report under this subparagraph--
``(I) shall exclude any information
that--
``(aa) relates to methods
to exploit EBT card and
cybersecurity weaknesses, as
determined by the Secretary; or
``(bb) is identifying or
proprietary merchant
information; but
``(II) may include information
described in subclause (I) in a
nonpublicly available annex.
``(16) Online transaction security.--
``(A) In general.--In promulgating and updating, as
necessary, the regulations under paragraph (15)(B)(i),
the Secretary shall, with respect to online
transactions using EBT cards--
``(i) require security measures that--
``(I) are effective in detecting
and preventing theft of benefits
through online transactions, including
the theft of data from online merchants
that may compromise the ability of a
household to use benefits in
transactions with other merchants,
either online or in-person; and
``(II) prevent sensitive data from
being stolen during online transactions
and securely manage sensitive data
generated by online transactions,
including through cybersecurity
enhancements for online retailers;
``(ii) establish standard reporting methods
for State agencies to collect and share with
the Secretary data on the scope of benefits and
data being stolen through online transactions;
and
``(iii) in carrying out clauses (i) and
(ii), take into consideration the feasibility
of cost, availability, and implementation for
State agencies.
``(B) Consultation.--In carrying out subparagraph
(A), the Secretary shall consult with the Director of
the Administration for Children and Families, the
Attorney General of the United States, the Director of
the Secret Service, State agencies, retail food stores,
and EBT card contractors--
``(i) regarding the measures, methods, and
considerations under that subparagraph; and
``(ii) to determine--
``(I) how benefits are being stolen
and sensitive data are being
compromised through online
transactions; and
``(II) how those stolen benefits
and data are being used.''.
(d) Ensuring No Loss of Access to Benefits Due to EBT Card Damage,
Loss, or Fraud.--Section 7(h)(7) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008
(7 U.S.C. 2016(h)(7)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``Regulations'' and inserting the
following:
``(A) In general.--Regulations''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Ensuring no loss of access to benefits due to
ebt card damage, loss, or fraud.--Not later than 1 year
after the date of enactment of the Enhanced
Cybersecurity for SNAP Act of 2026, the Secretary shall
promulgate regulations requiring the following:
``(i) If an EBT card is damaged, no longer
functions properly, is stolen, or is frozen due
to fraud, the applicable State agency shall
take the necessary steps to ensure that a
replacement EBT card is issued to the
applicable household, either by mail or in
person, as selected by the household, not later
than 5 business days after the State agency
receives from the household a request for a
replacement EBT card.
``(ii) A State agency shall not require,
but may offer as an option, in-person
collection of a new or replacement EBT card.''.
(e) No Replacement Fees for Certain EBT Cards.--Section 7(h)(8)(A)
of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2016(h)(8)(A)) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``A State agency'' and inserting the
following:
``(i) In general.--Subject to clauses (ii)
and (iii), a State agency''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(ii) Exceptions.--Effective beginning on
the date that is 60 days after the date of
enactment of the Enhanced Cybersecurity for
SNAP Act of 2026, a State agency may not
collect a charge under clause (i) if--
``(I) the EBT card to be replaced
has not been replaced for any reason
more than 3 times during the 1-year
period ending on the date on which the
replacement EBT card is issued; or
``(II) the replacement of the EBT
card is due to--
``(aa) theft of, or fraud
relating to, the EBT card; or
``(bb) required replacement
in compliance with the
regulations promulgated
pursuant to paragraph
(15)(B)(i).
``(iii) Amount.--The amount of a charge
under clause (i) shall be equal to not more
than the cost of issuing the replacement EBT
card.''.
(f) Requirement for Retailer Use of Chip-enabled Payment Terminals
as a Condition of SNAP Participation.--Section 9(a) of the Food and
Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2018(a)) is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``(5) Chip-enabled payment terminals.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (B), not later than 180 days after the
date on which the regulations promulgated pursuant to
section 7(h)(15)(B)(i) become final, the Secretary
shall require retail food stores and wholesale food
concerns seeking authorization or reauthorization to
accept and redeem benefits under the supplemental
nutrition assistance program to have a chip-enabled (as
defined in section 7(h)(15)(A)) payment terminal at
each retail location of the retail food store or
wholesale food concern.
``(B) Exception.--Subparagraph (A) shall not apply
to any transaction involving a retail food store or
wholesale food concern that occurs exclusively
online.''.
(g) GAO Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit
to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate
and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives a
report that describes--
(1) the actions carried out by State agencies (as defined
in section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
2012)), retail food stores (as defined in that section), and
wholesale food concerns (within the meaning of that Act (7
U.S.C. 2011 et seq.)) to decrease or eliminate risks with
respect to transactions involving EBT cards (as defined in that
section);
(2) the feasibility of the actions described in paragraph
(1); and
(3) the impact of the risks described in paragraph (1) on--
(A) implementation of the supplemental nutrition
assistance program established under the Food and
Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) by those
retail food stores and wholesale food concerns; and
(B) the redemption of benefits (as defined in
section 3 of that Act (7 U.S.C. 2012)) by recipients.
(h) Report on EBT Cards Issued in Puerto Rico.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall
submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives, and make publicly available on the website of
the Department of Agriculture, a report on the security of EBT
cards (as defined in section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of
2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012)) issued in the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico, including--
(A) the resistance of those EBT cards to cloning;
and
(B) if appropriate, recommendations for improving
the security of the electronic benefit transfer system
against EBT card cloning-based fraud.
(2) Restricted annex.--A publicly available report under
this subsection--
(A) shall exclude any information that--
(i) relates to methods to exploit EBT card
and cybersecurity weaknesses, as determined by
the Secretary of Agriculture; or
(ii) is identifying or proprietary merchant
information; but
(B) may include information described in
subparagraph (A) in a nonpublicly available annex.
SEC. 4108. APPROVAL OF RETAIL FOOD STORES AND WHOLESALE FOOD CONCERNS.
(a) Definition of Retail Food Store.--Section 3(o)(1) of the Food
and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012(o)(1)) is amended, in the
matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking ``sells food'' and
inserting ``owns food inventory and sells that food''.
(b) Additional Requirements for Participation of Retail Food
Stores.--Section 9 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
2018) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``(2) The Secretary'' and
inserting the following:
``(2) Regulations.--The Secretary''; and
(ii) by indenting the margins of
subparagraphs (A) and (B) appropriately; and
(B) by indenting the margin of paragraph (3)
appropriately;
(2) in subsection (c), in the third sentence, by inserting
``(42 U.S.C. 1786)'' after ``Act of 1966''; and
(3) by striking subsection (f) and inserting the following:
``(f) Additional Requirements for Participation.--
``(1) House-to-house trade routes, online-only entities.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall limit
participation in the supplemental nutrition assistance
program of house-to-house trade routes and entities
that operate solely online (referred to in this
paragraph as `online-only entities') to include only
such routes and online-only entities that support the
purposes of the supplemental nutrition assistance
program.
``(B) Terms and conditions.--The Secretary shall
establish terms and conditions for participation of
house-to-house trade routes and online-only entities in
the supplemental nutrition assistance program, which
shall include, at a minimum--
``(i) a requirement to be fully operational
with respect to sales to the public for not
less than 1 year before receiving authorization
under this section, including, for online-only
entities, operation in e-commerce for not less
than that 1-year period;
``(ii) a requirement to provide to the
Secretary, on request--
``(I) documentation to establish
inventory ownership, such as business
records; and
``(II) evidence of sufficient and
consistent minimum inventory levels,
such as business records, inventory
storage facility visit reports, and
other means, including, for online-only
entities, documentation matching owned
inventory with online offerings, as the
Secretary determines to be sufficient
to qualify continuously as a retail
food store; and
``(iii) a requirement to demonstrate sales
consistent with inventory, as determined by the
Secretary, for not less than 1 year before
receiving authorization under this section and
periodically thereafter, as the Secretary
determines to be appropriate.
``(2) Entities without inventory.--An entity (including a
product aggregator) that does not qualify as a retail food
store described in section 3(o)(1) because the entity does not
own food inventory may not participate in the supplemental
nutrition assistance program.
``(3) Third-party entities and inventory.--
``(A) Retailers.--An entity that is not an approved
retail food store may not offer food for sale in
exchange for benefits through an approved retail food
store.
``(B) Inventory.--An approved retail food store may
not offer inventory for sale in exchange for benefits
if that inventory is owned by an entity that is not an
approved retail food store.''.
SEC. 4109. STREAMLINING APPLICATIONS FOR FARMERS.
(a) Definition of Covered Nutrition Program.--In this section, the
term ``covered nutrition program'' means--
(1) the supplemental nutrition assistance program
established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
2011 et seq.);
(2) the senior farmers' market nutrition program
established under section 4402 of the Farm Security and Rural
Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3007);
(3) the special supplemental nutrition program for women,
infants, and children established by section 17 of the Child
Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786), including the farmers'
market nutrition program under that program; and
(4) the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program
established under section 4405 of the Food, Conservation, and
Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 7517), as practicable with respect
to the activities carried out by the Secretary under
subsections (b) and (c).
(b) Streamlined Application Process.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a
streamlined application process--
(A) for direct marketing farmers and ranchers to
apply to be vendors under each of the covered nutrition
programs; and
(B) by--
(i) developing a single application that a
direct marketing farmer or rancher may use to
apply to each of the covered nutrition
programs; or
(ii) developing an information sharing
system that--
(I) shares the information of a
direct marketing farmer or rancher who
is approved as an authorized vendor
under a covered nutrition program with
each of the other covered nutrition
programs; and
(II) deems that direct marketing
farmer or rancher as a prequalified
eligible vendor for those other covered
nutrition programs.
(2) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate
and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives a report describing progress made in carrying
out paragraph (1).
(c) Streamlined Processing of Benefits.--The Secretary shall
establish a streamlined process for direct marketing farmers and
ranchers that are vendors under any of the covered nutrition programs
to process benefits under those programs through the use of
standardized technology, such as a single piece of equipment or a
mobile application.
SEC. 4110. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSES FOR RETAILERS.
Section 9(d) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
2018(d)) is amended, in the second sentence, by inserting ``, on 2
consecutive occasions within a 3-year period,'' after ``does not
meet''.
SEC. 4111. ANIMAL PROTEIN AS ELIGIBLE INCENTIVE FOOD.
Section 9(j)(1)(B) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
2018(j)(1)(B)) is amended by inserting ``animal protein,'' after
``whole grain,''.
SEC. 4112. STAFFING FLEXIBILITY.
Section 11 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2020) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(y) Staffing Flexibility.--
``(1) Hiring contractors.--
``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding subsection
(e)(6)(B), a State agency may, subject to subparagraph
(B), hire 1 or more contractors, by contract, to
undertake the certification described in subsection
(e)(6)(A) or carry out any other function of the State
agency under the supplemental nutrition assistance
program, subject to subparagraph (C).
``(B) Circumstances for hiring.--
``(i) In general.--A State agency may hire
1 or more contractors under subparagraph (A) if
the State agency--
``(I) experiences an increase in
applications to the supplemental
nutrition assistance program; or
``(II) cannot timely process
applications to the supplemental
nutrition assistance program, including
due to--
``(aa) a pandemic or other
health emergency;
``(bb) a seasonal workforce
cycle;
``(cc) a temporary staffing
shortage; and
``(dd) weather or other
natural disaster.
``(ii) Temporary staffing shortage.--In the
case of a State agency hiring 1 or more
contractors under subparagraph (A) due to a
temporary staffing shortage under clause
(i)(II)(cc), the authority of a State agency to
conduct that hiring--
``(I) shall expire when there is
adequate staffing for the State agency
to timely process applications; and
``(II) shall not impact any
collective bargaining agreement or
memorandum of understanding in effect
between the State and employees of the
State or a local government of the
State.
``(C) Requirements.--
``(i) In general.--A contract entered into
by a State agency under subparagraph (A) shall
not provide incentives for the State agency or
contractor to delay eligibility determinations
or deny eligibility for individuals otherwise
eligible for benefits under the supplemental
nutrition assistance program.
``(ii) No financial interest.--A State
agency may not hire a contractor under
subparagraph (A) if the contractor has a direct
or indirect financial interest in any approved
retail store, wholesale food concern, or
employment and training program.
``(iii) Excluded activities.--A contractor
hired under subparagraph (A) may not--
``(I) determine eligibility;
``(II) initiate enforcement
actions;
``(III) conduct quality control;
``(IV) conduct administrative
hearings; or
``(V) screen for or make a referral
to an employment and training program.
``(D) Administration.--A State agency that hires 1
or more contractors under subparagraph (A) shall ensure
that--
``(i) the contracts are for a reasonable
cost and in accordance with the standard
contracting rules of the State agency;
``(ii) hiring is consistent with the merit
principles described in section 900.603 of
title 5, Code of Federal Regulations (or a
successor regulation); and
``(iii) the contractors do not supplant
existing merit-based personnel in the State.
``(2) Program design.--The hiring of 1 or more contractors
by a State agency under paragraph (1) shall not--
``(A) be considered to be a major change in the
operations of the State agency for purposes of
subsection (a)(4); or
``(B) be subject to any requirement specified in
that section.
``(3) State agency notification.--
``(A) In general.--A State agency that hires 1 or
more contractors under paragraph (1) shall notify the
Secretary of such hiring, including providing
information or data indicating the applicable
circumstance under subparagraph (B) of that paragraph
for carrying out that hiring.
``(B) Publication.--Not later than 10 days after
the date of receipt of a notification under
subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall make publicly
available on the website of the Department of
Agriculture the notification and the accompanying
information or data.
``(4) Annual report.--The Secretary shall submit to the
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate
and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives an annual report that describes--
``(A) the measures taken by State agencies to
address increases in applications to the supplemental
nutrition assistance program;
``(B) reasons for the inability of State agencies
to timely process those applications, as applicable;
``(C) the information or data submitted with each
notification under paragraph (3)(A); and
``(D) any recommended changes to the authority of
the Secretary to assist State agencies in preparing for
any future increase in applications to the supplemental
nutrition assistance program or inability to timely
process those applications.''.
SEC. 4113. QUALITY CONTROL IMPROVEMENTS.
Section 16(c) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2025
(c)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (9) as paragraph (11); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (8) the following:
``(9) Report on all identified payment errors.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall include all
identified payment errors, including small errors under
paragraph (1)(A)(ii), regardless of dollar amount, in a
supplemental section of the annual payment error rate
measurement report for the supplemental nutrition
assistance program.
``(B) Rule of construction.--The information
reported under subparagraph (A) shall not alter,
modify, or affect the calculation of the tolerance
level for excluding small errors under paragraph
(1)(A)(ii).
``(10) Report on unknown and technically improper
payments.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall include all
unknown and improper payments, as identified under the
Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019 (31 U.S.C.
3351 et seq.), regardless of dollar amount, in a
supplemental section of the annual payment error rate
measurement report for the supplemental nutrition
assistance program.
``(B) Rule of construction.--The information
reported under subparagraph (A) shall not alter,
modify, or affect the calculation of the tolerance
level for excluding small errors under paragraph
(1)(A)(ii).''.
SEC. 4114. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 18(a)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
2027(a)(1)) is amended, in the first sentence, by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 4115. RETAIL FOOD STORE AND RECIPIENT TRAFFICKING.
Section 29(c)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
2036b(c)(1)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 4116. THE EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
(a) Emergency Food Program Infrastructure Grants.--Section 209(d)
of the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7511a(d)) is
amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
(b) Availability of Commodities.--Section 27(a) of the Food and
Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2036(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraphs (A) through
(E) and inserting the following:
``(A) for fiscal year 2026, $525,000,000; and
``(B) for fiscal year 2027 and each subsequent
fiscal year, the total dollar amount of commodities
specified in subparagraph (A) adjusted by the
percentage by which the thrifty food plan has been
adjusted under section 3(u)(3)(B) to reflect changes
between June 30, 2026, and June 30 of the immediately
preceding fiscal year.''.
SEC. 4117. DAIRY NUTRITION INCENTIVE PROGRAM.
Section 4208 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C.
2026a) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``healthy fluid
milk'' and inserting ``dairy nutrition'';
(2) by striking ``healthy fluid milk'' each place it
appears and inserting ``dairy nutrition'';
(3) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Covered dairy product.--The term `covered dairy
product' means--
``(A) cheese (including nonstandardized cheese)
that--
``(i) is made from pasteurized cow's milk;
``(ii) is a good source of protein, as
determined by the Secretary; and
``(iii) is sold as a block, chunk, shred,
slice, stick, or string, or in snack-size form;
and
``(B) yogurt or other cultured dairy product that--
``(i) is made from pasteurized cow's milk;
``(ii) is a good source of protein, as
determined by the Secretary; and
``(iii) contains limited amounts of added
sugars, as determined by the Secretary.
``(2) Fluid milk.--The term `fluid milk' means all
varieties of pasteurized cow's milk that--
``(A) is packaged in liquid form; and
``(B) contains vitamins A and D at levels
consistent with the Food and Drug Administration,
State, and local standards for fluid milk.'';
(4) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``of Agriculture''; and
(B) by inserting ``and covered dairy products''
after ``of fluid milk'' each place it appears;
(5) in subsection (c)(3)--
(A) by inserting ``and covered dairy products''
after ``purchase of fluid milk''; and
(B) by inserting ``established under the Food and
Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.)'' before
the period at the end;
(6) in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (d)(2), by
striking ``, and'' each place it appears and inserting ``;
and''; and
(7) in subsection (e)(1)--
(A) by striking ``$20,000,000'' and inserting
``$80,000,000''; and
(B) by inserting ``dairy nutrition incentive''
before ``projects''.
Subtitle B--Commodity Distribution Programs
SEC. 4201. DELIVERING FOR RURAL SENIORS.
The Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 is amended by
inserting after section 5 (7 U.S.C. 612c note; Public Law 93-86) the
following:
``SEC. 5A. COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM HOME DELIVERY PILOT
PROGRAM.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Commodity supplemental food program.--The term
`commodity supplemental food program' means the program
established under section 4.
``(2) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means--
``(A) a local agency; and
``(B) a subdistributing agency.
``(3) Local agency.--The term `local agency' has the
meaning given the term in section 247.1 of title 7, Code of
Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation).
``(4) Pilot program.--The term `pilot program' means the
home delivery pilot program established under subsection (b).
``(5) Rural area.--The term `rural area' has the meaning
given the term in section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)).
``(6) State agency.--The term `State agency' has the
meaning given the term in section 247.1 of title 7, Code of
Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation).
``(7) Subdistributing agency.--The term `subdistributing
agency' has the meaning given the term in section 247.1 of
title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor
regulation).
``(b) Home Delivery Pilot Program.--The Secretary shall establish a
home delivery pilot program under which the Secretary shall award
grants, on a competitive basis, to State agencies to carry out the
activities described in subsection (e)(1).
``(c) Applications.--A State agency seeking a grant under the pilot
program shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in
such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may
require.
``(d) Maximum Grant Award.--The amount of a grant awarded to a
State agency under the pilot program may not exceed the lesser of--
``(1) $4,000,000; and
``(2) the product obtained by multiplying--
``(A) the commodity supplemental food program
caseload number for the applicable State at the time
that the application for the grant is submitted under
subsection (c); and
``(B) $60.
``(e) Use of Grant Funds.--
``(1) In general.--A State agency awarded a grant under the
pilot program shall distribute the grant funds to eligible
entities to operate projects that facilitate home delivery of
commodities to participants in the commodity supplemental food
program, including for costs relating to--
``(A) the transportation and distribution of those
commodities for home delivery, including transportation
and distribution services provided by a third party;
``(B) staffing required to operate home delivery
services; and
``(C) outreach to participants or potential
participants in the commodity supplemental food program
with respect to home delivery.
``(2) Priority.--In distributing grant funds under
paragraph (1), a State agency shall give priority to eligible
entities that serve participants in the commodity supplemental
food program who reside in rural areas.
``(f) Report to the Secretary.--Not later than 180 days after the
end of the fiscal year in which a State agency is awarded a grant under
the pilot program, and each fiscal year thereafter until all grant
funds are expended, the State agency shall submit to the Secretary a
report that includes--
``(1) a summary of the activities carried out using the
grant funds, including--
``(A) the quantity of commodities delivered;
``(B) the number of participants in the commodity
supplemental food program served; and
``(C) the total number of deliveries;
``(2) an assessment of the effectiveness of those
activities, including--
``(A) a calculation of the average cost per
delivery; and
``(B) an evaluation of any services provided by a
third party; and
``(3) best practices regarding use of home delivery to
improve the effectiveness of the commodity supplemental food
program.
``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2027 through 2031, to remain available until expended.''.
SEC. 4202. COMMODITY DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM.
Section 4(a) of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973
(7 U.S.C. 612c note; Public Law 93-86) is amended, in the first
sentence, by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 4203. COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM.
Section 5 of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 (7
U.S.C. 612c note; Public Law 93-86) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), in each of paragraphs (1) and
(2)(B), by striking ``2023'' each place it appears and
inserting ``2031''; and
(2) in subsection (d)(2), in the first sentence, by
striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 4204. DISTRIBUTION OF SURPLUS COMMODITIES TO SPECIAL NUTRITION
PROJECTS.
Section 1114(a)(2)(A) of the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 (7
U.S.C. 1431e(a)(2)(A)) is amended, in the first sentence, by striking
``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
Subtitle C--Miscellaneous
SEC. 4301. SENIORS FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM.
Section 4402 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
(7 U.S.C. 3007) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``and herbs'' and
inserting ``herbs, and tree nuts (including shelled tree
nuts)''.
SEC. 4302. PURCHASE OF FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES FOR DISTRIBUTION TO
SCHOOLS AND SERVICE INSTITUTIONS.
Section 10603(b) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
2002 (7 U.S.C. 612c-4(b)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''.
SEC. 4303. GUS SCHUMACHER NUTRITION INCENTIVE PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION.
Section 4405 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 7517) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking subparagraph (C)
and inserting the following:
``(C) Federal share.--
``(i) In general.--Except as provided in
clause (ii) and subparagraph (D)(iii), the
Federal share of the cost of carrying out an
activity under this subsection shall not exceed
50 percent of the total cost of the activity.
``(ii) Waiver for persistent poverty
counties.--The Secretary may waive the
application of clause (i) in the case of an
activity carried out in a county that, during
the preceding 30-year period, has had a
population not less than 20 percent of which
are living in poverty (as measured by the most
recent decennial census).''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)(B)--
(i) by redesignating clauses (ix) and (x)
as clauses (x) and (xi); and
(ii) by inserting after clause (viii) the
following:
``(ix) increase year-round availability of
incentives by offering all forms of fruits or
vegetables;'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``fruits and
vegetables'' and inserting ``fruits, vegetables, and
legumes'';
(B) by striking ``fresh fruits and vegetables'' and
inserting ``all forms of fruits, vegetables, and
legumes'' each place it appears; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) Recommendations and report on transition to health
and human services.--
``(A) Recommendations.--
``(i) In general.--Not later than 2 years
after the date of enactment of the Agricultural
Act of 2026, the Secretary, in consultation
with the Secretary of Health and Human
Services, shall provide to Congress
recommendations regarding methods to transition
the produce prescription program established
under this subsection to the Department of
Health and Human Services to be administered by
the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
``(ii) Consideration.--In developing
recommendations under clause (i), the Secretary
and the Secretary of Health and Human Services
shall consider the policy option described in
the report of the Comptroller General of the
United States described in subparagraph (B).
``(B) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the
date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2026, the
Comptroller General of the United States shall finalize
and submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition,
and Forestry of the Senate and the Committees on
Agriculture and Energy and Commerce of the House of
Representatives a report that examines policy options
relating to the transition of the produce prescription
program established under this subsection to the
Department of Health and Human Services to be
administered by the Secretary of Health and Human
Services.''; and
(3) in subsection (f)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by redesignating subparagraphs (D)
through (G) as subparagraphs (E) through (H),
respectively; and
(ii) by redesignating the second
subparagraph (C) (relating to fiscal year 2019)
as subparagraph (D); and
(C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``2023'' each
place it appears and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 4304. BUY AMERICAN REQUIREMENTS.
(a) In General.--Section 12(n)(2) of the Richard B. Russell
National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1760(n)(2)) is amended by striking
subparagraph (A) and inserting the following:
``(A) Requirements.--
``(i) Purchase expenditures by category.--
Subject to clause (ii) and subparagraph (B),
the Secretary shall require that, of the total
quantity of commodities and products purchased
by a school food authority in each food
purchase category designated by the
Agricultural Marketing Service for each school
year, not less than 95 percent are domestic
commodities and products.
``(ii) Domestically unavailable commodities
and products.--Domestically unavailable
products and commodities included on a list
developed under clause (iii) with respect to a
school year and purchased by a school food
authority during that school year shall not be
used to calculate whether the school food
authority meets the requirement described in
clause (i).
``(iii) Updated list.--Not later than 6
months after the date of enactment of the
Agricultural Act of 2026, and every 2 years
thereafter, the Secretary shall develop, and
make available to school food authorities, a
list of domestically unavailable products and
commodities.''.
(b) Application.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply
to school food authorities (within the meaning of the Richard B.
Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.)) beginning
on the first day of the first school year (as defined in section 12(d)
of that Act (42 U.S.C. 1760(d))) that begins after the date of
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 4305. DIETARY GUIDELINES.
(a) In General.--Section 301(a) of the National Nutrition
Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5341(a)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in the first sentence, by striking ``At least
every five years'' and inserting ``Beginning with the
2030 report and at least every 10 years thereafter,'';
and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``Rulemaking requirements under section 553 of title 5,
United States Code, shall apply to the development of
each report under this paragraph.'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``shall'' and all that
follows through the period at the end and inserting the
following: ``shall--
``(A) be based on significant scientific agreement
that is determined by evidence-based review (as defined
in paragraph (8)(A));
``(B) be current at the time that the report is
prepared;
``(C) be derived from questions generated under
paragraph (5)(E);
``(D) address high-priority areas of concern to
advance health outcomes;
``(E) be designed to achieve nutritional adequacy
and promote health, as specified by the Food and
Nutrition Board of the National Academies of Sciences,
Engineering, and Medicine, from the consumption of
food, including nutrients and bioactive food components
occurring naturally and in fortified foods;
``(F) include nutritional and dietary information
relevant to individuals with nutrition-related common
chronic diseases, as defined by the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention; and
``(G) include recommendations that are affordable,
available, and accessible for the general
population.'';
(3) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (7);
(4) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) Frequency.--The Secretaries may publish the report
required under paragraph (1) more frequently than required
under that paragraph if the Secretaries determine that more
frequent publication is necessary to promote health, based on
the updated dietary reference intake values specified by--
``(A) the Food and Nutrition Board of the National
Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; and
``(B) other relevant scientific advancements based
on continuous monitoring of the totality of publicly
available scientific evidence.
``(4) Notification of update.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 90 days before
the Secretaries plan to update a report under paragraph
(1), the Secretaries shall submit notification of that
plan, in writing, to the Committees on Agriculture,
Nutrition, and Forestry and Health, Education, Labor,
and Pensions of the Senate and the Committees on
Agriculture and Energy and Commerce of the House of
Representatives.
``(B) Justification.--The notification under
subparagraph (A) shall include a justification for
updating the report.
``(5) Independent advisory board.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the
Secretaries submit a notification under paragraph
(4)(A), the Secretaries shall establish an Independent
Advisory Board (referred to in this paragraph as the
`Board').
``(B) Members.--The Board shall comprise at least 4
but not more than 8 members, of which--
``(i) 4 shall be appointed by the
Secretaries, 2 of whom shall not be Federal
employees; and
``(ii) 1 may be appointed by each of the
highest-ranking Members of Congress on each
Committee described in paragraph (4)(A) of the
opposite political party of the President of
the United States at the time of the
appointment.
``(C) Expertise.--Each member appointed to the
Board shall have expertise in nutrition science or food
science, including academic and applied experience.
``(D) Meetings.--
``(i) In general.--The first meeting of the
Board--
``(I) may only take place on or
after the date on which there are 4
members appointed to the Board under
subparagraph (B); and
``(II) shall take place on or after
the date that is 90 days after the
Secretaries submit a notification under
paragraph (4)(A).
``(ii) Quorum.--A majority of the members
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction
of the business of the Board.
``(E) Duties.--Not later than 1 year after the
establishment of the Board, the Board shall submit to
the Secretaries and the Committees described in
paragraph (4)(A) a list of scientific questions for
purposes of being used in the development of a report
under paragraph (1), as described in paragraph (2)(C).
``(F) Termination.--The authority of the Board
shall terminate, and the Board shall disband,
immediately after carrying out subparagraph (E).
``(6) Exclusion.--The information and guidelines contained
in each report required under paragraph (1) shall not be based
on or include topics that are not relevant to dietary guidance,
as determined by the Secretaries, in consultation with the
Independent Advisory Board established under paragraph (5),
including taxation, social welfare policies, purchases under
Federal feeding programs, food and agricultural production
practices, food labeling, socioeconomic status, race, religion,
ethnicity, culture, or regulations relating to nutrition.'';
and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(8) Evidence-based review.--
``(A) Definition of evidence-based review.--In this
paragraph, the term `evidence-based review' means a
process under which--
``(i) the totality of the scientific
evidence relevant to a question of interest is
collected, analyzed, and evaluated;
``(ii) scientific studies, conclusions, and
recommendations are rated, adhering strictly to
standardized, generally accepted evidence-based
review methods; and
``(iii) external peer review is conducted
by nongovernment experts with recognized
expertise in quality-of-evidence evaluation.
``(B) Strength of evidence.--Each guideline
contained in a report published under paragraph (1)
shall be assigned a rating by the Secretaries for the
strength of evidence used, including the extent to
which the guideline will improve the Healthy Eating
Index.
``(9) Transparency.--
``(A) Disclosure.--Any individual appointed to the
Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee or an Independent
Advisory Board established under paragraph (5) shall--
``(i) be appointed as a special government
employee;
``(ii) comply with the financial disclosure
requirements applicable to a special government
employee under subpart I of part 2634 of title
5, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor
regulations), including the requirement to file
the Office of Government Ethics Form 450 (or
successor form); and
``(iii) prior to the appointment, submit to
the Secretaries a report regarding, for the 10-
year period preceding the report, any research
funding or professional affiliation relating to
a report under paragraph (1).
``(B) Publication.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, not later than 30 days after the date
on which a Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee is
established or an Independent Advisory Board is
established under paragraph (5), the Secretaries shall
make publicly available--
``(i) a summary of the financial
disclosures reported by the members of the
Committee or Board, as applicable;
``(ii) the research funding and
professional affiliations reported by those
members under subparagraph (A)(iii),
categorized by the name of the member; and
``(iii) a detailed plan for managing any
disclosed conflicts of interest, including
financial or ethical conflicts of interest,
preferences, values, and beliefs.''.
(b) Controlling Report.--The 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
published by the Secretaries under subsection (a)(1) of section 301 of
the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 (7
U.S.C. 5341) shall be controlling and considered to be the most recent
Dietary Guidelines for Americans until the publication of the first
report under that subsection after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 4306. FOOD LOSS AND WASTE REDUCTION LIAISON ANNUAL REPORT.
Section 224(e)(2) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization
Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6924(e)(2)) is amended--
(1) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``Report'' and
inserting ``Annual report'';
(2) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting
``and annually thereafter,'' after ``paragraph (1),'';
(3) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(4) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end
and inserting a semicolon; and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) a general description of each project and
activity implemented pursuant to this section;
``(D) a summary of the cooperative agreements
entered into under subsection (c);
``(E) a detailed account of how the Secretary
avoided, managed, or will manage market disruption; and
``(F) a summary of coordinated activities with the
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
and the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, including
interagency communication and coordination related to
the promotion or exclusion of practices and
technologies to limit food waste.''.
SEC. 4307. HEALTHY FOOD FINANCING INITIATIVE.
Section 243(d) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act
of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6953(d)) is amended by striking ``$125,000,000'' and
inserting ``$135,000,000''.
SEC. 4308. OPTION FOR PURCHASING TEFAP THROUGH DOD FRESH.
Section 214(c) of the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7
U.S.C. 7515(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Option for purchasing through dod fresh.--At the
request of a State agency, the Secretary may allow the State
agency to use not more than 20 percent of the cost of the
commodities allocated to that State agency under this section
to order commodities through the Department of Defense Fresh
Fruit and Vegetable Program.''.
SEC. 4309. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.
Section 12(d) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act
(42 U.S.C. 1760(d)) is amended--
(1) by striking the subsection designation and all that
follows through ``Act--'' in the matter preceding paragraph (1)
and inserting the following:
``(d) Definitions.--In this Act:'';
(2) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(2) Commodity only school.--The term `commodity only
school' means a school that--
``(A) does not participate in the school lunch
program under this Act; but
``(B) receives commodities made available by the
Secretary for use by the school in a nonprofit lunch
program.'';
(3) in paragraph (3), by striking ``U.S.C'' and inserting
``U.S.C.'';
(4) in paragraph (5)--
(A) by striking the paragraph designation and all
that follows through ``not limited to,'' in the first
sentence and inserting the following:
``(5) School.--
``(A) In general.--The term `school' means--
``(i) any public or nonprofit private
school of high school grade or under; and
``(ii) any public or licensed nonprofit
private residential child care institution
(including''; and
(B) in clause (ii) of subparagraph (A) (as so
designated), by striking ``For purposes of this
paragraph'' and inserting the following:
``(B) Associated definition.--For purposes of
schools and institutions under subparagraph (A)'';
(5) in paragraph (6), by striking ``School'' and inserting
``school''; and
(6) in each of paragraphs (6) through (9)--
(A) by inserting ``The term'' after the paragraph
designation; and
(B) by inserting a paragraph heading, the text of
which comprises the term defined in the paragraph.
TITLE V--CREDIT
Subtitle A--Farm Credit System
SEC. 5101. EXTENSION OF CREDIT TO BUSINESSES PROVIDING SERVICES TO
PRODUCERS OR HARVESTERS OF AQUATIC PRODUCTS.
(a) Farm Credit Banks.--
(1) Eligibility for credit and financial services.--Section
1.9 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2017) is
amended--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``or'' at the
end;
(B) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph
(4); and
(C) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) persons furnishing to producers or harvesters of
aquatic products services directly related to their aquatic
operating needs; or''.
(2) Purposes for extensions of credit.--Section 1.11(c)(1)
of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2019(c)(1)) is
amended by inserting ``and to persons furnishing services
directly related to the aquatic operating needs of producers or
harvesters of aquatic products'' after ``needs''.
(b) Production Credit Associations.--Section 2.4(a) of the Farm
Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2075(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) persons furnishing to producers or harvesters of
aquatic products services directly related to their aquatic
operating needs.''.
SEC. 5102. EXPORT FINANCE AUTHORITY.
Section 3.7(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
2128(b)(2)(A)(i)) is amended, in the undesignated matter following
subclause (II), by striking ``50 percent of the bank's capital'' each
place it appears and inserting ``15 percent of the total assets of the
bank''.
SEC. 5103. SUPPORT FOR RURAL WATER SYSTEMS.
Section 3.7(f) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2128(f))
is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as
subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, and indenting
appropriately;
(2) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) (as so
redesignated), by striking ``(f) The banks'' and inserting the
following:
``(f) Water, Waste Disposal, and Other Facilities in Rural Areas.--
``(2) Water and waste disposal facilities.--The banks'';
(3) in the undesignated matter following paragraph (2)(B)
(as so redesignated), by striking ``For purposes'' and
inserting the following:
``(1) Definition of rural area.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), for
purposes'';
(4) in paragraph (1) (as so designated), by adding at the
end the following:
``(B) Guarantees.--In the case of a loan,
commitment, or assistance described in paragraph (2)
that is guaranteed, the term `rural area' means an area
described in section 343(a)(13)(A) of the Consolidated
Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.
1991(a)(13)(A)).'';
(5) by moving paragraphs (1) and (2) (as so designated) so
as to appear in numerical order; and
(6) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Other facilities.--Notwithstanding paragraph (2), a
bank for cooperatives may make and participate in loans and
commitments and provide technical and other financial
assistance to cooperatives and any other public or private
entity (except the Federal Government) for the purpose of
installing, maintaining, expanding, improving, or operating
facilities in a rural area for--
``(A) the processing or disposal of waste from any
source; or
``(B) producing electricity from any source for use
or sale by the borrower.''.
SEC. 5104. FINANCING FOR ESSENTIAL RURAL COMMUNITY FACILITIES.
Title IV of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2153 et seq.) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``PART H--SUPPORT FOR RURAL AND TRIBAL ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY FACILITIES
PROJECTS
``SEC. 4.40. ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY FACILITIES.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Administration.--The term `Administration' means the
Farm Credit Administration.
``(2) Essential community facility.--
``(A) In general.--The term `essential community
facility' has the same meaning as in section 306(a) of
the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
U.S.C. 1926(a)).
``(B) Inclusions.--
``(i) In general.--The term `essential
community facility' includes a community
center, a library, a firehouse, a healthcare
facility, a senior living facility, a childcare
facility, an education facility, and a
transportation facility.
``(ii) Services.--The term `essential
community facility' includes any services
provided at the applicable facility to rural
residents, rural businesses, or members of an
Indian Tribe, including healthcare services,
senior living services, childcare services,
education services, and transportation
services.
``(3) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian Tribe' has the
meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
``(4) Rural area.--The term `rural area' means each of the
following:
``(A) A rural city, town, or equivalent
jurisdiction, as determined by the Administration.
``(B) A rural area (as defined in section
343(a)(13)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)(A))).
``(5) Tribal area.--The term `Tribal area' means an area
under the jurisdiction of an Indian Tribe.
``(b) Financing and Technical Assistance.--In order to make
available private capital to develop, build, maintain, improve, or
provide other support for essential community facilities in rural areas
or Tribal areas, Farm Credit System institutions chartered and
operating under title I, II, or III may provide financing and technical
assistance for essential community facilities.
``(c) Limitations.--
``(1) Eligibility.--Only an entity eligible for financing
under section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)) may receive financing or any
other assistance under this section.
``(2) Amount of financing.--A Farm Credit System
institution shall not provide financing under this section in
an amount that exceeds 15 percent of the total assets of the
Farm Credit System institution.
``(3) Offer requirement.--A Farm Credit System institution
shall not provide financing under this section unless the Farm
Credit System institution has--
``(A) offered in writing, under reasonable terms
and conditions acceptable to the applicable sponsor,
owner, or operator of the essential community facility
involved, an interest in the financing to at least 1
domestic nongovernmental lending institution that is
not chartered and operating under this Act; and
``(B) reported that offer, including the terms and
conditions of the offer, to the Administration.
``(4) Rural community bank priority.--In offering an
interest in financing under this section to domestic
nongovermental lending institutions described in paragraph
(3)(A), a Farm Credit System institution shall give priority to
community banks located in the service area of the essential
community facility being financed.
``(d) Report to Congress.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the
Administration shall submit to Congress a report on the
activities undertaken pursuant to this section by Farm Credit
System institutions during the period covered by the report,
including activities undertaken through partnerships between
Farm Credit System institutions and other nongovernmental
lending institutions.
``(2) Publication.--A copy of each report submitted to
Congress under paragraph (1) shall be published on the website
of the Administration.''.
SEC. 5105. LIMITATION ON RURAL BUSINESS INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
Section 384J(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
(7 U.S.C. 2009cc-9(c)) is amended by striking ``50'' and inserting
``75''.
SEC. 5106. LOAN GUARANTEES.
Section 8.0(7)(B) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
2279aa(7)(B)) is amended, in the matter preceding clause (i), by
inserting ``or section 9007(c)(1) of the Farm Security and Rural
Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107(c)(1))'' before ``, except''.
SEC. 5107. STANDARDS FOR QUALIFIED LOANS.
Section 8.8 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2279aa-8) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ``mortgage
investors'' and inserting ``investors in those types of
loans''; and
(2) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
``(c) Qualified Loan Limitation for Single Borrowers.--
``(1) In general.--The Corporation shall not treat a loan
secured by agricultural real estate as a qualified loan
whenever the cumulative principal amount of all loans to any
single borrower or to any group of related borrowers exceeds 10
percent of the tier 1 capital of the Corporation (as defined by
the Farm Credit Administration).
``(2) Regulator determination.--The Farm Credit
Administration may promulgate regulations establishing a
single-borrower concentration limit lower than the percentage
specified in paragraph (1) if the Farm Credit Administration
determines that a lower limit is necessary for the safe and
sound operation of the Corporation.''.
SEC. 5108. STUDY ON RURAL HOME MORTGAGE CREDIT.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Chairman of the Farm Credit Administration Board, in consultation
with the Secretary, shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture,
Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture
of the House of Representatives a report describing--
(1) any gaps in rural home mortgage private credit; and
(2) how the cost of rural home mortgage credit compares to
urban and suburban home mortgage credit.
Subtitle B--Farm Ownership and Operating Loans
SEC. 5201. LIMITATIONS ON LOAN AMOUNTS.
(a) Limitations on Amount of Farm Ownership Loans.--Section
305(a)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.
1925(a)(2)) is amended by striking ``$600,000, or, in the case of a
loan guaranteed by the Secretary, $1,750,000 (increased, beginning with
fiscal year 2019'' and inserting ``$850,000, or, in the case of a loan
guaranteed by the Secretary, $3,500,000 (increased, beginning with
fiscal year 2027''.
(b) Limitations on Amount of Operating Loans.--Section 313(a)(1) of
the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1943(a)(1))
is amended by striking ``$400,000, or, in the case of a loan guaranteed
by the Secretary, $1,750,000 (increased, beginning with fiscal year
2019'' and inserting ``$750,000, or, in the case of a loan guaranteed
by the Secretary, $3,000,000 (increased, beginning with fiscal year
2027''.
SEC. 5202. INFLATION PERCENTAGE.
Section 305(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
(7 U.S.C. 1925(c)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``of the Prices Paid By
Farmers Index (as compiled by the National Agricultural
Statistics Service of the Department of Agriculture) for the
12-month period ending on July 31 of the immediately preceding
fiscal year'' and inserting ``of the per acre average United
States farm real estate value, the per acre average United
States cropland value, and the per acre average United States
pasture value for the preceding year (as published in the
applicable Agricultural Land Values report of the National
Agricultural Statistics Service of the Department of
Agriculture), weighted equally, to the extent practicable'';
and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``of such index (as so
defined) for the 12-month period that immediately precedes the
12-month period described in paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``of
the per acre average United States farm real estate value, the
per acre average United States cropland value, and the per acre
average United States pasture value for the preceding year (as
so published), weighted equally, to the extent practicable''.
SEC. 5203. PRECISION AGRICULTURE UNDER THE CONSERVATION LOAN AND LOAN
GUARANTEE PROGRAM.
Section 304 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
U.S.C. 1924) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as
paragraphs (4), (5), and (1), respectively, and moving
the paragraphs so as to appear in numerical order; and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (1) (as so
redesignated) the following:
``(2) Precision agriculture.--The term `precision
agriculture' means managing, tracking, or reducing crop or
livestock production inputs, including seed, feed, fertilizer,
chemicals, water, and time, at a heightened level of spatial
and temporal granularity to improve efficiencies, reduce waste,
and maintain or improve environmental quality.
``(3) Precision agriculture technology.--The term
`precision agriculture technology' means any technology
(including equipment that is necessary for the deployment of
that technology) that directly contributes to a reduction in,
or improved efficiency of, inputs used in crop or livestock
production, including--
``(A) Global Positioning System-based or geospatial
mapping;
``(B) satellite or aerial imagery;
``(C) yield monitors;
``(D) soil mapping;
``(E) sensors for gathering data on crop, soil, or
livestock conditions;
``(F) Internet of Things and telematics
technologies;
``(G) data management software and advanced
analytics;
``(H) network connectivity products and solutions;
``(I) Global Positioning System guidance or auto-
steer systems;
``(J) variable rate technology for applying inputs,
such as section control; and
``(K) any other technology, as determined by the
Secretary, that leads to a reduction in, or improves
efficiency of, crop and livestock production inputs,
which may include seed, feed, fertilizer, chemicals,
water, and time.'';
(2) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``1985.'' and
inserting ``1985 (16 U.S.C. 3812); and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) producers who use the loans to adopt precision
agriculture practices or acquire precision agriculture
technologies, including adoption or acquisition for the purpose
of participating in the environmental quality incentives
program under subchapter A of chapter 4 of subtitle D of title
XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa et
seq.).''; and
(3) in subsection (h), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''.
SEC. 5204. DOWN PAYMENT LOAN PROGRAM.
Section 310E(b)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 1935(b)(1)) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``exceed 45 percent of the least'' and inserting ``exceed,
subject to section 305(a), 45 percent of the lesser'';
(2) in subparagraph (A), by adding ``or'' after the
semicolon;
(3) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``; or'' and inserting
a period; and
(4) by striking subparagraph (C).
SEC. 5205. PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR LOANS.
(a) Ownership Loans.--Section 302(a) of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1922(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), in the second sentence, by striking
``a majority'' each place it appears and inserting ``at least a
50 percent''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B)
and inserting the following:
``(A) Eligibility of qualified operators.--A
qualified operator (as defined by the Secretary) shall
be considered to meet the operator requirement of
paragraph (1).
``(B) Eligibility of certain operating-only
entities.--An applicant that is or will become only the
operator of farm real estate acquired, improved, or
supported with funds under this subtitle shall be
considered to meet the owner-operator requirements of
paragraph (1) if 1 or more of the individuals who are
owners of the farm real estate collectively own at
least 50 percent (or such other percentage as the
Secretary determines to be appropriate) of the
applicant.
``(C) Eligibility of certain embedded entities.--An
entity that is an owner-operator described in paragraph
(1), or an operator described in subparagraph (B), that
is owned, in whole or in part, by 1 or more other
entities shall be considered to meet the direct
ownership requirement imposed under paragraph (1) if at
least 75 percent of the total ownership interests of
the embedded entity, or of the other entities, is
owned, directly or indirectly, by qualified operators
of the farm acquired, improved, or supported with funds
under this subtitle.''.
(b) Operating Loans.--Section 311(a) of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1941(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``a majority'' each place
it appears and inserting ``at least a 50 percent''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking ``ownership interests'' and all
that follows through the period at the end and
inserting ``total ownership interests of that entity,
or of the other entities, is owned, directly or
indirectly, by qualified operators of the farm improved
or supported with funds under this subtitle.''; and
(B) by striking the paragraph designation and
heading and all that follows through ``An entity'' and
inserting the following:
``(2) Special rules.--
``(A) Eligibility of qualified operators.--A
qualified operator (as defined by the Secretary) shall
be considered to meet the operator requirement of
paragraph (1).
``(B) Eligibility of certain operating-only
entities.--An entity''.
(c) Emergency Loans.--Section 321 of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1961) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the first sentence, in the matter preceding
the proviso--
(i) by striking ``(A)'' and inserting
``(i)'';
(ii) by striking ``(B)'' and inserting
``(ii)'';
(iii) by striking ``(1)'' and inserting
``(A)'';
(iv) by striking ``(2)'' and inserting
``(B)''; and
(v) by striking ``a majority'' each place
it appears and inserting ``at least a 50
percent'';
(B) in the second sentence, by striking ``this
subsection'' and inserting ``this paragraph'';
(C) by striking the fifth sentence; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Special rules.--
``(A) Eligibility of qualified operators.--A
qualified operator (as defined by the Secretary) shall
be considered to meet the operator requirement of
paragraph (1).
``(B) Eligibility of certain operating-only
entities.--An applicant that is or will become only the
operator of farm real estate acquired, improved, or
supported with funds under this subtitle shall be
considered to meet the owner-operator requirements of
paragraph (1) if 1 or more of the individuals who are
owners of the farm real estate collectively own at
least 50 percent (or such other percentage as the
Secretary determines to be appropriate) of the
applicant.
``(C) Eligibility of certain embedded entities.--An
entity that is an owner-operator described in paragraph
(1), or an operator described in subparagraph (B), that
is owned, in whole or in part, by 1 or more other
entities shall be considered to meet the direct
ownership requirement imposed under paragraph (1) if at
least 75 percent of the total ownership interests of
the embedded entity, or of the other entities, is
owned, directly or indirectly, by qualified operators
of the farm acquired, improved, or supported with funds
under this subtitle.''; and
(2) by striking the section designation and all that
follows through ``shall make and insure'' in subsection (a) and
inserting the following:
``SEC. 321. ELIGIBILITY FOR LOANS.
``(a) In General.--
``(1) Eligibility requirements.--The Secretary shall make
and insure''.
SEC. 5206. REFINANCING OF BRIDGE LOANS.
Section 303(a)(1)(E)(ii) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1923(a)(1)(E)(ii)) is amended by striking
``was approved'' and inserting ``was approved or the temporary bridge
loan was closed''.
SEC. 5207. SUPPORT FOR RESOLVING OWNERSHIP AND SUCCESSION ISSUES
RELATING TO FARMLAND.
(a) Reauthorization of the Heirs Property Intermediary Relending
Program.--Section 310I of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 1936c) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``so that the eligible entities
may'' and inserting ``to enable such eligible entities
to'';
(B) by striking the subsection designation and
heading and all that follows through ``The Secretary''
and inserting the following:
``(a) Authority.--
``(1) Lending authority.--The Secretary''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Other authority.--In addition to any loans provided
under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall provide support for--
``(A) administrative costs incurred by eligible
entities in connection with the making of and managing
such loans; and
``(B) the provision of qualified technical
assistance related to such loans, which may be provided
directly by the eligible entities or through their
partner organizations, as described in subsection
(g).'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (3), by striking ``(3) the'' and
inserting the following:
``(C) have the'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``or limited'' and
inserting ``, limited'';
(ii) by inserting ``veteran (as defined in
section 101 of title 38, United States Code)
farmers and ranchers,'' before ``rural
businesses,''; and
(iii) by striking ``(2) experience'' and
inserting the following:
``(B) have experience'';
(C) in paragraph (1), by striking ``(1)
certification'' and inserting the following:
``(A)(i) have a certification'';
(D) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) (as so
designated)--
(i) by striking ``with'' and inserting
``that''; and
(ii) by striking ``Entities'' and inserting
the following:
``(1) In general.--Entities'';
(E) in paragraph (1)(A) (as so designated), by
adding at the end the following:
``(ii) have a certification under section 1.7(b)(1)
of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2015(b)(1))
or section 614.4540 of title 12, Code of Federal
Regulations (or successor regulations); or
``(iii) subject to paragraph (2)--
``(I) have submitted a complete application
for certification under--
``(aa) section 1805.201 of title
12, Code of Federal Regulations (or
successor regulations);
``(bb) section 1.7(b)(1) of the
Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
2015(b)(1)); or
``(cc) section 614.4540 of title
12, Code of Federal Regulations (or
successor regulations); and
``(II) are actively pursuing that
certification in good standing, as determined
by the Secretary;''; and
(F) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Entities pursuing certification.--
``(A) In general.--Eligibility under paragraph
(1)(A)(iii) shall be temporary and shall terminate
upon--
``(i) final denial of the certification
application;
``(ii) withdrawal or abandonment of the
certification application; or
``(iii) failure to obtain certification
within 2 years after the date on which the
application was submitted, unless the Secretary
determines that an extension is warranted due
to administrative delay beyond the control of
the applicant.
``(B) Additional requirements.--The Secretary may
impose such additional reporting, compliance, or
progress requirements as the Secretary determines
necessary to ensure that applicants are making
demonstrable and timely progress toward
certification.'';
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) by inserting ``or forest land'' after
``farmland'';
(B) by striking ``The proceeds'' and inserting the
following:
``(1) In general.--The proceeds''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Technical assistance and administrative costs.--The
Secretary shall provide additional, separate funding and
support for technical assistance and administrative costs.'';
(4) in subsection (e)--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``shall be'' in
the matter preceding subparagraph (A) and all that
follows through ``clearly'' in subparagraph (B) and
inserting ``shall be clearly''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) A borrower receiving a loan under this section shall
agree, as a condition of such loan, to complete and submit a
succession plan within a timeframe established by the lender.
The lender may approve and disburse loan funds prior to the
completion or submission of the succession plan, so long as the
borrower remains in compliance with the applicable succession-
plan requirements and deadlines established by the lender.
``(5) Borrowers with approved loans under an Heirs'
Property Relending Program or Highly Fractionated Indian Land
Loan Program application are deemed eligible for a Farm Service
Agency Direct Ownership Loan to acquire surrounding land, or a
Farm Service Agency Direct Operating Loan to finance
production, without another application, if needed to ensure a
viable farm operation.'';
(5) in subsection (f), by striking ``enactment of this
section'' and inserting ``enactment of the Agricultural Act of
2026, and annually thereafter'';
(6) in subsection (g)--
(A) by striking ``$10,000,000'' and inserting
``$50,000,000''; and
(B) by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031'';
(7) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (h); and
(8) by inserting after subsection (f) the following:
``(g) Administrative and Technical Assistance Expenses.--
``(1) In general.--In addition to any loan provided under
this subsection, the Secretary shall provide to an eligible
entity an amount that is not less than the de minimis rate and
not more than 30 percent of the loan amount for administrative
costs and technical assistance expenses relating to--
``(A) operating the relending program; and
``(B) planning for and addressing heirs property
issues, including providing and assisting heirs with
transitioning to or maintaining the land in
agricultural production.
``(2) Requirement.--Amounts provided under this subsection
shall not--
``(A) be considered part of the loan principle or
loan proceeds; or
``(B) reduce the amount otherwise available to the
eligible entity under the loan.''.
(b) Cooperative Agreements for Heirs Property Resolution Through
Direct Public Interest Legal Services.--Title V of the Rural
Development Act of 1972 (7 U.S.C. 2661 et seq.) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``SEC. 509. COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS FOR HEIRS PROPERTY RESOLUTION
THROUGH DIRECT PUBLIC INTEREST LEGAL SERVICES.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall enter into cooperative
agreements with eligible entities to provide legal or accounting
services to underserved heirs, at no cost to the underserved heirs, to
assist in resolving undivided ownership interests on farmland or forest
land, or land transitioning to farmland or forest land, that has
multiple owners. Such a cooperative agreement must be for any of the
following purposes:
``(1) To assist with transitioning land to agricultural
production.
``(2) To maintain land in agricultural production.
``(3) To increase access to programs administered by the
Secretary through the resolution of real property claims in
order to allow real property owners to meet land ownership
eligibility requirements for participation in a program
administered by the Secretary.
``(b) Administration of Cooperative Agreements.--
``(1) Duration.--
``(A) In general.--A cooperative agreement under
subsection (a) shall be in effect for not more than 4
years, subject to subparagraph (B).
``(B) Special rule.--The Secretary may extend a
cooperative agreement or re-enter into a cooperative
agreement with the same or a different eligible entity
to provide continued services for heirs if--
``(i) property ownership is not resolved
within the initial term of the original
cooperative agreement; and
``(ii) the entity certifies that the entity
understands that the cooperative agreement is
not guaranteed to be funded for more than 4
years after the commencement of the original
cooperative agreement.
``(2) Management of performance.--
``(A) Annual reports.--An eligible entity must
provide annual reports to the Secretary summarizing the
progress made during each fiscal year towards achieving
the goals of the cooperative agreement for the heirs
for whom services are provided under the cooperative
agreement.
``(B) Information and data.--The Secretary may
require an eligible entity to provide the Secretary
with such information or data as the Secretary deems
necessary to determine that the eligible entity is
making acceptable progress. The data may not include
personally identifiable information.
``(C) Effect of failure to demonstrate success.--If
an eligible entity providing services under such a
cooperative agreement does not demonstrate success, as
determined by the Secretary, in resolving or reasonably
attempting to resolve the property claims of an heir,
the Secretary may terminate the agreement.
``(3) Implementation.--The Secretary may utilize requests
for public input or the formal rulemaking process to effectuate
this section. At a minimum, the Secretary shall make publicly
available the criteria for selecting an eligible entity to
enter into an agreement to provide services, the administrative
and performance requirements for cooperative agreements under
this section, as well as codify within its internal policy its
implementation process.
``(4) Heirs property not in farming.--On a limited basis,
and when determined by the Secretary to meet the purposes of a
program administered by the Secretary and to expand access to
such a program, the Secretary may allow an eligible entity to
provide services at no cost to an heir who is not an
underserved heir if--
``(A) the land with respect to which the services
are to be provided is not farmland or in agricultural
production, but could be viably productive for
agricultural, conservation, or forestry purposes;
``(B) the heir satisfies all other requirements of
the definition of `underserved heir';
``(C) the heir can provide proof to substantiate
that the heir is in control of the real property; and
``(D) the heir certifies to the Secretary that the
heir intends to apply for, and make a good faith effort
to enroll the land in, a program administered by the
Secretary once property claims to the land are resolved
through services provided under a cooperative agreement
entered into under this section.
``(c) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means a
nonprofit organization that--
``(A) provides legal or accounting services to an
underserved heir at no cost to the underserved heir to
resolve property ownership issues; and
``(B) has demonstrated experience in resolving
issues related to ownership and succession on farmland
or forest land that has multiple owners.
``(2) Limited resource heir.--An heir shall be considered a
limited resource heir for purposes of this section if--
``(A) the total household income of the heir is at
or below the national poverty level for a family of 4,
or less than 50 percent of the county median household
income for the 2 immediately preceding calendar years,
as determined annually using data of the Department of
Commerce; or
``(B) the property of the heir for which legal
services are provided pursuant to a cooperative
agreement entered into under this section is in a
persistent poverty community, as determined annually on
the basis of data from the Department of Commerce, or a
socially vulnerable area, as designated by the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention.
``(3) Underserved heir.--The term `underserved heir' means
an heir with an undivided ownership interest in farmland or
forest land that has multiple owners, who is--
``(A) a limited resource heir;
``(B) a member of a socially disadvantaged group
(as defined in section 2501(a) of the Food,
Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7
U.S.C. 2279(a))); or
``(C) a veteran (as defined in section 101(2) of
title 38, United States Code).
``(d) Annual Reports to Congress.--Within 1 year after the date of
the enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the Secretary
shall prepare, make public, and submit to the Committee on Agriculture
of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture,
Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a written report on the
activities carried out under this section in the year covered by the
report.
``(e) Limitations on Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out
this section, there is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary
$20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.''.
SEC. 5208. LIMITATION ON MICROLOAN AMOUNTS.
Section 313(c)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 1943(c)(2)) is amended by striking ``$50,000'' and
inserting ``$100,000''.
SEC. 5209. COOPERATIVE LENDING PILOT PROJECTS.
Section 313(c)(4)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 1943(c)(4)(A)) is amended, in the matter preceding clause
(i), by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 5210. REFINANCING OF GUARANTEED LOANS INTO DIRECT LOANS.
Section 303 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
U.S.C. 1923) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Refinancing of Guaranteed Loans Into Direct Loans.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall promulgate
regulations allowing certain loans guaranteed by the Farm
Service Agency to be refinanced into direct loans issued by the
Farm Service Agency, in accordance with this subsection.
``(2) Requirements.--
``(A) In general.--The regulations promulgated
under paragraph (1) shall provide that a guaranteed
loan described in that paragraph may be refinanced into
a direct loan described in that paragraph only if the
Secretary, in consultation with the lender holding the
guaranteed loan, determines that--
``(i) the guaranteed loan is distressed due
to its status as a non-performing loan that
does not have a positive cashflow;
``(ii) the borrower on the guaranteed loan
has attempted to work with the lender and has
been unsuccessful;
``(iii) the borrower on the guaranteed loan
is in default and the lender has notified the
borrower of a pending liquidation or
foreclosure action;
``(iv) a reasonable chance for the success
of the operation financed by the guaranteed
loan exists; and
``(v) all other criteria established by the
Secretary for purposes of this section to
protect taxpayer funds and the loan programs of
the Farm Service Agency have been satisfied.
``(B) Reasonable chance of success.--For purposes
of subparagraph (A)(iv), the Secretary may determine
that a reasonable chance for the success of an
operation exists if the Secretary determines that--
``(i) all relevant problems with the
operation financed by the guaranteed loan--
``(I) have been identified; and
``(II) can be corrected; and
``(ii) on correction of those problems, the
operation can achieve, or be returned to, a
sound financial basis.
``(3) Loan programs.--In making direct loans pursuant to
the regulations promulgated under paragraph (1), the Secretary
may refinance a loan guaranteed under 1 program of the Farm
Service Agency into a direct loan issued under another program
of the Farm Service Agency, as the Secretary determines to be
appropriate and in accordance with the laws applicable to the
program under which the new direct loan is issued.
``(4) Maximum amount of direct refinancing loans.--A direct
loan issued by the Farm Service Agency pursuant to the
regulations promulgated under paragraph (1) shall be subject to
any otherwise applicable limitation on the maximum amount of a
direct loan issued by the Farm Service Agency, including, if
applicable, the limitations described in sections 305 and
313.''.
SEC. 5211. PILOT PROJECTS FOR PREAPPROVAL OF DIRECT FARM OWNERSHIP
LOANS.
Subtitle D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act is
amended by inserting after section 333D (7 U.S.C. 1983d) the following:
``SEC. 333E. PILOT PROJECTS.
``The Secretary shall conduct pilot projects that use financial
benchmarking and streamlined loan assessment requirements under section
360(b) to provide farmers and ranchers with a preapproval or
prequalification mechanism for direct farm ownership loans under
subtitle A.''.
SEC. 5212. DEFINITION OF QUALIFIED BEGINNING FARMER OR RANCHER.
Section 343(a)(11) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(11)) is amended--
(1) by striking subparagraph (C); and
(2) by redesignating subparagraphs (D) through (G) as
subparagraphs (C) through (F), respectively.
SEC. 5213. USE OF ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR DIRECT OPERATING MICROLOANS
UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS.
Section 346(b)(5)(C) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(5)(C)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 5214. STATE AGRICULTURAL MEDIATION PROGRAMS.
(a) Matching Grants to States.--Section 502 of the Agricultural
Credit Act of 1987 (7 U.S.C. 5102) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``$500,000'' and
inserting ``$700,000''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(e) Carryover of Financial Assistance.--The Secretary shall
permit a State that receives financial assistance under subsection (a)
for a fiscal year to carry over not more than 25 percent of the
financial assistance that is not expended by the end of the fiscal year
for use during the next fiscal year without deducting the amount from
any assistance provided under this Act in subsequent fiscal years.''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 506 of the
Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 Act (7 U.S.C. 5106) is amended by
inserting ``and $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through
2031'' before the period at the end.
SEC. 5215. PROMPT APPROVAL OF LOANS AND LOAN GUARANTEES.
(a) In General.--Section 333A of the of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1983a) is amended--
(1) in subsection (g)--
(A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the
following:
``(1) Real estate and operating guaranteed loans.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall provide to
lenders a short, simplified application form for real
estate and operating guaranteed loans of not more than
$1,000,000 under this title.
``(B) Notice.--Not later than 5 business days after
receipt of an application to guarantee a real estate or
operating loan described in subparagraph (A) originated
by a Preferred Certified Lender or Certified Lender,
the Secretary shall notify the lender as to whether the
application is approved or disapproved.
``(C) Maximum guarantee.--The percentage of the
principal amount of a loan that may be guaranteed
pursuant to this paragraph shall not exceed--
``(i) 90 percent, in the case of a loan of
not more than $125,000;
``(ii) 75 percent, in the case of a loan of
more than $125,000 and not more than $500,000;
or
``(iii) 50 percent, in the case of a loan
of more than $500,000 and not more than
$1,000,000.'';
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as
paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; and
(C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) Business and industry guaranteed loans to assist
rural entities.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall develop an
application process that accelerates, to the maximum
extent practicable, the processing of applications for
business and industry guaranteed loans of not more than
$400,000 to assist rural entities, as described in
section 310B(a)(2)(A).
``(B) Exception.--The accelerated application
process developed under subparagraph (A) shall apply to
a loan of more than $400,000, but not more than
$600,000, if the Secretary determines that there is not
a significant increased risk of a default on the
loan.''; and
(2) by striking subsection (h).
(b) Authority to Include Certain Certified Lenders as Preferred
Certified Lenders.--Section 339(d)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1989(d)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (C) as
clauses (i) through (iii), respectively, and indenting
appropriately;
(2) by striking the paragraph designation and heading and
all that follows through ``the Secretary'' in the matter
preceding clause (i) (as so redesignated) and inserting the
following:
``(1) Establishment.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary''; and
(3) by striking the undesignated matter following
subparagraph (A)(iii) (as so redesignated) and inserting the
following:
``(B) Certification.--The Secretary shall certify
as a Preferred Certified Lender--
``(i) any lending institution that meets
such criteria as the Secretary may prescribe by
regulation; and
``(ii) any lending institution certified
under subsection (c), if the Secretary
determines that including the lending
institution in the program under this
subsection is feasible as a result of the
lending institution meeting alternative
eligibility criteria established by the
Secretary.''.
SEC. 5216. FARM OPERATING LOANS FOR COMMERCIAL FISHING.
(a) Definitions.--Section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(14) Commercial fishing.--The term `commercial fishing'
means fishing (as defined in section 3 of the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1802)) in
which the fish harvested, either in whole or in part--
``(A) are intended to enter commerce; or
``(B) enter commerce through sale, barter, or
trade.
``(15) Commercial fishing vessel.--The term `commercial
fishing vessel' has the meaning given the term `fishing vessel'
in section 2101 of title 46, United States Code.
``(16) Fish.--The term `fish' has the meaning given the
term in section 2101 of title 46, United States Code.''.
(b) Eligibility for Loans.--Section 311(a) of the Consolidated Farm
and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1941(a)) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(3) Eligibility of wild-caught fish and shellfish.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, for purposes
of direct and guaranteed farm loans under this subtitle--
``(A) the terms `farmer' and `rancher' shall
include an individual or entity engaged in commercial
fishing; and
``(B) the terms `farm' and `ranch' shall include a
commercial fishing vessel.''.
(c) Purposes of Loans.--Section 312 of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1942) is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``(f) Commercial Fishery Participants.--An individual or entity
engaged in commercial fishing may only use a direct or guaranteed loan
under this subtitle for the costs associated with acquiring, operating,
or maintaining a commercial fishing vessel.''.
(d) Implementation and Coordination.--
(1) Definition of commercial fishing.--In this subsection,
the term ``commercial fishing'' has the meaning given the term
in section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)).
(2) Requirement.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall take such actions as
are necessary to ensure the successful and effective
integration of individuals and entities in the commercial
fishing industry into each program of the Department for which
those individuals and entities are eligible pursuant to the
amendments made by this section.
(3) Technical assistance and guidance.--In carrying out
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--
(A) provide outreach and technical assistance to
participants in the commercial fishing industry,
including through cooperative agreements and public-
private and other partnerships, to promote awareness of
and access to relevant programs;
(B) provide guidance and training to relevant
agency personnel of the Department, including through
cooperative agreements and public-private and other
partnerships, to ensure program services are
effectively delivered to the commercial fishing
industry; and
(C) coordinate, as appropriate, with the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other
relevant Federal and State agencies to implement the
amendments made by this section.
Subtitle C--Administrative Provisions
SEC. 5301. BEGINNING FARMER AND RANCHER INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNTS
PILOT PROGRAM.
Section 333B(h) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
(7 U.S.C. 1983b(h)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''.
SEC. 5302. LOAN AUTHORIZATION LEVELS.
Section 346(b)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(1)) is amended, in the matter preceding
subparagraph (A), by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 5303. LOAN FUND SET-ASIDES.
Section 346(b)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(2)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) in clause (i)(II), by inserting ``, to the
extent practicable'' after ``April 1 of the fiscal
year'';
(B) in clause (ii)(III), by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031''; and
(C) in clause (iii), by inserting ``, to the extent
practicable'' after ``September 1 of the fiscal year'';
and
(2) in subparagraph (B)(iii), by inserting ``, to the
extent practicable'' after ``April 1 of the fiscal year''.
SEC. 5304. TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF LOANS TO BORROWERS THAT HAVE
RECEIVED DEBT FORGIVENESS.
Section 373(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
(7 U.S.C. 2008h(b)) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
``(1) Prohibition.--Except as provided in paragraph (2),
the Secretary may not make or guarantee a loan under this title
to a borrower for a period of 7 years after the borrower has
received debt forgiveness on a loan made or guaranteed under
this title.''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)(A)(ii), by striking ``chapters'' and
inserting ``chapter''.
SEC. 5305. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.
(a) Elimination of Obsolete References to County Committees.--
(1) Section 333A(a)(2)(B)(vi) of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1983a(a)(2)(B)(vi)) is amended
by striking ``by the county committee'' and inserting ``of the
application''.
(2) Section 336 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1986) is amended--
(A) in subsection (b), by striking the second
sentence;
(B) by striking subsection (c); and
(C) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection
(c).
(3) Section 339 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1989) is amended--
(A) in subsection (c)(4)(A), by striking ``county
committee certification that the borrower of the loan
meets'' and inserting ``the borrower meeting''; and
(B) in subsection (d)(4)(A), by striking ``county
committee certification that the borrower meets'' and
inserting ``the borrower meeting''.
(4) Section 359(c)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2006a(c)(1)) is amended by striking
``(as determined by the appropriate county committee during the
determination of eligibility for the loan)''.
(b) Revision of Loan Assessment Requirements.--Section 360(d)(1) of
the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2006b(d)(1))
is amended by striking ``annual review of direct loans, and periodic
review (as determined necessary by the Secretary) of guaranteed
loans,'' and inserting ``periodic review (as determined by the
Secretary) of direct loans and guaranteed loans''.
(c) Updating of Outdated References to the Farmers Home
Administration and the Rural Development Administration.--
(1) Section 309(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1929(e)) is amended by striking
``Farmers Home Administration and the Rural Development
Administration'' and inserting ``Farm Service Agency and Rural
Development''.
(2) Section 331(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1981(b)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (4)--
(i) by striking ``Consolidated Farm Service
Agency'' and inserting ``Farm Service Agency'';
and
(ii) by striking ``Rural Development
Administration'' and inserting ``Rural
Development'';
(B) in each of paragraphs (5) and (7), by striking
``Farmers Home Administration'' each place it appears
and inserting ``Farm Service Agency and Rural
Development''; and
(C) in paragraph (8), by striking ``Rural
Development Administration or by the Farmers Home
Administration'' and inserting ``Farm Service Agency or
by Rural Development''.
(3) Section 331A(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1981a(a)) is amended, in the first
sentence, by striking ``Farmers Home Administration or by the
Rural Development Administration'' and inserting ``Farm Service
Agency or by Rural Development''.
(4) Section 333A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1983a) is amended--
(A) in subsection (a)(2)(B), by striking ``Farmers
Home Administration'' each place it appears and
inserting ``Farm Service Agency''; and
(B) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``Farmers
Home Administration'' each place it appears and
inserting ``Farm Service Agency''.
(5) Section 335 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1985) is amended--
(A) in subsection (a), by striking ``Farmers Home
Administration or the Rural Development
Administration'' and inserting ``Farm Service Agency or
Rural Development'';
(B) in subsection (d), in the second sentence, by
striking ``Farmers Home Administration'' and inserting
``Farm Service Agency''; and
(C) in subsection (f)(1)--
(i) by striking ``Agricultural
Stabilization and Conservation Service
payments'' and inserting ``Farm Service Agency
farm program'';
(ii) by striking ``Farmers Home
Administration liens'' and inserting ``liens
for a farmer program loan''; and
(iii) by striking ``Farmers Home
Administration farmer'' and inserting ``Farm
Service Agency farmer''.
(6) Section 338(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1988(a)) is amended by striking
``Farmers Home Administration or the Rural Development
Administration'' and inserting ``Farm Service Agency or Rural
Development''.
(7) Section 347 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1995) is amended, in the first
sentence by striking ``Farmers Home Administration'' and
inserting ``Farm Service Agency or Rural Development''.
(8) Section 349(e)(1)(B) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1997(e)(1)(B)) is amended by striking
``Farmers Home Administration'' and inserting ``Farm Service
Agency''.
(9) Section 353A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2001a) is amended by striking ``the
Farmers Home Administration'' and inserting ``Rural
Development''.
(10) Section 356 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2004) is amended, in the first
sentence--
(A) by striking ``Farmers Home Administration may''
and inserting ``Farm Service Agency and Rural
Development may''; and
(B) by striking ``the inventory of the Farmers Home
Administration'' and inserting ``inventory''.
(11) Section 361 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2006c) is amended, in the matter
preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``Farmers Home
Administration'' and inserting ``Farm Service Agency''.
(12) Section 370(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008e(a)) is amended by striking
``the Rural Development Administration, the Farmers Home
Administration, the Rural Electrification Administration'' and
inserting ``Rural Development, the Farm Service Agency, the
Rural Utilities Service''.
(d) Extension of Period for Sales of Real Property.--Section
335(c)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.
1985(c)(1)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``15'' and inserting
``60'';
(2) in subparagraph (B)(i)--
(A) by striking ``135'' and inserting ``180''; and
(B) by inserting ``suitable for farming or
ranching, as determined by the Secretary'' before the
comma; and
(3) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``not later than 135
days after acquiring the real property, the Secretary shall,
not later than 30 days after the 135-day period,'' and
inserting ``or if the Secretary determines that the property is
not suitable for farming or ranching, not later than 60 days
after the 180-day period described in subparagraph (B)(i), the
Secretary shall''.
(e) Correction of Infeasible Inventory Property Disposition
Framework.--
(1) Section 331(b)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1981(b)(1)) is amended by striking
``, and until January'' and all that follows through ``fit)''.
(2) Section 335(f) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1985(f)) is amended--
(A) by striking paragraphs (3) through (5);
(B) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph
(3); and
(C) by striking paragraph (7) and inserting the
following:
``(4) The Secretary shall issue regulations consistent with
this section that ensure the release of funds to each
borrower.''.
(f) Replacement of References to District Office With References to
District Director.--Section 333A(a)(2)(B) of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1983a(a)(2)(B)) is amended by striking
``district office'' each place it appears and inserting ``District
Director''.
(g) Correction of Obsolete Reference to Former Trust Territories.--
Section 343(a)(6) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
U.S.C. 1991(a)(6)) is amended by striking ``the Trust Territory of the
Pacific Islands'' and inserting ``the Federated States of Micronesia,
the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands''.
(h) Revision of Farmer Program Loan Definition.--Section 343(a)(10)
of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.
1991(a)(10)) is amended by striking ``304,'' and inserting ``304 before
June 18, 2008, conservation loan (CL) under section 304 on or after
June 18, 2008,''.
(i) Updating of Provisions to Reflect Repurposing of Conservation
Loan Provisions.--
(1) Section 303(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1923(a)) is amended in each of
paragraphs (1)(D) and (2)(D) by striking ``described in section
304''.
(2) Section 310D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1934) is amended, in the first
sentence, by striking ``, or paragraphs (1) through (5) of
section 304(a),'' and inserting ``or 304(a)''.
(j) Updating of Notice Provision Requirement and Lifetime Debt
Forgiveness Limit.--Section 353(i)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2001(i)(1)) is amended by striking
``registered or certified mail'' and inserting ``any method that
provides documentation of delivery''.
(k) Clarification of Interest Rate Requirements.--
(1) Section 307(a)(3)(B) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1927(a)(3)(B)) is amended by striking
``not be-'' in the matter preceding clause (i) and all that
follows through the period at the end of clause (ii) and
inserting ``be equal to the interest rate for direct farm
ownership loans under this subtitle, not to exceed 5 percent
per year.''.
(2) Section 316(a)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1946(a)(2)) is amended by striking
``not be--'' in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) and all
that follows through the period at the end of subparagraph (B)
and inserting ``be equal to the interest rate for direct farm
operating loans under this subtitle, not to exceed 5 percent
per year.''.
(l) Correction of Heading.--Section 309(h)(6) of the Consolidated
Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1929(h)(6)) is amended, in the
paragraph heading, by striking ``Beginning farmer loans'' and inserting
``Down payment loan program participants''.
(m) Elimination of Superfluous Restrictions.--Section 312 of the
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1942) (as amended
by section 5216(c)) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (d); and
(2) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as subsections
(d) and (e), respectively.
(n) Elimination of Confusing References to Loan Guarantees.--
Section 319 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
U.S.C. 1949) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``or guarantees'';
and
(2) by striking ``or with respect to whom there is an
outstanding guarantee under this subtitle''.
(o) Elimination of Obsolete Reporting Requirements.--Section 346 of
the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1994) is
amended by striking subsections (c) and (d).
(p) Correction of Obsolete Appeals Provisions.--
(1) Section 352(c)(3) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2000(c)(3)) is amended, in the second
sentence, by striking ``section 333B'' and inserting ``subtitle
H of title II of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and
Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C.
6991 et seq.)''.
(2) Section 353 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2001) is amended--
(A) in subsection (h), by striking ``under section
333B''; and
(B) in subsection (j)--
(i) in the first sentence, by striking
``filed with the appeals division under section
333B'' and inserting ``to the National Appeals
Division''; and
(ii) in the second sentence--
(I) by striking ``appeals division
shall'' and inserting ``Secretary
shall''; and
(II) by striking ``county
supervisor'' and inserting
``Secretary''.
(q) Elimination of Unnecessary Constraint on Pilot Projects.--
Section 333D(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
U.S.C. 1983d(a)) is amended by striking ``that are consistent with
subtitle A through this subtitle''.
(r) Correction of Heading.--Section 8.8(a)(3) of the Farm Credit
Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2279aa-8(a)(3)) is amended, in the paragraph
heading, by striking ``Mortgage loans'' and inserting ``Loan quality''.
TITLE VI--RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Subtitle A--Rural Electrification Act of 1936
PART I--RURAL BROADBAND ACCESS
SEC. 6101. STREAMLINING BROADBAND AUTHORITIES.
(a) In General.--Section 601 of the Rural Electrification Act of
1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb) is amended--
(1) by striking the section heading and inserting
``reconnect program'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph
(4); and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) Reconnect program.--The term `ReConnect Program'
means the program established under this section.'';
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (2)(A)--
(i) in clause (i)--
(I) in subclause (I), by striking
``10-Mbps'' and inserting ``25-Mbps'';
and
(II) in subclause (II), by striking
``1-Mbps'' and inserting ``3-Mbps'';
(ii) in clause (iii), by striking ``and''
at the end; and
(iii) by striking clause (iv) and inserting
the following:
``(iv) give priority to applications from
applicants that have demonstrated the technical
and financial experience required to construct
and operate broadband networks; and
``(v) give priority to applications from
applicants that ensure that the network built
under the project can easily scale speeds over
time, as determined by the Secretary--
``(I) to meet the evolving
connectivity needs of households and
businesses; and
``(II) to support the deployment of
5G wireless technology, successor
wireless technologies, and other
advanced services.''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Applications.--The Secretary shall establish an
application process for grants, loans, and loan guarantees
under this section that--
``(A) reduces the amount of data required to apply
by limiting the required data to only--
``(i) the entity applying, excluding any
parent or affiliate entity that is not a party
to the application, to the greatest extent
practicable; and
``(ii) the geographic area affected by the
application, if a parent or affiliate is not a
party to the application;
``(B) simplifies the data interfaces for submission
to the greatest extent practicable; and
``(C) allows all applicants, regardless of whether
an applicant is publicly traded, to rely on a bond
rating of at least investment grade (when bond ratings
are available) in place of financial documentation.'';
(4) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``subsection (j)'' and inserting ``subsection
(l)''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) Requirements.--The Secretary--
``(i) shall not restrict the eligibility of
an entity for a grant, loan, or loan guarantee
under this section based on the legal structure
of the entity;
``(ii) in determining the financial ability
of an entity to carry out a project using a
grant, loan, or loan guarantee under this
section, shall allow the entity to demonstrate
that financial ability by methods that--
``(I) the Secretary determines to
be the least burdensome; and
``(II) subject to clause (iv), in
the case of a project using a grant,
are not limited to providing the
Federal Government an exclusive first
lien on all grant-funded assets during
the service obligation of the grant;
``(iii) subject to clause (iv), in
determining the required collateral to secure
grant funds or to secure performance during the
service obligation of a grant, shall allow an
awardee to offer alternative security, such as
a letter of credit or performance bond, in lieu
of providing the Federal Government an
exclusive first lien on all grant-funded
assets; and
``(iv) if the Secretary reasonably
determines that alternative methods or
alternative security established under clause
(ii)(II) or (iii) are insufficient to secure
performance with respect to a project under
this section--
``(I) may require an entity to
provide the Federal Government an
exclusive first lien on all grant-
funded assets during the service
obligation of the grant; and
``(II) may release that lien after
the Secretary determines that the
entity is performing to the
satisfaction of the Secretary.''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking
``50'' and inserting ``90''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) Obligations to provide broadband service in
the same service territory.--
``(i) Definition of broadband
infrastructure.--In this subparagraph, the term
`broadband infrastructure' means any cables,
fiber optics, wiring, or other permanent
infrastructure that is integral to the
structure, including fixed wireless
infrastructure, that--
``(I) is capable of providing
access to internet connections in
individual locations; and
``(II) offers an advanced
telecommunications capability (as
defined in section 706(d) of the
Telecommunications Act of 1996 (47
U.S.C. 1302(d))).
``(ii) Other providers.--The Secretary
shall consider a proposed service territory
with respect to which an eligible entity
submits an application for grant funding to
carry out a project under this section to be
served by broadband service if a broadband
service provider other than that eligible
entity is subject to an obligation by a
Federal, State, or local government entity to
build broadband infrastructure and offer
broadband service in that service territory,
subject to conditions--
``(I) under a Federal, State, or
local funding award program; or
``(II) otherwise required by the
Federal, State, or local government
entity.
``(iii) Other funding.--Subject to clause
(iv), the Secretary shall not be required to
consider a proposed service territory with
respect to which an eligible entity submits an
application for grant funding to carry out a
project under this section to be served by
broadband service if that eligible entity has
accepted an obligation under a Federal, State,
or local funding award program to build
broadband infrastructure and offer broadband
service in that service territory, if the
proposed project under this section--
``(I) would not be duplicative of
the obligation under the other award
program; and
``(II) would build broadband
infrastructure that results in faster
speeds or expedited milestones of
deployment of broadband infrastructure
in that service territory, as compared
to the obligation under the other award
program.
``(iv) Other obligations for lower
transmission capacity.--The Secretary shall
consider a proposed service territory with
respect to which an eligible entity submits an
application to carry out a project under this
section to be unserved by broadband service if
an obligation under another award program
described in clause (iii) would not provide
broadband service of at least--
``(I) a 25-Mbps downstream
transmission capacity; and
``(II) a 3-Mbps upstream
transmission capacity.
``(E) Requirements for funding.--
``(i) Separate ownership or operation of
network.--A grant, loan, or loan guarantee
under this section may be used to construct
networks that will be owned and operated by
another entity other than the eligible entity
receiving the grant, loan, or loan guarantee,
subject to the condition that the eligible
entity, the other entity, or both, as the
Secretary determines to be necessary, shall
provide adequate security for the grant, loan,
or loan guarantee.
``(ii) Reporting and auditing.--The
Secretary shall--
``(I) simplify, to the maximum
extent practicable, ongoing reporting
and auditing requirements for
recipients of a grant, loan, or loan
guarantee under this section; and
``(II) allow a recipient described
in subclause (I) whose financial
information is consolidated with the
financial information of a parent
entity to rely on that consolidated
financial information in complying with
the requirements described in that
subclause if the parent entity is
providing an adequate guarantee on
behalf of a subsidiary of the parent
entity with respect to the grant, loan,
or loan guarantee.
``(iii) Procurement and contracting.--The
Secretary--
``(I) shall simplify, to the
maximum extent practicable,
requirements for recipients of a grant,
loan, or loan guarantee under this
section relating to the procurement of
materials and retention of contractors;
and
``(II) shall not unreasonably
restrict the ability of a recipient
described in subclause (I) to obtain
goods and services from affiliated
entities.'';
(5) in subsection (e)(1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``25-Mbps''
and inserting ``100-Mbps''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``3-Mbps'' and
inserting ``20-Mbps'';
(6) by redesignating subsection (k) as subsection (m);
(7) by striking subsection (j) and inserting the following:
``(j) Regulations.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2026, the Secretary shall issue
regulations to carry out this section in accordance with section 553 of
title 5, United States Code.
``(k) Annual Reports.--Not later than 120 days after the date of
enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2026, and not less frequently than
annually thereafter, the Secretary shall--
``(1) publish a report describing--
``(A) the distribution of amounts made available
under the ReConnect Program for the preceding year;
``(B) the number of locations at which broadband
service was made available using amounts under the
ReConnect Program for the preceding year;
``(C) the number of locations described in
subparagraph (B) at which broadband service was used;
and
``(D) the highest level of broadband service made
available at each location described in subparagraph
(B); and
``(2) submit the report described in paragraph (1) to--
``(A) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
Forestry of the Senate;
``(B) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate;
``(C) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives; and
``(D) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the
House of Representatives.
``(l) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $100,000,000
for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031, to remain available until
expended.''; and
(8) in subsection (m) (as so redesignated), by striking
``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
(b) Sunset.--Beginning on the date that is 120 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, section 779 of division A of the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2018 (Public Law 115-141; 132 Stat. 399), shall
have no force or effect.
(c) Transfer of Amounts.--The unobligated balance, as of the date
that is 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, of any
amounts made available to carry out the pilot program described in
section 779 of division A of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018
(Public Law 115-141; 132 Stat. 399)--
(1) is transferred to, and merged with, amounts made
available to carry out section 601 of the Rural Electrification
Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb); and
(2) shall remain available, until expended, and without
further appropriation, to carry out the ReConnect Program
established under that section.
(d) Effect.--Title VI of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7
U.S.C. 950bb et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 608. EFFECT.
``Nothing in this title authorizes the Secretary to regulate rates
charged for broadband service.''.
(e) Public Notice, Assessments, and Reporting Requirements.--
Section 701 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950cc)
is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``and reporting''
and inserting ``reporting, and coordination'';
(2) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting ``, including
a complete shapefile map'' after ``applicant''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)(D), by striking ``(c)'' and
inserting ``(d)'';
(3) by redesignating subsections (b) through (e) as
subsections (c) through (f), respectively;
(4) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
``(b) Challenge Process.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a
transparent, evidence-based, and expeditious process for
challenging, with respect to any area for which assistance is
sought under an application described in subsection (a)(1),
whether that area has access to broadband service.
``(2) Notice.--If the Secretary denies an application
described in subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall provide to
the applicant a written notice of the denial, including a
detailed description of the reasons for the denial.''; and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(g) Public Notice of Eligible Funding Areas.--Prior to making
available to the public the database under subsection (a), the
Secretary shall make available to the public a fully searchable
database on the website of the Rural Utilities Service that contains
information on areas eligible for assistance, as identified by the
Secretary in accordance with subsection (i).
``(h) Interagency Coordination.--The Secretary shall coordinate
with the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies,
including the Federal Communications Commission, the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration, and the Department
of the Treasury, in the deployment of broadband service using Federal
funding to prevent overbuilding.
``(i) FCC Maps.--
``(1) Use of FCC maps.--The Secretary shall identify areas
eligible for assistance under broadband programs administered
by the Secretary using the maps created by the Federal
Communications Commission under section 802(c)(1) of the
Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 642(c)(1)).
``(2) Data sharing.--The Secretary shall ensure that any
broadband service data collected is made available to the Chair
of the Federal Communications Commission and the Administrator
of the National Telecommunications and Information
Administration for inclusion in any broadband maps or data sets
maintained by the Federal Communications Commission or the
National Telecommunications and Information Administration.''.
(f) Consultation.--Section 6212 of the Agriculture Improvement Act
of 2018 (7 U.S.C. 950bb-6) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), in the first sentence, by inserting
``and State broadband offices'' after ``Assistant Secretary'';
and
(2) in subsection (b)(1)--
(A) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting the
following:
``(A) In general.--The Secretary''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Reconnect program.--On awarding a grant,
loan, or loan guarantee under the ReConnect Program
established under section 601 of the Rural
Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb), the
Secretary shall notify the Commission of that award.''.
SEC. 6102. EXPANSION OF MIDDLE MILE INFRASTRUCTURE INTO RURAL AREAS.
Section 602(g) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C.
950bb-1(g)) is amended by striking ``2018 through 2023'' and inserting
``2027 through 2031''.
SEC. 6103. COMMUNITY CONNECT GRANT PROGRAM.
Section 604 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C.
950bb-3) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``less than the''
and all that follows through the period at the end and
inserting the following: ``less than--
``(A) a 100-Mbps downstream transmission capacity;
and
``(B) a 20-Mbps upstream transmission capacity.'';
and
(B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the
following:
``(2) Eligible service area.--
``(A) In general.--The term `eligible service area'
means a rural area in which broadband service capacity
is less than--
``(i) a 25-Mbps downstream transmission
capacity; and
``(ii) a 3-Mbps upstream transmission
capacity.
``(B) Adjustments.--At least once every 2 years,
the Secretary shall review, and may adjust through
notice published in the Federal Register, the levels of
broadband service described in clauses (i) and (ii) of
subparagraph (A) to ensure that high quality, cost-
effective broadband service is provided to rural areas
over time.'';
(2) in subsection (d)(2)(A), by striking ``area; or'' and
inserting ``area (including any eligible broadband service that
will be provided in the future in the eligible service area
pursuant to enforceable commitments for network deployment
applicable under another broadband funding program); or''; and
(3) in subsection (g), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''.
SEC. 6104. LAST MILE BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT.
(a) Amendment.--Title VI of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936
is amended by inserting after section 606 (7 U.S.C. 950bb-5) the
following:
``SEC. 607. LAST ACRE PROGRAM.
``(a) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
``(1) to advance precision agriculture connectivity
nationwide; and
``(2) to augment last mile broadband deployment for
agricultural producers by expanding high-speed internet access
across the last acre.
``(b) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Broadband internet access service.--The term
`broadband internet access service' has the meaning given the
term in section 8.1(b) of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations
(or any successor regulation).
``(2) Broadband maps.--The term `broadband maps' means any
map created under--
``(A) section 802(c)(1) of the Communications Act
of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 642(c)(1)); or
``(B) section 60105 of the Infrastructure
Investment and Jobs Act (47 U.S.C. 1704).
``(3) Commission.--The term `Commission' means the Federal
Communications Commission.
``(4) Configuration management plan.--The term
`configuration management plan', with respect to a covered
provider, means a comprehensive description of the roles,
responsibilities, policies, and procedures intended to improve
the integrity of the systems and networks of the covered
provider.
``(5) Covered producer.--
``(A) In general.--The term `covered producer'
means a person or entity that is described as eligible
under section 311(a)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1941(a)(1)).
``(B) Inclusion.--The term `covered producer'
includes agricultural research centers of the
Agricultural Research Service.
``(6) Covered provider.--The term `covered provider'
means--
``(A) with respect to the provision of qualified
connectivity to eligible land, a provider of broadband
internet access service; or
``(B) with respect to the provision of wireless
solutions using or extending the range of network
connectivity, a provider of wireless equipment or
communications services, in association with an entity
described in subparagraph (A).
``(7) Eligible land.--The term `eligible land' means
cropland, grassland, rangeland, pastureland, farm sites, and
other agricultural land used for the active production of
agricultural commodities or livestock.
``(8) Farm site.--The term `farm site' means a portion of
land contiguous to land actively devoted to agricultural
production and that includes improvements that are agricultural
or horticultural in nature.
``(9) Limited resource farmer or rancher.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraphs (B) and
(C), the term `limited resource farmer or rancher'
means a covered producer--
``(i) with direct or indirect gross farm
sales in each of the previous 2 years of not
more than $100,000, as adjusted for changes in
inflation since 2002 using the Prices Paid by
Farmer Index compiled by the National
Agricultural Statistics Service; and
``(ii) that has a total household income
that is--
``(I) at or below the national
poverty level for a family of 4; or
``(II) less than 50 percent of the
county median household income in each
of the previous 2 years.
``(B) Documentation.--For purposes of determining
if a covered producer is a limited resource farmer or
rancher, the Secretary may require the submission of
sufficient documentation to verify the status of the
covered producer.
``(C) Exclusion.--For purposes of this paragraph,
the term `covered producer' does not include the
agricultural research centers described in paragraph
(5)(B).
``(10) Precision agriculture.--The term `precision
agriculture' means managing, tracking, or reducing crop or
livestock production inputs, including seed, feed, fertilizer,
chemicals, water, and time, at a heightened level of spatial
and temporal granularity to improve efficiencies, reduce waste,
and maintain or improve environmental quality.
``(11) Qualifying connectivity.--
``(A) In general.--The term `qualifying
connectivity' means the service offered by a covered
provider as a result of assistance under subsection (c)
that--
``(i) is capable of a speed of not less
than--
``(I) a 100-Mbps downstream
transmission capacity; and
``(II) a 20-Mbps upstream
transmission capacity; and
``(ii) carries out not less than 1 of the
activities described in subparagraph (B).
``(B) Activities described.--The activities
referred to in subparagraph (A)(ii) are--
``(i) providing broadband internet access
service by any technology to structures and
devices on eligible land, including tractors,
combines, irrigation systems, drones, under-
soil sensors, livestock facilities, and farm
offices;
``(ii) providing multipoint wireless
network connectivity that facilitates data
transmission between structures and devices on
eligible land, including structures and devices
described in clause (i); and
``(iii) supporting--
``(I) the construction of wireless
infrastructure, including poles,
towers, base stations, or other
structures, regardless of whether the
structure has an existing antenna
facility, that is used or will be used
for the provision of wireless service;
or
``(II) the retrofitting of existing
towers or vertical structures, such as
water towers, grain elevators, or
center pivots, to accommodate wireless
infrastructure.
``(12) Remote area.--The term `remote area' means the
frontier and remote ZIP Code areas published by the Economic
Research Service.
``(13) Underserved.--The term `underserved' means, with
respect to eligible land, that the eligible land lacks access
to broadband internet access service that is capable of a speed
of not less than--
``(A) a 100-Mbps downstream transmission capacity;
and
``(B) a 20-Mbps upstream transmission capacity.
``(14) Unserved.--The term `unserved' means, with respect
to eligible land, eligible land that lacks access to broadband
internet access service that is capable of a speed of not less
than--
``(A) a 25-Mbps downstream transmission capacity;
and
``(B) a 3-Mbps upstream transmission capacity.
``(c) Establishment.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this section, the Secretary shall establish a
program, to be known as the `Last Acre Program', to make grants
and loans to covered providers on a competitive basis to
provide qualifying connectivity to unserved and underserved
eligible land.
``(2) Limitation.--Of the amounts made available under
subsection (k) for a fiscal year for assistance under paragraph
(1), the Secretary may award not more than 10 percent to
agricultural research centers described in subsection
(b)(5)(B).
``(d) Use of Funds.--
``(1) Cybersecurity.--The Secretary may allow a covered
provider to use a portion of the assistance provided to the
covered provider under subsection (c), as necessary, to address
the cybersecurity requirements under subsection (g).
``(2) Prohibition.--The Secretary shall not award any
assistance under subsection (c) for broadband internet access
service--
``(A) to an inhabitable residence that is
identified as serviceable or as to be served due to an
enforceable commitment to deploy on the broadband maps;
or
``(B) on a commercial basis to surrounding areas
outside the eligible land.
``(3) Federal share.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (B), the Federal share of a project
carried out using assistance under subsection (c) shall
be not more than 80 percent of the total cost of the
project.
``(B) Limited resource farmers or ranchers.--The
Secretary may increase the Federal share of the costs
described in subparagraph (A) to 90 percent if the
covered producer of the applicable eligible land is a
limited resource farmer or rancher.
``(e) Bid Applications.--
``(1) In general.--To apply for assistance under subsection
(c), a covered provider shall submit to the Secretary an
application in such manner and containing such information as
the Secretary may require, including--
``(A) the measures by which the covered producer
has engaged with the covered provider to identify the
appropriate qualifying connectivity plan to serve the
eligible land of the covered producer;
``(B) a description of how the assistance provided
under subsection (c) would be used to establish
qualifying connectivity on the unserved or underserved
eligible land of a covered producer, including the
entire acreage in need of qualifying connectivity;
``(C) the amount of the Federal share for the
project and the amount of the non-Federal share for the
project;
``(D) whether the covered provider is capable of
carrying out the specific funded activities in
compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws;
``(E) whether the covered provider has the
financial and managerial capacity to meet the specific
commitments contained in the application, including
buildout obligations;
``(F) whether the covered provider has the
technical and operational capability to construct and
operate broadband networks;
``(G) whether the eligible land of the covered
producer--
``(i) is unserved or underserved; and
``(ii) is not subject to an enforceable
commitment to deploy broadband by the applicant
or another covered provider, as determined
according to the broadband maps; and
``(H) any additional information that the Secretary
determines necessary to ensure the effective function
of the program under this section.
``(2) Registration of covered providers.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than the date on which
the Secretary establishes the program under this
section pursuant to subsection (c), the Secretary shall
create an online portal within which covered providers
may register voluntarily with the Secretary for
purposes of the program under this section.
``(B) Registration requirements.--To register with
the Secretary under subparagraph (A), the Secretary
shall require a covered provider to submit the minimum
amount of information necessary for the covered
provider to demonstrate to the Secretary that the
covered provider--
``(i) is capable of carrying out activities
for which assistance is provided under
subsection (c) in compliance with all
applicable Federal, State, and local laws;
``(ii) has the financial and managerial
capacity to meet commitments necessary to carry
out the projects for which assistance is
received under subsection (c); and
``(iii) has the technical and operational
capability--
``(I) to construct and operate
broadband networks; and
``(II) to meet the requirement
described in paragraph (1) of
subsection (g) and provide the
cybersecurity certification required
under paragraph (2) of that subsection.
``(C) Prohibitions.--In registering covered
providers under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall
not--
``(i) require a covered provider to provide
any proprietary business information for
purposes of registering under that
subparagraph; or
``(ii) require a covered provider to
participate in the program under this section.
``(D) Public availability.--The Secretary may make
a list of covered providers registered under
subparagraph (A) publicly available.
``(3) Bidding.--
``(A) In general.--After the Secretary receives a
complete initial bid application under paragraph (1),
the Secretary shall allow covered providers registered
under paragraph (2)(A) that operate contiguous to,
near, or partially on the eligible land that is the
subject of the initial bid application to submit
competing bid applications for the proposed service
area.
``(B) Notification to covered providers.--Not less
frequently than once every 30 days, the Secretary
shall--
``(i) post on an internet website of the
Secretary that is accessible to covered
providers the necessary identifying information
of eligible land contained in a complete
initial bid application; and
``(ii) not later than 24 hours after the
time at which the information described in
clause (i) is posted, send notice of that post
to covered providers registered under paragraph
(2)(A) by electronic mail.
``(C) Challenges.--
``(i) In general.--Not later than 45
business days after the date on which the
Secretary posts the information described in
subparagraph (B)(i), a covered provider may
submit to the Secretary notice of a challenge
of any posted eligible land at which--
``(I) the qualifying connectivity
of the covered provider is available to
the entire portion of land in the
initial bid application without
assistance under subsection (c);
``(II) the covered provider could
initiate qualifying connectivity
through a routine installation within
10 business days of a request with no
extraordinary monetary charges or
delays attributable to the extension of
the network of the covered provider; or
``(III) the covered provider has an
enforceable commitment to deploy
broadband to the eligible land.
``(ii) Adjudication of challenges.--
``(I) Process.--The Secretary shall
establish a transparent, evidence-
based, and expeditious process for
adjudicating a challenge submitted
under clause (i) with respect to a
location within 90 business days of the
date on which the Secretary posts the
information described in subparagraph
(B)(i).
``(II) Requirement.--The process
established by the Secretary under
subclause (I) shall include making
publicly available on the website of
the Secretary a written notice
describing the outcome and reason for
the decision of the Secretary with
respect to each challenge submitted
under clause (i).
``(III) Limitation.--The Secretary
may not award any assistance under
subsection (c) for a particular
application until all challenges with
respect to the eligible land described
in that application have been fully
adjudicated.
``(iii) New solicitation.--If, after
adjudicating a challenge under clause (i), the
Secretary determines that the land subject to
the challenge is eligible land that is unserved
or underserved, the Secretary shall transmit to
each covered provider registered under
paragraph (2)(A) a bid notification for the
provision of qualifying connectivity to the
eligible land.
``(D) Competing bid applications.--A covered
provider registered under paragraph (2)(A) that
receives a notification under subparagraph (B)(ii) or a
notification under subparagraph (C)(iii) and wishes to
submit a competing bid application for provision of
qualifying connectivity to the eligible land described
in that notification shall, not later than 120 days
after the date on which the covered provider registered
under paragraph (2)(A) receives the notification,
submit to the Secretary a competing bid application to
provide that qualifying connectivity in accordance with
paragraph (1).
``(E) Evaluation.--Not later than 30 business days
after the date on which the 120-day period described in
subparagraph (D) ends, the Secretary shall evaluate the
bid applications received and select the applicant
that--
``(i) presents the lowest cost to the
Secretary for the provision of qualifying
connectivity to the eligible land that is
unserved or underserved; and
``(ii) best demonstrates to the covered
producer the ability to provide downstream and
upstream transmission capacity that can
reliably support the specific connectivity
needs of all on-farm applications described in
the bid application, including mobility, if
mobility was included in the bid application.
``(F) Enhanced speeds.--
``(i) Finding.--Congress finds that there
are unique connectivity needs to support the
adoption of precision agriculture.
``(ii) Prioritization.--In selecting bid
applicants under subparagraph (E), the
Secretary may give priority to a covered
provider that offers enhanced service speeds
that are greater than those described in
subsection (b)(11)(A)(i), if the applicant
demonstrates that the proposal to serve the
eligible land of a covered producer that is
unserved or underserved requires such enhanced
service speeds.
``(G) Treatment of proprietary information.--
``(i) In general.--The prohibition under
paragraph (2)(C)(i) shall not apply to a
covered provider in the submission of a bid
application under this subsection, including a
competing bid application under subparagraph
(D) or a challenge under subparagraph (C), if
the proprietary information is necessary for
the Secretary--
``(I) to determine the eligibility
of a covered provider; or
``(II) to evaluate an initial bid
application, competing bid application,
or challenge.
``(ii) Disclosure in notification.--
``(I) In general.--In the
notification required under
subparagraph (B), the Secretary--
``(aa) shall only disclose
the necessary and appropriate
information contained within an
initial bid application for the
purposes of facilitating
competing bid applications; and
``(bb) shall not divulge
proprietary information of the
applicable covered provider and
covered producer in the
application.
``(II) Requirement.--In a bid
application under this subsection,
including a competing bid application
under subparagraph (D) or a challenge
under subparagraph (C), an applicant
shall clearly mark any proprietary
information with the term `confidential
proprietary information'.
``(iii) Treatment.--If a covered provider
provides in a bid application under this
subsection, including a competing bid
application under subparagraph (D) or a
challenge under subparagraph (C), proprietary
information that constitutes a trade secret,
proprietary commercial or financial
information, confidential business information,
or data affecting national security, the
Secretary shall treat the information in
confidence to the greatest extent permitted by
law.
``(iv) Privacy.--Nothing in this section
affects the applicability to this section of
section 1619 of the Food, Conservation, and
Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8791).
``(4) Timeline.--
``(A) In general.--For each project for which
assistance under subsection (c) is provided, the
Secretary shall establish service buildout milestones
and periodic certifications by recipients of the
assistance for purposes of project compliance and
implementation.
``(B) Requirement.--The milestones required under
subparagraph (A) shall establish a maximum buildout
timeframe of not more than 4 years from the date on
which the assistance is provided.
``(C) Penalties.--The Secretary shall establish and
enforce standardized penalties, fines, and sanctions
for noncompliance with a milestone or certification
established under subparagraph (A).
``(f) Priority.--In providing assistance under subsection (c), the
Secretary shall give priority to applications to carry out projects in
the following order:
``(1) Unserved eligible land in remote areas.
``(2) Other unserved eligible land.
``(3) Underserved eligible land in remote areas.
``(4) Other underserved eligible land.
``(g) Cybersecurity.--As a condition on receipt of assistance under
subsection (c), a covered provider shall--
``(1) ensure that any structure, device, or system provided
or constructed using the assistance incorporates a layered
defense strategy as a means of defensible security
architecture; and
``(2) certify to the Secretary that the covered provider
maintains a regularly updated configuration management plan.
``(h) Prohibition.--In selecting recipients of assistance under
subsection (c), the Secretary shall not advantage or disadvantage the
selection of a recipient under this section based on consideration of
the existence, or lack thereof, of any State law.
``(i) Report to Congress.--The Secretary shall, on an annual
basis--
``(1) submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition,
and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture of
the House of Representatives a report that describes the
outcome of the bids that occurred during the previous fiscal
year, including the number of parcels of eligible land for
which initial bid applications were submitted during the
previous fiscal year, the number of challenges filed under
subsection (e)(3)(C) during the previous fiscal year, the
outcomes of those challenges, the number of competing bid
applications received under this section, and the respective
amounts awarded for eligible land; and
``(2) make the report required under paragraph (1) publicly
available on the website of the Secretary.
``(j) Provision of Data to FCC.--The Secretary shall, on an annual
basis, make the necessary data available to the Commission for
inclusion on the broadband maps.
``(k) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $25,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2027 through 2031.''.
(b) National Agricultural Statistics Service Data Collection on
Broadband Adoption.--To provide for the collection and analysis by the
National Agricultural Statistics Service of more comprehensive
broadband usage data, the Secretary shall update the computer usage and
ownership survey and the census of agriculture conducted under section
2 of the Census of Agriculture Act of 1997 (7 U.S.C. 2204g) to contain
questions relating to--
(1) whether the respondent subscribes to a broadband
internet access service for a farm site (as defined in section
607(b) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936); and
(2) if the respondent subscribes to the broadband internet
access service described in paragraph (1)--
(A) the download and upload speeds of the broadband
internet access service to which the respondent is
subscribed; and
(B) the purposes for which the internet access is
used, including the use of precision agriculture (as
defined in section 607(b) of the Rural Electrification
Act of 1936).
PART II--ADDITIONAL AMENDMENTS
SEC. 6111. GUARANTEES FOR BONDS AND NOTES ISSUED FOR UTILITY
INFRASTRUCTURE PURPOSES.
Section 313A(f) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C.
940c-1(f)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 6112. RURAL DEVELOPMENT LOANS AND GRANTS.
Section 313B of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C.
940c-2) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b), by striking the subsection
designation and heading and all that follows through ``In the
case'' and inserting the following:
``(b) Zero Interest Loans.--
``(1) Collateral.--
``(A) Acceptable forms.--The Secretary may, at the
sole discretion of the Secretary, accept as collateral
for a zero interest loan under this section any of the
following:
``(i) An irrevocable letter of credit.
``(ii) A performance bond.
``(iii) A revenue pledge.
``(iv) A senior preferred security
interest.
``(v) The assignment of a mortgage.
``(vi) Such other forms of security as the
Secretary determines are reasonably adequate
and acceptable.
``(B) Consideration of past performance.--In
determining an adequate and acceptable form of
collateral for a zero interest loan under this section,
the Secretary shall consider the past financial and
project performance of--
``(i) a borrower of a loan or a recipient
of a grant under this section; and
``(ii) any recipients of the funds provided
by a borrower or recipient described in clause
(i).
``(C) Consideration of administrative costs.--In
determining an adequate and acceptable form of
collateral for a zero interest loan under this section,
the Secretary shall make every practicable effort to
accept a form of collateral that minimizes the
administrative costs of securing collateral, for the
purpose of maximizing the benefits of the program under
this section for the ultimate recipients of the funds
provided through zero interest loans.
``(D) No effect of the acceptance of collateral on
subsidies.--The Secretary shall ensure that accepting
collateral for zero interest loans under this section
has no impact on the subsidy rate of--
``(i) loans guaranteed by the Secretary
under this title; or
``(ii) direct loans issued by the Secretary
under this title.
``(2) Repayments.--In the case''; and
(2) in subsection (e)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2024'' and
inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 6113. EXPANSION OF 911 ACCESS.
Section 315(d) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C.
940e(d)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 6114. RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE ELECTRIC PROGRAMS.
(a) Cushion of Credit Accounts.--Section 313(a)(1) of the Rural
Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 940c(a)(1)) is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(C) Special deposits and withdrawals.--
``(i) In general.--Effective beginning on
the date of enactment of this subparagraph, the
Secretary may permit--
``(I) deposits of funds into the
cushion of credit accounts for Rural
Utilities Service electric program
borrowers or awardees for the purpose
of providing adequate security for
loans or grant awards made pursuant to
section 9003(j) of the Farm Security
and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7
U.S.C. 8103(j));
``(II) withdrawals of funds from
the cushion of credit accounts for
Rural Utilities Service electric
program borrowers or awardees for the
purpose of--
``(aa) payments for
purchases under power purchase
and energy storage agreements;
``(bb) infrastructure
construction; or
``(cc) loan payments to the
Rural Utilities Service; or
``(III) deposits of funds into or
withdrawals of funds from the cushion
of credit accounts for Rural Utilities
Service electric program borrowers or
awardees for such other purposes as the
Secretary determines necessary to
reduce risk to the Federal Government
for projects funded by the Rural
Utilities Service or to reduce electric
rates to rural ratepayers.
``(ii) Effect.--Deposits of funds into or
withdrawals of funds from the cushion of credit
accounts, and the accrual of interest on those
deposits, shall not be a basis to change the
jurisdiction of any Federal or State regulatory
agency regarding any depositing or withdrawing
Rural Utilities Service electric program
borrower or awardee and shall not constitute
the receipt of financing by the depositing
Rural Utilities Service electric program
borrower or awardee for purposes of section
201(f) of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C.
824(f)) or any other Federal, State, or local
regulatory laws, frameworks, or regimes.
``(iii) Interest.--
``(I) In general.--Deposits under
this subparagraph shall accrue interest
at the prescribed cushion of credit
annual interest rate.
``(II) Withdrawals.--Interest
accrued under subclause (I) may be
withdrawn solely for the purposes
described in this subparagraph.
``(III) Effect.--Notwithstanding
any other applicable laws or
regulations relating to interest earned
on Federal grant or other funds,
interest accrued under subclause (I) on
deposits under this subparagraph shall
constitute property of the depositing
Rural Utilities Service electric
program borrower or awardee from the
date of such deposit, subject only to
the restrictions on withdrawal under
this subparagraph.''.
(b) Rural Electrification Act Program Eligibility.--To facilitate
continued investment in rural electric infrastructure and the timely
replacement of aging infrastructure, current and former Rural
Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.) borrowers shall be
deemed to be eligible to participate in electric loan and grant
programs under that Act, subject to the funding priorities of the Rural
Utilities Service.
(c) Electric Loans for Renewable Energy.--Section 317 of the Rural
Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 940g) is amended by striking
subsection (c).
(d) Grants.--
(1) Authority.--Section 2(a) of the Rural Electrification
Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 902(a)) is amended--
(A) in the subsection heading, by inserting ``and
grants'' after ``loans''; and
(B) by inserting ``and grants'' after ``loans'' the
first place it appears.
(2) Funds.--Section 4(a) of the Rural Electrification Act
of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 904(a)) is amended by inserting ``and
grants'' after ``loans'' the first place it appears.
(e) Prevailing Wages.--If the payment of prevailing wages is
required by statute or regulation, the Rural Utilities Service may
accept awardee certifications as evidence of compliance, subject to
periodic review by the Rural Development Office of External Affairs.
Subtitle B--Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
SEC. 6201. WATER, WASTE DISPOSAL, AND WASTEWATER FACILITY GRANTS.
Section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
(7 U.S.C. 1926(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)(ii)--
(i) by striking ``per centum'' and
inserting ``percent''; and
(ii) by striking ``area.'' and inserting
``area, except that in the case of demonstrated
need, as determined by the Secretary, the
amount of a grant made under the authority of
this subparagraph for necessary expenses of
developing a complete application to carry out
an eligible project under this subparagraph may
exceed 75 percent, but shall not exceed 100
percent, of those expenses to be incurred.'';
and
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in clause (iii), by striking
``$200,000'' each place it appears and
inserting ``$500,000''; and
(ii) in clause (vii), by striking
``$15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019
through 2023'' and inserting ``$30,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031''; and
(2) in paragraph (6), by striking ``$30,000,000'' and
inserting ``$100,000,000''.
SEC. 6202. SEARCH GRANTS.
Section 306(a)(2)(C)(ii) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(2)(C)(ii)) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(III) In-kind contribution.--In
the case of demonstrated need, as
determined by the Secretary, the non-
Federal share of the cost of a project
funded under this subparagraph may be
provided in the form of in-kind
contributions.''.
SEC. 6203. RURAL WATER, WASTEWATER, AND WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITY DIRECT
LOANS.
Section 306(a)(13) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(13)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``(13) In the making of'' and inserting the
following:
``(13) Priorities for waste disposal and water facilities
loans and grants.--
``(A) Low population communities.--
``(i) In general.--In making'';
(2) in subparagraph (A) (as so designated)--
(A) in clause (i) (as so designated), in the second
sentence, by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting
the following:
``(ii) Technical assistance.--The
Secretary''; and
(B) in clause (ii) (as so designated)--
(i) by striking ``Soil Conservation
Service'' and inserting ``Natural Resources
Conservation Service'';
(ii) by striking ``paragraph'' and
inserting ``subparagraph''; and
(iii) by striking ``he'' and inserting
``the Secretary''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Low-income communities.--In making direct
loans under paragraph (1) and grants under paragraph
(2) for community waste disposal and water facilities,
the Secretary shall accord highest priority to the
application of an association described in paragraph
(1) to carry out a project in a low-income rural
community with a population of less than 10,000.''.
SEC. 6204. RURAL WATER AND WASTEWATER TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING
PROGRAMS.
Section 306(a)(14)(C) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(14)(C)) is amended by striking ``Not
less than 3 percent and not more than 5 percent'' and inserting ``Not
less than 3 percent and not more than 10 percent''.
SEC. 6205. RURAL WATER AND WASTEWATER CIRCUIT RIDER PROGRAM.
Section 306(a)(22) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(22)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``$25,000,000 for each
of fiscal years 2019 through 2023'' and inserting ``$30,000,000
for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) Continuity of essential circuit rider
activities.--Activities carried out under this
paragraph that are necessary to prevent imminent harm
to life or property shall be treated as excepted
activities and may continue during a lapse in
appropriations, using unobligated balances previously
appropriated under the heading `Rural Water and Waste
Disposal Program Account'.''.
SEC. 6206. RURAL WATER AND WASTEWATER CYBERSECURITY CIRCUIT RIDER
PROGRAM.
Section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
(7 U.S.C. 1926(a)) is amended by inserting after paragraph (22) the
following:
``(23) Rural water and wastewater cybersecurity circuit
rider program.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a
cybersecurity circuit rider program, which shall be
structured similar to the general authorities under
paragraph (22), to provide technical assistance to
associations described in paragraph (1) that operate
rural water or wastewater systems--
``(i) to provide rapid assessments of the
current ability or inability of those
associations--
``(I) to respond to cybersecurity
threats; and
``(II) to protect the
cyberinfrastructure of those
associations and public health;
``(ii) to develop reasonable protocols to
enhance cybersecurity protection;
``(iii) to provide assistance to address
inadequate cyber protection plans; and
``(iv) to document the state of cyber
protection with respect to the water supplies
of those associations.
``(B) Report requirement.--An entity or entities
delivering the circuit rider program that receive
funding under this paragraph shall submit to the
Secretary an annual report documenting--
``(i) the utilities and communities served
by the entity or entities under this paragraph;
and
``(ii) the activities performed by the
entity or entities under this paragraph.
``(C) Requirements for circuit riders.--To provide
technical assistance under subparagraph (A), an entity
shall possess the necessary experience and
certification to effectively carry out the activities
described in that subparagraph, as determined by the
Secretary.
``(D) Authorization of appropriations.--In addition
to amounts otherwise available, there is authorized to
be appropriated to carry out this paragraph $10,000,000
for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
``(E) Continuity of essential cybersecurity circuit
rider activities.--Activities carried out under this
paragraph that are necessary to prevent imminent harm
to life or property shall be treated as excepted
activities and may continue during a lapse in
appropriations, using unobligated balances previously
appropriated under the heading `Rural Water and Waste
Disposal Program Account'.''.
SEC. 6207. TRIBAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY
FACILITIES.
Section 306(a)(25)(C) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(25)(C)) is amended by striking
``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 6208. ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY FACILITIES TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND
TRAINING.
Section 306(a)(26) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(26)) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(D) National or multi-state awards.--Of the
amounts available to carry out this paragraph for a
fiscal year, the Secretary shall use not less than 2
percent to award grants under this paragraph to 1 or
more of the entities described in subparagraph (A) for
the purpose of providing on-site technical assistance
and training on a national or multi-State regional
basis.''.
SEC. 6209. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND RECOVERY TECHNICAL
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
Section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
(7 U.S.C. 1926(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(27) Rural water and wastewater emergency preparedness,
response, and recovery technical assistance program.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish an
emergency preparedness and response technical
assistance program to provide grants to eligible
entities to assist associations described in paragraph
(1) that operate rural water or wastewater systems in
preparing for and responding to natural or man-made
disasters, as determined by the Secretary.
``(B) Eligible entities.--An entity eligible to
receive a grant under subparagraph (A) is a nonprofit
organization that--
``(i) has demonstrated experience providing
emergency technical assistance for disaster
preparation, recovery, and response activities
to water and wastewater utilities nationwide;
and
``(ii) has the capacity to deploy personnel
that possess--
``(I) an active water or wastewater
system operators' license; or
``(II) documented knowledge of
water and wastewater utilities
necessary to carry out activities
described in subparagraph (C).
``(C) Eligible activities.--An eligible entity that
receives a grant under subparagraph (A) shall use the
grant--
``(i) to provide on-site personnel and
equipment to assist with water and wastewater
systems in the event of a disaster;
``(ii) to coordinate with statewide
emergency response networks to assist with
water and wastewater systems;
``(iii) to facilitate the development of
disaster action plans between entities
described in subparagraph (A), units of local
government, the Federal Emergency Management
Agency, and State emergency management
agencies;
``(iv) to improve resiliency and mitigation
planning with respect to water or wastewater
systems;
``(v) to provide geographic information
system mapping of water and wastewater systems;
``(vi) to prepare or update predisaster
risk and resiliency assessments, emergency
response plans, communication protocols, or
hazard recognition and evaluation skills with
respect to water and wastewater systems;
``(vii) to conduct preliminary damage
assessments of critical infrastructure in the
event of a disaster;
``(viii) to provide emergency services with
respect to water and wastewater systems to
restore service in the event of a disaster,
including--
``(I) pump and motor evaluation and
repair;
``(II) water disinfection and
flushing;
``(III) leak detection;
``(IV) line repair;
``(V) water main and valve
location;
``(VI) emergency power generation;
``(VII) bypass pumping;
``(VIII) water treatment;
``(IX) maintaining safety measures;
and
``(X) other appropriate activities;
``(ix) to address outstanding deficiencies
focused on resolving health-based regulatory,
operational, financial, and managerial
deficiencies that impact the sustainability of
water and wastewater systems;
``(x) to assist with application and
reporting requirements for Federal and State
agencies, including the Federal Emergency
Management Agency and insurance recovery
claims, with respect to water and wastewater
systems; and
``(xi) to provide for disaster preparation,
support, and response activities targeted to
disadvantaged communities, as determined by the
Secretary, that lack the financial resources
and human capital necessary to adequately
address significant health, safety, or sanitary
concerns with respect to the water and
wastewater systems of those communities.
``(D) Use of funds.--
``(i) In general.--An eligible entity that
receives a grant under subparagraph (A) may use
the grant for salaries, supplies, and expenses
relating to the activities described in
subparagraph (C).
``(ii) Limitation.--Not more than 25
percent of the amount of a grant under
subparagraph (A) may be used to purchase or
reimburse the rental costs of appropriate
emergency equipment, as determined by the
Secretary.
``(E) Continuity of essential activities.--
Activities carried out under this paragraph that are
necessary to prevent imminent harm to life or property
shall be treated as excepted activities and may
continue during a lapse in appropriations, using
unobligated balances previously appropriated under the
heading `Rural Water and Waste Disposal Program
Account'.
``(F) Restriction.--An eligible entity that
receives a grant under subparagraph (A) may not use the
grant funds to pay for eligible activities for which
the eligible entity receives other Federal funds.
``(G) Authorization of appropriations.--In addition
to amounts otherwise available, there is authorized to
be appropriated to carry out this paragraph $20,000,000
for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.''.
SEC. 6210. ASSISTANCE TO PROVIDE WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES IN
FINANCIALLY DISTRESSED RURAL AREAS.
Section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
(7 U.S.C. 1926(a)) (as amended by section 6209) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(28) Assistance to provide water and wastewater services
in financially distressed rural areas.--
``(A) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
``(i) Distressed water system.--The term
`distressed water system' means an association
described in paragraph (1) that--
``(I) is unable to provide water
and wastewater services to the
residents of an eligible area because
the association--
``(aa) lacks the capacity--
``(AA) to operate,
maintain, or manage
water and wastewater
facilities or services;
or
``(BB) to provide
for the continued
availability and use of
those facilities or
services at reasonable
user rates and charges;
or
``(bb) lacks the financial,
technical, or managerial
capability to consistently
comply with pertinent Federal
and State laws and
requirements; and
``(II) voluntarily agrees to the
provision of water or wastewater
services in the eligible area described
in subclause (I) by an eligible
association the service area of which
is contiguous to, or in the locality
of, the eligible area.
``(ii) Eligible area.--The term `eligible
area' means a rural area that is a low-income
community or an economically distressed area,
as determined by the Secretary.
``(iii) Eligible association.--The term
`eligible association' means an association
described in paragraph (1) that--
``(I) currently receives, or is
eligible for, assistance under a rural
water or wastewater program; and
``(II) is experienced in, and
currently, providing functioning water
and wastewater services to the
residents of a rural area.
``(iv) Rural water or wastewater program.--
The term `rural water or wastewater program'
means a water or wastewater program under this
subsection.
``(B) Assistance.--
``(i) Financial assistance.-- The Secretary
may provide financial assistance under a rural
water or wastewater program to an eligible
association for construction costs relating to
providing water and wastewater services to the
residents in the service area of a distressed
water system that is contiguous to, or in the
locality of, the service area of the eligible
association.
``(ii) Technical assistance grants.--The
Secretary may provide grants to qualified
nonprofit technical assistance organizations
with demonstrated experience in working with
rural communities on regionalization,
consolidation, and independent assessment,
planning, and implementation projects to
provide technical assistance to--
``(I) an eligible association for
the purpose of providing water and
wastewater services to the residents in
the service area of a distressed water
system that is contiguous to, or in the
locality of, the service area of the
eligible association; and
``(II) a distressed water system in
deciding whether to voluntarily agree
to allow an eligible association to
provide the services described in
subclause (I).
``(C) Consolidation and regionalization.--
``(i) In general.--For purposes of
providing water and wastewater services using
assistance provided under subparagraph (B), an
eligible association and a distressed water
system may--
``(I) consolidate governance,
management, and financial functions; or
``(II) enter into a regional
partnership.
``(ii) Effect on population limitation.--If
an eligible association and a distressed water
system consolidate or enter into a regional
partnership pursuant to clause (i), the
Secretary shall only consider the population of
the service area of the distressed water system
for purposes of eligibility for assistance
under subparagraph (B).
``(iii) Use of systems.--Notwithstanding
any other provision of law, an eligible
association may use assistance provided under
subparagraph (B) to provide water or wastewater
services to the service area of a distressed
water system using--
``(I) the system of the eligible
association;
``(II) a system located in the
service area of the distressed water
system; or
``(III) a combination of both
systems.
``(D) Limitation.--An eligible association that
receives financial assistance under subparagraph (B)(i)
shall only use that assistance for the benefit of the
residents in the service area of the distressed water
system.''.
SEC. 6211. COMMUNITY FACILITIES DIRECT AND GUARANTEED LOANS FOR HEALTH
CARE SERVICES.
Section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
(7 U.S.C. 1926(a)) (as amended by section 6210) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(29) Health care services.--Notwithstanding subparagraphs
(A) and (C) of section 343(a)(13), and regardless of whether
the facility is in a rural area, the Secretary may make a
community facility direct or guaranteed loan under paragraph
(1) for a project to provide health care services if not less
than 50 percent of the encounters with individuals to whom the
health care services are provided are encounters with
individuals who inhabit an area with a frontier and remote area
code of level 3 or level 4, as defined by the most recent
Frontier and Remote Area Codes as updated by the Economic
Research Service.''.
SEC. 6212. COMMUNITY FACILITIES RELENDING PROGRAM.
Section 306 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
U.S.C. 1926) is amended by inserting after subsection (b) the
following:
``(c) Community Facilities Relending Program.--
``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Eligible community facilities project.--The
term `eligible community facilities project' means a
community facilities project that--
``(i) is eligible for a direct loan under
subsection (a)(1); and
``(ii) located in a low-income community--
``(I) in a rural area; and
``(II) in which the median
household income of the persons to be
served by the applicable facility is
below the higher of--
``(aa) 90 percent of the
statewide non-metropolitan
median household income; and
``(bb) the poverty line
established by the Office of
Management and Budget, as
revised under section 673(2) of
the Community Services Block
Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9902(2)) .
``(B) Eligible intermediary.--The term `eligible
intermediary' means a private nonprofit organization
described in section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 with demonstrated experience in lending
for, financing, or developing community facilities or
other community development projects in rural areas.
``(C) Program.--The term `program' means the
Community Facilities Relending Program established
under paragraph (2).
``(2) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a
program, to be known as the `Community Facilities Relending
Program', to provide loans to eligible intermediaries to
capitalize revolving loan funds for the purpose of financing
eligible community facilities projects.
``(3) Applications.--
``(A) In general.--An eligible intermediary seeking
a loan under the program shall submit to the Secretary
an application at such time, in such manner, and
containing such information as the Secretary may
require, including a description of the 1 or more
States and communities in which eligible community
facilities projects will be financed.
``(B) Evaluation.--In evaluating applications
submitted under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall
take into consideration the experience, financial
capacity, and previous performance of an eligible
intermediary in financing community facilities projects
in rural areas.
``(4) Annual process.--In carrying out the program, the
Secretary shall issue notices, accept applications, and make
loans to eligible intermediaries annually.
``(5) Terms and conditions.--A loan made by the Secretary
under the program shall--
``(A) bear an interest rate equal to the lesser
of--
``(i) the percentage rate that is 2
percentage points lower than the interest rate
applicable to community facilities direct loans
for low-income communities under subsection
(a)(1); and
``(ii) 2.5 percent per year;
``(B) be fully amortized over a term of 40 years;
and
``(C) be eligible for a moratorium on principal and
interest payments of not less than 3 years.
``(6) Limitation.--The total principal amount of loans
provided by the Secretary to any 1 eligible intermediary under
the program during a fiscal year shall not exceed $5,000,000.
``(7) Lending by eligible intermediaries.--
``(A) In general.--A loan made by the Secretary
under the program may be used by an eligible
intermediary to establish and capitalize 1 or more
revolving loan funds to provide loans to finance all or
a portion of the total cost of eligible community
facilities projects.
``(B) Terms and conditions.--A loan made by an
eligible intermediary pursuant to subparagraph (A)
shall be on such terms and conditions as the eligible
intermediary shall establish.
``(C) Principal and interest.--Principal and
interest received on loans made by an eligible
intermediary pursuant to subparagraph (A) may be used--
``(i) to administer the applicable
revolving loan fund;
``(ii) to provide technical assistance to
borrowers; and
``(iii) to make additional loans for
purposes authorized under this subsection.
``(8) Reporting.--The Secretary shall require each eligible
intermediary receiving a loan under the program to submit to
the Secretary an annual report describing--
``(A) the number of loans made using the applicable
revolving loan fund;
``(B) the amounts of those loans; and
``(C) the eligible community facilities projects
financed by those loans, including the eligibility of
the projects for financing under subsection (a)(1).
``(9) Funding.--Of the amounts made available to the
Secretary to make community facility direct loans under
subsection (a)(1) each fiscal year, including amounts described
in section 381E(d)(1), the Secretary shall set aside not less
than $50,000,000 to carry out this subsection.''.
SEC. 6213. EMERGENCY AND IMMINENT COMMUNITY WATER ASSISTANCE GRANT
PROGRAM.
Section 306A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
U.S.C. 1926a) is amended--
(1) in subsection (d)(1)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) and (D) as
subparagraphs (D) and (E), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the
following:
``(C) for associated uses related to water
resources infrastructure, including facilities for
potable water, wastewater, storm drainage, or solid
waste;''; and
(2) in subsection (i)(2), by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 6214. ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR RURAL WATER SYSTEMS.
Subtitle A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act is
amended by inserting after section 306A (7 U.S.C. 1926a) the following:
``SEC. 306B. ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR RURAL WATER SYSTEMS.
``(a) Definition of Eligible Entity.--In this section, the term
`eligible entity' means a rural water, wastewater, or waste disposal
facility with respect to which assistance may be provided under a
water, wastewater, or waste disposal program under section 306(a),
306A, 306C, or 306D.
``(b) Additional Assistance.--
``(1) Grants and loans.--The Secretary may provide to an
eligible entity--
``(A) a grant in an amount that is not more than 75
percent of the cost of the project carried out by the
eligible entity;
``(B) a zero percent interest loan; or
``(C) a 1 percent interest loan for not more than
100 percent of the cost of the project carried out by
the eligible entity.
``(2) Existing loans.--The Secretary may--
``(A) forgive principal or interest or modify any
term or condition of an outstanding loan made to an
eligible entity; or
``(B) refinance part or all of any other loan (if
the purpose of the loan is an eligible purpose under
section 306(a)(1) or 306C) made to an eligible entity.
``(3) Limitation.--The Secretary may not provide
forgiveness under paragraph (2)(A) with respect to a loan made
under paragraph (1).
``(c) Eligible Purposes.--The Secretary may provide assistance to
an eligible entity under subsection (b) as the Secretary determines is
necessary--
``(1) to ensure that the eligible entity has the necessary
resources to improve or construct public utilities or to
otherwise maintain or enhance public health, safety,
affordability, or order; or
``(2) to address financial hardships of the eligible
entity, if the eligible entity is located in a disadvantaged or
economically distressed area, as determined under subsection
(d).
``(d) Determination.--To determine whether an eligible entity may
receive assistance pursuant to subsection (c)(2), the Secretary shall
establish--
``(1) a residential indicator of affordable water services
in each State or local or geographic area, calculated using the
average cost per household as a percentage of median household
income; or
``(2) factors relating to disadvantaged or economically
distressed areas.''.
SEC. 6215. WATER SYSTEMS FOR RURAL AND NATIVE VILLAGES IN ALASKA.
Section 306D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
U.S.C. 1926d) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``construction of water
and wastewater systems'' and inserting ``construction of water
systems and wastewater systems, including community-based
systems,'';
(2) in subsection (c), by inserting ``and the Alaska Native
Tribal Health Consortium'' after ``State of Alaska''; and
(3) in subsection (d)(1), by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 6216. RURAL DECENTRALIZED WATER SYSTEMS.
Section 306E of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
U.S.C. 1926e) is amended--
(1) by striking the section designation and heading and all
that follows through the period at the end of subsection (b)(1)
and inserting the following:
``SEC. 306E. DECENTRALIZED WATER AND WASTEWATER SYSTEM PROGRAM.
``(a) Grants to Nonprofit Organizations.--The Secretary may provide
grants to private nonprofit organizations and federally recognized
Indian Tribes for the purpose of providing subgrants and loans in
accordance with subsection (b) to individuals for the construction,
refurbishing, and servicing of individual household water well systems
and individually owned household decentralized wastewater systems in
rural areas that are or will be owned by the individuals.
``(b) Loans and Subgrants to Individuals.--
``(1) In general.--A nonprofit organization or federally
recognized Indian Tribe shall use grant amounts received under
subsection (a) to provide--
``(A) subgrants for use in accordance with this
section to individuals residing in the service area of
the nonprofit organization who are members of a
household with a combined income (for the most recent
12-month period for which the information is available)
that is less than 80 percent of the median
nonmetropolitan household income for the area,
according to the most recent decennial census; and
``(B) loans for use in accordance with this section
to individuals residing in the service area of the
nonprofit organization who are members of a household
with a combined income (for the most recent 12-month
period for which the information is available) that is
not more than 100 percent, of the median
nonmetropolitan household income for the area,
according to the most recent decennial census.'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ``$15,000''
and inserting ``$25,000''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Funding to cover cost of performance warranties.--A
subgrant provided to an individual under this subsection for an
individually owned household decentralized wastewater system
may include sufficient additional funding to cover the cost of
a performance warranty with a duration of at least 5 years.
``(6) Technical assistance and support.--A nonprofit
organization or federally recognized Indian Tribe that receives
a grant under this section may use an amount equal to not more
than 10 percent of the grant to provide technical assistance
and support to individuals eligible for a subgrant or loan
under this section relating to the installation and maintenance
of household decentralized water and wastewater systems.''; and
(3) in subsection (d), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''.
SEC. 6217. HEALTHY DRINKING WATER AFFORDABILITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
Subtitle A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act is
amended by inserting after section 306E (7 U.S.C. 1926e) the following:
``SEC. 306F. HEALTHY DRINKING WATER AFFORDABILITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Approved installation.--The term `approved
installation' means the installation of an eligible drinking
water quality improvement product or a certified filter
component by a qualified third-party installer that--
``(A) complies with all local and State
regulations; and
``(B) follows the installation instructions of the
manufacturer.
``(2) Approved maintenance.--The term `approved
maintenance' means required maintenance--
``(A) performed on an eligible drinking water
quality improvement product that includes maintenance
and replacement of the certified filter component;
``(B) performed by a qualified third-party
installer;
``(C) that complies with all local and State
regulations; and
``(D) that follows the maintenance instructions of
the manufacturer.
``(3) Certified filter component.--The term `certified
filter component' means a replaceable or replacement filter
component--
``(A) for which approved maintenance can be
performed; and
``(B) that is certified by a third-party certifier
as compliant with--
``(i) NSF P231;
``(ii) NSF/ANSI Standard 42, 44, 53, 55,
58, or 401; or
``(iii) another successor or relevant
consensus-based standard for drinking water
treatment units or systems that addresses
health contaminant reduction, as determined by
the Secretary.
``(4) Eligible drinking water quality improvement
product.--The term `eligible drinking water quality improvement
product' means a point-of-use or point-of-entry system--
``(A) incorporating a certified filter component;
and
``(B) that is certified by a third-party certifier
to meet standards described in paragraph (3)(B)--
``(i) for material safety and performance;
and
``(ii) to improve drinking water quality.
``(5) Eligible end user.--The term `eligible end user'
means a person or entity located in a rural area (as defined in
section 343(a)(13)(B)) that is--
``(A)(i) a homeowner;
``(ii) an individual lessee or renter of a home,
apartment, or other dwelling;
``(iii) a property owner of a multi-unit
residential building with 25 or fewer owned, leased, or
rented dwelling units;
``(iv) a licensed child-care facility; or
``(v) an owned, leased, or rented facility; and
``(B) supported by a finding of need through--
``(i) a qualified water quality test
demonstrating the presence of 1 or more health
contaminants; or
``(ii) other documentation determined to be
satisfactory by the Secretary demonstrating the
presence of 1 or more health contaminants.
``(6) Eligible grant recipient.--The term `eligible grant
recipient' means--
``(A) an eligible end user; or
``(B) a nonprofit organization that uses a grant
provided under this section for the purposes described
in subsection (c)(2).
``(7) Health contaminant.--The term `health contaminant'
means--
``(A) a health contaminant found in drinking water,
including lead, arsenic, nitrate, nitrite,
perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances,
hexavalent chromium (chrome-6), and volatile organic
compounds; and
``(B) any other contaminant--
``(i) that can be reduced by an eligible
drinking water quality improvement product or a
certified filter component; and
``(ii)(I) with respect to which the
Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency has established--
``(aa) a primary drinking water
regulation (as defined in section 1401
of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42
U.S.C. 300f);
``(bb) a maximum contaminant level
goal established in accordance with
section 1412(b) of that Act (42 U.S.C.
300g-1(b)); or
``(cc) a health advisory issued
pursuant to section 1412(b)(1)(F) of
that Act (42 U.S.C. 300g-1(b)(1)(F));
or
``(II) that is regulated by a State agency.
``(8) Improve drinking water quality.--The term `improve
drinking water quality' means to improve the quality of the
water supplied between its source and human consumption by
reducing or removing 1 or more health contaminants.
``(9) Qualified third-party installer.--The term `qualified
third-party installer' means a person who--
``(A) is--
``(i) a professionally qualified,
certified, or licensed water treatment product
installation professional, including such a
professional credentialed through a
manufacturer or third party;
``(ii) a licensed plumber or individual who
holds a license or certification related to
water treatment technologies issued by a State
or local government; or
``(iii) a company or plumbing contractor
employing individuals described in clause (i)
or (ii); and
``(B) regularly completes, or requires applicable
employees to complete, continuing education on water
treatment technology and other subjects that enhance
the services provided under this section.
``(10) Qualified water quality test.--The term `qualified
water quality test' means a baseline analysis of the bacterial
and chemical characteristics of concern from a drinking water
sample collected at the point of consumption and tested by a
laboratory certified to conduct water quality testing--
``(A) that is provided to--
``(i) the Secretary; and
``(ii) as applicable--
``(I) a person seeking a grant
under this section;
``(II) an eligible end user
receiving a grant under this section;
or
``(III) an eligible grant recipient
receiving a grant under this section
and any eligible end users served by
the eligible grant recipient; and
``(B) that includes information that provides--
``(i) guidance on test interpretation,
including whether the bacteria or chemical
characteristic of concern meets or exceeds a
prescribed health-based contaminant level; and
``(ii) sources and citations that eligible
grant recipients, independent third-party
organizations and institutions, and government
agencies may review and consult--
``(I) to determine available
eligible drinking water quality
improvement products for addressing
detected contaminants; and
``(II) to evaluate efficacy across
eligible drinking water quality
improvement products.
``(11) Third-party certifier.--The term `third-party
certifier' means an independent certification body accredited
to ISO Standard 17065, `Conformity assessment -- Requirements
for bodies certifying products, processes and services', by an
entity domiciled in the United States that is a signatory to
the International Accreditation Forum Multilateral Recognition
Arrangement, such as the Water Quality Association, NSF
International, the International Association of Plumbing and
Mechanical Officials, and the International Code Council
Evaluation Service.
``(b) Establishment of Program.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall promulgate
regulations to establish, and shall carry out, a clean drinking water
program, to be known as the `Healthy Drinking Water Affordability
Assistance Program' or the `Healthy H2O Program', to provide grants to
eligible grant recipients to improve drinking water quality of eligible
end users.
``(c) Eligible Uses of Grants.--
``(1) In general.--A grant under this section shall be
used, as directed by the Secretary, for--
``(A) the purchase of an eligible drinking water
quality improvement product or a replacement certified
filter component;
``(B) the approved installation by a qualified
third-party installer of an eligible drinking water
quality improvement product;
``(C) the purchase and approved installation by a
qualified third-party installer of a replacement
certified filter component;
``(D) the approved maintenance of an eligible
drinking water quality improvement product; or
``(E) qualified water quality tests to support
products and services described in subparagraphs (A)
through (D).
``(2) Nonprofit organizations.--A nonprofit organization
that receives a grant under this section shall use the grant,
in a manner consistent with the uses described in paragraph (1)
and as directed by the Secretary--
``(A) to offer qualified water quality tests for
eligible end users on a voluntary basis;
``(B) to facilitate the analysis of qualified water
quality test results for eligible end users;
``(C) to assist an eligible end user in determining
the response options available and supporting the
selection by the eligible end user of a response that
best fits the needs of the eligible end user, informed
by--
``(i) a qualified water quality test; and
``(ii) an understanding of the relevant
plumbing systems and environmental factors that
will impact point-of-use or point-of-entry
water safety; and
``(D) to coordinate or facilitate the approved
installation by a qualified third-party installer of
the eligible drinking water quality improvement product
selected by an eligible end user.
``(d) Grant Limitations.--
``(1) Amount.--The amount of a grant under this section
shall not exceed the reasonable costs, as determined by the
Secretary, of the purposes described in subsection (c) for
which the grant is provided.
``(2) Income.--No grant provided under this section shall
be used to assist an eligible end user who is a member of a
household the members of which have a combined income, or an
eligible end user with business income, for the most recent 12-
month period for which the information is available, that is
more than 80 percent of the median nonmetropolitan household
income for the State or territory in which the eligible end
user resides, according to the most recent decennial census of
the United States.
``(e) Grant Administrator.--The Secretary shall appoint an officer
or employee of the Department of Agriculture to administer and manage
grants provided under this section.
``(f) Grant Allocation.--In providing grants under this section to
eligible grant recipients, the Secretary shall allocate funds and make
grants available in a manner that--
``(1) responds to a range of water quality challenges;
``(2) prioritizes funding to eligible end-users the sources
of drinking water of which are private wells;
``(3) improves local and regional capacity to respond to
contamination; and
``(4) ensures reasonable access to funds for--
``(A) eligible end users seeking a grant under this
section; and
``(B) nonprofit organizations seeking a grant under
this section.
``(g) Reports.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this section, and not less frequently than annually thereafter, the
Secretary shall submit to Congress, and make publicly available, a
report--
``(1) identifying ongoing barriers to universal safe
drinking water prior to and after filtration or other
treatment;
``(2) analyzing conditions impacting eligible grant
recipients, including--
``(A) sources of contamination or degradation of
water resources, especially groundwater resources or
upstream resources that recharge stores of drinking
water;
``(B) trends in bioaccumulation and attenuation of
contaminants and nutrients; and
``(C) impacts of infrastructure materials, crop and
land management practices, waste management, and other
factors that impact drinking water quantity and
quality;
``(3) providing a comprehensive analysis of--
``(A) technologies available to and purchased by
eligible grant recipients; and
``(B) the emerging safe drinking water needs of
rural and other homeowners, renters, residential multi-
unit property owners, licensed child-care facilities,
and other groups, as determined by the Secretary;
``(4) that includes information describing--
``(A) the types of treatment systems and filter
components used under the program established under
this section;
``(B) the number of qualified water quality tests
conducted under the program established under this
section;
``(C) emerging and changing trends relating to
steps taken to ensure safe drinking water in
communities and households; and
``(D) trends relating to the availability and use
of eligible drinking water quality improvement
products, including--
``(i) affordability at purchase and through
the lifecycle of the products;
``(ii) consistency of operation as intended
by the manufacturer and installer, including
effectiveness across systems and technologies
at achieving stated health protections; and
``(iii) lifecycle product performance,
energy use, and environmental impact;
``(5) providing recommendations regarding the best methods
to increase access to--
``(A) grants under this section; and
``(B) the products and services described in
subsection (c);
``(6) that incorporates input from relevant--
``(A) nongovernmental organizations; and
``(B) certification institutions that oversee the
criteria for products and training of installation and
maintenance professionals; and
``(7) the purposes of which are--
``(A) to improve data on health contaminants in
drinking water;
``(B) to provide educational resources on water
testing and water quality improvement products and
services to eligible grant recipients with drinking
water contamination issues;
``(C) to collect information that improves
understanding of water testing and water quality
improvement products and services, including their
associated health and economic benefits; and
``(D) to increase public awareness of water quality
issues and treatment options.
``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $10,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.''.
SEC. 6218. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT GRANTS.
Section 310B(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
(7 U.S.C. 1932(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``governments and related
agencies'' and inserting ``governments, related agencies, and
Indian tribes''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``$10,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2014 through 2023'' and inserting ``$20,000,000
for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031''.
SEC. 6219. RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT GRANTS.
Section 310B(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
(7 U.S.C. 1932(c)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3)(A)--
(A) in clause (iv), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) in clause (v), by striking ``or'' at the end
and inserting ``and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(vi) support outdoor recreation; or'';
(2) in paragraph (4)(A), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031'';
(3) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and
(4) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
``(4) Multiyear grants.--The Secretary may award grants
under this subsection for a period of more than 1 year, but not
more than 5 years.''.
SEC. 6220. RURAL COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS.
Section 310B(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
(7 U.S.C. 1932(e)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as
subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively; and
(B) by inserting before subparagraph (B) (as so
redesignated) the following:
``(A) Cooperative development.--The term
`cooperative development' means activities, including
outreach, education, training, and technical
assistance, to support the startup, expansion, or
ongoing sustainability of new and existing
cooperatives.'';
(2) in paragraph (5)(F), by striking ``contributions,'' and
inserting ``contributions by awarding applications that meet
the criterion described in this subparagraph the maximum points
for this subparagraph in the scoring criteria,'';
(3) in paragraph (6)(B), by striking ``If the Secretary
determines it to be in the best interest of the program, the''
and inserting ``The'';
(4) in paragraph (12)--
(A) by striking ``Not later'' and inserting the
following:
``(A) In general.--Not later''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2026, and
annually thereafter, the interagency working group
established under subparagraph (A) shall make publicly
available and submit to the Committee on Agriculture,
Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee
on Agriculture of the House of Representatives a report
describing--
``(i) research and analysis based on data
from the latest available Economic Census
conducted by the Bureau of the Census on the
effects of all types of cooperatives on the
national economy; and
``(ii) the activities carried out by the
interagency working group in the prior fiscal
year.''; and
(5) in paragraph (13), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''.
SEC. 6221. LOCALLY OR REGIONALLY PRODUCED AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS.
Section 310B(g)(9)(B)(iv)(I) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(g)(9)(B)(iv)(I)) is amended by striking
``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 6222. APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER FOR RURAL AREAS PROGRAM.
Section 310B(i) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
(7 U.S.C. 1932(i)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (D)
as clauses (i) through (iv), respectively, and
indenting appropriately;
(B) in the matter preceding clause (i) (as so
redesignated), by striking ``program to assist'' and
inserting the following: ``program--
``(A) to assist'';
(C) in subparagraph (A)(iv) (as so designated), by
striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and'';
and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) to provide training opportunities and
resources for veterans (as defined in section 101 of
title 38, United States Code) who are actively, or are
seeking to become, agricultural producers, which shall
be known as the `Armed to Farm Initiative'.''; and
(2) in paragraph (4), by striking ``2008 through 2023.''
and inserting the following: ``2027 through 2031, of which--
``(A) $3,500,000 shall be made available for each
fiscal year for activities described in paragraph
(2)(A); and
``(B) $1,500,000 shall be made available for each
fiscal year for activities described in paragraph
(2)(B).''.
SEC. 6223. RURAL ECONOMIC AREA PARTNERSHIP ZONES.
Section 310B(j) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
(7 U.S.C. 1932(j)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''.
SEC. 6224. INTERMEDIARY RELENDING PROGRAM.
Section 310H(i) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
(7 U.S.C. 1936b(i)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''.
SEC. 6225. LENDER FEES IN GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAMS; RURAL WATER
REFINANCING IMPROVEMENTS.
(a) In General.--Section 333 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1983) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``In
connection'' and inserting the following:
``(a) In General.--In connection'';
(2) in subsection (a) (as so designated)--
(A) in paragraph (5), by adding ``and'' at the end;
(B) in paragraph (6)(E), by striking ``a new direct
loan; and'' and inserting ``a new direct loan, except
direct loans made under this title to communities with
a population of 3,300 or fewer shall be exempt from any
additional refinancing review, credit elsewhere
determination, or private lender comparison
requirements.''; and
(C) by striking paragraph (7); and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Fees.--
``(1) Initial guarantee fee.--The Secretary may assess an
initial guarantee fee for any insured or guaranteed loan issued
or modified under section 306(a) in an amount that does not
exceed 3 percent of the guaranteed principal portion of the
loan.
``(2) Periodic retention fee.--The Secretary may assess a
periodic retention fee for any insured or guaranteed loan or
modified under section 306(a) in an amount that does not exceed
0.75 percent of the outstanding principal of the guaranteed
loan.
``(3) Disclosure.--In altering any fee charged for any
insured or guaranteed loan issued or modified under section
306(a), the Secretary, not less than 30 days in advance of any
fee change, shall provide a public disclosure of the financial
data, economic and behavioral assumptions, calculations, and
other factors used to determine the new fee rates.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 310B(g) of the Consolidated Farm
and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(g)) is amended by striking
paragraph (5) and inserting the following:
``(5) Fees.--
``(A) Initial guarantee fee.--The Secretary may
assess an initial guarantee fee for any guaranteed
business and industry loan in an amount that does not
exceed 3 percent of the guaranteed principal portion of
the loan.
``(B) Periodic retention fee.--The Secretary may
assess a periodic retention fee for any guaranteed
business and industry loan in an amount that does not
exceed 0.75 percent of the outstanding principal of the
guaranteed loan.
``(C) Disclosure.--In altering any fee charged for
any guaranteed business and industry loan, the
Secretary, not less than 30 days in advance of any fee
change, shall provide a public disclosure of the
financial data, economic and behavioral assumptions,
calculations, and other factors used to determine the
new fee rates.''.
SEC. 6226. DEFINITION OF RURAL AND RURAL AREA.
Section 343(a)(13)(B) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)(B)) is amended by striking ``For
the purpose of water and waste disposal grants and direct loans
provided under paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 306(a),'' and
inserting the following:
``(i) Direct loans.--For the purpose of
water and waste disposal direct loans provided
under section 306(a)(1), the terms `rural' and
`rural area' mean a city, town, or
unincorporated area that has a population of no
more than 25,000 inhabitants.
``(ii) Grants.--For the purpose of water
and waste disposal grants provided under
section 306(a)(2),''.
SEC. 6227. STREAMLINING REVIEW.
Section 363 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
U.S.C. 2006e) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 363. PROHIBITION ON USE OF LOAN OR GRANT FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall not approve any loan or
grant under this title to drain, dredge, fill, or level, or otherwise
manipulate a wetland (as defined in section 1201(a) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3801(a))), or to engage in any activity
that results in impairing or reducing the flow, circulation, or reach
of water, except in the case of activity related to the maintenance of
previously converted wetlands, or in the case of such activity that
commenced before November 28, 1990.
``(b) Exclusions.--
``(1) Utilities lines.--This section shall not apply to a
loan made or guaranteed under this title for a utility line.
``(2) Permitted activities and projects.--This section
shall not apply to a rural development loan made or guaranteed
under section 306 or 306C for an activity or project for which
the applicant or borrower has obtained or is required to obtain
a permit, or is already covered by a general permit, from the
Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers,
under section 10 of the Act of March 3, 1899 (33 U.S.C. 403; 30
Stat. 1151, chapter 425), or section 404 of the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1344).''.
SEC. 6228. RURAL BUSINESS-COOPERATIVE SERVICE PROGRAMS TECHNICAL
ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING.
Section 368(d)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 2008c(d)(1)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 6229. NATIONAL RURAL DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP.
Section 378 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
U.S.C. 2008m) is amended--
(1) in subsection (g)(1), by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031''; and
(2) in subsection (h), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''.
SEC. 6230. GRANTS FOR NOAA WEATHER RADIO TRANSMITTERS.
Section 379B(d) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
(7 U.S.C. 2008p(d)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''.
SEC. 6231. RURAL MICROENTREPRENEUR ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
Section 379E of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
U.S.C. 2008s) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(4), by striking ``$50,000'' and
inserting ``$75,000'';
(2) in subsection (b)(3), by adding at the end the
following:
``(E) Use of loans.--A loan made by the Secretary
to a microenterprise development organization under
this paragraph may--
``(i) be used for 100 percent of a loan to
a rural microenterprise; and
``(ii) provide up to 50 percent of the cost
of demolition and construction and related
costs of real estate, excluding the acquisition
of real estate.''; and
(3) in subsection (d), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''.
SEC. 6232. HEALTH CARE SERVICES.
Section 379G(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
(7 U.S.C. 2008u(e)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''.
SEC. 6233. STRATEGIC COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PLANS.
Section 379H(d) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
(7 U.S.C. 2008v(d)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting the
following:
``(A) Assistance.--The Secretary''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Third-party providers.--
``(i) In general.--The Secretary may award
grants on a competitive basis to eligible
entities described in clause (ii) to provide
technical assistance to rural communities in--
``(I) developing strategic
community investment plans; and
``(II) completing applications for
funding under covered programs for
projects that support the
implementation of strategic community
investment plans.
``(ii) Eligible entities.--An entity
eligible to receive a grant under clause (i)
shall be--
``(I) a qualified nonprofit multi-
State regional technical assistance
organization with demonstrated
experience in working with rural
communities on regionalization and
investment assessment, planning, and
implementation projects; or
``(II) a qualified private
nonprofit intermediary organization
that has demonstrated experience and
capacity to provide technical
assistance and training on community
economic development and planning in
rural areas.
``(iii) Grant term.--The term of a grant
awarded under clause (i) shall be not less than
2 years and not more than 5 years.
``(iv) Priorities.--In awarding grants
under clause (i), the Secretary may give
priority to an eligible entity that serves--
``(I) a rural community with a high
poverty level;
``(II) a persistent poverty county,
as determined by the Secretary;
``(III) an Indian Tribe with
demonstrated support from the Tribal
council or duly elected Tribal
executive of the appropriate Tribal
government;
``(IV) a rural community with a
significant loss in population; or
``(V) a rural community with
significant workforce changes or
changes in major employers.'';
(2) in paragraph (2)(B), by inserting ``, agricultural
producers and related entities, and local businesses'' before
the semicolon; and
(3) in paragraph (4), by striking ``2023,'' and inserting
``2023 and $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through
2031,''.
SEC. 6234. RURAL INNOVATION STRONGER ECONOMY GRANT PROGRAM.
Section 379I of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
U.S.C. 2008w) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A)--
(i) in clause (iii)--
(I) by striking subclause (I) and
inserting the following:
``(I) an institution of higher
education (as defined in section 101,
and subparagraphs (A) and (B) of
section 102(a)(1), of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001,
1002(a)(1)));'';
(II) by redesignating subclauses
(II) and (III) as subclauses (III) and
(IV), respectively;
(III) by inserting after subclause
(I) the following:
``(II) an area career and technical
education school (as defined in section
3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and
Technical Education Act of 2006 (20
U.S.C. 2302));''; and
(IV) in subclause (IV) (as so
redesignated), by striking ``and'';
(ii) in clause (iv)--
(I) by striking subclause (IV) and
inserting the following:
``(IV) an institution of higher
education (as defined in section 101,
and subparagraphs (A) and (B) of
section 102(a)(1), of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001,
1002(a)(1)));'';
(II) by redesignating subclause (V)
as subclause (VI); and
(III) by inserting after subclause
(IV) the following:
``(V) an area career and technical
education school (as defined in section
3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and
Technical Education Act of 2006 (20
U.S.C. 2302)); or''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(v) in the case of a career pathway
program, includes 1 or more members of the
local workforce development board established
under section 107 of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3122) and
serving the region to ensure the program is
integrated with the activities carried out by
the local workforce development board; and'';
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4),
and (5) as paragraphs (2), (4), (3), (6), and (7),
respectively, and moving the paragraphs so as to appear
in numerical order;
(C) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so
redesignated) the following:
``(1) Career pathway.--The term `career pathway' has the
meaning given the term in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).''; and
(D) by inserting after paragraph (4) (as so
redesignated) the following:
``(5) Industry or sector partnership.--The term `industry
or sector partnership' has the meaning given the term in
section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3102).'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by inserting ``or carry out career pathway
training programs or industry or sector
partnerships aligned with industry sectors in
rural communities'' before ``, including'';
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking
``and'' after the semicolon;
(iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the
period and inserting a semicolon; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) address workforce challenges, including
worker displacement, faced by specific industry sectors
in rural communities; and
``(D) promote targeted skills development and
training initiatives to stimulate innovation and
enhance economic development in rural regions.'';
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) in clause (i), by inserting ``,
career pathway programs, or industry or
sector partnerships'' before the
semicolon; and
(II) in clause (ii)--
(aa) by inserting ``,
career pathway programs, or
industry or sector
partnerships'' before ``to
provide''; and
(bb) by inserting
``leadership development,''
before ``customized training'';
(ii) in subparagraph (E), by striking
``and'' after the semicolon;
(iii) in subparagraph (F), by striking the
period and inserting ``; and''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(G) the ability of the eligible entity to carry
out activities to address the issues of worker
displacement, an aging workforce, and youth
migration.''; and
(C) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the
following:
``(5) Geographic distribution.--The Secretary shall ensure
regional diversity of recipients of grants or participants in
providing grants under paragraph (1) for jobs accelerators,
career pathway programs, and related programming.'';
(3) in subsection (d)(1)--
(A) in subparagraph (B)(xi), by striking the period
and inserting ``; and''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) to support career pathway programs or
industry or sector partnerships to be carried out
within industries in rural communities, including--
``(i) telecommunications or broadband
services;
``(ii) water, waste water, or disposal
services;
``(iii) electric supply services;
``(iv) forestry and logging operations;
``(v) conservation practices and
management;
``(vi) health care and child care;
``(vii) manufacturing;
``(viii) agribusiness related to
production, processing, and distribution;
``(ix) veterinarian services; and
``(x) any other sectors identified by the
local workforce development board serving the
region to be an in-demand industry sector or
occupation (as defined in section 3 of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3102)).'';
(4) in subsection (e)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'';
(B) in paragraph (2)(B)--
(i) in clause (xvii), by striking ``or'';
(ii) by redesignating clause (xviii) as
clause (xix); and
(iii) by inserting after clause (xvii) the
following:
``(xviii) the number of individuals who
have completed skills development, recognized
postsecondary credentials, or gained
specialized education through career pathways
programs or industry or sector partnerships;
or''; and
(iv) in clause (xix) (as so redesignated),
by striking the period and inserting ``; and'';
and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) in the case of a career pathway program or industry
or sector partnership, report to the Secretary the employment
and earnings outcomes for individuals who participate in the
program on the indicators described in subclauses (I) through
(III) of section 116(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3141(b)(2)(A)(i)).''; and
(5) in subsection (f), by striking ``2019 through 2023''
and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.
SEC. 6235. RURAL DEVELOPMENT INNOVATION CENTER.
Subtitle D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
U.S.C. 1981 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 379J. RURAL DEVELOPMENT INNOVATION CENTER.
``(a) Establishment.--There is established within the rural
development mission area a Rural Development Innovation Center
(referred to in this section as the `Innovation Center') to promote and
facilitate innovation in the administration and implementation of rural
development programs and initiatives.
``(b) Functions.--The Innovation Center shall--
``(1) review all processes for rural development mission
area programs to identify inefficiencies, redundancies, and
barriers to access, including--
``(A) overly burdensome application processes that
prohibit participation in rural development programs;
``(B) high application costs; and
``(C) deficiencies in technical assistance for
programs;
``(2) establish and maintain an ongoing public process for
public and private stakeholders to provide perspectives on the
challenges faced when applying for, utilizing, or participating
in rural development mission area programs;
``(3) identify and assess any innovative strategies and
collaborative models to enhance the efficiency and
effectiveness of rural development programs and initiatives;
``(4) foster and maintain partnerships with public and
private stakeholders to leverage expertise and resources for
the rural development mission area;
``(5) promote cross-agency collaborations and identify best
practices in rural economic development;
``(6) identify and implement technological solutions and
software applications to improve the effectiveness and
efficiency of rural development mission area programs,
including enhancing data management systems;
``(7) conduct research, analysis, and evaluation to
modernize, simplify, and improve rural development mission area
programs, and ensure that the programs are accessible,
transparent, and user- friendly; and
``(8) disseminate information, guidance, and training
materials to rural development mission area personnel and
stakeholders on innovative rural development practices and
opportunities.
``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2027
and each fiscal year thereafter.''.
SEC. 6236. RURAL BUSINESS INVESTMENT PROGRAM.
Section 384S of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
U.S.C. 2009cc-18) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''.
Subtitle C--Miscellaneous
PART I--RURAL CARE ECONOMY
SEC. 6301. IMPROVING THE RURAL CARE ECONOMY; PRIORITIZATIONS.
(a) Investing in the Rural Care Economy.--
(1) Improving rural healthcare access.--
(A) Prioritizations.--The Secretary shall make the
following prioritizations for fiscal years 2027 through
2031:
(i) Distance learning and telemedicine.--In
addition to the priorities under section
2333(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation,
and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 950aaa-2(d)),
in selecting recipients of financial assistance
under chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XXIII of
that Act (7 U.S.C. 950aaa et seq.), the
Secretary shall give priority to telemedicine
projects that--
(I) provide substance use disorder
prevention services, treatment
services, recovery services, or any
combination of those services; or
(II) provide mental or behavioral
health services.
(ii) Community facilities direct loans and
grants.--
(I) In general.--In selecting
recipients of direct loans or grants
for the development of essential
community facilities under section
306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.
1926(a)), the Secretary shall give
priority to entities eligible for those
direct loans or grants to develop--
(aa) healthcare facilities;
or
(bb) mental or behavioral
health facilities, including
certified community behavioral
health clinics described in
section 223 of the Protecting
Access to Medicare Act of 2014
(42 U.S.C. 1396a note; Public
Law 113-93).
(II) Use of funds.--In addition to
the eligible uses of direct loans or
grants for the development of essential
community facilities under section
306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.
1926(a)), an entity described in
subclause (I) that receives a direct
loan or grant for a purpose described
in that subclause may use the direct
loan or grant funds for--
(aa) providing medical
equipment to increase medical
surge capacity;
(bb) increasing telehealth
capabilities, including
underlying health care
information systems; and
(cc) engaging in any other
efforts to support rural
development determined to be
critical to address the health
care or mental or behavioral
health needs of rural areas, as
determined by the Secretary.
(B) Limitation on other reprioritizations.--For
fiscal years 2027 through 2031, the Secretary shall not
make any reprioritizations within the Community
Facilities direct loan and grant programs or the
Distance Learning and Telemedicine programs under
section 608 of the Rural Development Act of 1972 (7
U.S.C. 2204b-2).
(2) Improving childcare in rural america.--
(A) Definition of childcare program.--
(i) In general.--In this paragraph, the
term ``childcare program'' means a program
that--
(I) provides quality care and early
education for young children who--
(aa) are in kindergarten;
or
(bb) have not yet entered
kindergarten; and
(II) is operated by--
(aa) an eligible childcare
provider described in section
658P(6)(A) of the Child Care
and Development Block Grant Act
of 1990 (42 U.S.C.
9858n(6)(A)); or
(bb) a childcare provider
that, on the date of enactment
of this Act--
(AA) is licensed,
regulated, or
registered in the
State, territory, or
Indian Tribe in which
the provider is
located; and
(BB) meets
applicable State,
Tribal, territorial,
and local health and
safety requirements.
(ii) Inclusions.--In this paragraph, the
term ``childcare program'' includes--
(I) a school-based program
described in clause (i);
(II) a program described in clause
(i) that accommodates nontraditional
working hours;
(III) a facility used for a program
described in clause (i); and
(IV) a service provided under a
program described in clause (i).
(B) Prioritizations.--The Secretary shall make the
following prioritizations for fiscal years 2027 through
2031:
(i) Community facilities direct loans and
grants.--
(I) In general.--In addition the
priorities described in paragraph
(1)(A)(ii), in selecting recipients of
direct loans or grants for the
development of essential community
facilities under section 306(a) of the
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)), the Secretary
shall give priority to entities
eligible for those direct loans or
grants to develop facilities used for a
childcare program, subject to the
condition that the childcare program
that uses those facilities shall employ
staff that have appropriate expertise
and training in childcare.
(II) Use of funds.--In addition to
the eligible uses of direct loans or
grants for the development of essential
community facilities under section
306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.
1926(a)), an entity described in
subclause (I) that receives a direct
loan or grant for the purpose described
in that subclause may use the direct
loan or grant funds to support the
staffing needs of the facility
described in that subclause, subject to
the condition that the eligible entity
shall not use more than 25 percent of
the direct loan or grant funds for
staffing purposes.
(ii) Rural business programs.--In selecting
recipients of financial assistance under the
rural business development grant program under
section 310B(c) of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(c)), the
rural cooperative development grant program
under section 310B(e) of that Act (7 U.S.C.
1932(e)), and the rural microentrepreneur
assistance program under section 379E of that
Act (7 U.S.C. 2008s), the Secretary may give
priority to entities eligible for financial
assistance under those sections--
(I) to provide technical or
financial assistance for the
acquisition, construction, renovation,
or improvement of facilities used for a
childcare program;
(II) to provide technical,
financial, or managerial assistance to
childcare programs;
(III) to assist in securing private
sources of capital financing for
childcare programs or other low-income
community development; or
(IV) to address the needs of
licensed childcare programs located in
the home of the childcare program
provider.
(C) Evaluation.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
conduct a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative
evaluation of the projects carried out under this
paragraph to improve access to childcare programs in
rural areas, including a description of--
(i) the types of projects carried out under
this paragraph;
(ii) the communities in which those
projects are carried out;
(iii) the organizations and entities
participating in those projects;
(iv) the types of partnerships developed to
carry out those projects; and
(v) the economic and social impacts of
investments in rural childcare programs.
(b) Access to Credit for Care Industries.--Of the amount made
available for business and industry guaranteed loans under section
310B(g) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.
1932(g)) for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031, the Secretary
shall make available not less than 10 percent for supporting childcare
programs (as defined in subsection (a)(2)(A)) and healthcare.
(c) Sunset.--Effective beginning on the date of enactment of this
Act, paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 6101(a) of the Agriculture
Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-334; 132 Stat. 4726) shall have
no force or effect.
SEC. 6302. RURAL HOSPITAL REVITALIZATION.
Subtitle A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act is
amended by inserting after section 310 (7 U.S.C. 1930) the following:
``SEC. 310A. RURAL HOSPITAL REVITALIZATION LOANS.
``(a) In General.--Under the community facilities direct loan
program established under section 306(a)(1) (referred to in this
section as the `community facilities direct loan program'), the
Secretary shall make temporary zero-percent interest loans to eligible
rural hospitals described in subsection (b) for the construction of
replacement hospital facilities or the improvement or renovation of
existing hospital facilities in accordance with this section.
``(b) Eligible Hospitals.--
``(1) In general.--An eligible rural hospital described in
this subsection is a rural hospital--
``(A) the campus (as defined in section
413.65(a)(2) of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations
(or successor regulations)) of which is in a county
with a population of less than 20,000 inhabitants;
``(B)(i) the campus (as so defined) of which is not
less than 35 miles from the nearest hospital;
``(ii) if the campus (as so defined) of which is in
an area with mountainous terrain or only secondary
roads, as determined by the Secretary, such campus is
not less than 15 miles from the nearest hospital;
``(iii) that is a critical access hospital (as
defined in section 1861(mm)(1) of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(mm)(1))); or
``(iv) that is a rural emergency hospital (as
defined in section 1861(kkk)(2) of that Act (42 U.S.C.
1395x(kkk)(2)));
``(C) that has been continuously licensed as a
hospital in the community in which the hospital is
located for not less than 30 years;
``(D) that submits to the Secretary an application
at such time, in such manner, and containing such
information to determine eligibility under this
paragraph and priorities under paragraph (2) and such
other information as the Secretary may require,
including--
``(i) a statement demonstrating the need
for the loan, which shall describe--
``(I) the age and condition of
existing facilities to be replaced,
improved, or renovated, including a
certification that funds from a loan
under this section will not be used for
facilities that have been significantly
improved during the 10-year period
preceding the date of the application;
and
``(II) the manner in which the use
of the loan funds will address issues
relating to the quality and viability
of the facilities to preserve access to
healthcare;
``(ii) a demonstration that the hospital
has had a positive impact in the community
served by the hospital, which shall include--
``(I) a positive impact on access
to primary healthcare, emergency
services, and services required under
conditions of participation applicable
under title XVIII of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.);
and
``(II) a meaningful economic
impact; and
``(iii) a statement of the anticipated
health and economic impacts of the loan,
including--
``(I) an impact on sustaining the
provision of services that the hospital
currently provides;
``(II) an impact on offering
healthcare services that the hospital
does not currently offer, as
appropriate;
``(III) an impact on the provision
of community-based services, including
such services that influence social
determinants of health;
``(IV) any other economic impacts;
and
``(V) impacts compared to the
impacts if the loan funds were not made
available; and
``(E) that, subject to paragraph (3), is
financially stable, as measured by having--
``(i) not less than 30 days cash on hand;
and
``(ii) a projected debt-service coverage
ratio of at least 1.2.
``(2) Priorities.--In making loans under this section, the
Secretary shall give priority to an eligible rural hospital--
``(A) that serves an area in which there are fewer
than 6 inhabitants per square mile, taking into
consideration--
``(i) the distance from the hospital to a
population center;
``(ii) the travel time from the hospital to
reach a population center or specific health
service; and
``(iii) seasonal variations in the need for
access to healthcare services;
``(B) that requires replacement, improvement, or
renovation that is not financially feasible at the
rates and terms offered under the community facilities
direct loan program;
``(C) for which not less than 50 percent of its
inpatient days or discharges and outpatient visits
during the most recent cost reporting period for which
data are available were attributable to--
``(i) individuals entitled to, or enrolled
for, benefits under part A or enrolled for
benefits under part B of title XVIII of the
Social Security Act, including individuals
enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan under
part C of such title;
``(ii) individuals eligible for medical
assistance under a State plan under title XIX
of the Social Security Act (or a waiver of such
a plan); or
``(iii) self-pay individuals; or
``(D) that meets 2 or more of the criteria
described in subparagraphs (A) through (C).
``(3) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the requirements
described in paragraph (1)(E) in the case of a hospital that
demonstrates sufficient community impacts described in
paragraph (1)(D)(ii).
``(4) Eligibility.--For purposes of making loans under this
section, the Secretary shall consider an eligible rural
hospital described in paragraph (1) to be eligible for the
community facilities direct loan program.
``(c) Loan Interest and Terms.--
``(1) Initial interest-free loan.--Except as otherwise
provided in this subsection, a loan made under this section
shall, for the first 5 years of the loan--
``(A) have a zero percent interest rate; and
``(B) require repayment of principal for a period
of 5 years, amortized--
``(i) in accordance with the expected
amortization schedule of a loan under the
community facilities direct loan program; and
``(ii) over a period that is equal to the
lesser of--
``(I) the expected life of the
facility being constructed or
renovated; and
``(II) a maximum term of 40 years.
``(2) Assessment.--At the end of the 5-year period of a
loan described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall conduct an
assessment of the financial stability of the eligible rural
hospital to determine whether the hospital has the financial
strength for the loan to be refinanced at the prevailing rates
offered under the community facilities direct loan program.
``(3) Refinancing.--If the Secretary determines through an
assessment under paragraph (2) that an eligible rural hospital
has sufficient financial strength to repay a loan under the
community facilities direct loan program, subject to subsection
(d)(2), the Secretary shall refinance the loan under this
section into a loan under the community facilities direct loan
program--
``(A) at the prevailing interest rate applicable to
a loan under the community facilities direct loan
program;
``(B) without a requirement of the payment of any
interest on the amount of principal repaid during the
period in which the interest rate of the loan was zero
percent;
``(C) based on the unpaid principal balance; and
``(D) amortized in accordance with the community
facilities direct loan program for the remaining term
of the loan.
``(d) Renewals.--
``(1) Failure under assessment.--
``(A) In general.--If the Secretary determines
through an assessment under subsection (c)(2) that an
eligible rural hospital does not have sufficient
financial strength to repay a loan under the community
facilities direct loan program, the hospital may submit
to the Secretary an application for a 1-time renewal of
the zero-percent interest loan in accordance with the
terms described in subsection (c)(1) for 1 additional
term of not more than 5 years.
``(B) Requirements.--To be eligible for the renewal
of a zero-percent interest loan under subparagraph (A),
an eligible rural hospital shall demonstrate in the
application submitted under that subparagraph that the
hospital--
``(i) has first applied for and accepted
any available Federal technical assistance for
rural hospitals to support operational
improvements and improve financial stability;
and
``(ii) continues to meet all applicable
community facilities direct loan program
eligibility criteria.
``(C) Refinancing.--At the end of the period for
which a zero-percent interest loan is renewed under
subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall refinance the
loan into a loan under the community facilities direct
loan program in accordance with subsection (c)(3).
``(2) Interest rate protection.--
``(A) In general.--If the Secretary determines
through an assessment under subsection (c)(2) that an
eligible rural hospital has sufficient financial
strength to repay a loan under the community facilities
direct loan program, and the interest rate applicable
to a loan under the community facilities direct loan
program is more than 2.5 percent, the hospital may
submit to the Secretary an application for a 1-time
renewal of the zero-percent interest loan in accordance
with the terms described in subsection (c)(1) for 1
additional term of 5 years.
``(B) Requirements.--To be eligible for the renewal
of a zero-percent interest loan under subparagraph (A),
an eligible rural hospital shall demonstrate in the
application submitted under that subparagraph that the
hospital--
``(i) has had a positive impact on access
to primary healthcare, emergency services, and
services required under conditions of
participation applicable under title XVIII of
the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et
seq.) in the community served by the hospital;
and
``(ii) has had positive impacts in the
community described in subsection
(b)(1)(D)(ii).
``(C) Refinancing.--During the period of a zero-
percent interest loan that has been renewed under
subparagraph (A), at any time that the interest rate
applicable to a loan under the community facilities
direct loan program is 2.5 percent or less, the
eligible rural hospital may elect to refinance the loan
into a loan under the community facilities direct loan
program in accordance with subsection (c)(3).
``(3) Disapproval.--If the Secretary disapproves an
application to renew a zero-percent interest loan under
paragraph (1)(A) or (2)(A), the Secretary shall resolve the
applicable issues in accordance with the procedures that apply
to the community facilities direct loan program.
``(e) Technical Assistance Grants.--
``(1) In general.--A hospital that receives a loan under
this section shall be eligible for assistance through an award
under a covered program to support operational improvements and
improve financial stability during--
``(A) the 5-year period of a zero-percent interest
loan described in subsection (c)(1); and
``(B) any renewal of a zero-percent interest loan
for a lack of sufficient financial strength under
subsection (d)(1).
``(2) Covered program defined.--In this subsection, the
term `covered program' means--
``(A) the Targeted Technical Assistance for Rural
Hospitals Program of the Health Resources and Services
Administration; and
``(B) the Rural Hospital Technical Assistance
Program carried out by the rural development mission
area, in cooperation with the National Rural Health
Association.''.
SEC. 6303. RURAL HEALTH CARE FACILITY ASSISTANCE.
(a) In General.--Section 342 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1990a) is amended--
(1) by striking ``a rural hospital'' and inserting ``an
eligible health care facility'';
(2) by striking ``rural community'' and inserting ``rural
area'';
(3) by striking ``hospital,'' and inserting ``eligible
health care facility,'';
(4) by striking ``Assistance'' and inserting the following:
``(a) Refinancing of Certain Rural Health Care Facility Debt.--
``(1) In general.--Assistance''; and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Requirements.--To promote the long-term
sustainability and financial viability of an eligible health
care facility, the Secretary shall--
``(A) provide assistance described in paragraph (1)
to an eligible health care facility for the purpose
of--
``(i) ensuring the facility has necessary
resources to maintain public health, safety, or
order;
``(ii) addressing financial hardships of
the facility, the patients of the facility, and
the area served by the facility; and
``(iii) identifying the financial stability
of the facility, including--
``(I) operational practices;
``(II) revenue enhancements;
``(III) policy revisions;
``(IV) partnerships,
regionalization, or consolidation of
rural health systems; and
``(V) contract services; and
``(B) require an applicant for assistance described
in paragraph (1)--
``(i) to receive financial planning
assistance; and
``(ii) to prepare a long-term financial
plan.
``(3) Waiver.--In the case of an application for
refinancing pursuant to this subsection, the Secretary may
waive the requirement of section 302(a)(1)(D) if the eligible
health care facility is insolvent.
``(b) Rural Health Care Facility Technical Assistance Program.--
``(1) In general.--In lieu of any other authority under
which the Secretary may provide technical assistance to any
eligible health care facility, the Secretary shall establish,
and maintain, directly or by grant, contract, or cooperative
agreement, a Rural Health Care Facility Technical Assistance
Program (referred to in this subsection as the `Program') to
provide technical assistance and training, tailored to the
capacity and needs of each eligible health care facility, to
help eligible health care facilities--
``(A) identify development needs for maintaining
essential health care services and support action plans
for operational and quality improvement projects to
meet the development needs;
``(B) better manage the financial and business
strategies of the eligible heath care facilities,
including providing financial planning assistance and
preparing long-term financial plans; and
``(C) identify, and apply for assistance from, loan
and grant programs of the Department of Agriculture for
which the eligible health care facilities are eligible.
``(2) Goals.--The goals of the Program shall be--
``(A) to improve the long-term financial position
and operational efficiency of eligible health care
facilities;
``(B) to prevent the closure of eligible health
care facilities;
``(C) to strengthen the delivery of health care in
rural areas;
``(D) to help eligible health care facilities
better access and compete for loans and grants from
programs administered by the Department of Agriculture;
and
``(E) to continue the activities of the Rural
Hospital Technical Assistance Program (as in effect on
the day before the date of enactment of this
subsection).
``(3) Program participation.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall engage in
outreach and engagement strategies to encourage
eligible health care facilities to participate in the
Program.
``(B) Eligible health care facility selection.--In
selecting eligible health care facilities to
participate in the Program, the Secretary--
``(i) shall give priority to borrowers of
loans and recipients of grants from the Rural
Housing Service, the Rural Business-Cooperative
Service, and the Rural Utilities Service; and
``(ii) may consider--
``(I) the age and physical state of
the eligible health care facility
involved;
``(II) the financial vulnerability
of the eligible health care facility
and the ability of the eligible health
care facility to meet debt obligations;
``(III) the electronic health
record implementation needs of the
eligible health care facility;
``(IV) whether the eligible health
care facility is located in a health
professional shortage area or a
medically underserved area;
``(V) whether the eligible health
care facility serves a medically
underserved population; and
``(VI) such other criteria and
priorities as are determined by the
Secretary.
``(4) Reporting requirements.--Not later than 1 year after
the date of enactment of this subsection, and annually
thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee
on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a written
report describing the progress and results of the Program,
including--
``(A) a brief description of each project to
provide technical assistance to an eligible health care
facility under this subsection, including--
``(i) the name and location of the
facility;
``(ii) a description of the assistance
provided;
``(iii) a description of the outcomes for
completed projects;
``(iv) the cost of the technical
assistance; and
``(v) any other information the Secretary
determines to be appropriate;
``(B) a summary of the technical assistance
projects completed;
``(C) a summary of the outcomes of the technical
assistance projects;
``(D) an assessment of the effectiveness of the
Program; and
``(E) recommendations for improving the Program.
``(5) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this
subsection not more than $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2027 through 2031.
``(c) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Rural area.--The term `rural area' has the meaning
given the term in section 343(a)(13)(A).
``(2) Development needs.--The term `development needs'
means--
``(A) constructing, expanding, renovating, or
otherwise modernizing health care facilities;
``(B) increasing telehealth capabilities;
``(C) acquiring or upgrading health care
information systems, such as electronic health records;
``(D) providing financial planning assistance and
preparing a long-term financial plan; and
``(E) such other needs as the Secretary determines
to be critical to maintaining health care services in
the community in which an eligible health care facility
is located.
``(3) Eligible health care facility.--The term `eligible
health care facility' means a facility that is located in a
rural area and is--
``(A) a hospital (as defined in section 1861(e) of
the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(e)));
``(B) a psychiatric hospital (as defined in section
1861(f) of that Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(f)));
``(C) a home health agency (as defined in section
1861(o) of that Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(o)));
``(D) a rural health clinic (as defined in section
1861(aa)(2) of that Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(aa)(2)));
``(E) a critical access hospital (as defined in
section 1861(mm)(1) of that Act (42 U.S.C.
1395x(mm)(1)));
``(F) a religious nonmedical health care
institution (as defined in section 1861(ss)(1) of that
Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(ss)(1)));
``(G) a long-term care hospital (as defined in
section 1861(ccc) of that Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(ccc)));
``(H) a rural emergency hospital (as defined in
section 1861(kkk)(2) of that Act (42 U.S.C.
1395x(kkk)(2)));
``(I) a sole community hospital (as defined in
section 1886(d)(5)(D)(iii) of that Act (42 U.S.C.
1395ww(d)(5)(D)(iii))); and
``(J) a community health center receiving funding
under section 330 of the Public Health Service Act (42
U.S.C. 254b).
``(4) Health professional shortage area.--The term `health
professional shortage area' has the meaning given the term in
section 332(a)(1)(A) of the Public Health Service Act (42
U.S.C. 254e(a)(1)(A)).
``(5) Medically underserved area.--The term `medically
underserved area' has the meaning given the term in section
330I(a) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254c-
14(a)).
``(6) Medically underserved population.--The term
`medically underserved population' has the meaning given the
term in section 330(b)(3) of the Public Health Service Act (42
U.S.C. 254b(b)(3)).''.
(b) Regulations.--The Secretary shall issue regulations to carry
out the amendments made by subsection (a).
(c) Effective Date.--Except for purposes of issuing regulations
under subsection (b), the amendments made by subsection (a) shall take
effect on the effective date of those regulations.
PART II--OTHER MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SEC. 6311. DISTANCE LEARNING AND TELEMEDICINE.
(a) Use of Grants for Operating Expenses.--Section 2333 of the
Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C.
950aaa-2) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``and operation'' after
``construction'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(B), by adding ``and'' at the
end; and
(B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``or extend''
each place it appears and inserting ``extend, or
operate'';
(3) in subsection (f)--
(A) in paragraph (3), by striking ``or'' at the
end;
(B) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph
(5); and
(C) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
``(4) operation of the programming, equipment, or
facilities referred to in paragraphs (1) and (2); or''; and
(4) by striking subsection (g) and inserting the following:
``(g) Operating Expenses.--Not more than 15 percent of the amount
of financial assistance provided to a recipient under this chapter may
be used for operating expenses and administrative expenses that are
reasonable and allocable to the project carried out by the
recipient.''.
(b) Waiver of Matching Requirement.--Section 2334 of the Food,
Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 950aaa-3) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(g) Waiver of Matching Requirement.--The Secretary shall waive
any requirement for a recipient of financial assistance under this
chapter to provide non-Federal matching funds--
``(1) in a case of demonstrated need or if the matching
requirement would create a substantial burden, as determined by
the Secretary; or
``(2) if the recipient is a federally recognized Indian
Tribe.''.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 2335A of the Food,
Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 950aaa-5) is
amended by striking ``2019 through 2023'' and inserting ``2027 through
2031''.
(d) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1(b) of Public Law 102-551 (7
U.S.C. 950aaa note) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''.
SEC. 6312. AGRICULTURE INNOVATION CENTER DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM.
Section 6402(g) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
2002 (7 U.S.C. 1632b(g)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''.
SEC. 6313. RURAL ENERGY SAVINGS PROGRAM.
Section 6407 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
(7 U.S.C. 8107a) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``or''
at the end;
(ii) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as
subparagraph (D); and
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (B)
the following:
``(C) any Indian Tribe (as defined in section 4 of
the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance
Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)); and''; and
(2) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(2) Energy efficiency measures.--The term `energy
efficiency measures' means, with respect to any property
service by an eligible entity--
``(A) a structural improvement or investment in a
cost-effective, commercial technology to increase
energy efficiency (including any cost-effective on- or
off-grid renewable energy or energy storage system);
and
``(B) the replacement of a manufactured housing
unit or large appliance with a substantially similar
manufactured housing unit or large appliance,
respectively, if that replacement is a cost-effective
option with respect to energy savings.'';
(3) by redesignating subsections (e) through (i) as
subsections (f) through (j), respectively;
(4) by inserting after subsection (d) the following:
``(e) Additional Grants.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), at
the request of an eligible entity that receives a loan under
subsection (c), the Secretary shall make a grant to the
eligible entity in an amount equal to not more than 5 percent
of the loan amount received under that subsection for costs
incurred by the eligible entity in--
``(A) applying for the loan received under that
subsection;
``(B) making a loan to a qualified consumer under
subsection (d);
``(C) making repairs to the property of a qualified
consumer that facilitates the energy efficiency
measures for the property financed through a loan made
under that subsection;
``(D) entering into a contract under subsection
(f); or
``(E) otherwise carrying out the duties of the
eligible entity under this section.
``(2) Persistent poverty counties.--A grant made to an
eligible entity under paragraph (1) for the purpose of making a
loan to a qualified consumer under subsection (d) that is
located in a persistent poverty county, as determined by the
Secretary, shall be made in an amount equal to not more than 10
percent of the loan amount received by the eligible entity
under subsection (c).''; and
(5) in subsection (j) (as so redesignated), by striking
``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 6314. INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE ON OUTDOOR RECREATION COORDINATION.
(a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall coordinate an interagency task force
(referred to in this section as the ``task force'')--
(1) to examine existing Federal programs supporting
hospitality, tourism, agri-tourism, and outdoor recreation in
rural communities; and
(2) to better align Federal investments in outdoor
recreation in or around Federal land.
(b) Membership.--The task force shall consist of--
(1) the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest
Service;
(2) the Secretary of the Interior, acting through--
(A) the Director of the National Park Service;
(B) the Director of the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service; and
(C) the Director of the Bureau of Land Management;
(3) the Administrator of the Small Business Administration;
and
(4) the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Assistant
Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development.
(c) Report.--Not later than 360 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the task force shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture
of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture,
Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that--
(1) examines, and identifies issues relating to, the
coordination of Federal programs supporting hospitality,
tourism, and outdoor recreation in rural communities,
particularly rural communities that are in or around Federal
land; and
(2) recommends changes to existing statutory requirements,
regulatory requirements, or both, to improve interagency
coordination and responsiveness to support hospitality,
tourism, and outdoor recreation in rural communities,
particularly rural communities that are in or around Federal
land.
SEC. 6315. NEW, MOBILE, AND EXPANDED MEAT AND POULTRY PROCESSING AND
RENDERING GRANTS.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
(A) a public, private, or cooperative organization
organized on a for-profit or nonprofit basis, including
a small establishment and very small establishment;
(B) an Indian Tribe (as defined in section 4 of the
Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act
(25 U.S.C. 5304));
(C) a land-grant college or university (as defined
in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
3103));
(D) a non-land-grant college of agriculture (as
defined in that section); and
(E) a State department of agriculture or other
applicable State office with authority over meat and
poultry processing and rendering.
(2) Small establishment; very small establishment.--The
terms ``small establishment'' and ``very small establishment''
have the meanings given the terms ``small establishment'' and
``very small establishment'', respectively, in the final rule
entitled ``Pathogen Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical
Control Point (HACCP) Systems'' (61 Fed. Reg. 38806 (July 25,
1996)) (or successor regulations).
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
(1) to create more resilient local and regional food
systems;
(2) to expand, diversify, and increase resilience in meat
and poultry processing and rendering activities;
(3) to increase farmer and rancher access to animal
slaughter options;
(4) to improve compliance of processors with livestock and
poultry processing statutes (including regulations), including
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.);
(5) to reduce barriers to entry for new meat and poultry
processors and renderers;
(6) to establish new, or update, expand, or otherwise
improve existing, meat and poultry processing and rendering
facilities; and
(7) to support the processing and slaughtering of niche
production methods such as halal, kosher, and other specific
cultural methods.
(c) Grants.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall award grants to
eligible entities to use in accordance with subsection (e).
(2) Maximum amount.--The maximum amount of a grant awarded
under paragraph (1) shall not exceed $500,000.
(3) Duration.--The term of a grant awarded under paragraph
(1) shall not exceed 3 years.
(4) Priority.--In awarding grants under paragraph (1), the
Secretary shall give priority to small establishments and very
small establishments.
(d) Applicant Requirements.--
(1) Small and very small establishments.--In awarding
grants under this section to a small establishment or very
small establishment that has been in operation for less than 2
years, the Secretary shall ensure the establishment has the
financial viability and managerial capacity necessary to carry
out the activities described in subsection (e).
(2) Eligible entities.--In awarding grants under this
section to any eligible entity, the Secretary shall ensure the
eligible entity demonstrates experience in carrying out
activities in support of the purposes described in subsection
(b), including activities described in subsection (e).
(e) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity receiving a grant under this
section shall use the grant to carry out activities in support of the
purposes described in subsection (b), including activities--
(1) to identify and analyze business opportunities,
including feasibility studies required for credit worthiness;
(2) to achieve compliance with applicable Federal, State,
or local regulations;
(3) to conduct regional, community, and local economic
development planning and coordination and leadership
development;
(4) to incentivize new, innovative, or mobile enterprises
for increasing or improving local and regional meat or poultry
processing and rendering;
(5) to implement humane handling infrastructure, including
holding space for livestock and poultry prior to slaughter,
shade structures, and structures and equipment for humane
slaughter;
(6) to develop a feasibility study or business plan for, or
carry out any other activity associated with, establishing or
expanding a meat or poultry slaughter, processing, or rendering
facility;
(7) to purchase equipment that enables the further use or
value-added sale of coproducts or byproducts; and
(8) to purchase cold storage and related equipment.
(f) Federal Share.--The Federal share of the activities carried out
using a grant awarded under this section shall not exceed--
(1) 90 percent in the case of a grant in the amount of
$100,000 or less; or
(2) 75 percent in the case of a grant in an amount greater
than $100,000.
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $25,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
SEC. 6316. ANNUAL EFFICIENCY REPORT.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, and not later than April 1 of each fiscal year
thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture,
Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture
of the House of Representatives a report on Federal economic
development programs.
(b) Contents.--The report submitted under subsection (a) shall
include--
(1) a catalog and description of Department statutory
programs and authorities devoted to economic development,
including funding levels;
(2) an identification of each economic development office,
agency, sub-agency, panel, committee, or other organization
created by statute or regulation;
(3) a comprehensive description of how each program
described in paragraph (1) is used by the Department, any
deficiencies in those programs, and any overlap with other
programs; and
(4) suggestions for reforming Department rural development
authorities, including--
(A) streamlining or sunsetting any unnecessary or
duplicative programs or authorities;
(B) consolidating overlapping authorities; and
(C) establishing new authorities as needed.
TITLE VII--RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND RELATED MATTERS
Subtitle A--National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
Policy Act of 1977
SEC. 7101. NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, EDUCATION, AND
ECONOMICS ADVISORY BOARD.
Section 1408 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(5), by striking ``7 additional
members'' and inserting ``3 additional members'';
(2) in subsection (g)(1), by striking ``$500,000'' and
inserting ``$750,000''; and
(3) in subsection (h), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''.
SEC. 7102. SPECIALTY CROP COMMITTEE.
(a) In General.--Section 1408A of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123a)
is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by
striking ``11 members'' and inserting ``12
members''; and
(ii) adding at the end the following:
``(iv) One of such members shall represent
all minor production States as a nonvoting
member.''; and
(B) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031'';
(2) in subsection (b), by striking paragraph (2) and
inserting the following:
``(2) Appointment; service.--Members of the specialty crops
committee shall--
``(A) be appointed by the Secretary; and
``(B) serve at the discretion of the Secretary.'';
and
(3) in subsection (g)--
(A) by redesignating paragraph (5) and (6) as
paragraph (6) and (7), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
``(5) review grant applications under such subsection and
submit a summary of comments, including the relevancy of the
applications to the annual priorities established under
paragraph (4), to the Director of the National Institute of
Food and Agriculture for consideration prior to the awarding of
grants under such subsection;''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 412(d) of the Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C.
7632(d)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a
semicolon;
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) for competitive grants under subsection (k), the
review and summary submitted to the Director of the National
Institute of Food and Agriculture under section 1408A(g)(5) of
the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123a(g)(5)).''.
(c) Effect.--The amendments made by subsection (a)--
(1) shall take effect on October 1 of the first fiscal year
that begins after the date of enactment of this Act; and
(2) shall not affect the terms of the members of the citrus
disease subcommittee established under section 1408A(a)(2) of
the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123a(a)(2)) who are--
(A) appointed by the Secretary before the effective
date described in paragraph (1); and
(B) members of that subcommittee on that effective
date.
SEC. 7103. VETERINARY MEDICINE LOAN REPAYMENT.
Section 1415A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3151a) is amended--
(1) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
``(b) Determination of Veterinarian Shortage Situations.--In
determining `veterinarian shortage situations', the Secretary--
``(1) may consider--
``(A) geographical areas that the Secretary
determines have a shortage of veterinarians;
``(B) areas of veterinary practice that the
Secretary determines have a shortage of veterinarians,
such as food animal medicine, public health,
epidemiology, and food safety; and
``(C) areas described in subparagraphs (A) and (B)
identified by appropriate State agencies; and
``(2) shall--
``(A) develop quantitative mechanisms for
predicting the emergence of new veterinarian shortage
situations in the short-term and long-term; and
``(B) make available to State agencies described in
paragraph (1)(C) the quantitative mechanisms developed
under subparagraph (A).''; and
(2) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following:
``(9) Eligibility.--The Secretary shall not make a
veterinarian ineligible for the program under this section
based on a veterinarian's participation in a comparable
Federal, State, or local program.
``(10) Application process.--Not later than 1 year after
the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2026, the
Secretary shall establish streamlined application procedures
and guidelines for entering into agreements with veterinarians
under this section.''.
SEC. 7104. VETERINARY SERVICES GRANT PROGRAM.
Section 1415B of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3151b) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A)(i), by striking ``, as
defined in'' and all that follows through ``1991(a))'';
(B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph
(3); and
(C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) Rural area.--The term `rural area' has the meaning
given the term in section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)).'';
(2) in subsection (b)(2)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as
subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the
following:
``(B) expand, retain, or attract additional
veterinary practices in rural areas;'';
(3) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Application process.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2026, the
Secretary shall establish a streamlined application process.'';
and
(4) in subsection (d)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``to
Relieve Veterinarian Shortage Situations and Support
Veterinary Services''; and
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by striking ``situations and support'' and
inserting ``situations, to expand, retain, or
attract additional veterinary practices in
rural areas, and to support''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(G) To cover expenses associated with starting a
new veterinary practice or attracting new veterinarians
to existing practices, including--
``(i) relocation expenses;
``(ii) the purchase of necessary startup
equipment; and
``(iii) housing or living stipends for
veterinary students, veterinary interns,
externs, fellows, and residents, and veterinary
technician students.''.
SEC. 7105. GRANTS AND FELLOWSHIPS FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE SCIENCES
EDUCATION.
Section 1417 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3152) is amended--
(1) in subsection (j)(3)--
(A) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in subparagraph (G), by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(H) to conduct workforce training, education,
research, and outreach activities relating to the food
and agricultural sciences.''; and
(2) in subsection (m)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2023.'' and
inserting ``2025; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) $60,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through
2031.''.
SEC. 7106. AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD POLICY RESEARCH CENTERS.
Section 1419A(e) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3155(e)) is amended by
striking ``$10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2023'' and
inserting ``$15,000,000 for each fiscal years 2027 through 2031''.
SEC. 7107. EDUCATION GRANTS TO ALASKA NATIVE SERVING INSTITUTIONS AND
NATIVE HAWAIIAN SERVING INSTITUTIONS.
Section 1419B of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3156) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ``$10,000,000 in
fiscal years 2001 through 2023'' and inserting ``$15,000,000
for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(3), by striking ``$10,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2001 through 2023'' and inserting
``$15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031''.
SEC. 7108. NUTRITION EDUCATION PROGRAM.
Section 1425(g) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3175(g)) is amended by
striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7109. CONTINUING ANIMAL HEALTH AND DISEASE RESEARCH PROGRAMS.
Section 1433 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3195) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Carryover.--The balance of any annual funds provided
to an eligible institution for a fiscal year under this
subsection that remains unexpended at the end of the fiscal
year may be carried over for use during the following fiscal
year.''; and
(2) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7110. EXTENSION AT 1890 LAND-GRANT COLLEGES, INCLUDING TUSKEGEE
UNIVERSITY.
Section 1444(a)(2) of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3221(a)(2)) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``2003'' and inserting ``2027''; and
(2) by striking ``20 percent'' and inserting ``40
percent''.
SEC. 7111. AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AT 1890 LAND-GRANT COLLEGES, INCLUDING
TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 1445(a) of the
National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking ``2003'' and inserting ``2027'';
and
(B) by striking ``30 percent'' and inserting ``40
percent''; and
(2) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``graduate student
tuition and fees,'' after ``direction,''.
(b) Payment of Allotments to Eligible Institutions.--Section
1445(d) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222(d)) is amended--
(1) in the second sentence, by striking ``a research
director'' and inserting ``an agricultural research director'';
and
(2) in the third sentence--
(A) by striking ``or other officer''; and
(B) by inserting ``agricultural'' before ``chief
administrative officer''.
SEC. 7112. DAVID A. SCOTT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS AT 1890
INSTITUTIONS.
(a) David A. Scott Scholarships for Bachelor or Graduate
Programs.--Section 1446(a)(1) of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222a(a)(1)) is
amended, in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``scholarships to individuals'' and inserting ``scholarships (including
for programs leading to a bachelor or graduate degree) (to be known as
a `David A. Scott Scholarship for Students at 1890 Institutions') to
individuals''.
(b) Mandatory Funding.--Section 1446(b)(1) of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7
U.S.C. 3222a(b)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(D) Fiscal year 2027 and fiscal years
thereafter.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit
Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to
carry out this section $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2027
and each fiscal year thereafter, to remain available
until expended.''.
(c) Discretionary Funding.--Section 1446(b)(2) of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7
U.S.C. 3222a(b)(2)) is amended by striking ``each of fiscal years 2020
through 2023'' and inserting ``fiscal year 2020 and each fiscal year
thereafter''.
(d) Conforming Amendments.--Section 1446 of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7
U.S.C. 3222a) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``scholarships''
and inserting ``david a. scott scholarship program''; and
(2) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ``each of the 4
succeeding academic years'' and inserting ``each academic year
thereafter for which funding is available under subsection
(b)(1)''.
SEC. 7113. GRANTS TO UPGRADE AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD SCIENCES FACILITIES
AT 1890 LAND-GRANT COLLEGES, INCLUDING TUSKEGEE
UNIVERSITY.
Section 1447(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222b(b)) is amended by
striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7114. GRANTS TO UPGRADE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SCIENCES FACILITIES
AND EQUIPMENT AT INSULAR AREA LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS.
Section 1447B(d) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222b-2(d)) is amended by
striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7115. NEW BEGINNING FOR TRIBAL STUDENTS.
Section 1450(d) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222e(d)) is amended by
striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7116. HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTIONS.
Section 1455(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3241(c)) is amended by
striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7117. BINATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
Section 1458(e) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3291(e)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``entered into'' and
inserting ``as entered into in 1977'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) support mid-stage research to advance
cooperative agricultural research projects of mutual
interest to the United States and Israel.''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Bard fund accelerator.--The BARD Fund shall establish
an accelerator program that supports mid-stage research, as
determined by the technology readiness level, in priority areas
established by the BARD Fund, and--
``(A) fast-tracks cooperative research between
scientists participating in BARD Fund activities;
``(B) accelerates the successful development of
agricultural research through resources and services
developed or orchestrated by the BARD Fund;
``(C) provides management guidance, technical
assistance, and consulting to scientists participating
in activities described in paragraph (2); or
``(D) advances cooperative agricultural research
projects of mutual interest to the United States and
Israel.
``(4) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to the BARD Fund--
``(A) $12,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027
through 2031 to carry out activities under paragraph
(3); and
``(B) $8,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027
through 2031 to carry out any other activities under
this subsection.''.
SEC. 7118. INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURE PARTNERSHIPS AND GRANTS PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 1458A of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3292) is
amended--
(1) by striking the section heading and inserting
``international agriculture partnerships and grants program'';
(2) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e);
(3) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
``(d) Competitive Grants for International Agricultural Science and
Education Programs.--
``(1) Competitive grants authorized.--The Secretary may
make competitive grants to colleges and universities in order
to strengthen United States economic competitiveness and to
promote international market development.
``(2) Purpose of grants.--Grants under this subsection
shall be directed to agricultural research, extension, and
teaching activities that will--
``(A) enhance the international content of the
curricula in colleges and universities so as to ensure
that United States students acquire an understanding of
the international dimensions and trade implications of
their studies;
``(B) ensure that United States scientists,
extension agents, and educators involved in
agricultural research and development activities
outside of the United States have the opportunity to
convey the implications of their activities and
findings to their peers and students in the United
States and to the users of agricultural research,
extension, and teaching;
``(C) enhance the capabilities of colleges and
universities to do collaborative research with other
countries, in cooperation with other Federal agencies,
on issues relevant to United States agricultural
competitiveness;
``(D) enhance the capabilities of colleges and
universities to provide cooperative extension education
to promote the application of new technology developed
in foreign countries to United States agriculture; and
``(E) enhance the capability of United States
colleges and universities, in cooperation with other
Federal agencies, to provide leadership and educational
programs that will assist United States natural
resources and food production, processing, and
distribution businesses and industries to compete
internationally, including product market
identification, international policies limiting or
enhancing market production, development of new or
enhancement of existing markets, and production
efficiencies.''; and
(4) in subsection (e) (as so redesignated), by striking
``$10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023'' and
inserting ``$20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through
2031''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 1459A of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3292b) is
repealed.
(2) Section 251(f)(1)(D)(vii) of the Department of
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C.
6971(f)(1)(D)(vii)) is amended by striking ``section 1459A of
the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3292b)'' and inserting
``subsection (d) of section 1458A of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
3292)''.
SEC. 7119. RESEARCH EQUIPMENT GRANTS.
Section 1462A(e) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3310a(e)) is amended by
striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7120. UNIVERSITY RESEARCH.
Section 1463 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3311) is amended by striking
``2023'' each place it appears in subsections (a) and (b) and inserting
``2031''.
SEC. 7121. COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE.
Section 1464 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3312) is amended by striking
``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7122. SUPPLEMENTAL AND ALTERNATIVE CROPS.
Section 1473D of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319d) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''; and
(2) in subsection (e)(3), by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7123. NEW ERA RURAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM.
Section 1473E(d) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319e(d)) is amended by
striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7124. CAPACITY BUILDING GRANTS FOR NLGCA INSTITUTIONS.
Section 1473F(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319i(b)) is amended by
striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7125. AGRICULTURE ADVANCED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.
Section 1473H of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319k) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``pilot'';
(2) in subsection (a)(6)(A), by striking ``growing,'' and
inserting ``growing (including water conservation technologies
and innovation),'';
(3) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``pilot program'' each place it
appears and inserting ``program'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) by inserting ``the long-term
and high-risk technological'' before
``barriers''; and
(II) by striking ``and resilience
to extreme weather;'' and inserting
``soil and water conservation, and
resilience to extreme weather, drought,
infectious diseases, plant and animal
pathogens, and plant and animal
pests;''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (D), by inserting ``or
economic cost'' before the period at the end;
and
(C) in paragraph (9), by striking the paragraph
designation and heading and all that follows through
``In carrying out'' and inserting the following:
``(9) Personnel matters.--
``(A) In general.--The Director shall establish and
maintain within the AGARDA a staff with sufficient
qualifications and expertise to enable the AGARDA to
carry out the responsibilities of the AGARDA under this
section in conjunction with other operations of the
Department of Agriculture.
``(B) Use of existing personnel authorities.--In
carrying out'';
(4) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Use of strategic plan.--The Secretary shall use the
strategic plan developed under paragraph (1) and dated 2022 to
inform the administration of the AGARDA under this section.'';
(5) in subsection (d)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraph (C) of paragraph
(2) as paragraph (5), indenting appropriately, and
moving the paragraph so as to appear after paragraph
(3);
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``2019 through
2023'' and inserting ``2027 through 2031'';
(C) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
``(4) Other funding.--In addition to amounts otherwise made
available to carry out this section, the Secretary may use to
carry out this section other unobligated funds available to the
Secretary for any other purpose.''; and
(D) in paragraph (5) (as redesignated by
subparagraph (A)), by striking ``this paragraph'' and
inserting ``paragraph (2) or (4)''; and
(6) by striking subsection (e).
SEC. 7126. CAPACITY BUILDING GRANTS FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGE AGRICULTURE
AND NATURAL RESOURCES PROGRAMS.
Subtitle K of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3310 et seq.) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 1473I. CAPACITY BUILDING GRANTS FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGE
AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES PROGRAMS.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means--
``(A) a junior or community college supporting
agriculture advancement; and
``(B) a consortium or alliance of 2-year public
colleges supporting agriculture advancement.
``(2) Junior or community college.--The term `junior or
community college' has the meaning given the term in section
312 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1058).
``(b) Competitive Grants.--The Secretary shall make competitive
grants to eligible entities to assist the eligible entities in
maintaining and expanding the capacity of the eligible entities to
conduct workforce training, education, research, and outreach
activities relating to--
``(1) agriculture; and
``(2) other similar disciplines.
``(c) Priority.--In making grants under subsection (b), the
Secretary shall give priority to an eligible entity coordinating with a
local agriculture industry operator to provide experiential training
and other opportunities for students.
``(d) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under
subsection (b) may use the funds made available through the grant to
expand and maintain the capacity of the eligible entity--
``(1) to successfully compete for funds from Federal grants
and other sources to carry out educational, research, and
outreach activities that address priority concerns of national,
regional, State, and local interest;
``(2) to offer educational programming on agricultural
industry jobs, including farm business management-related
subjects, such as accounting, paralegal studies, and finance;
``(3) to disseminate information relating to the priority
concerns described in paragraph (1) to interested members of
the agriculture and other relevant communities and to the
public;
``(4) to encourage members of those communities to
participate in priority education, research, and outreach
activities through providing matching funding from sources
other than funds received through the grant; and
``(5) through--
``(A) the purchase or other acquisition of
equipment and other infrastructure (not including the
alteration, repair, renovation, or construction of
buildings);
``(B) the professional growth and development of
faculty; and
``(C) the development of apprenticeships and other
work-based learning opportunities.
``(e) Centers of Agriculture Advancement.--
``(1) In general.--An eligible entity may submit to the
Secretary an application for designation and funding as a
center of excellence for agriculture advancement.
``(2) Use of funds.--A center of excellence for agriculture
advancement designated under paragraph (1) shall use funding
received as a result of that designation--
``(A) to demonstrate best practices relating to
agriculture; and
``(B) to provide leadership in capacity building at
a regional or national level.
``(f) Evaluation and Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date
of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall--
``(1) conduct an evaluation of activities carried out under
this section; and
``(2) submit a report describing the evaluation conducted
under paragraph (1) to--
``(A) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives;
``(B) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
Forestry of the Senate;
``(C) the Committee on Appropriations of the House
of Representatives; and
``(D) the Committee on Appropriations of the
Senate.
``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2027 through 2031.''.
SEC. 7127. AQUACULTURE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--Section 1477(a) of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3324(a))
is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2023.'' and inserting
``2025; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through
2031.''.
(b) Indirect Costs.--Section 1477 of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3324) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Indirect Costs.--Effective beginning on the date of enactment
of this subsection--
``(1) the limitation with respect to indirect costs under
section 1462 shall apply with respect to awards made under this
subtitle; and
``(2) the limitation with respect to indirect costs under
section 1473 shall not apply with respect to those awards.''.
SEC. 7128. RANGELAND RESEARCH PROGRAMS.
Section 1483(a)(2) of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3336(a)(2)) is
amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7129. SPECIAL AUTHORIZATION FOR BIOSECURITY PLANNING AND RESPONSE.
Section 1484(a)(3) of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3351(a)(3)) is
amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7130. DISTANCE EDUCATION AND RESIDENT INSTRUCTION GRANTS PROGRAM
FOR INSULAR AREA INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.
(a) Distance Education Grants for Insular Areas.--Section
1490(f)(2) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3362(f)(2)) is amended by
striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
(b) Resident Instruction Grants for Insular Areas.--Section
1491(c)(2) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3363(c)(2)) is amended by
striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7131. LIMITATION ON CERTAIN RESEARCH IN COUNTRIES OF CONCERN.
(a) Limitation on Foreign Research.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the Under
Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics, shall
prohibit research, education, or extension activities involving
vertebrate animals carried out or funded under the jurisdiction
of the Research, Education, and Economics mission area from
being conducted in, or performed in collaboration with, the
People's Republic of China, the Russian Federation, or any
other foreign country of concern (as defined in section 10638
of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation
Act (42 U.S.C. 19237)).
(2) Scope.--The limitation under paragraph (1) shall only
apply to activities carried out or funded under the
jurisdiction of the Research, Education, and Economics mission
area.
(b) Waiver Authority.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may waive the prohibition
under subsection (a) on a case-by-case basis if the Secretary
determines that the research is necessary to protect national
security, animal and crop health, or public health, safety, or
welfare.
(2) Delegation of authority.--The Secretary may delegate
the waiver authority under paragraph (1) to the Under Secretary
for Research, Education, and Economics.
(c) Congressional Notification.--Not later than 30 days before
granting a waiver under subsection (b), the Secretary shall submit to
the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a
written notification that includes--
(1) a detailed justification for the waiver, including the
specific national security, animal and crop health, or public
health, safety, or welfare need;
(2) a description of the research to be conducted,
including the location, collaborators, and number and species
of animals involved;
(3) the projected cost to taxpayers; and
(4) the expected duration of the waiver.
Subtitle B--Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990
SEC. 7201. BEST UTILIZATION OF BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS.
Section 1624 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5814) is amended in the first sentence by striking
``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7202. INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS.
Section 1627(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade
Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5821(d)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7203. SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSFER
PROGRAM.
Section 1628(f)(2) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5831(f)(2)) is amended by striking ``2023''
and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7204. NATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM.
Section 1629(i) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade
Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5832(i)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7205. NATIONAL GENETICS RESOURCES PROGRAM.
Section 1635(b)(2) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5844(b)(2)) is amended by striking ``2023''
and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7206. NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL WEATHER INFORMATION SYSTEM.
Section 1641(c) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade
Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5855(c)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7207. AGRICULTURAL GENOME TO PHENOME INITIATIVE.
Section 1671(g) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade
Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5924(g)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7208. HIGH-PRIORITY RESEARCH AND EXTENSION INITIATIVES.
(a) In General.--Section 1672(d) of the Food, Agriculture,
Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925(d)) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (9) and inserting the following:
``(9) Coffee plant health initiative.--Research and
extension grants may be made under this section for the
purposes of--
``(A) developing and disseminating science-based
tools and treatments to combat plant pests and noxious
weeds (as those terms are defined in section 403 of the
Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7702)) that impact
coffee plants;
``(B) establishing an areawide integrated pest
management program in areas affected by, or areas at
risk of being affected by, plant pests or noxious weeds
(as so defined) that impact coffee plants;
``(C) surveying and collecting data on coffee plant
production and health;
``(D) investigating coffee plant biology,
immunology, ecology, genomics, and bioinformatics; and
``(E) conducting research on--
``(i) factors that may contribute to or be
associated with coffee plant immune systems;
``(ii) other serious threats to coffee
plants, including the sublethal effects of
insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides on
insects and plants beneficial to coffee plant
growth; and
``(iii) the development of mitigating and
preventative measures to improve habitat
conservation and best management practices in
coffee-growing regions.'';
(2) by striking paragraph (11) and inserting the following:
``(11) Macadamia tree health initiative.--Research and
extension grants may be made under this section for the
purposes of--
``(A) developing and disseminating science-based
tools and treatments to combat plant pests and noxious
weeds (as those terms are defined in section 403 of the
Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7702)) that impact
macadamia trees;
``(B) establishing an areawide integrated pest
management program in areas affected by, or areas at
risk of being affected by, invasive plant pests or
noxious weeds (as so defined);
``(C) surveying and collecting data on macadamia
tree production and health;
``(D) investigating macadamia tree biology,
immunology, ecology, genomics, and bioinformatics; and
``(E) conducting research on various factors that
may contribute to or be associated with macadamia tree
immune systems, and other serious threats to macadamia
trees, including--
``(i) the sublethal effects of
insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides on
beneficial insects and plants to macadamia tree
growth; and
``(ii) the development of mitigative and
preventative measures to improve habitat
conservation and best management practices in
macadamia tree growing regions.'';
(3) in paragraph (14)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) through (F)
as subparagraphs (C) through (G), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the
following:
``(B) to review the effectiveness of current cattle
fever tick eradication efforts in preventing and
reducing the spread of cattle fever ticks;''; and
(4) in paragraph (17), by inserting ``and harmful algal
blooms'' after ``macro-algae systems''; and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(21) PFAS agricultural effects research initiative.--
Research and extension grants may be made under this section
for the purposes of carrying out research relating to--
``(A) the effects of perfluoroalkyl substances and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (as those terms are defined
in section 7331(2)(B) of the PFAS Act of 2019 (15
U.S.C. 8931(2)(B))) on agricultural land used for the
production of crops and livestock, including cropland,
grassland, rangeland, pasture land, cropped woodland,
marshes, environmentally sensitive areas, and other
land related to agricultural production, as determined
by the Secretary; and
``(B) identifying ways to mitigate the impacts of
perfluoroalkyl substances and polyfluoroalkyl
substances (as so defined) on agricultural land
described in subparagraph (A).
``(22) Peanut aflatoxin research initiative.--Research and
extension grants may be made under this section for the
purposes of--
``(A) pre- and post-harvest improvements in the
peanut production, handling, and processing sectors to
improve efficiency and manage aflatoxin;
``(B) advanced curing systems to minimize moisture
variation of individual peanut kernels; and
``(C) other efforts that can lead to a reduction in
the risk of losses due to mold and potential aflatoxin
contamination in storage.
``(23) Biochar research initiative.--Research and extension
grants may be made under this section for the purposes of--
``(A) assessing the soil carbon sequestration
potential of various biochars and management systems
integrating biochar use;
``(B) understanding how to use biochar productively
to contribute to climate mitigation, crop production,
resilience to extreme weather events, ecosystem and
soil health, natural resource conservation, and farm
profitability; and
``(C) delivering science-based, region-specific,
cost-effective, and practical information to farmers,
ranchers, foresters, land reclamation managers, urban
land managers, and other land and natural resource
managers and businesses on sustainable biochar
production and application.
``(24) Spotted wing drosophila initiative.--Research and
extension grants may be made and cooperative agreements may be
entered into under this section to mitigate the negative
effects of spotted wing drosophila.
``(25) Spotted lanternfly control initiative.--Research and
extension grants may be made under this section for the
purposes of developing and disseminating research-based tools
and treatments to combat the Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma
delicatula).
``(26) Wheat resiliency initiative.--Research and extension
grants may be made under this section for the purpose of
building capacity to address underfunded and emerging pest and
disease challenges to wheat production throughout the United
States.
``(27) Invasive species research and extension.--Research
and extension grants may be made under this section for the
purpose of supporting research projects at land-grant colleges
and universities (as defined in section 1404 of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)) to develop and apply methods to manage
and eradicate invasive species of plants and animals, including
through methods of biocontrol.
``(28) Agricultural application of artificial intelligence
research and extension.--
``(A) In general.--Research and extension grants
may be made under this section for the purpose of
developing and evaluating agricultural uses of
artificial intelligence.
``(B) Emphasis.--In awarding grants under
subparagraph (A), the Secretary may place emphasis on
uses of artificial intelligence that improve specialty
crop production.
``(29) Aquaculture research and extension.--Research and
extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose
of supporting research projects at land-grant colleges and
universities (as defined in section 1404 of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)) to develop and apply aquaculture methods,
including through the propagation and rearing of economically
and ecologically valuable aquatic and marine species.
``(30) White oak research initiative.--
``(A) In general.--Research grants may be made
under this section to land-grant colleges and
universities (as defined in section 1404 of the
National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)) that have
demonstrated scientific expertise relating to white
oak, geographic proximity to concentrated areas of
white oak, and the ability to rapidly engage in
technology transfer to industry for the purpose of
improving white oak species resiliency, health, and
preservation.
``(B) Priorities.--In awarding grants under
subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall prioritize
research relating to--
``(i) white oak genes with resistance to
disease, pests, heat, and drought in
cultivated, new, and old growth white oak
timber stands;
``(ii) white oak trees that exhibit
heritable vigor for the purpose of increasing
survival and growth;
``(iii) establishing a genetically diverse
white oak seed bank capable of responding to
stressors;
``(iv) providing a sustainable supply of
white oak seedlings and genetic resources;
``(v) improved methods for aligning seed
sources with the future climate at planting
sites;
``(vi) reforestation of white oak trees
through natural and artificial regeneration;
``(vii) improved methods for retaining and
increasing white oak trees in forests;
``(viii) improved methods for reforesting
abandoned mine land sites; and
``(ix) economic and social aspects of white
oak forest management across land ownerships.
``(31) Sunflower breeding initiative.--Research and
extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose
of developing sunflower hybrids adapted for United States
growing regions.
``(32) Equine health, safety, and disease management.--
Research grants may be made under this section for the purposes
of enhancing equine health, safety, and disease management,
including research relating to--
``(A) health, safety, and regulatory considerations
for equines;
``(B) equine genomics to monitor equine health and
identify at-risk equines;
``(C) racetrack and surface safety protocols;
``(D) reproductive health;
``(E) epidemiology, molecular diagnostics, and
bioinformatics related to equine diseases; and
``(F) infectious diseases affecting equines.
``(33) Grazing for wildfire mitigation initiative.--
Research and extension grants may be made under this section at
land-grant institutions for the purposes of--
``(A) supporting research and development of
ungulate grazing land management techniques that--
``(i) promote wildfire mitigation, fuel
reduction, and post-fire recovery on public
land and private land, including research and
development relating to understanding the
economic benefits of, and increasing social
support for, such activities;
``(ii) are compatible with activities that
protect against adverse environmental effects,
including the spread of invasive plant species
and disease, soil erosion, water quality
degradation, and watershed degradation, such
as--
``(I) rotational grazing;
``(II) managed stocking rates;
``(III) riparian buffer zones;
``(IV) cover crops;
``(V) fencing, including virtual
fencing;
``(VI) manipulation of wild
ungulate populations through targeted
wildlife management; and
``(VII) water point management
techniques; and
``(iii) improve soil health; and
``(B) disseminating information to public and
private landowners, land managers, and livestock
owners, including through providing educational
materials and conducting outreach programs, regarding--
``(i) ungulate grazing land management
techniques that promote wildfire mitigation,
fuel reduction, and post-fire recovery; and
``(ii) compatible activities described in
subparagraph (A).
``(34) Emerging tick-borne livestock diseases.--Research
and extension grants may be made under this section for the
purposes of improving the prevention, diagnosis, and management
of emerging tick-borne diseases in livestock, including
anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and bovine theileriosis caused by
Theileria orientalis Ikeda transmitted by the invasive Asian
longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis), through--
``(A) research to develop and evaluate vaccines,
therapeutics, enhanced surveillance methods, and
integrated tick management strategies; and
``(B) extension and education activities to support
veterinarians, State departments of agriculture, and
livestock producers in the recognition, testing, and
prevention of those diseases.''.
(b) Pulse Crop Health Initiative.--Section 1672(e)(5) of the Food,
Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925(e)(5))
is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
(c) Training Coordination for Food and Agriculture Protection.--
Section 1672(f)(5) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade
Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925(f)(5)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031''.
(d) Pollinator Protection.--Section 1672(g) of the Food,
Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925(g)) is
amended in paragraphs (1)(B), (2)(B), and (3) by striking ``2023'' each
place it appears and inserting ``2031''.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 1672(h) of the Food,
Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925(h)) is
amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7209. ORGANIC AGRICULTURE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION INITIATIVE.
Section 1672B of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925b) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph
(1)--
(A) by striking ``subsection (e)'' and inserting
``subsections (e) and (f)''; and
(B) by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031'';
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``(7 U.S.C. 450i)'' and
inserting ``(7 U.S.C. 3157)''; and
(3) in subsection (f)(1)(C), by striking ``and'' at the
end.
SEC. 7210. FARM BUSINESS MANAGEMENT.
Section 1672D(d)(2) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925f(d)(2)) is amended by striking
``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7211. URBAN, INDOOR, AND OTHER EMERGING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION
RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION INITIATIVE.
(a) In General.--Section 1672E of the Food, Agriculture,
Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925g) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (7), by striking ``or'' at the
end;
(B) in paragraph (8), by striking the period at the
end and inserting ``; or''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(9) managing waste streams of production practices to
improve the environmental impact of emerging practices.''; and
(2) in subsection (c)(2), by inserting ``in rural,
suburban, and urban areas'' before the period at the end.
(b) Data Collection.--Section 7212(b) of the Agriculture
Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-334; 132 Stat. 4812) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A)--
(A) by striking ``the date of enactment of this
Act'' and inserting ``the date on which amounts are
appropriated under paragraph (2) for the period of
fiscal years 2027 through 2031''; and
(B) by striking ``in the calendar year 2017''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``$14,000,000 for the
period of fiscal years 2019 through 2021'' and inserting
``$18,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2027 through 2031,
to remain available until expended''.
SEC. 7212. CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE AT 1890 INSTITUTIONS.
Section 1673 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5926) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``excellence.'' and
inserting ``excellence at 1890 institutions.'';
(2) by striking subsections (a) through (c);
(3) in subsection (d), by striking the subsection
designation and heading and all that follows through ``The
Secretary shall recognize'' in paragraph (1) and inserting the
following:
``(a) Recognition.--The Secretary shall recognize and make awards
to'';
(4) in subsection (a) (as so designated)--
(A) by inserting ``but not more than 10'' after
``not less than 3'';
(B) by striking ``paragraph (2)'' and inserting
``subsection (b)''; and
(C) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (4) as
subsections (b) through (d), respectively, and
indenting appropriately;
(5) in subsection (b) (as so redesignated)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (F)
as paragraphs (1) through (6), respectively, and
indenting appropriately;
(B) by striking ``paragraph (1)'' each place it
appears and inserting ``subsection (a)''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(7) Climate resiliency.--A center of excellence
established under subsection (a) may focus on climate adaption
and mitigation, soil health and carbon sequestration, nutrient
and manure management, advanced grazing management and crop-
livestock integration, perennial production systems,
agroforestry, on-farm and food system energy efficiency and
renewable energy production, and food waste reduction.
``(8) Forestry resilience and conservation.--A center of
excellence established under subsection (a) may focus on
fostering forest conservation, agroforestry, enhancing forest
resilience, and urban and community forestry programs to
promote biodiversity and environmental health.
``(9) Food safety, bioprocessing, and value-added
agriculture.--A center of excellence established under
subsection (a) may focus on food safety, bioprocessing, value-
added agriculture enterprise development, and innovative food
and agriculture product development.
``(10) Food and agricultural sciences and the social
sciences.--A center of excellence established under subsection
(a) may focus on the integration of the social sciences,
including economics, psychology, rural sociology, and other
social sciences and data sciences, into the food and
agricultural sciences to develop comprehensive solutions to
issues impacting underserved farmers and communities.'';
(6) in subsection (c) (as so redesignated), by striking
``$10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023'' and
inserting ``$50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through
2031''; and
(7) in subsection (d) (as so redesignated)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as
paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively, and indenting
appropriately; and
(B) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated), by
striking ``paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``subsection
(a)''.
SEC. 7213. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM FOR FARMERS WITH DISABILITIES.
Section 1680(c)(1)(B) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5933(c)(1)(B)) is amended by striking
``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7214. NATIONAL RURAL INFORMATION CENTER CLEARINGHOUSE.
Section 2381(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade
Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 3125b(e)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031''.
Subtitle C--Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act
of 1998
SEC. 7301. NATIONAL FOOD SAFETY TRAINING, EDUCATION, EXTENSION,
OUTREACH, AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
Section 405(j) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7625(j)) is amended by striking
``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7302. INTEGRATED RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION COMPETITIVE
GRANTS PROGRAM.
Section 406(f) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7626(f)) is amended by striking
``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7303. SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH REGARDING DISEASES OF WHEAT, TRITICALE,
AND BARLEY CAUSED BY FUSARIUM GRAMINEARUM OR BY TILLETIA
INDICA.
Section 408(e)(3) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7628(e)(3)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (3), ``2023.'' and inserting ``2026;
and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through
2031.''.
SEC. 7304. GRANTS FOR YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS.
Section 410(d)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7630(d)(2)) is amended by
striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7305. SPECIALTY CROP RESEARCH INITIATIVE.
(a) In General.--Section 412 of the Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7632) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (f)(3), by striking ``subsection (d) and
(j)'' and inserting ``subsections (d), (j), and (k)'';
(2) in subsection (g)--
(A) in paragraph (3), by adding at the end the
following:
``(C) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the matching
funds requirement under subparagraph (A).''; and
(B) in paragraph (4), by striking ``the
Initiative'' and inserting ``this section'';
(3) by redesignating subsections (j) and (k) as subsections
(k) and (l), respectively;
(4) by inserting after subsection (i) the following:
``(j) Specialty Crop Mechanization and Automation Research and
Development Program.--
``(1) Establishment and purpose.--The Secretary shall
establish a competitive research and extension grant program to
increase the competitiveness of specialty crops in the United
States through the advancement and acceleration of
mechanization and automation, under which the Secretary awards
competitive grants to eligible entities--
``(A) to create or improve cost-effective
mechanization, automation, and other innovations and
technologies--
``(i) to reduce the manual labor
requirements of a specialty crop grower;
``(ii) to improve specialty crop farmworker
safety and health or working conditions; or
``(iii) to increase the efficiency of
specialty crop--
``(I) production;
``(II) resource management;
``(III) harvesting;
``(IV) processing;
``(V) postharvest technologies; or
``(VI) packaging;
``(B) to increase the adoption of specialty crop
mechanization, automation, and other innovations and
technologies by--
``(i) emphasizing adoption drivers, which
may include connectivity, autonomy,
reliability, durability, in-field validation,
and cost-effectiveness; or
``(ii) investing in and developing human
capital to increase the capacity of the
specialty crop sector to work with new
technologies; or
``(C) to accelerate specialty crop mechanization
and automation through--
``(i) prototype development;
``(ii) in-field trial testing;
``(iii) ongoing industry engagement; or
``(iv) rapid commercialization.
``(2) Priority.--In awarding grants under this subsection,
the Secretary shall give priority to proposals for projects
that--
``(A) address the training or retraining of
farmworkers to operate, repair, program, or otherwise
maintain mechanization and automation solutions
involved in the project; and
``(B) include explicit mechanisms to communicate
the results of the project to producers and the public.
``(3) Applicability.--Subsections (a), (c) through (g),
(i), and (l) shall apply to the program established under this
subsection.'';
(5) in subsection (k) (as so redesignated)--
(A) by striking paragraph (5); and
(B) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph
(5); and
(6) in subsection (l) (as so redesignated)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking subparagraphs (C)
and (D) and inserting the following:
``(C) Allocation.--
``(i) In general.--Of the funds made
available under subparagraph (B) for each of
fiscal years 2027 through 2031, the Secretary
shall allocate $30,000,000 for the specialty
crop mechanization and automation research and
development program established under
subsection (j).
``(ii) Reallocation.--Any funds allocated
under clause (i) that remain unobligated on the
date that is 1 year after the last day of the
fiscal year in which those funds are first made
available shall be reallocated for the
Initiative.''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in the paragraph heading, by striking
``2023'' and inserting ``2031''; and
(ii) by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''.
(b) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 1408A of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123a) (as
amended by section 7102(a)) is amended--
(A) in subsection (a)(2)(A), by striking ``(j)(3)''
and inserting ``(k)(3)'';
(B) in subsection (c)(5), by striking ``specialty
crop research initiative'' and inserting ``programs'';
and
(C) in subsection (g), in the matter preceding
paragraph (1), by striking ``(j)'' and inserting
``(k)''.
(2) Section 251(f)(1)(D)(x) of the Department of
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C.
6971(f)(1)(D)(x)) is amended by striking ``specialty crop
research initiative under section 412 of the Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998'' and
inserting ``programs under section 412 of the Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C.
7632)''.
(3) Section 12605(c) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of
2018 (7 U.S.C. 7632 note; Public Law 115-334) is amended--
(A) by striking ``412(j)'' and inserting
``412(k)''; and
(B) by striking ``7632(j))'' and inserting
``7632(k))''.
SEC. 7306. FOOD ANIMAL RESIDUE AVOIDANCE DATABASE PROGRAM.
Section 604(e) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7642(e)) is amended by striking
``$2,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2023'' and inserting
``$5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031''.
SEC. 7307. FORESTRY PRODUCTS ADVANCED UTILIZATION RESEARCH.
Section 617(f)(1) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7655b(f)(1)) is amended by
striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7308. AGRICULTURE GRANTS FOR VETERAN EDUCATION AND TRAINING
SERVICES.
Title IV of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education
Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7624 et seq.) is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``SEC. 414. AGRICULTURE GRANTS FOR VETERAN EDUCATION AND TRAINING
SERVICES.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a program under
which the Secretary will award competitive grants to eligible entities
for the purpose of establishing and enhancing farming and ranching
opportunities for veterans (as defined in section 101(2) of title 38,
United States Code).
``(b) Eligible Entities.--An entity is eligible for a grant under
this section if such entity is--
``(1) a cooperative extension service;
``(2) a land-grant college or university (as defined in
section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103));
``(3) a non-land-grant college of agriculture (as defined
in such section);
``(4) a Hispanic-serving agricultural college and
university (as defined in such section);
``(5) a State department of agriculture;
``(6) a nonprofit organization;
``(7) a community-based organization; or
``(8) a combination of 2 or more eligible entities
described in paragraphs (1) through (7).
``(c) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under
this section shall use the funds received through the grant--
``(1) to provide training and classroom education that
leads to a comprehensive understanding of farm and ranch
business operations and management practices;
``(2) to develop or identify curriculum that veteran
farmers and ranchers can adopt to help manage their enterprise;
``(3) to offer education, workshops, tours, and instructor-
supervised field experiences; or
``(4) to support any other activity, as identified by the
Secretary, to increase the number of veterans pursuing
knowledge and skills development in agriculture.
``(d) Matching Funds.--An entity that receives a grant under this
section shall provide non-Federal matching funds for the purposes of
carrying out this section in an amount equal to not less than the
amount of the grant.
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $3,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2027 through 2031.''.
SEC. 7309. NATIONAL BIOCHAR RESEARCH NETWORK.
Title IV of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education
Reform Act of 1998 is amended by inserting before section 404 (7 U.S.C.
7624) the following:
``SEC. 403. NATIONAL BIOCHAR RESEARCH NETWORK.
``(a) Establishment.--Subject to the availability of funds, the
Secretary shall establish a national biochar research network (referred
to in this section as the `research network').
``(b) Scope.--
``(1) In general.--The research network shall encompass--
``(A) agriculture, horticulture, and other biochar
uses; and
``(B) a broad range of feedstocks, production
processes, and application treatments, including--
``(i) common biochar types with common
characteristics tested across sites; and
``(ii) promising locally produced biochar.
``(2) Research.--The research conducted by the research
network shall include--
``(A) cross-site and mechanistic experiments at not
more than 20 research sites or facilities described in
subsection (c) to test common biochar types with common
characteristics, and promising locally produced
biochars, across soil types, soil health and soil
management conditions, application methods, and
agronomic and climate regions--
``(i) to fill critical knowledge gaps and
gain a more complete understanding of the
impact of various types and characteristics of
biochar in varying site conditions on soil
properties, plant growth, soil emissions, and
soil carbon in different soils, climates, and
other natural and agronomic conditions;
``(ii) to generate data to develop,
calibrate, and validate robust mechanistic
models to predict the full life cycle of
greenhouse gas, crop response, and related
agronomic and environmental implications of
particular applications of biochar;
``(iii) to generate data to help guide the
design of new, more efficient biochar and
bioenergy production reactors and biorefineries
that produce biochar with the needed
characteristics to serve specific soil and crop
improvement objectives; and
``(iv) to generate data to develop,
calibrate, validate, and standardize testing
methodologies for biochar to identify potential
contaminants or other factors that may cause
unintended consequences; and
``(B) site-specific farm and forestry systems
assessments and pilot-scale biochar production and
application systems--
``(i) to refine the most promising soil-
based uses, sources, and methods of producing
and applying biochar in particular regions--
``(I) to enhance productivity;
``(II) to increase profitability,
scalability, and portability;
``(III) to increase soil carbon;
``(IV) to improve ecosystem and
soil health;
``(V) to strengthen resilience to
extreme weather events; and
``(VI) to explore soil, crop,
climate, management, and biochar
interactions;
``(ii) to develop new knowledge to support
decisions on sustainable production and use of
biochar;
``(iii) to collect relevant data needed for
full life cycle greenhouse gas and economic
analyses and complete those analyses;
``(iv) to predict plant response, soil
health, soil carbon sequestration, ecosystem
health, water quality, and economic outcomes
for specific implementations of biochar
technology;
``(v) to provide insights on thermochemical
conversion processes in biochar production and
the coproduction of biochar and bioenergy,
including interactions of feedstock properties
with reactor conditions and processes on the
relative proportions and properties of biochar,
biofuels, and value-added coproducts, as well
as process efficiency;
``(vi) to provide data to evaluate local
biomass feedstocks, support selection of
sustainable biochar production methods, and
address biochar production issues;
``(vii) to develop new knowledge on
integration of biochar in soil health
management systems; and
``(viii) to share research results to
inform farmers, horticulturalists, ranchers,
foresters, urban biochar users, extension
agents and specialists, and technical
assistance providers on the most advantageous
ways to use biochar to increase profitability,
raise productivity, lower costs, improve soil
and plant health, build soil carbon, and
enhance resilience to extreme weather events.
``(c) Eligibility.--An entity shall be eligible to be selected to
conduct research as part of the research network if the entity is--
``(1) a State agricultural experiment station or a State
forestry experiment station;
``(2) a research facility of the Agricultural Research
Service, the Forest Service, or any other agency of the
Department that the Secretary determines to be appropriate; or
``(3) a research facility of the Department of Energy, the
Department of Commerce, or the Department of the Interior.
``(d) Administration.--The research network shall be administered
by the Administrator of the Agricultural Research Service.''.
Subtitle D--Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008
PART I--AGRICULTURAL SECURITY
SEC. 7401. AGRICULTURAL BIOSECURITY COMMUNICATION CENTER.
Section 14112(c)(2) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of
2008 (7 U.S.C. 8912(c)(2)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7402. ASSISTANCE TO BUILD LOCAL CAPACITY IN AGRICULTURAL
BIOSECURITY PLANNING, PREPARATION, AND RESPONSE.
Section 14113 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 8913) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2)(B), by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(2)(B), by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7403. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURAL COUNTERMEASURES.
Section 14121(b)(2) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of
2008 (7 U.S.C. 8921(b)(2)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7404. AGRICULTURAL BIOSECURITY GRANT PROGRAM.
Section 14122(e)(2) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of
2008 (7 U.S.C. 8922(e)(2)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031''.
PART II--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SEC. 7411. GRAZINGLANDS RESEARCH LABORATORY.
Section 7502 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008
(Public Law 110-246; 122 Stat. 2019; 128 Stat. 901; 132 Stat. 4817; 138
Stat. 1769; 139 Stat. 627) is amended by striking ``, for the period
beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and ending on
September 30, 2026''.
SEC. 7412. FARM AND RANCH STRESS ASSISTANCE NETWORK.
Section 7522 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 5936) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(1)(A), by inserting ``, including
crisis lines'' before the semicolon at the end;
(2) in subsection (d), by striking ``$10,000,000 for each
of fiscal years 2019 through 2023'' and inserting ``$15,000,000
for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031''; and
(3) by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following:
``(e) Referrals to Providers.--As part of the efforts of the
recipient of a grant under subsection (a) to connect individuals to
behavioral health counseling and wellness support and to ensure
individuals have access to a comprehensive scope of mental health and
substance use treatments and supports, when applicable, the grant
recipient may establish referral relationships with--
``(1) certified community behavioral health clinics
described in section 223 of the Protecting Access to Medicare
Act of 2014 (42 U.S.C. 1396a note; Public Law 113-93);
``(2) health centers (as defined in section 330(a) of the
Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254b(a)));
``(3) rural health clinics (as defined in section 1861(aa)
of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(aa)));
``(4) Federally qualified health centers (as defined in
that section); and
``(5) critical access hospitals (as defined in section
1861(mm) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(mm))).''.
SEC. 7413. NATURAL PRODUCTS RESEARCH PROGRAM.
Section 7525(e) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008
(7 U.S.C. 5937(e)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''.
SEC. 7414. SUN GRANT PROGRAM.
Section 7526 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 8114) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``and
bioproduct'' before ``technologies'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``product'' and
inserting ``bioproduct''; and
(C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``product'' and
inserting ``bioproduct'';
(2) in subsection (c)(2), by striking ``4 percent'' and
inserting ``30 percent''; and
(3) in subsection (g), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''.
Subtitle E--Other Matters
SEC. 7501. AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD LAW RESEARCH.
Section 7603 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 3125a-1) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``land-grant colleges
and universities (as defined in section 1404 of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)) or other'' after ``with'';
(2) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c);
(3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
``(b) Program Income.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
any program income generated by land-grant colleges and universities or
institutions of higher education described in subsection (a) from the
use of funding provided under that subsection shall be available to
those institutions until expended for the purpose of carrying out
objective programs for research, legal tools, and information in
agricultural and food law.''; and
(4) in subsection (c) (as so redesignated), by striking
``$5,000,000 for fiscal year 2014'' and inserting ``$10,000,000
for fiscal year 2027''.
SEC. 7502. CRITICAL AGRICULTURAL MATERIALS ACT.
Section 16(a)(2) of the Critical Agricultural Materials Act (7
U.S.C. 178n(a)(2)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''.
SEC. 7503. EQUITY IN EDUCATIONAL LAND-GRANT STATUS ACT OF 1994.
(a) Endowment for 1994 Institutions.--Section 533(b) of the Equity
in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public
Law 103-382) is amended in the first sentence by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031''.
(b) Appropriations.--Section 534(a)(1) of the Equity in Educational
Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103-382)
is amended, in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--
(1) by striking ``1996'' and inserting ``2027''; and
(2) by striking ``equal to'' and inserting ``not less
than''.
(c) Institutional Capacity Building Grants.--Section 535 of the
Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note;
Public Law 103-382) is amended by striking ``2023'' each place it
appears in subsections (b)(1) and (c) and inserting ``2031''.
(d) Research Grants.-- Section 536 of the Equity in Educational
Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103-382)
is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``and to acquire,
alter, repair, maintain, and operate relevant equipment
necessary for strengthening the capacity of the 1994
Institution to conduct research in the food and agricultural
sciences'' before the period at the end;
(2) by striking subsection (b);
(3) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b); and
(4) in subsection (b) (as so redesignated), in the first
sentence, by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7504. REPORT ON THE EXTENSION SERVICE NEEDS OF TRIBAL LANDS AND
POPULATIONS.
(a) Study.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States (referred to in
this section as the ``Comptroller General'') shall conduct a study of--
(1) the extension service needs with respect to Tribal
lands and Tribal populations, regardless of the location of
those populations;
(2) whether the cooperative extension program and the
Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program established under
section 1677 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade
Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5930) are meeting those needs, including
by examining, for the most recent 5 fiscal years--
(A) the total amount of Federal funding received in
each State for extension services;
(B) the types of extension services, including
extension services on agriculture, serving the Tribal
population in each State and the amount of funding
spent on each type of extension service in the State;
and
(C) the Tribal population in each State; and
(3) how the program established under section 1677 of the
Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7
U.S.C. 5930) was established when that section was enacted by
Congress and the significant changes to the operation and
funding of that program since that enactment.
(b) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the
completion of the study under subsection (a), the Comptroller
General shall submit a report describing the results of the
study to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives.
(2) Recommendations.--If the Comptroller General finds
under the study under subsection (a) that the existing
cooperative extension program and the Federally Recognized
Tribes Extension Program are not meeting the needs described in
subsection (a)(1), the report under paragraph (1) shall include
such legislative and other recommendations as the Comptroller
General determines would result in a system under which those
needs are met in an equitable and effective manner.
SEC. 7505. RESTORATION OF 4-H NAME AND EMBLEM AUTHORITY.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) 4-h club.--
(A) In general.--The term ``4-H club'' means a 4-H
club recognized under the 4-H Program.
(B) Inclusion.--The term ``4-H club'' includes an
authorized agent of a 4-H club.
(2) 4-h emblem or name.--The term ``4-H emblem or name''
means the 4-H sign or emblem, consisting of a green four-leaf
clover with stem and the letter ``H'' in white or gold on each
leaflet, and the words ``4-H'', ``4-H Club'', and ``4-H
Clubs'', used to identify and distinguish the 4-H Program and
the activities, clubs, members, goods, and services of the 4-H
Program.
(3) 4-h program.--
(A) In general.--The term ``4-H Program'' means the
youth development program of the land-grant colleges or
universities, the Cooperative Extension System (as
defined by the Secretary), and the Department.
(B) Inclusion.--The term ``4-H Program'' includes
an authorized agent of the 4-H Program.
(4) Land-grant college or university.--
(A) In general.--The term ``land-grant college or
university'' means an 1862 Institution, an 1890
Institution, or a 1994 Institution (as those terms are
defined in section 2 of the Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C.
7601)).
(B) Inclusion.--The term ``land-grant college or
university'' includes an authorized agent of a land-
grant college or university.
(b) Effect of Repeal; Ratification.--
(1) Civil acts.--Any civil act or action of the 4-H
Program, a 4-H club, the Secretary, or a land-grant college or
university taken with respect to the use of the 4-H emblem or
name, or the recognition of any 4-H club, during the period
beginning on May 8, 1914, and ending on the date of enactment
of this Act, is deemed to be of legal force and effect and
ratified as if section 1002(3) of the Clean Up the Code Act of
2019 (title X of division O of Public Law 116-260; 134 Stat.
2155) had not been enacted into law.
(2) Effect on criminal law.--Nothing in this subsection
affects the effect on criminal law of the repeal made by
section 1002(3) of the Clean Up the Code Act of 2019 (title X
of division O of Public Law 116-260; 134 Stat. 2155).
(c) Authorizations for Use of 4-H Emblem or Name; Fees; Deposits.--
(1) Authorization.--The Secretary may--
(A) use the 4-H emblem or name; and
(B) grant authorizations to use the 4-H emblem or
name, as provided by regulations issued by the
Secretary.
(2) Fees.--An authorization under paragraph (1) may be
granted--
(A) without a fee or other consideration; or
(B) for a fee or other consideration.
(3) Use of fees.--The Secretary shall deposit into a
special account any fees collected under paragraph (2)(B), the
amounts in which shall remain available to the Secretary until
expended, without further appropriation, for furthering the 4-H
Program.
(d) Unauthorized Use of 4-H Emblem or Name.--
(1) Prohibition.--Whoever, other than the 4-H Program, a 4-
H club, the Department, a land-grant college or university, and
those authorized by them, uses in commerce the 4-H emblem or
name or any reproduction, counterfeit, copy, or colorable
imitation of the 4-H emblem or name to indicate membership in
an association, organization, or other collective group, or in
connection with the sale, offering for sale, distribution, or
advertising of goods or services, on or in connection with
which that use is likely to cause confusion, to cause mistake,
or to deceive as to membership or participation in, an
affiliation, connection, or association with, or authorization
or approval by, a 4-H club or the 4-H Program, shall be subject
to the civil action in paragraph (2).
(2) Civil action.--The Attorney General on behalf of the
Secretary, or contract counsel procured by the Secretary, may
bring a civil action in an appropriate district court of the
United States against whoever engages in any of the prohibited
acts described in paragraph (1) for the remedies provided in
the Act of July 5, 1946 (commonly known as the ``Trademark Act
of 1946'' or the ``Lanham Act'') (15 U.S.C. 1051 et seq.).
(e) Savings Clauses.--
(1) Prior authorized uses.--Nothing in this section makes
unlawful the use of any emblem, name, sign, symbol, insignia,
or words that was lawful on December 26, 2020.
(2) Delegation.--Nothing in this section limits the
authority of the Secretary to delegate authority of the
Secretary as otherwise authorized by law.
SEC. 7506. AMENDMENTS TO THE HATCH ACT.
(a) Matching Funds.--Section 3(d)(1) of the Hatch Act of 1887 (7
U.S.C. 361c(d)(1)) is amended by striking ``agricultural research'' and
inserting ``agricultural research, for graduate student tuition and
fees,''.
(b) Payment of Allotments to State Agricultural Experiment
Stations.--Section 5 of the Hatch Act of 1887 (7 U.S.C. 361e) is
amended--
(1) in the second sentence, by striking ``officer known as
a director, and a treasurer or other officer appointed by the
government board of the station'' and inserting ``officer, to
be known as a `State Agricultural Experiment Station Director',
and a treasurer''; and
(2) in the third sentence--
(A) by striking ``or other officer''; and
(B) by striking ``director'' and inserting ``State
Agricultural Experiment Station Director,''.
SEC. 7507. AMENDMENT TO SMITH-LEVER ACT.
Section 3(b)(3) of the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343(b)(3)) is
amended, in the first sentence, by inserting after ``for the purposes
set forth in section 2'' the following: ``, and for 1994 Institutions
to acquire, alter, repair, maintain, and operate relevant equipment
necessary to strengthen the capacity of such 1994 Institutions to
achieve the purposes set forth in section 2''.
SEC. 7508. AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE.
Subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research
Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 3157(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)(iii), by inserting
``regionally adapted cultivar and breed development,''
before ``selection theory,'';
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in clause (i), by inserting ``,
including shellfish'' before the semicolon; and
(ii) in clause (iv), by inserting
``regionally adapted breed development,''
before ``selection theory,'';
(C) in subparagraph (D)--
(i) in clause (vii), by striking ``and'' at
the end;
(ii) in clause (viii), by striking the
period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(ix) biochar.'';
(D) in subparagraph (E)--
(i) in clause (iv), by striking ``and'' at
the end;
(ii) in clause (v), by striking the period
at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(vi) precision agriculture technologies;
``(vii) hydroponics, aquaponics,
aeroponics, and other production technologies
used in controlled-environment agricultural
production; and
``(viii) research, development, and
implementation of artificial intelligence to
enhance precision agriculture, farm management,
crop production, resource management,
cybersecurity, and weather monitoring.''; and
(E) in subparagraph (F)--
(i) by redesignating clauses (iii) through
(viii) as clauses (iv) through (ix)
respectively;
(ii) by inserting after clause (ii) the
following:
``(iii) tools for farm business, marketing,
and financial management;'';
(iii) in clause (viii) (as so
redesignated), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(iv) in clause (ix) (as so redesignated),
by striking the period at the end and inserting
a semicolon; and
(v) by adding at the end the following:
``(x) workforce training and development,
including meat and poultry processing
(including rendering) and precision
agriculture; and
``(xi) reducing food loss and food
waste.'';
(2) in paragraph (6)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and (F) as
subparagraphs (F) and (G), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the
following:
``(E) to a consortium of junior or community
colleges (as defined in section 312 of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1058)) that may
partner with land-grant colleges and universities (as
defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7
U.S.C. 3103)) to carry out workforce training,
education, research, and outreach priorities described
in paragraph (2)(F)(x).''; and
(3) in paragraph (11)(A), in the matter preceding clause
(i), by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7509. EXTENSION DESIGN AND DEMONSTRATION INITIATIVE.
Subsection (d)(6) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities
Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 3157(d)(6)) is amended by striking
``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7510. BIOMASS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
Section 9008(h)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
2002 (7 U.S.C. 8108(h)(2)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7511. RENEWABLE RESOURCES EXTENSION ACT OF 1978.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 6 of the Renewable
Resources Extension Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1675) is amended in the
first sentence by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
(b) Termination Date.--Section 8 of the Renewable Resources
Extension Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1671 note; Public Law 95-306) is
amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7512. NATIONAL AQUACULTURE ACT OF 1980.
Section 10 of the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 (16 U.S.C. 2809)
is amended--
(1) by striking ``2023'' each place it appears and
inserting ``2031''; and
(2) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``the'' before
``Interior''.
SEC. 7513. FEDERAL AGRICULTURE RESEARCH FACILITIES.
Section 1431 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Teaching Policy Act Amendments of 1985 (title XIV of Public Law 99-198;
99 Stat. 1556) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by
striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 7514. ENHANCED USE LEASE AUTHORITY PROGRAM.
Section 308(b)(6)(A) of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and
Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 3125a
note; Public Law 103-354) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''.
SEC. 7515. AGRICULTURAL SECURITY AND DURABILITY INITIATIVE.
(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary
for Research, Education, and Economics and the Office of the Chief
Scientist, and in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, acting
through the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering,
shall support research, development, testing, evaluation, validation,
demonstration, deployment, commercialization, and technology transition
activities that strengthen the durability, security, and operational
continuity of United States agricultural production, agrifood systems,
and associated biomanufacturing capacity against supply chain
disruptions, natural disasters, biological threats, and other risks to
food security, agricultural durability, domestic production capacity,
and economic and national security, including activities relating to--
(1) agricultural biosecurity, including prevention,
detection, mitigation, response, and recovery relating to plant
pests, plant diseases, livestock diseases, invasive species,
and other biological threats;
(2) domestic production capacity and supply chain
durability relating to fertilizer, feed, seed, crop protection
products, agricultural machinery, food processing, agricultural
feedstocks, and other critical agricultural inputs;
(3) critical and emerging technologies applicable to
agricultural production and food systems, including artificial
intelligence, automation, robotics, remote sensing,
biotechnology, advanced computing, precision agriculture,
precision livestock systems, and advanced data systems;
(4) agricultural and industrial biomanufacturing
technologies that strengthen domestic production capacity and
support critical materials, feedstocks, precursors, and inputs
relevant to economic and national security;
(5) water, energy, soil, forest, wildfire, and other
natural resource management technologies that reduce scarcity
risks and enhance agricultural durability; and
(6) workforce development, testbeds, pilot projects, field
validation, demonstration activities, deployment activities,
and technology transition efforts that accelerate adoption of
innovative agricultural technologies.
(b) Activities.--Activities under this section may include--
(1) collaboration between the Department and the Department
of Defense to accelerate research, development, testing,
evaluation, validation, demonstration, deployment,
commercialization, and technology transition activities
described in subsection (a);
(2) collaboration with other Federal agencies, federally
funded research and development centers, National Laboratories,
institutions of higher education, State departments of
agriculture, agricultural experiment stations, extension
services, producer organizations, nonprofit organizations,
Tribal organizations, and private-sector entities;
(3) use of competitive, merit-reviewed processes, as
appropriate, and other mission-driven selection processes,
including cooperative agreements, consortium-based awards,
prize competitions, demonstration partnerships, and other
mechanisms otherwise authorized by law;
(4) support for pilot projects, demonstration activities,
field validation efforts, and technology transition activities
that accelerate adoption of innovative technologies; and
(5) prioritization, to the extent practicable, of projects
demonstrating clear potential to enhance food security,
agricultural durability, domestic production capacity, supply
chain security, biosecurity, or economic and national security.
(c) Use of Funds.--Subject to the availability of appropriations
and consistent with existing authorities, the Secretary may support
projects under this section, including technology maturation,
validation, field testing, demonstration, deployment,
commercialization, and technology transition activities.
(d) Reporting.--
(1) Implementation plan.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, acting through
the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics and
the Office of the Chief Scientist, and in consultation with the
Secretary of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of
Defense for Research and Engineering, shall submit to the
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate
and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives an implementation plan describing activities to
be carried out under this section, including priority research
areas, collaboration mechanisms, and technology transition
objectives.
(2) Quadrennial agricultural security and durability
strategy.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, and every 4 years thereafter, the Secretary,
acting through the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and
Economics and the Office of the Chief Scientist, and in
consultation with the Secretary of Defense, acting through the
Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, shall
submit to the committees described in paragraph (1) a strategy
describing--
(A) activities carried out under this section;
(B) outcomes relating to food security,
agricultural durability, domestic production capacity,
and supply chain security;
(C) emerging threats and vulnerabilities affecting
the United States food and agriculture sector;
(D) priority research and technology areas for
future activities; and
(E) recommendations, if any, for legislative or
administrative action to strengthen the security and
durability of the United States food and agriculture
sector.
(e) Research Security.--Activities carried out under this section
shall be conducted in a manner consistent with applicable Federal
research security requirements and policies.
(f) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to limit existing authorities of the Department or the
Department of Defense to conduct or support research, development,
testing, evaluation, demonstration, deployment, commercialization,
technology transition, or other activities otherwise authorized by law.
SEC. 7516. FOUNDATION FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE RESEARCH.
Section 7601(g)(1)(A) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C.
5939(g)(1)(A)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(v) Further additional funding.--Not
later than 30 days after the date of enactment
of this clause, of the funds of the Commodity
Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall
transfer to the Foundation to carry out this
section $200,000,000, to remain available until
expended.''.
TITLE VIII--FORESTRY
Subtitle A--Forest Data Modernization
SEC. 8101. FOREST INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS STRATEGIC PLAN.
(a) In General.--Section 3(e) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable
Resources Research Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1642(e)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``their resources'' and inserting
``the resources of those forests, including forest
carbon,'';
(B) by striking ``In compliance'' and inserting the
following:
``(A) In general.--In compliance''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Additional methods.--Under the program under
this subsection, the Secretary shall carry out, as a
data collection method--
``(i) a national timber products output
survey; and
``(ii) a national woodland owner survey.'';
(2) in paragraph (3)(C), by inserting ``including with
respect to available forest carbon data,'' after ``2
decades,'';
(3) in paragraph (4)--
(A) in the second sentence, by striking ``The
standards'' and inserting the following:
``(B) Inclusions.--The standards described in
subparagraph (A)'';
(B) by striking ``(4) National standards and
definitions.--To ensure'' and inserting the following:
``(4) National consistency.--
``(A) Standards and definitions.--To ensure''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) Terminology.--The Secretary shall include a
clear description of the definition of `forest' used
for purposes of reporting data from inventories and
analyses of forests and the resources of forests under
this subsection with--
``(i) any data or report provided under the
program under this subsection;
``(ii) Renewable Resource Assessments
prepared under section 3(a) of the Forest and
Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of
1974 (16 U.S.C. 1601(a)); and
``(iii) any data or report provided to an
entity outside the United States.'';
(4) in paragraph (6)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
striking ``Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this subsection,'' and inserting ``In
accordance with paragraph (7),'';
(B) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(C) in subparagraph (F), by striking the period at
the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(G) the organization and procedures necessary to
understand and report on changes in land cover and use;
and
``(H) the organization and procedures necessary to
evaluate carbon-related data variables, including soil
carbon, collected from forest inventory and analysis
plots, timber products output studies, and national
woodland owner surveys to ensure that carbon accounting
information needs can be met.''; and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(7) Updates to strategic plan.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the
date on which the blue ribbon panel submits the report
under subsection (f)(3)(C), the Secretary shall prepare
an update to the strategic plan under paragraph (6) to
include--
``(i) a plan to implement nationally
consistent data collection protocols and
procedures to improve the statistical precision
of base program estimates;
``(ii) pathways to integrate and report on
status and trends in forest carbon pools,
including below-ground carbon;
``(iii) plans, including the identification
of challenges, to collaborate with other
Federal agencies, non-Federal partners, and the
private sector to integrate existing nationally
available data sets and best available
commercial technologies, such as remote
sensing, spatial analysis techniques, and other
new technologies;
``(iv) a plan to increase transparency and
clarity in reporting in accordance with
paragraph (4)(C);
``(v) a plan to expand current data
collection, further integrate remote sensing
technology, or both, to include procedures to
improve the statistical precision of estimates
at the sub-State level;
``(vi) a plan to expand current data
collection, further integrate remote sensing
technology, or both, to include information on
renewable biomass supplies and carbon stocks at
the local, State, regional, and national
levels, including by ownership type; and
``(vii) such other matters as the Secretary
determines to be appropriate based on
recommendations of the Forest Inventory and
Analysis National User Group.
``(B) Submission.--Not later than 180 days after
the date on which the blue ribbon panel submits the
report under subsection (f)(3)(C), the Secretary shall
submit to the Committees on Appropriations and
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and
the Committees on Appropriations and Agriculture of the
House of Representatives the update to the strategic
plan prepared under subparagraph (A).
``(C) Further updates.--Not later than 5 years
after the date on which the update is submitted under
subparagraph (B), and every 5 years thereafter, the
Secretary shall--
``(i) prepare an additional update to the
strategic plan; and
``(ii) submit the additional update to the
committees described in subparagraph (B).
``(8) Accessibility.--The Secretary shall ensure that data
collected under this subsection is--
``(A) presented in a manner that is easily
accessible to the general public and technical experts,
including through tools to deliver smaller area
estimates; and
``(B) collected and made accessible using means
that ensure the confidentiality, in accordance with
section 1770 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C.
2276), of--
``(i) plot locations;
``(ii) nonaggregated data of woodland
owners; and
``(iii) nonaggregated data from the timber
products output survey carried out under
paragraph (1)(B)(i).
``(9) Biennial compilations.--Biennially, the Secretary
shall prepare and make publicly available a compilation of
national forest inventory and analysis forest statistics, which
shall be similar to the tables contained in the Renewable
Resource Assessments prepared under section 3(a) of the Forest
and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16
U.S.C. 1601(a)) and accompanied by relevant geospatial
products.
``(10) Reports.--Each year, the Secretary shall publish as
part of the forest inventory and analysis business report a
detailed description of the progress of the Secretary in
implementing the programmatic elements of the strategic plan
described in paragraph (6), including--
``(A) the costs and priorities of the strategic
plan; and
``(B) how the program under this subsection
leverages new technology, improves and standardizes
collection protocols, and increases workforce
capacity.''.
(b) Technical Amendment.--Section 2(c) of the Forest and Rangeland
Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1641(c)) is amended
by inserting ``of Agriculture (referred to in this Act as the
`Secretary')'' after ``the Secretary''.
(c) Remote Sensing Technologies.--Section 8632(1) of the
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (16 U.S.C. 1642 note; Public Law
115-334) is amended by striking ``technologies'' and inserting
``technologies, such as microwave, LiDAR, hyperspectral, and high-
resolution remote sensing data, and advanced computing technologies
including machine learning and other advanced approaches for improved
modeling to provide tabular statistical estimates and geospatial
products,''.
SEC. 8102. FOREST INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS PROGRAM BLUE RIBBON PANEL.
Section 3 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research
Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1642) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(f) Forest Inventory and Analysis Program Blue Ribbon Panel.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this subsection, the Secretary, in consultation
with the National Association of State Foresters, shall convene
a blue ribbon panel (referred to in this subsection as the
`Panel') to review the forest inventory and analysis program
established under this section (referred to in this subsection
as the `program').
``(2) Composition.--
``(A) Number.--The Panel shall be composed of not
fewer than 10, and not more than 20, members.
``(B) Members.--Members of the Panel shall--
``(i) include recognized national leaders
from across State and Federal agencies,
universities, industry, and nongovernmental
organizations;
``(ii) have knowledge of and expertise in,
or be users for purposes of decision making of,
forest biometrics, inventory, and remote
sensing technology; and
``(iii) have no personal financial conflict
of interest in serving on the Panel.
``(3) Duties.--
``(A) Review.--The Panel shall conduct a review of
the past progress, current priorities, and future needs
of the program with respect to national monitoring of
forest carbon, climate change, forest health, and
sustainable wood products.
``(B) Considerations.--The review under
subparagraph (A) shall include consideration of--
``(i) the modernization of the program--
``(I) broadly; and
``(II) specifically relating to the
integration of advanced remote sensing
technologies and methods such as small
area estimation; and
``(ii) the possibility of more public-
private-academic partnerships under the program
to help meet the goals of the program and
external needs, particularly relating to
research priorities, operational implementation
of current or ongoing science, and decision
support.
``(C) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the
date on which the Panel is convened under paragraph
(1), the Panel shall submit to the Secretary and
Congress a report describing the review conducted under
subparagraph (A).
``(4) Administrative matters.--
``(A) Chairperson and vice chairperson.--The Panel
shall select a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson from
among the nongovernmental members of the Panel.
``(B) Committees.--The Panel may establish 1 or
more committees within the Panel as the Panel
determines to be appropriate.
``(C) Compensation.--A member of the Panel shall
serve without compensation.
``(D) Administrative support.--The Secretary shall
provide such administrative support as is necessary for
the Panel to carry out its duties.
``(E) Federal advisory committee act.--The Panel
shall be exempt from chapter 10 of title 5, United
States Code (commonly referred to as the `Federal
Advisory Committee Act').''.
Subtitle B--Forest Health and Management
SEC. 8201. DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle:
(1) National forest system.--The term ``National Forest
System'' has the meaning given the term in section 11(a) of the
Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974
(16 U.S.C. 1609(a)).
(2) Public lands.--The term ``public lands'' means public
lands (as defined in section 103 of the Federal Land Policy and
Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1702)) administered by the
Bureau of Land Management.
(3) Secretary concerned.--The term ``Secretary concerned''
means--
(A) the Secretary, with respect to National Forest
System land; and
(B) the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to
public lands.
PART I--FOREST SERVICE MANAGEMENT
SEC. 8211. HAZARDOUS FUEL REDUCTION ON FEDERAL LAND.
Section 108 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16
U.S.C. 6518) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by
striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 8212. INSECT INFESTATIONS AND RELATED DISEASES.
Section 406 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16
U.S.C. 6556) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 8213. INSECT AND DISEASE TREATMENT AREAS.
Section 602(d)(2) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003
(16 U.S.C. 6591a(d)(2)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''.
SEC. 8214. COLLABORATIVE RESTORATION PROJECT.
Section 603(c)(1) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003
(16 U.S.C. 6591b(c)(1)) is amended by striking ``3000'' and inserting
``10,000''.
SEC. 8215. WILDFIRE RESILIENCE PROJECT SIZE.
Section 605(c)(1) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003
(16 U.S.C. 6591d(c)(1)) is amended by striking ``3000 acres'' and
inserting ``10,000 acres''.
SEC. 8216. GREATER SAGE-GROUSE AND MULE DEER HABITAT.
Section 606 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16
U.S.C. 6591e) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c), by striking ``concurrently for both
greater sage-grouse and'' and inserting ``for greater sage-
grouse or''; and
(2) in subsection (g)(1), by striking ``4,500 acres'' and
inserting ``7,500 acres''.
SEC. 8217. FUEL BREAKS IN FORESTS AND OTHER WILDLAND VEGETATION.
Section 40806(d)(1) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
(16 U.S.C. 6592b(d)(1)) is amended by striking ``3,000 acres'' and
inserting ``10,000 acres''.
SEC. 8218. CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FOR HIGH-PRIORITY HAZARD TREES.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) High-priority hazard tree.--The term ``high-priority
hazard tree'' means a standing tree that--
(A) presents a visible hazard to people or property
due to conditions such as deterioration of, or damage
to, the root system, trunk, stem, or limbs of the tree,
or the direction or lean of the tree, as determined by
the responsible official;
(B) is determined by the responsible official to be
highly likely to fail and, on failure, would be highly
likely to cause injury to people or damage to Federal
property; and
(C) is located within 300 feet of--
(i) a National Forest System road with a
maintenance level of 3, 4, or 5;
(ii) a National Forest System trail;
(iii) a developed recreation site or an
administrative facility that is operated and
maintained by the Secretary on National Forest
System land; or
(iv) a project work site.
(2) High-priority hazard tree activity.--
(A) In general.--The term ``high-priority hazard
tree activity'' means a forest management activity that
mitigates the risks associated with high-priority
hazard trees, including pruning, felling, blasting,
cabling, bracing, and disposal of a high-priority
hazard tree.
(B) Exclusions.--The term ``high-priority hazard
tree activity'' does not include any activity--
(i) conducted in a wilderness area or
wilderness study area;
(ii) for the construction of a permanent
road or permanent trail;
(iii) conducted on Federal land on which,
by Act of Congress or Presidential
proclamation, the removal of vegetation is
restricted or prohibited;
(iv) conducted in an area in which
activities described in subparagraph (A) would
be inconsistent with the applicable land and
resource management plan; or
(v) conducted in an inventoried roadless
area.
(b) Categorical Exclusion.--
(1) In general.--High-priority hazard tree activities are a
category of actions considered an action categorically excluded
from the requirements of Public Law 91-190 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et
seq.).
(2) Project size limitation.--A project carried out using
the categorical exclusion established by paragraph (1) may not
exceed 6,000 acres.
SEC. 8219. CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FOR ELECTRIC UTILITY LINES RIGHTS-OF-
WAY.
(a) Categorical Exclusion Established.--Forest management
activities described in subsection (b) are a category of activities
designated as being categorically excluded from the preparation of an
environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under
section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C.
4332).
(b) Forest Management Activities Designated for Categorical
Exclusion.--The forest management activities designated as being
categorically excluded under subsection (a) are--
(1) the development and approval of a vegetation
management, facility inspection, and operation and maintenance
plan submitted under section 512(c)(1) of the Federal Land
Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1772(c)(1)) to the
Secretary; and
(2) the implementation of routine activities conducted
under the plan referred to in paragraph (1).
(c) Availability of Categorical Exclusion.--On and after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary may use the categorical
exclusion established under subsection (a) in accordance with this
section.
(d) Exclusion of Certain Areas.--The categorical exclusion
established under subsection (a) shall not apply to any forest
management activity conducted--
(1) in a component of the National Wilderness Preservation
System; or
(2) on National Forest System land on which, by Act of
Congress, the removal of vegetation is restricted or
prohibited.
(e) Permanent Roads.--
(1) Prohibition on establishment.--A forest management
activity designated under subsection (b) shall not include the
establishment of a permanent road.
(2) Existing roads.--The Secretary may carry out necessary
maintenance and repair on an existing permanent road for the
purpose of conducting a forest management activity designated
under subsection (b).
(3) Temporary roads.--The Secretary shall decommission any
temporary road constructed for a forest management activity
designated under subsection (b) not later than 3 years after
the date on which the action is completed.
(f) Applicable Law.--A forest management activity designated under
subsection (b) shall not be subject to--
(1) section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16
U.S.C. 1536); or
(2) section 306108 of title 54, United States Code.
SEC. 8220. CONSULTATION UNDER CERTAIN LAND AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
PLANS AND LAND USE PLANS.
(a) Forest Service Plans.--Section 6(d) of the Forest and Rangeland
Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1604(d)) is amended
by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(2) No additional consultation required under certain
circumstances.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the
Secretary shall not be required to reinitiate consultation
under section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16
U.S.C. 1536(a)(2)) or section 402.16 of title 50, Code of
Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation), on a land
management plan approved, amended, or revised under this
section when--
``(A) a new species is listed or critical habitat
is designated under the Endangered Species Act of 1973
(16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); or
``(B) new information reveals effects of the land
management plan that may affect a species listed or
critical habitat designated under that Act in a manner
or to an extent not previously considered.''.
(b) Bureau of Land Management Plans.--Section 202 of the Federal
Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(g) No Additional Consultation Required Under Certain
Circumstances.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the
Secretary shall not be required to reinitiate consultation under
section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C.
1536(a)(2)) or section 402.16 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations
(or a successor regulation), on a land use plan approved, amended, or
revised under this section when--
``(1) a new species is listed or critical habitat is
designated under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C.
1531 et seq.); or
``(2) new information reveals effects of the land use plan
that may affect a species listed or critical habitat designated
under that Act in a manner or to an extent not previously
considered.''.
SEC. 8221. FOREST SERVICE PARTICIPATION IN ACES PROGRAM.
Section 8302 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 3851a) is
amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``aces'' and
inserting ``experienced services'';
(2) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``Agriculture Conservation'';
(B) by inserting ``, professional, or
administrative'' after ``technical''; and
(C) by striking ``(a) In General.--The Secretary''
and inserting ``The Secretary''; and
(3) by striking subsection (b).
SEC. 8222. TIMBER SALES ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND.
Section 14(d) of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (16
U.S.C. 472a(d)) is amended by striking ``$10,000'' and inserting
``$55,000''.
SEC. 8223. PRAIRIE DOG MANAGEMENT.
The Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service,
shall amend the applicable prairie dog management plans for the Dakota
Prairie Grasslands and the Oglala National Grassland to limit occupied
prairie dog habitat to not more than 1.5 percent of the Federal land in
any single grazing allotment and to ensure prairie dog control activity
is conducted within a 1-mile buffer between Federal land and adjacent
State and private land.
PART II--STATE AND PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS
SEC. 8231. SUPPORT FOR STATE ASSESSMENTS AND STRATEGIES FOR FOREST
RESOURCES.
Section 2A of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16
U.S.C. 2101a) is amended by striking subsection (f) and inserting the
following:
``(f) Funding.--
``(1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to develop and implement State-wide
assessments and State-wide strategies under subsection (a) not
more than $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through
2031.
``(2) Additional funding sources.--In addition to funds
appropriated for a fiscal year pursuant to paragraph (1), the
Secretary may use any other funds made available under this Act
to develop and implement State-wide assessments and State-wide
strategies under subsection (a), except that the total amount
of combined funding to develop and implement such State-wide
assessments and State-wide strategies may not exceed
$40,000,000 in any fiscal year.''.
SEC. 8232. STATE AND PRIVATE FOREST LANDSCAPE-SCALE RESTORATION
PROGRAM.
Section 13A(l)(3) of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of
1978 (16 U.S.C. 2109a(l)(3)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 8233. PROMOTING CROSS-BOUNDARY WILDFIRE MITIGATION.
Section 103(e)(5) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003
(16 U.S.C. 6513(e)(5)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''.
SEC. 8234. EXTENSION OF STEWARDSHIP CONTRACTING MAXIMUM TERM LIMITS.
Section 604 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16
U.S.C. 6591c) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b), by inserting ``, including retaining
and expanding existing forest products infrastructure necessary
to carry out an agreement or contract under this subsection''
before the period at the end;
(2) in subsection (d)(3)(B), by striking ``10 years'' and
inserting ``20 years''; and
(3) in subsection (h), by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Special rule for long-term stewardship contracts.--
``(A) Definition of multiyear contract.--In this
paragraph, the term `multiyear contract' means a
contract entered into under subsection (b) that--
``(i) has a term of longer than 5 years;
and
``(ii) is entered into on or after the date
of enactment of this paragraph.
``(B) Special rule.--A multiyear contract entered
into under subsection (b) by the Chief or the Director
with an entity shall provide that, in the case of
cancellation or termination of the multiyear contract
by the Chief or the Director, the Chief or the
Director, as applicable, shall provide to the entity a
cancellation or termination payment that is the lesser
of--
``(i) an amount equal to 10 percent of the
multiyear contract; or
``(ii) the amount of unrecovered costs that
would have been recouped through amortization
over the full term of the multiyear contract
(including the term canceled).''.
SEC. 8235. WATER SOURCE PROTECTION PROGRAM.
Section 303 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16
U.S.C. 6542) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (7) as
paragraphs (2) through (8), respectively;
(B) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so
redesignated) the following:
``(1) Adjacent land.--The term `adjacent land' means non-
Federal land, including State, local, Tribal, and private land,
that is adjacent to, and within the same watershed as, National
Forest System land on which a watershed protection and
restoration project is carried out under this section.''; and
(C) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated)--
(i) by redesignating subparagraphs (G) and
(H) as subparagraphs (K) and (L), respectively;
and
(ii) by inserting after subparagraph (F)
the following:
``(G) an acequia association;
``(H) a local, regional, or other public entity
that manages stormwater or wastewater resources or
other related water infrastructure;
``(I) a land-grant merced;
``(J) a local, regional, or other private entity
that has water delivery authority;'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by inserting ``and adjacent land'' before the
period at the end;
(B) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting the
following:
``(1) In general.--The Secretary''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Requirements.--A watershed protection and restoration
project under the Program shall be designed--
``(A) to protect and restore watershed health,
water supply and quality, a municipal or agricultural
water supply system, and water-related infrastructure;
``(B) to protect and restore forest health from
insect infestation and disease or wildfire; or
``(C) to advance any combination of the purposes
described in subparagraphs (A) and (B).
``(3) Priorities.--In selecting watershed protection and
restoration projects under the Program, the Secretary shall
give priority to projects that would--
``(A) provide risk management benefits associated
with drought, wildfire, post-wildfire conditions,
extreme weather events, flooding, resilience to climate
change, and watershed and fire resilience, including
minimizing risks to watershed health, water supply and
quality, and water-related infrastructure, including
municipal and agricultural water supply systems;
``(B) support aquatic restoration and conservation
efforts that complement existing or planned forest
restoration or wildfire risk reduction efforts;
``(C) provide quantifiable benefits to water supply
or quality and include the use of nature-based
solutions, such as restoring wetland and riparian
ecosystems;
``(D) include--
``(i) partners with demonstrated capacity
to design and implement, and success in
designing and implementing, ecological
restoration projects, wildfire risk-reduction
efforts, or post-wildfire restoration projects;
or
``(ii) in the case of communities that have
historically lacked access to adequate
resources, partners with a strong likelihood of
success in designing and implementing a
watershed protection and restoration project;
and
``(E) include--
``(i) a contribution of funds or in-kind
support from non-Federal partners in an amount
greater than the amount required under
subsection (g)(2); or
``(ii) such other characteristics as the
Secretary determines to be appropriate.
``(4) Conditions for projects on adjacent land.--
``(A) In general.--No project or activity may be
carried out under this section on adjacent land, unless
the owner of the adjacent land provides express support
for, and is a willing and engaged partner in, carrying
out that project or activity.
``(B) Effect.--Nothing in this section authorizes
any change in--
``(i) the ownership of adjacent land on
which a project or activity is carried out
under this section; or
``(ii) the management of adjacent land on
which a project or activity is carried out
under this section, except during the carrying
out of that project or activity.'';
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``agreements
with'' and all that follows through the period at the
end and inserting the following: ``agreements with end
water users--
``(A) to protect and restore the condition of
National Forest watersheds and adjacent land that
provide water to end water users; or
``(B) to protect and restore the condition of
National Forest watersheds and adjacent land that
provide water for the benefit of another end water
user.'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``or''
at the end;
(ii) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as
subparagraph (E); and
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (C)
the following:
``(D) in the case of an agreement with a State, a
county, or an Indian tribe for a project carried out on
National Forest System land--
``(i) a good neighbor agreement entered
into under section 8206 of the Agricultural Act
of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a); or
``(ii) an agreement or contract entered
into under the Tribal Forest Protection Act of
2004 (Public Law 108-278; 118 Stat. 868); or'';
and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Cooperation with non-federal partners.--The Secretary
shall cooperate, to the maximum extent practicable, with non-
Federal partners in carrying out assessments, planning, project
design, and project implementation under this section.'';
(4) in subsection (d)--
(A) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the
following:
``(2) Requirements.--A water source management plan shall
be--
``(A) designed to protect and restore ecological
integrity (as defined in section 219.19 of title 36,
Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date
of enactment of this subparagraph));
``(B) based on the best available scientific
information; and
``(C) conducted in a manner consistent with the
forest plan applicable to the National Forest System
land on which the watershed protection and restoration
project is carried out.''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Reducing redundancy.--An existing watershed plan,
such as a watershed restoration action plan developed under
section 304(a)(3), or other applicable watershed planning
documents approved by the Secretary may be used as the basis
for a water source management plan under this subsection.'';
(5) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``purpose of'' in the
matter preceding subparagraph (A) and all that follows through
the period at the end and inserting ``purpose of advancing any
of the purposes described in subsection (b)(2).''; and
(6) in subsection (g)--
(A) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``at least equal to'' and
inserting ``not less than 20 percent of'';
(ii) by striking ``The Secretary'' and
inserting the following:
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the
Secretary''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the
requirement under subparagraph (A) at the discretion of
the Secretary.'';
(B) in paragraph (4)--
(i) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``$10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019
through 2023'' and inserting ``$30,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031'';
(ii) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as
subparagraph (D); and
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (B)
the following:
``(C) Set-aside for partner participation in
planning and capacity.--Of the amounts made available
under subparagraphs (A) and (B) to carry out this
section for each fiscal year, the Secretary shall use
not less than 10 percent for non-Federal partner
technical assistance participation and capacity-
building efforts in developing or implementing a water
source management plan under subsection (d).''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) In-kind contributions.--The Secretary may include the
value of forest restoration and watershed improvement work
implemented on adjacent land in the project area in determining
in-kind contributions to a project from non-Federal partners
under paragraph (4)(A).''.
SEC. 8236. WATERSHED CONDITION FRAMEWORK IMPROVEMENTS.
Section 304 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16
U.S.C. 6543) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraphs (3) and (5), by striking
``watershed protection and restoration action plan''
each place it appears and inserting ``watershed
restoration action plan'';
(B) in paragraph (5), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(C) in paragraph (6), by striking the period at the
end and inserting ``; and''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(7) to ensure that management activities and
authorizations do not result in long-term degradation of
watershed health of any watershed in a National Forest.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $30,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2027 through 2031.''.
SEC. 8237. AUTHORIZATION FOR LEASE OF FOREST SERVICE SITES.
(a) Conveyance of Forest Service Administrative Sites.--Section
503(f) of the Forest Service Facility Realignment and Enhancement Act
of 2005 (16 U.S.C. 580d note; Public Law 109-54) is amended by striking
``2019'' and inserting ``2031''.
(b) Authorization for Lease of Forest Service Sites.--Section
8623(i) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (16 U.S.C. 580d
note; Public Law 115-334) is amended by striking ``2028'' each place it
appears and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 8238. MODIFICATION OF GOOD NEIGHBOR AUTHORITY.
(a) Good Neighbor Authority.--Section 8206 of the Agricultural Act
of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``either the
Secretary or a Governor or county'' and inserting ``the
Secretary, a Governor, an Indian tribe, a special
district, or a county'';
(B) in paragraph (5), by striking ``Governor or''
and inserting ``Governor, an Indian tribe, a special
district, or a'';
(C) in paragraph (6), by striking ``or Indian
tribe''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(11) Special district.--The term `special district' means
a political subdivision of a State that--
``(A) has significant budgetary autonomy or
control;
``(B) was established by, or pursuant to, the laws
of the State for the purpose of performing a limited
and specific governmental or proprietary function
primarily relating to forest, watershed, or rangeland
management or water supply; and
``(C) is distinct from any other unit of local
government within the State.''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``or county''
and inserting ``, an Indian tribe, a special district,
or a county'';
(B) in paragraph (2)(C)--
(i) in clause (i)--
(I) in the matter preceding
subclause (I), by inserting ``special
district,'' after ``Indian Tribe,''
each place it appears;
(II) in subclause (I)--
(aa) by striking ``on'';
and
(bb) by striking ``; and''
and inserting a semicolon;
(III) in subclause (II)--
(aa) in the matter
preceding item (aa), by
striking ``clause (i)'' and
inserting ``subclause (I)'';
and
(bb) in item (bb), by
striking ``the Good Neighbor
Authority for Recreation Act.''
and inserting ``section 351 of
the EXPLORE Act (16 U.S.C.
8571);''; and
(IV) by adding at the end the
following:
``(III) to construct new permanent
roads on Federal land that are--
``(aa) necessary to
implement authorized
restoration activities; and
``(bb) approved by the
Federal agency through
environmental analysis or a
categorical exclusion decision;
``(IV) to complete new permanent
road construction to replace and
decommission an existing permanent road
that is adversely impacting forest,
rangeland, or watershed health; and
``(V) if there are funds remaining
after carrying out subclauses (I)
through (IV), to carry out authorized
restoration services under other good
neighbor agreements and for the
administration of a good neighbor
authority program by a Governor, Indian
tribe, special district, or country.'';
and
(ii) in clause (ii), by striking ``2028''
and inserting ``2031'';
(C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``or county'' and
inserting ``, an Indian tribe, a special district, or a
county''; and
(D) by striking paragraph (4).
(b) Technical Amendment.--
(1) In general.--Section 443 of division E of Public Law
118-42 (138 Stat. 297) is amended, in the matter preceding
paragraph (1), by striking ``Agriculture Act of 2014'' and
inserting ``Agricultural Act of 2014''.
(2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1)
shall take effect on the date of enactment of Public Law 118-42
(138 Stat. 25).
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
apply to any project initiated pursuant to a good neighbor agreement
(as defined in section 8206(a) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16
U.S.C. 2113a(a)))--
(1) before the date of enactment of this Act, if the
project was initiated after the date of enactment of the
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-334; 132
Stat. 4490); or
(2) on or after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 8239. COLLABORATIVE FOREST LANDSCAPE RESTORATION PROGRAM.
Section 4003 of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (16
U.S.C. 7303) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(3)--
(A) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``species;''
and inserting ``species or pathogens;'';
(B) in subparagraph (G), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(C) in subparagraph (H), by adding ``and'' after
the semicolon at the end; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(I) address standardized
monitoring questions and indicators;'';
(2) in subsection (c)(3)(A)--
(A) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) in clause (ii), by adding ``and'' at the end;
and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(iii) include a Federal Government
staffing plan for providing support to
collaboratives established pursuant to
subsection (b)(2);'';
(3) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (E), by striking
``and'' at the end;
(ii) in subparagraph (F), by striking the
period at the end and inserting a semicolon;
and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(G) proposals that seek to use innovative
implementation mechanisms, including conservation
finance agreements, good neighbor agreements entered
into under section 8206 of the Agricultural Act of 2014
(16 U.S.C. 2113a), and similar implementation
mechanisms;
``(H) proposals that seek to reduce the risk of
uncharacteristic wildfire or increase ecological
restoration activities--
``(i) within areas across land ownerships,
including State, Tribal, and private land; and
``(ii) within the wildland-urban interface
(as defined in section 101 of the Healthy
Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C.
6511)); and
``(I) proposals that seek to enhance watershed
health and drinking water sources.''; and
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``10''
and inserting ``20''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``2''
and inserting ``4'';
(4) in subsection (e)(3), by inserting ``conflict
resolution or collaborative governance,'' before ``and woody'';
and
(5) in subsection (f)--
(A) in paragraph (4)(B)(ii), by striking
``$4,000,000'' and inserting ``$8,000,000''; and
(B) in paragraph (6), by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 8240. JOINT CHIEFS LANDSCAPE RESTORATION PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.
Section 40808 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (16
U.S.C. 6592d) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``or'' at the
end;
(B) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at
the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) to recover from wildfire; or
``(E) to enhance soil, water, and related natural
resources.'';
(2) in subsection (d)(1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``and post-
wildfire impacts'' after ``wildfire risk''; and
(B) in subparagraph (F), by inserting ``, as
identified in the corresponding State forest action
plan, Tribal-integrated resource management plan or
Tribal forest management plan, or similar priority plan
(such as a State wildlife or water plan)'' before the
semicolon;
(3) in subsection (g), by striking paragraph (2) and
inserting the following:
``(2) Additional reports.--For each of fiscal years 2022
and 2023, and not less frequently than once every 2 fiscal
years thereafter, the Chiefs shall submit a report describing
projects for which funding is provided under the Program,
including the status and outcomes of those projects, to--
``(A) in the Senate--
``(i) the Committee on Agriculture,
Nutrition, and Forestry;
``(ii) the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources;
``(iii) the Committee on Appropriations;
and
``(iv) the Committee on Indian Affairs; and
``(B) in the House of Representatives--
``(i) the Committee on Agriculture;
``(ii) the Committee on Natural Resources;
and
``(iii) the Committee on Appropriations.'';
and
(4) in subsection (h)(1), by striking ``2022 and 2023'' and
inserting ``2027 through 2031''.
PART III--TIMBER INNOVATION
SEC. 8251. WOOD INNOVATIONS GRANT PROGRAM.
Section 8643 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C.
7655d) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``innovation'' and
inserting ``innovations'';
(2) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``make a wood
innovation grant'' and inserting ``issue competitive or non-
competitive grants'';
(3) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
``(c) Targeting Support for Economic Development, Enhanced Building
Design, and Impact Assessment.--In selecting among proposals of
eligible entities under subsection (b)(2), the Secretary may give
priority to proposals for projects that--
``(1) include the use or retrofitting (or both) of existing
sawmill facilities located in counties in which the average
annual unemployment rate exceeded the national average
unemployment rate by more than 1 percent in the previous
calendar year;
``(2) recognize or enhance carbon reduction strategies in
building design, including forest impacts, which can be
improved or incentivized by North American procurement; or
``(3) report on the connection between the proposal and the
resilience and economic benefits associated with wood products
from anticipated wood supply areas, including wildfire risk
reduction, increased fiber flow, forest or mill jobs, and
support for forested communities created because of forest
management.''; and
(4) in subsection (d), by inserting ``50 percent of''
before ``the amount''.
SEC. 8252. COMMUNITY WOOD FACILITIES GRANT PROGRAM.
Section 9013 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
(7 U.S.C. 8113) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``energy and wood
innovation'' and inserting ``facilities grant'';
(2) in subsection (a)(4), by striking ``Energy and Wood
Innovation'' and inserting ``Facilities Grant'';
(3) in subsection (b), by striking ``Energy and Wood
Innovation'' and inserting ``Facilities Grant'';
(4) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``35'' and
inserting ``50'';
(B) by striking paragraph (2); and
(C) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph
(2);
(5) in subsection (d), by striking ``exceed--'' in the
matter preceding paragraph (1) and all that follows through the
period at the end of paragraph (2) and inserting ``exceed
$5,000,000.'';
(6) in subsection (e)--
(A) by striking paragraph (1);
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (8) as
paragraphs (1) through (7), respectively; and
(C) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated), by
inserting ``or market competitiveness'' after ``cost
effectiveness'';
(7) in subsection (f)--
(A) by striking paragraph (2);
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as
paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively; and
(C) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated), by
striking ``use or retrofitting (or both) of existing
sawmill'' and inserting ``construction, use, or
retrofitting of forest products manufacturing'';
(8) in subsection (g)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``5 megawatts of
thermal energy or combined thermal and electric
energy'' and inserting ``40 megawatts of thermal
energy, combined thermal and electric energy, or
electric energy''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``25 percent''
and inserting ``50 percent''; and
(9) in subsection (h), by striking ``$25,000,000 for each
of fiscal years 2019 through 2023'' and inserting ``$50,000,000
for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031''.
SEC. 8253. REPORT ON USE OF MASS TIMBER IN CONSTRUCTION OF DEPARTMENT
OF AGRICULTURE FACILITIES AND OTHER FEDERAL STRUCTURES.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House
of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
Forestry of the Senate a report--
(1) describing the projects in which the Department has
used mass timber in the construction of Department facilities;
(2) describing the factors considered when determining
whether to use mass timber in the construction of a Department
facility; and
(3) identifying opportunities for the use of mass timber in
the construction of new Department facilities and other Federal
structures.
SEC. 8254. FOREST AND WOOD PRODUCTS DATA TRACKER.
(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest
Service, in collaboration with the Chief of the Natural Resources
Conservation Service and in consultation with Federally recognized
Indian Tribes, State foresters, and private sector partners, shall
establish a publicly available platform to provide measurement,
monitoring, verification, and reporting data regarding the carbon
emissions, sequestration, storage, and related atmospheric impacts of
forest management and wood products.
(b) Activities.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary
shall source data, information, and data analysis from Department
programs and interagency programs, including--
(1) the Forest Inventory and Analysis program, including
the Timber Products Output survey;
(2) Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation
Service soil carbon estimations;
(3) the Forest Products Laboratory;
(4) the Federal Life Cycle Assessment Commons;
(5) Department entity-level guidelines; and
(6) other relevant programmatic data and information
sources, as published and made available.
(c) Priorities.--The platform established under subsection (a)
shall provide tools that calculate--
(1) the above- and below-ground forest carbon stocks and
stock changes associated with species composition, forest
management regime, and landowner types (including small area
estimations for regional and localized geographies across the
United States) made available through Forest Inventory and
Analysis updates and annual reports;
(2) the embodied carbon involved in the manufacture of
products, using data from published environmental product
declarations and life cycle assessments, updated as new and
more refined data becomes available;
(3) the long-term stored carbon in manufactured timber
products; and
(4) the carbon displacement of wood products, compared to
other materials, using substitution factors.
(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be construed
to provide authority with respect to the generation, consumption, or
trading of carbon or environmental credits from National Forest System
land in any voluntary or compliance environmental markets.
Subtitle C--Forest Conservation
SEC. 8301. SEMIARID AGROFORESTRY RESEARCH CENTER.
Section 1243(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade
Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 1642 note; Public Law 101-624) is amended by
striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 8302. FOREST SERVICE LEGACY ROAD AND TRAIL REMEDIATION PROGRAM.
Section 8 of Public Law 88-657 (16 U.S.C. 538a) (commonly known as
the ``Forest Roads and Trails Act'') is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(2)--
(A) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the
following:
``(B) solicit and consider public input regionally
in selecting projects for funding under the Program
by--
``(i) publishing annually for each region
the list of projects considered for funding
under the Program;
``(ii) accepting public comments on the
projects listed under clause (i); and
``(iii) considering public comments
received under clause (ii) in selecting
projects for funding;''; and
(B) in subparagraph (D)--
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by
inserting ``annually for each region,'' before
``publish''; and
(ii) in clause (ii)--
(I) by striking ``description and
the proposed'' and inserting the
following: ``description of--
``(I) each project considered for
funding under the Program;
``(II) the public comments received
with respect to each project considered
for funding under the Program;
``(III) the ranking in the
applicable region of each project
considered for funding under the
Program; and
``(IV) the proposed''; and
(II) in subclause (IV) (as so
designated), by striking ``each
fiscal'' and inserting ``the applicable
fiscal''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Definition of Region.--In this section, the term `region'
means 1 of the 9 regions of the Forest Service.''.
Subtitle D--Land Designations
SEC. 8401. CHESTER COUNTY REVERSIONARY AND MINERAL INTERESTS RELEASE.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) within the parcel of State forest land located in
Henderson, Chester County, Tennessee, a recent survey by the
State determined that Bethel Baptist Church is encroaching on
State-owned land in Chickasaw State Forest by approximately 19
inches;
(2) the parcel described in paragraph (1) was conveyed to
the State by the Department, which retained a reversionary
interest in the land; and
(3) it is necessary to release the interests of the United
States in and to that land to resolve the encroachment issue
described in paragraph (1).
(b) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of
Tennessee.
(2) State forest land.--The term ``State forest land''
means the approximately 0.62-acre parcel of land in Chickasaw
State Forest that is identified as ``State Forest Land'' on the
map prepared by the Forest Service entitled ``State Forest Land
Detail Map'' and dated December 13, 2019.
(c) Release of Reversionary Interest.--
(1) Release.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall release,
without consideration, the reversionary interest
described in paragraph (2).
(B) Requirements.--Notwithstanding any requirement
for a grant of land under section 32(c) of The
Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act (7 U.S.C. 1011(c)) or
any other provision of law, the release under
subparagraph (A) shall occur without any appraisal,
other report, or environmental or similar review being
undertaken.
(2) Description of reversionary interest.--The reversionary
interest referred to in paragraph (1)(A) is the reversionary
interest of the United States in and to the State forest land
that--
(A) takes effect if the State forest land ceases to
be used for public purposes; and
(B) was created by the deed--
(i) granting from the United States to the
State the State forest land;
(ii) dated August 12, 1955; and
(iii) registered on pages 588 through 591
of book 48 of the record of deeds for Chester
County, Tennessee.
(3) Payment of costs.--As a condition of the release under
paragraph (1), the State shall pay to the United States any
administrative costs incurred by the United States in carrying
out the release.
(d) Conveyance of Mineral Rights.--
(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any requirement for the
conveyance of Federal mineral interests under section 209 of
the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C.
1719), part 2720 of title 43, Code of Federal Regulations (or
successor regulations), or any other provision of law, the
Secretary shall convey to the State, by quitclaim deed, without
warranty, and without consideration, the mineral interest in
the State forest land owned by the United States.
(2) Requirements.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, the conveyance under paragraph (1) shall occur--
(A) without any exploratory program as to the
character of the mineral deposits in the land;
(B) without any findings as to known mineral values
and mineral development of the land; and
(C) without any appraisal, other report, or
environmental or similar review being undertaken by the
Secretary.
(3) Payment of costs.--As a condition of the conveyance
under paragraph (1), the State shall pay to the United States
any administrative costs incurred by the United States in
carrying out the conveyance.
SEC. 8402. ROUGH MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS AND RICH HOLE WILDERNESS
DESIGNATIONS.
(a) Rough Mountain Addition.--Section 1 of Public Law 100-326 (16
U.S.C. 1132 note; 102 Stat. 584; 114 Stat. 2057; 123 Stat. 1002) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(21) Rough mountain addition.--Certain land in the George
Washington National Forest comprising approximately 1,000
acres, as generally depicted as the `Rough Mountain Addition'
on the map entitled `GEORGE WASHINGTON NATIONAL FOREST--South
half--Alternative I--Selected Alternative Management
Prescriptions--Land and Resources Management Plan Final
Environmental Impact Statement' and dated March 4, 2014, which
is incorporated in the Rough Mountain Wilderness Area
designated by paragraph (1).''.
(b) Rich Hole Addition.--
(1) Potential wilderness designation.--In furtherance of
the purposes of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.),
certain land in the George Washington National Forest
comprising approximately 4,600 acres, as generally depicted as
the ``Rich Hole Addition'' on the map entitled ``GEORGE
WASHINGTON NATIONAL FOREST--South half--Alternative I--Selected
Alternative Management Prescriptions--Land and Resources
Management Plan Final Environmental Impact Statement'' and
dated March 4, 2014, is designated as a potential wilderness
area for incorporation in the Rich Hole Wilderness Area
designated by section 1(2) of Public Law 100-326 (16 U.S.C.
1132 note; 102 Stat. 584).
(2) Wilderness designation.--The potential wilderness area
designated by paragraph (1) shall be designated as wilderness
and incorporated in the Rich Hole Wilderness Area designated by
section 1(2) of Public Law 100-326 (16 U.S.C. 1132 note; 102
Stat. 584) on the earlier of--
(A) the date on which the Secretary publishes in
the Federal Register notice that the activities
permitted under paragraph (4) have been completed; or
(B) the date that is 5 years after the date of
enactment of this Act.
(3) Management.--Except as provided in paragraph (4), the
Secretary shall manage the potential wilderness area designated
by paragraph (1) in accordance with the Wilderness Act (16
U.S.C. 1131 et seq.).
(4) Water quality improvement activities.--
(A) In general.--To enhance natural ecosystems
within the potential wilderness area designated by
paragraph (1) by implementing certain activities to
improve water quality and aquatic passage, as set forth
in the Forest Service document entitled ``Decision
Notice for the Lower Cowpasture Restoration and
Management Project'' and dated December 2015, the
Secretary may use motorized equipment and mechanized
transport in the potential wilderness area until the
date on which the potential wilderness area is
incorporated into the Rich Hole Wilderness Area under
paragraph (2).
(B) Requirement.--In carrying out subparagraph (A),
the Secretary, to the maximum extent practicable, shall
use the minimum tool or administrative practice
necessary to carry out that subparagraph with the least
amount of adverse impact on wilderness character and
resources.
SEC. 8403. CONVEYANCE OF SPECIFIED FOREST SERVICE PROPERTY TO PERRY
COUNTY, ARKANSAS.
(a) Required Conveyance.--Subject to this section, if the County
submits to the Secretary a written request for conveyance of the
property described in subsection (b) not later than 180 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall convey to the County
all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the
property described in subsection (b).
(b) Description of Property.--
(1) In general.--The property referred to in subsection (a)
is the parcel of real property, including all land and
improvements, generally referred to as parcel 850-10555-001 in
the urban property records of the County, consisting of
approximately 0.81 acres of Forest Service land located at 1069
Fourche Avenue, Perryville, Arkansas 72126.
(2) Survey.--The exact acreage and legal description of
land to be conveyed under subsection (a) shall be determined by
a survey satisfactory to the Secretary.
(c) Terms and Conditions.--The conveyance under subsection (a)
shall be--
(1) subject to valid existing rights;
(2) subject to reversion under subsection (g);
(3) made without consideration;
(4) made by quitclaim deed; and
(5) subject to such other terms and conditions as the
Secretary considers to be appropriate to protect the interests
of the United States.
(d) Costs of Conveyance.--As a condition of the conveyance under
subsection (a), the County shall pay all costs associated with the
conveyance, including the cost of--
(1) a survey, if necessary, under subsection (b)(2);
(2) any environmental analysis or resources survey required
under Federal law; and
(3) any analysis required to comply with division A of
subtitle III of title 54, United States Code (commonly referred
to as the ``National Historic Preservation Act'').
(e) Environmental Conditions.--Notwithstanding section 120(h)(3)(A)
of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9620(h)(3)(A)), the Secretary shall
not be required to provide any covenant or warranty for the property
and improvements conveyed to the County under subsection (a).
(f) Public Purposes Use.--The property conveyed under subsection
(a) shall be used only for public purposes, such as supporting
education and youth development.
(g) Reversion.--If the property conveyed under subsection (a)
ceases to be used in a manner consistent with subsection (f), the
property shall, at the discretion of the Secretary, revert to the
United States.
(h) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) County.--The term ``County'' means Perry County,
Arkansas.
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary,
acting through the Chief of the Forest Service.
SEC. 8404. OKHISSA LAKE RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LAND CONVEYANCE.
(a) Definition of Alliance.--In this section, the term ``Alliance''
means the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance, an instrumentality of the
State of Mississippi.
(b) Conveyance.--Subject to the requirements of this section, not
later than 180 days after the completion of the appraisal under
subsection (d)(2) and the written agreement under subsection (e)(2),
the Secretary shall convey by quitclaim deed to the Alliance all right,
title, and interest of the United States in and to the surface estate
of the National Forest System land generally described in subsection
(c).
(c) Land to Be Conveyed.--
(1) In general.--The National Forest System land referred
to in subsection (b) is--
(A) the approximately 137.7 acres of real property
located in secs. 5 and 6, T. 5 N., R. 4 E., and sec.
31, T. 6 N., R. 4 E., Franklin County, Mississippi, as
depicted on the map prepared for the Alliance by
Marling Surveying, LLC, entitled ``Map of Survey of a
137.70 Acre Tract, a Portion of U.S. Department of
Agriculture Forest Service Homochitto National Forest
Tracts H-41g & H-307'', and dated September 16, 2024;
and
(B) the approximately 173 acres of real property
located in secs. 5, 6, 7, and 8, T. 5 N., R. 4 E.,
Franklin County, Mississippi, as depicted on the map
prepared for the Alliance by Marling Surveying, LLC,
entitled ``Map of Survey of a +/- 173 Acre Tract, a
Portion of U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest
Service Homochitto National Forest Tracts H-1, H-3b, H-
41g & H-307'', and dated September 16, 2024.
(2) Survey.--The exact acreage and legal description of the
National Forest System land to be conveyed under this section
shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary.
(d) Consideration.--The consideration for the conveyance of any
National Forest System land under this section shall be--
(1) provided in the form of cash; and
(2) in an amount equal to the fair market value of the
National Forest System land being conveyed, as determined by an
appraisal conducted in accordance with the Uniform Appraisal
Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions and approved by the
Secretary.
(e) Terms and Conditions.--The conveyance under this section shall
be subject to--
(1) valid existing rights;
(2) a written agreement entered into between the Secretary
and the Alliance, under which the Alliance--
(A) agrees to cover the costs of upkeep and
maintenance of the Okhissa Lake Dam, including the dam,
spillway, and related water control facilities; and
(B) assumes responsibility and liability for
compliance with all Federal and State dam safety laws
and regulations;
(3) the reservations in the United States of easements for
public roads and trails, including--
(A) a perpetual, nonexclusive road right-of-way 30
feet in width for ingress and egress over all portions
of Forest Service Road 149A within any of the conveyed
land; and
(B) such road and trail rights-of-way as the
Secretary may determine to be necessary or desirable to
retain public and administrative access to Okhissa Lake
and appurtenant National Forest System land;
(4) the reservation in the United States of all mineral
rights, oil and gas rights, and all other subsurface rights in
the conveyed land;
(5) a right of re-entry reserving to the Secretary the
right to retake possession and title to the conveyed land in
the event the land is subsequently conveyed to a nonpublic
entity or used for purposes other than public recreation and
fish and wildlife habitat, subject to the condition that, in
the event the Secretary exercises such a right of re-entry, the
Alliance shall remain liable for the abatement and clean-up of
hazardous substances, oil, and any other contaminants;
(6) a restrictive covenant against the subdivision of the
conveyed land into residential lots; and
(7) such other terms and conditions as the Secretary
considers to be appropriate to protect the interests of the
United States.
(f) Proceeds From Sale.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall deposit the proceeds
of the conveyance of any National Forest System land under this
section in the fund established under Public Law 90-171
(commonly known as the ``Sisk Act'') (16 U.S.C. 484a).
(2) Use of funds.--Amounts deposited under paragraph (1)
shall remain available until expended, without further
appropriation, for the acquisition of land and interests in
land for the National Forest System.
(g) Costs.--As a condition for the conveyance under this section,
the Secretary shall require the Alliance to pay at closing any
reasonable appraisal, survey, and closing costs.
(h) Environmental Laws.--The Secretary shall not be required to
comply with National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321
et seq.) or any other applicable environmental law in carrying out the
conveyance under this section.
(i) Hazardous Materials.--For purposes of the conveyance under this
section, the Secretary--
(1) shall meet disclosure requirements for hazardous
substances, pollutants, or contaminants under section 120(h) of
the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9620(h)); and
(2) shall not otherwise be required to remediate or abate
those hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants.
SEC. 8405. LAKE WINNIBIGOSHISH LAND EXCHANGE.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) BWLT.--The term ``BWLT'' means Big Winnie Land and
Timber, LLC, a Minnesota Limited Liability Corporation.
(2) Map.--The term ``Map'' means the map entitled ``Heig
Land Exchange'' and dated December 14, 2023.
(3) Federal land.--The term ``Federal land'' means the
approximately 17.5 acres of Federal land in Itasca County,
Minnesota, generally depicted as the ``Federal Parcel'' on the
Map.
(4) Non-federal land.--The term ``non-Federal land'' means
the approximately 36.7 acres of non-Federal land in Itasca
County, Minnesota, generally depicted as the ``Non-Federal
Parcel'' on the Map.
(5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary,
acting through the Chief of the Forest Service.
(b) Exchange Authorized.--Subject to the provisions of this
section, if BWLT offers to convey the non-Federal land to the United
States, the Secretary shall, not later than 1 year after the date on
which such offer is made--
(1) accept the offer;
(2) convey to BWLT all right, title, and interest of the
United States in and to the Federal land, excepting and
reserving an easement for road access to National Forest System
land west of the Federal Parcel; and
(3) accept from BWLT all right, title, and interest of BWLT
in and to the non-Federal land.
(c) Requirements.--The exchange under subsection (b) shall be--
(1) conditioned on title approval for the non-Federal land
by the Secretary in accordance with subsection (f);
(2) conditioned on a cash equalization payment made by BWLT
to the United States in accordance with subsection (d) if,
under the appraisals conducted in accordance with this section,
it is determined that the value of the Federal land exceeds the
value of the non-Federal land;
(3) conditioned on the satisfactory completion of a Phase I
Environmental Site Assessment by BWLT, provided to the
Secretary, in advance of the acceptance of the non-Federal
parcel;
(4) subject to valid existing rights; and
(5) subject to any other terms and conditions the Secretary
determines appropriate.
(d) Equal Value and Cash Equalization.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the
exchange under subsection (b) shall be for equal value or the
values shall be equalized by a cash payment.
(2) Exception.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
if the appraised value of the non-Federal land to be conveyed
to the United States exceeds the appraised value of the Federal
land, a cash equalization payment by the United States to BWLT
is hereby waived and the amount of such waived payment shall be
considered a donation by BWLT to the United States for all
purposes of law.
(e) Appraisals.--
(1) In general.--The value of the land to be exchanged
under this section shall be determined by appraisals conducted
by an independent and qualified appraiser mutually agreed to by
the Secretary and BWLT.
(2) Appraisal standards.--The Secretary shall complete
appraisals of the land to be exchanged under this section in
accordance with--
(A) the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal
Land Acquisitions; and
(B) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal
Practice.
(f) Format.--Title to the non-Federal land to be conveyed to the
United States under this Act shall be found sufficient by the Secretary
pursuant to section 3111 of title 40, United States Code.
(g) Management of Acquired Land.--The non-Federal land acquired by
the United States under subsection (b) shall be--
(1) added to, and managed as part of, the Chippewa National
Forest; and
(2) managed in accordance with the laws, rules, and
regulations pertaining to National Forest System lands.
(h) Map and Legal Descriptions.--
(1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall finalize the Map and
legal descriptions of all land to be conveyed under this
section.
(2) Controlling document.--In the case of a discrepancy
between the Map and a legal description, the Map shall control.
(3) Corrections.--The Secretary and BWLT, by mutual
agreement, may correct any minor errors in the Map or in the
legal descriptions, including with respect to the boundaries of
the Federal land and the non-Federal land.
(4) Map on file.--The Map and legal descriptions shall be
on file and available for public inspection in appropriate
offices of the Forest Service.
(i) Closing Costs.--As a condition for the exchange under
subsection (b), BWLT shall pay all closing costs associated with the
exchange, including for--
(1) title insurance and title search;
(2) any applicable inspection fees, escrow fees, attorneys
fees, and recording fees; and
(3) any environmental analysis or resource survey required
under Federal law, regulation, or policy, including a Phase I
Environmental Site Assessment of the non-Federal land.
(j) Survey.--
(1) In general.--The exact acreages and legal descriptions
of the Federal and non-Federal land to be exchanged under
subsection (b) shall be determined by surveys satisfactory to
the Secretary.
(2) Costs of survey.--BWLT shall bear all costs associated
with the surveys under paragraph (1).
SEC. 8406. RELEASE OF REVERSIONARY INTEREST, BLACK RIVER STATE FOREST,
WISCONSIN.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Deli, inc.--The term ``Deli, Inc.'' means Deli, Inc., a
sphagnum moss production business located in Millston,
Wisconsin.
(2) Deli land.--The term ``Deli land'' means the
approximately 37.27 acres of land owned or optioned to acquire,
subject to the approval of the land exchange by the Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources, the Wisconsin Natural
Resources Board, and the Governor of the State, in 2 separate
parcels, by Deli, Inc., located in Millston, Wisconsin, as
depicted on the map and more particularly described as follows:
(A) The approximately 31.3-acre parcel (including
land within the road right-of-way), together with any
improvements--
(i) comprising the NE\1/4\NE\1/4\ of sec.
29, T. 20 N., R. 2 W., Town of Millston,
Jackson County, Wisconsin;
(ii) excluding--
(I) land lying north of the
railroad right-of-way; and
(II) a parcel 150 feet wide, with
50 feet lying to the northeast, and 100
feet to the southwest, of a line
commencing at a point 5 feet east of
the northwest corner of the quarter-
quarter section described in clause
(i), thence south 56 E. 39' a distance
of 222 feet, thence south 57 E. 31' a
distance of 1359 feet; and
(iii) subject to--
(I) any public water use or
easements on Lee Lake; and
(II) any easements or restrictions
of record, public roadways, zoning and
use ordinances, and the railroad right-
of-way.
(B) The approximately 5.97-acre parcel located in
the SW\1/4\SW\1/4\ of sec. 20, T. 20 N., R. 4 W., Town
of Millston, Jackson County, Wisconsin, comprising lot
7 of Certified Survey Map No. 4483, as recorded in
volume 19S of the certified survey maps, page 334, as
Document No. 413440 in the Jackson County Register of
Deeds.
(3) Map.--The term ``map'' means the map entitled ``Black
River State Forest - Deli, Inc.'' and dated June 26, 2023.
(4) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of
Wisconsin.
(5) State forest land.--The term ``State forest land''
means the approximately 31.83 acres of land located in the
Black River State Forest in Millston, Wisconsin, as depicted on
the map and more particularly described as follows:
(A) The 23.13-acre parcel--
(i) comprising the portion of the E\1/
2\SE\1/4\ of sec. 20, T. 20 N., R. 2. W., Town
of Millston, Jackson County, Wisconsin, lying
south of the Interstate 94 southern right-of-
way; and
(ii) excluding a triangular parcel in the
southwest corner described as commencing at the
southwest corner, thence east 260 feet, thence
northwesterly to a point on the west boundary
thereof 200 feet north of the southwest corner,
thence south to the place of beginning.
(B) The 8.70-acre parcel comprising the portion of
the NE\1/4\NE\1/4\ of sec. 29, T. 20 N., R. 2. W., Town
of Millston, Jackson County, Wisconsin, lying north of
the railroad right-of-way, forming a triangular piece,
and more particularly described as commencing at the
northeast corner of that quarter-quarter section,
thence west 1010 feet to the north line of the railroad
right-of-way, thence southeasterly along the boundary
of the railroad to the east line of that quarter-
quarter section, thence north on the east line 750 feet
to the place of beginning.
(b) Conditional Release.--
(1) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(A) the State forest land is subject to a
reversionary interest of the United States pursuant to
section 32(c) of The Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act (7
U.S.C. 1011(c)), requiring that the State forest land
be used for public purposes in perpetuity; and
(B) the State and Deli, Inc. have agreed that--
(i) the State will convey to Deli, Inc. the
State forest land in exchange for the Deli
land; and
(ii) after that exchange, the Deli land
will be added to Black River State Forest in
the State.
(2) Release.--If the State offers, in a written agreement,
to convey to Deli, Inc., the State forest land in exchange for
the conveyance of the Deli land by Deli, Inc. to the State--
(A) the reversionary interest of the United States
in the State forest land shall be released; and
(B) the Secretary shall provide, as expeditiously
as practicable, recordable evidence of the release
under subparagraph (A) in the form of a quitclaim deed,
which shall--
(i) convey any interest of the United
States in and to the State forest land, without
consideration; and
(ii) be provided to the State for recording
before the exchange deeds are recorded.
(3) Corrections.--The Secretary, in consultation with the
State, may make any necessary corrections to the legal
description of the State forest land for purposes of the
quitclaim deed described in paragraph (2)(B).
SEC. 8407. SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST CONSERVATION.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Designated natural area.--The term ``designated natural
area'' means an area determined to be of exceptional
ecological, botanical, geologic, scenic, or archeological value
by the Secretary.
(2) Designated research natural area.--The term
``designated research natural area'' means an area that has
been selected by the Secretary, and is managed by the Forest
Service, for scientific research value.
(3) Map.--The term ``Map'' means the map prepared and
submitted by the Secretary under subsection (b)(5)(A).
(4) Special management area.--The term ``Special Management
Area'' means a Special Management Area established by
subsection (c)(1).
(b) Camp Hutchins Wilderness.--
(1) Addition to the national wilderness preservation
system.--In accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131
et seq.), certain land in the Shawnee National Forest in the
State of Illinois managed by the Forest Service, comprising
approximately 750 acres depicted as ``Camp Hutchins Wilderness
Area--Proposed'' on the map prepared by the Environmental Law
and Policy Center entitled ``Camp Hutchins Wilderness Area and
Special Management Area'' and dated November 23, 2023, is
designated as wilderness and as a component of the National
Wilderness Preservation System, and shall be known as the
``Camp Hutchins Wilderness''.
(2) Management.--Subject to valid existing rights, the Camp
Hutchins Wilderness shall be administered by the Secretary in
accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.),
except that any reference in that Act to the effective date
shall be considered to be a reference to the date of enactment
of this Act.
(3) Hiking trail.--National Forest System Road 211 shall be
closed to public vehicular traffic and may be maintained as a
hiking trail, including the eastern extension of Forest Road
211 formerly known as the ``Hutchins Creek Spur'' up to the
area known as ``Hutchins Creek Corridor'', as generally
depicted on the Map.
(4) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, all
Federal land within the Camp Hutchins Wilderness, including any
land or interest in land that is acquired by the United States
within the Camp Hutchins Wilderness after the date of enactment
of this Act, is withdrawn from--
(A) entry, appropriation, or disposal under public
land law;
(B) location, entry, and patent under mining law;
and
(C) operation of mineral leasing, mineral
materials, and geothermal leasing law.
(5) Map and legal description.--
(A) In general.--As soon as practicable after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall file
a map and legal description of the Camp Hutchins
Wilderness with--
(i) the Committee on Agriculture,
Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate; and
(ii) the Committee on Agriculture of the
House of Representatives.
(B) Effect.--The Map and legal description filed
under subparagraph (A) shall have the same force and
effect as if included in this Act, except that the
Secretary may correct clerical and typographical errors
on the Map and in the legal description.
(C) Availability.--The Map and legal description
filed under subparagraph (A) shall be on file and
available for public inspection in the appropriate
office of the Secretary and on the website of the
Forest Service.
(c) Establishment of Special Management Areas.--
(1) Establishment.--Subject to valid existing rights, the
following Special Management Areas within the Shawnee National
Forest in the State of Illinois are established:
(A) Camp hutchins special management area.--Certain
Federal land managed by the Forest Service, comprising
approximately 2,953 acres and generally depicted as
``Camp Hutchins Special Management Area--Proposed'' on
the map prepared by the Environmental Law and Policy
Center entitled ``Camp Hutchins Wilderness Area and
Special Management Area'' and dated November 23, 2023,
which shall be known as the ``Camp Hutchins Special
Management Area''.
(B) Ripple hollow special management area.--Certain
Federal land managed by the Forest Service, comprising
approximately 3,445 acres and generally depicted as
``Ripple Hollow Special Management Area--Proposed'' on
the map prepared by the Environmental Law and Policy
Center entitled ``Ripple Hollow Special Management
Area'' and dated November 23, 2023, which shall be
known as the ``Ripple Hollow Special Management Area''.
(C) Burke branch special management area.--Certain
Federal land managed by the Forest Service, comprising
approximately 6,310 acres and generally depicted as
``Burke Branch Special Management Area--Proposed'', on
the map prepared by the Environmental Law and Policy
Center entitled ``Burke Branch Special Management
Area'' and dated November 23, 2023, which shall be
known as the ``Burke Branch Special Management Area''.
(2) Purposes.--The purposes of the Special Management Areas
are--
(A) to conserve, protect, and enhance the
ecological, scenic, wildlife, recreational, cultural,
historic, educational, and scientific resources of the
Special Management Areas for the benefit and enjoyment
of present and future generations;
(B) to promote biodiversity and control invasive
species;
(C) to allow for the continuation of restoration
efforts and scientific study of the designated natural
areas and designated research natural areas within the
Special Management Areas; and
(D) to allow for public use and enjoyment of the
Special Management Areas.
(d) Administration of Special Management Areas.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall administer the Special
Management Areas--
(A) in a manner that conserves, protects, and
enhances the purposes for which the Special Management
Areas are established; and
(B) in accordance with--
(i) this subsection; and
(ii) other applicable law.
(2) Management plan.--Not later than 3 years after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop a
management plan for the long-term protection and management of
the Special Management Areas.
(3) Uses.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall allow only
uses of the Special Management Areas that are
consistent with the purposes for which the Special
Management Areas are established.
(B) Prescribed fire.--The Secretary may use
prescribed fire to sustain the ecological structure and
composition of the Special Management Areas, to sustain
the biodiversity of the Special Management Areas, and
to mitigate the risk of wildfire in the Special
Management Areas or nearby areas.
(C) Management tools.--
(i) In general.--The Secretary may use
herbicides, insecticides, and mechanized
equipment, including chainsaws, drones,
unmanned aerial systems, aircraft, pickup
trucks, all-terrain vehicles, and rubber-tired
and tracked vehicles, to control fire, insects,
disease, and invasive species in managing the
Special Management Areas approved by the
Secretary.
(ii) Requirement.--In managing the Special
Management Areas, the Secretary shall use the
best available technology and science.
(D) Motor vehicle uses.--Except in cases in which
motor vehicles are needed for administrative purposes,
emergency response, or access on authorized roads
accessing trailheads, inholdings, cemeteries, or
campgrounds, or are essential to provide off-road
access for ecosystem management of habitat, the use of
motor vehicles, including over-snow vehicles and e-
bikes, in the Special Management Areas shall be
prohibited.
(E) National forest system roads.--The Secretary
shall decommission as soon as practicable any National
Forest System roads within the Special Management Areas
that are not needed for administration of the National
Forest System or access to trailheads, cemeteries, and
inholdings.
(F) Timber.--
(i) In general.--Commercial timber
harvesting in the Special Management Areas
shall be prohibited, except as needed for--
(I) continuation of restoration
efforts;
(II) scientific study;
(III) fire, insect, and disease
control; and
(IV) visitor and administrative
safety.
(ii) Activities permitted.--Thinning of
trees and other vegetation in the Special
Management Areas is permitted for restoration
of the designated natural areas and designated
research natural areas and to further the
management objectives described in this
section.
(G) Private inholdings.--
(i) In general.--Access to private
inholdings in the Special Management Areas
shall be preserved.
(ii) Acquisitions.--As soon as practicable
and subject to the availability of
appropriations, the Secretary shall acquire any
private inholdings in the Special Management
Areas by purchase or exchange from willing
sellers.
(H) Hunting and trapping.--
(i) Hunting.--Hunting shall be permitted in
the Special Management Areas as permitted by
the State of Illinois and in accordance with
regulations of the State of Illinois and
regulations and orders issued by the Forest
Service.
(ii) Trapping.--Trapping shall not be
permitted in the Special Management Areas.
(iii) Motor vehicle access.--Motor vehicle
access by hunters within the Special Management
Areas, including over-snow vehicles, shall be
prohibited.
(I) Volunteer restoration and research.--
(i) Volunteers.--The Secretary may allow
volunteers of cooperators and individual Forest
Service volunteers to participate in ecological
restoration activities within the Special
Management Areas under mutual benefit
agreements.
(ii) Access for research purposes.--The
Secretary shall allow access to the Special
Management Areas for scientific research by
individuals and organizations that the
Secretary determines to be qualified for that
purpose.
(J) Ongoing management decisions.--The Supervisor
of the Shawnee National Forest shall have the
authority, without requiring the permission of the
Secretary, to make management decisions concerning any
designated natural area or designated research natural
area within the Special Management Areas pursuant to
the land management plan for the Shawnee National
Forest.
(4) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, all
Federal land within the Special Management Areas, including any
land or interest in land that is acquired by the United States
within the Special Management Areas after the date of enactment
of this Act, is withdrawn from--
(A) entry, appropriation, or disposal under public
land law;
(B) location, entry, and patent under mining law;
and
(C) operation of mineral leasing, mineral
materials, and geothermal leasing law.
(5) Maps and legal descriptions.--
(A) In general.--As soon as practicable after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall file
a map and legal descriptions of the Special Management
Areas with--
(i) the Committee on Agriculture,
Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate; and
(ii) the Committee on Agriculture of the
House of Representatives.
(B) Effect.--The map and legal descriptions filed
under subparagraph (A) shall have the same force and
effect as if included in this Act, except that the
Secretary may correct clerical and typographical errors
on the map and in the legal descriptions.
(C) Availability.--The map and legal descriptions
filed under subparagraph (A) shall be on file and
available for public inspection in the appropriate
office of the Secretary and on the website of the
Forest Service.
(6) Public information.--Annually, the Secretary shall make
publicly available on the website of the Shawnee National
Forest a description of the progress in achieving the
management objectives described in this section.
SEC. 8408. SHENANDOAH MOUNTAIN.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) National scenic area.--
(A) In general.--The term ``National Scenic Area''
means the Shenandoah Mountain National Scenic Area
established by subsection (b)(1).
(B) Inclusions.--The term ``National Scenic Area''
includes--
(i) any National Forest System land within
the boundary of the National Scenic Area that
is administered as part of the National Scenic
Area; and
(ii) any National Forest System land within
the boundary of the National Scenic Area that
is administered as a component of the National
Wilderness Preservation System under the
amendments made by subsection (c).
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary,
acting through the Chief of the Forest Service.
(3) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Virginia.
(4) Wilderness area.--The term ``Wilderness Area'' means a
wilderness area designated by paragraphs (22) through (26) of
section 1 of Public Law 100-326 (16 U.S.C. 1132 note; 102 Stat.
584; 114 Stat. 2057; 123 Stat. 1002) (as added by subsection
(c)).
(b) Establishment of the Shenandoah Mountain National Scenic
Area.--
(1) Establishment.--Subject to valid existing rights, there
is established the Shenandoah Mountain National Scenic Area,
consisting of approximately 92,562 acres of National Forest
System land in the George Washington and Jefferson National
Forests, as generally depicted on the map filed under
subsection (d)(1)(A).
(2) Purposes.--The purposes of the National Scenic Area
are--
(A) to ensure the protection and preservation of
the scenic quality, water quality, natural
characteristics, and water resources of the National
Scenic Area;
(B) to protect wildlife, fish, and plant habitat in
the National Scenic Area;
(C) to protect outstanding natural biological
values and habitat for plant and animal species along
the Shenandoah Mountain crest above 3,000 feet above
sea level elevation, including the Cow Knob salamander;
(D) to protect forests in the National Scenic Area
that may develop characteristics of old-growth forests;
(E) to protect the Wilderness Areas; and
(F) to provide for a variety of, and improve
existing, recreation settings and opportunities in the
National Scenic Area in a manner consistent with the
purposes of the National Scenic Area described in
subparagraphs (A) through (E).
(3) Administration.--
(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph
(B), the Secretary shall administer the National Scenic
Area in accordance with--
(i) this subsection; and
(ii) the laws (including regulations)
generally applicable to the National Forest
System.
(B) Exception.--Subject to valid existing rights,
the Secretary shall administer the Wilderness Areas in
accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et
seq.) and any other laws applicable to the Wilderness
Areas, except that any reference in that Act to the
effective date of that Act shall be considered to be a
reference to the date of enactment of this Act for
purposes of administering the Wilderness Areas.
(C) Effect; conflicts.--
(i) Effect.--The establishment of the
National Scenic Area shall not affect the
administration of the Wilderness Areas.
(ii) Conflicts.--In the case of any
conflict between the laws applicable to the
Wilderness Areas, the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C.
1131 et seq.) shall control.
(D) No buffer zones.--
(i) In general.--Nothing in this subsection
creates a protective perimeter or buffer zone
around the National Scenic Area or a Wilderness
Area.
(ii) Activities outside national scenic
area or wilderness areas.--The fact that an
activity or use on land outside the National
Scenic Area or a Wilderness Area can be seen or
heard by humans within the National Scenic Area
or Wilderness Area shall not preclude the
activity or use outside the boundaries of the
National Scenic Area or Wilderness Area.
(4) Recreational uses.--
(A) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in
this subsection or under applicable law, the Secretary
shall authorize the continuation of, or seek to
improve, authorized recreational uses of the National
Scenic Area in existence on the date of enactment of
this Act.
(B) Effect.--Nothing in this subsection interferes
with the authority of the Secretary--
(i) to maintain or improve nonmotorized
trails and recreation sites within the National
Scenic Area;
(ii) to construct new nonmotorized trails
and recreation sites within the National Scenic
Area;
(iii) to adjust recreational uses within
the National Scenic Area for reasons of sound
resource management or public safety; and
(iv) to evaluate applications for, and
issue or deny, special use authorizations in
connection with recreation within the National
Scenic Area.
(C) Requirement.--Recreation within the National
Scenic Area shall be conducted in a manner consistent
with the purposes of the National Scenic Area described
in paragraph (2).
(5) National forest system trail plan.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
develop a National Forest System trail plan for
National Forest System land in the National Scenic Area
that is not located in a Wilderness Area in order to
construct, maintain, and improve nonmotorized
recreation National Forest System trails in a manner
consistent with the purposes of the National Scenic
Area described in paragraph (2).
(B) Potential inclusion.--The Secretary may address
in the National Forest System trail plan developed
under subparagraph (A) National Forest System land that
is near, but not within the boundary of, the National
Scenic Area.
(C) Public input.--In developing the National
Forest System trail plan under subparagraph (A), the
Secretary shall seek input from interested parties,
including members of the public.
(D) Requirements.--The National Forest System trail
plan developed under subparagraph (A) shall--
(i) promote sustainable trail management
that protects natural resources and provides
diverse, high-quality recreation opportunities,
which may include loop trails for nonmotorized
uses;
(ii) consider natural resource protection,
trail sustainability, and trail maintenance
needs as primary factors in determining the
location or relocation of National Forest
System trails; and
(iii) develop a National Forest System
trail outside the Little River Wilderness Area
in the area of the Tillman Road corridor (along
National Forest System road 101) to connect the
Wolf Ridge Trail parking area to the Wild Oak
National Recreation Trail, as generally
depicted on the applicable map filed under
subsection (d)(1)(B), pending completion of the
required environmental analysis.
(E) Implementation report.--Not later than 2 years
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary
shall submit to Congress a report that describes the
implementation of the National Forest System trail plan
developed under subparagraph (A), including the
identification of the National Forest System trail
described in subparagraph (D)(iii) and any other
priority National Forest System trails identified for
development.
(6) Roads.--
(A) In general.--The establishment of the National
Scenic Area shall not--
(i) result in the closure of any National
Forest System roads, as generally depicted on
the map filed under subsection (d)(1)(A); or
(ii) modify public access within the
National Scenic Area.
(B) No new roads.--No new roads shall be
constructed in the National Scenic Area after the date
of enactment of this Act.
(C) Effect.--Nothing in this subsection--
(i) denies any owner of private land or an
interest in private land that is located within
the National Scenic Area the right to access
the private land;
(ii) alters the authority of the Secretary
to open or close roads in the National Scenic
Area in existence on the date of enactment of
this Act in furtherance of the purposes of this
Act; or
(iii) alters the authority of the State--
(I) to maintain the access road to
the crest of Shenandoah Mountain (Route
924); or
(II) to realign the access road
described in subclause (I) if necessary
for reasons of sound resource
management or public safety.
(D) Parking areas.--
(i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii),
the reconstruction, minor relocation, and
construction of parking areas and related
facilities within the National Scenic Area are
authorized in a manner consistent with the
purposes of the National Scenic Area described
in paragraph (2).
(ii) Limitation.--Additional trailhead
parking areas authorized in the National Scenic
Area under clause (i) may be constructed only
along National Forest System roads.
(7) Motorized travel.--Motorized travel shall be allowed
only on roads within the portions of the National Scenic Area
that are not Wilderness Areas, in a manner consistent with
paragraph (6).
(8) Water.--The Secretary shall administer the National
Scenic Area in a manner that maintains and enhances water
quality.
(9) Water impoundments.--The establishment of the National
Scenic Area shall not prohibit--
(A) the operation, maintenance, or improvement of,
or access to, dams, reservoirs, or related
infrastructure in existence on the date of enactment of
this Act, as generally depicted on the map filed under
subsection (d)(1)(A); or
(B) the establishment of new dams, reservoirs, or
related infrastructure if necessary for municipal use.
(10) Timber harvest.--
(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph
(B), no harvesting of timber shall be allowed within
the National Scenic Area.
(B) Exceptions.--
(i) Necessary harvesting.--The Secretary
may authorize harvesting of timber in the
National Scenic Area if the Secretary
determines that the harvesting is necessary--
(I) to control fire;
(II) to provide for public safety
or trail access;
(III) to construct or maintain
overlooks and vistas; or
(IV) to control insect or disease
outbreaks.
(ii) Firewood for personal use.--Firewood
may be harvested for personal use along roads
within the National Scenic Area, subject to any
conditions that the Secretary may require.
(11) Insect and disease outbreaks.--
(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the
Secretary may carry out activities necessary to control
insect and disease outbreaks in a manner consistent
with the purposes of the National Scenic Area described
in paragraph (2)--
(i) to maintain scenic quality;
(ii) to reduce hazards to visitors; or
(iii) to protect National Forest System
land or private land.
(B) Limitations.--For purposes of activities
carried out under subparagraph (A)--
(i) native forest insect and disease
outbreaks shall be controlled only--
(I) to prevent unacceptable damage
to resources on adjacent land; or
(II) to protect threatened,
endangered, sensitive, or locally rare
species, with biological control
methods being favored; and
(ii) nonnative insects and diseases may be
eradicated or suppressed only in order to
prevent a loss of a special biological
community.
(12) Vegetation management.--The Secretary may engage in
vegetation management practices within the National Scenic Area
in a manner consistent with the purposes of the National Scenic
Area described in paragraph (2)--
(A) to maintain wildlife clearings and scenic
enhancements in existence on the date of enactment of
this Act; or
(B) to construct not more than 100 acres of
additional wildlife clearings by--
(i) expanding wildlife clearings in
existence on the date of enactment of this Act;
or
(ii) constructing new wildlife clearings of
approximately 2 to 5 acres.
(13) Wildfire suppression.--
(A) In general.--Nothing in this subsection
prohibits the Secretary, in cooperation with other
Federal, State, and local agencies, as appropriate,
from carrying out wildfire suppression activities
within the National Scenic Area.
(B) Requirements.--Wildfire suppression activities
within the National Scenic Area shall be carried out--
(i) in a manner consistent with the
purposes of the National Scenic Area described
in paragraph (2); and
(ii) using such means as the Secretary
determines to be appropriate.
(14) Prescribed fire.--Nothing in this subsection prohibits
the Secretary from conducting prescribed burns and necessary
burn unit preparation within the National Scenic Area in a
manner consistent with the purposes of the National Scenic Area
described in paragraph (2).
(15) Withdrawal.--
(A) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights,
all Federal land within the National Scenic Area is
withdrawn from--
(i) entry, appropriation, or disposal under
the public land laws;
(ii) location, entry, and patent under the
mining laws;
(iii) operation of the mineral leasing and
geothermal leasing laws;
(iv) wind, solar, or other renewable energy
development; and
(v) designation of new utility corridors,
utility rights-of-way, or communications sites.
(B) Effect.--Consistent with paragraph (6)(C)(i),
the withdrawal under subparagraph (A) shall not deny
access to private land or an interest in private land
within the National Scenic Area.
(16) Management plan.--
(A) In general.--As soon as practicable after the
date of the completion of the National Forest System
trail plan under paragraph (5), but not later than 2
years after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary shall develop as an amendment to the land
management plan for the George Washington and Jefferson
National Forests a management plan for the National
Scenic Area that is consistent with this subsection.
(B) Effect.--Nothing in this paragraph requires the
Secretary to revise the land management plan for the
George Washington and Jefferson National Forests under
section 6 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable
Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1604).
(c) Designation of Wilderness Areas.--Section 1 of Public Law 100-
326 (16 U.S.C. 1132 note; 102 Stat. 584; 114 Stat. 2057; 123 Stat.
1002) (as amended by section 8402(a)) is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``(22) Skidmore fork wilderness.--Certain National Forest
System land in the George Washington and Jefferson National
Forests comprising approximately 5,088 acres, as generally
depicted on the applicable map filed under section
8408(d)(1)(B) of the Agricultural Act of 2026, which shall be
known as the `Skidmore Fork Wilderness'.
``(23) Ramseys draft wilderness addition.--Certain National
Forest System land in the George Washington and Jefferson
National Forests comprising approximately 6,961 acres, as
generally depicted on the applicable map filed under section
8408(d)(1)(B) of the Agricultural Act of 2026, which shall be
incorporated into the Ramseys Draft Wilderness designated by
Public Law 98-586 (16 U.S.C. 1132 note; 98 Stat. 3106).
``(24) Lynn hollow wilderness.--Certain National Forest
System land in the George Washington and Jefferson National
Forests comprising approximately 3,568 acres, as generally
depicted on the applicable map filed under section
8408(d)(1)(B) of the Agricultural Act of 2026, which shall be
known as the `Lynn Hollow Wilderness'.
``(25) Little river wilderness.--Certain National Forest
System land in the George Washington and Jefferson National
Forests comprising approximately 12,461 acres, as generally
depicted on the applicable map filed under section
8408(d)(1)(B) of the Agricultural Act of 2026, which shall be
known as the `Little River Wilderness'.
``(26) Beech lick knob wilderness.--Certain National Forest
System land in the George Washington and Jefferson National
Forests comprising approximately 5,779 acres, as generally
depicted on the applicable map filed under section
8408(d)(1)(B) of the Agricultural Act of 2026, which shall be
known as the `Beech Lick Knob Wilderness'.''.
(d) Maps and Boundary Descriptions.--
(1) Filing.--As soon as practicable after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall file with the
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate
and the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on
Agriculture of the House of Representatives maps and boundary
descriptions of--
(A) the National Scenic Area; and
(B) each of the Wilderness Areas.
(2) Force and effect.--The maps and boundary descriptions
filed under paragraph (1) shall have the same force and effect
as if included in this Act, except that the Secretary may
correct clerical and typographical errors in the maps and
boundary descriptions.
(3) Maps control.--In the case of any discrepancy between
the acreage of the National Scenic Area or a Wilderness Area
and the applicable map filed under paragraph (1), the
applicable map filed under that paragraph shall control.
(4) Availability.--The maps and boundary descriptions filed
under paragraph (1) shall be on file and available for public
inspection in the office of the Chief of the Forest Service.
SEC. 8409. FLATSIDE WILDERNESS ADDITIONS.
(a) In General.--Section 3(d) of Arkansas Wilderness Act of 1984
(Public Law 98-508; 98 Stat. 2349) is amended by inserting ``and
certain land in the Ouachita National Forest, which comprise
approximately 2,212 acres, generally depicted as `Land Proposed for
Wilderness Designation' on the map titled `Flatside Wilderness,
Proposed Addition Designation', dated November 12, 2024'' after
``1984''.
(b) Fire, Insects, and Diseases.--Nothing in this section or the
amendment made by subsection (a) shall be construed to limit the
authority of the Secretary under section 4(d)(1) of the Wilderness Act
(16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(1)), in accordance with existing laws (including
regulations).
(c) Designation of Wilderness Addition.--The wilderness designated
by section 3(d) of Arkansas Wilderness Act of 1984 (Public Law 98-508;
98 Stat. 2349), shall be known as the ``Flatside-Bethune Wilderness''.
Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other
record of the United States to such portion of the Flatside Wilderness
shall be deemed to be a reference to the Flatside-Bethune Wilderness.
SEC. 8410. TALLADEGA NATIONAL FOREST BOUNDARY MODIFICATION.
(a) In General.--The boundaries of the Talladega National Forest
are modified to include the land depicted on the map entitled
``Talladega National Forest Proposed Proclamation Boundary Addition''
and dated September 6, 2024.
(b) Map.--The map described in subsection (a) shall be on file and
available for public inspection in the appropriate office of the Forest
Service.
(c) Acquisitions.--
(1) In general.--Within the area delineated on the map
described in subsection (a), the Secretary may use the land
acquisition authorities applicable to the National Forest
System, including the Act of March 1, 1911 (commonly known as
the ``Weeks Law'') (36 Stat. 961, chapter 186; 16 U.S.C. 552 et
seq.), to acquire land, waters, and interests therein.
(2) Management.--Land acquired pursuant to paragraph (1)
shall be managed as land acquired under the Act of March 1,
1911 (commonly known as the ``Weeks Law'') (36 Stat. 961,
chapter 186; 16 U.S.C. 552 et seq.), and in accordance with all
laws and regulations pertaining to the National Forest System.
(3) Standards.--The Secretary shall ensure that any private
land or waters and any interest in private land or waters
acquired pursuant to paragraph (1) is acquired--
(A) from a willing seller by donation, exchange, or
purchase using donated or appropriated funds; and
(B) to the extent practicable, without undue delay.
SEC. 8411. BENTON MACKAYE NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY.
Section 5(c) of the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1244(c))
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(50) Benton mackaye trail.--
``(A) In general.--The Benton MacKaye Trail, a
scenic, nonmotorized trail that traverses approximately
287 miles in the States of Georgia, Tennessee, and
North Carolina.
``(B) Study.--Not later than 2 years after the date
of enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary of
Agriculture, in consultation with interested
organizations, including the Benton MacKaye Trail
Association, shall complete and submit to Congress the
feasibility study for designating the Benton MacKaye
Trail as a national scenic trail.''.
SEC. 8412. RELOCATION OF MEMORIAL HONORING THE 9 AIR FORCE CREW MEMBERS
WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN AN AIRPLANE CRASH DURING A
TRAINING MISSION ON AUGUST 31, 1982.
(a) In General.--With the consent of the owner of the private land
adjacent to the Cherohala Skyway in the State of North Carolina on
which there is located a memorial honoring the 9 members of the Air
Force crew of the C-141B transport plane that crashed during a training
mission over the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests on August 31,
1982 (referred to in this section as the ``memorial''), and subject to
subsections (b) through (e), the Secretary may authorize, by special
use authorization, the installation and any maintenance associated with
the installation of the memorial at an appropriate site at the Stratton
Ridge rest area located at mile marker 2 on the Cherohala Skyway in
Graham County, North Carolina, in the Nantahala National Forest.
(b) Site Approval.--The site at which the memorial is installed
under subsection (a) is subject to approval by the Secretary, in
concurrence with--
(1) the North Carolina Department of Transportation; and
(2) in a case in which the site is located adjacent to a
Federal-aid highway, the Administrator of the Federal Highway
Administration.
(c) Funding.--No Federal funds may be used to relocate, install, or
maintain the memorial under subsection (a).
(d) Costs.--The individual or entity requesting the installation of
the memorial on National Forest System land under subsection (a) shall
be responsible for the costs associated with the use of National Forest
System land for the memorial, including the costs of--
(1) processing the application for the relocation;
(2) issuing a special use authorization for the memorial,
including the costs associated with any related environmental
analysis; and
(3) relocating, installing, and maintaining the memorial.
(e) Terms and Conditions.--The special use authorization for the
installation of the memorial under subsection (a) may include any terms
and conditions that are determined to be appropriate by the Secretary,
including a provision preventing any enlargement or expansion of the
memorial.
SEC. 8413. APPRAISALS.
Section 5 of the Act of June 22, 1948 (commonly known as the
``Thye-Blatnik Act'') (62 Stat. 570, chapter 593; 16 U.S.C. 577g), is
amended by striking ``of the fair appraised value of such'' and
inserting ``of the highest fair appraised value, including historical
fair appraised values, as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture in
accordance with this section, of such''.
Subtitle E--White Oak Resilience
SEC. 8501. WHITE OAK RESTORATION INITIATIVE COALITION.
(a) In General.--There is established a coalition, to be known as
the ``White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition'' (referred to in this
section as the ``Coalition'')--
(1) as a voluntary collaborative group of Federal, State,
and local governments, Indian Tribes, and private and
nongovernmental organizations the purpose of which is to carry
out the duties described in subsection (b); and
(2) in accordance with the charter entitled ``White Oak
Initiative Coalition Charter'' adopted by the White Oak
Initiative Board of Directors on March 21, 2023 (or a successor
charter).
(b) Duties.--In addition to the duties specified in the charter
referred to in subsection (a)(2), the duties of the Coalition are--
(1) to coordinate Federal, State, Tribal, local, private,
and nongovernmental activities for the restoration of white oak
trees and forests that support white oak trees in the United
States; and
(2) to make program and policy recommendations, consistent
with applicable forest management plans, with respect to--
(A) changes necessary to address Federal and State
policies that impede activities to improve the health,
resiliency, and natural regeneration of white oak
trees;
(B) adopting or modifying Federal and State
policies to increase the pace and scale of white oak
regeneration and the resiliency of white oak trees;
(C) options to enhance communication, coordination,
and collaboration among forest land owners,
particularly with respect to cross-boundary projects,
to improve the health, resiliency, and natural
regeneration of white oak trees;
(D) research gaps that should be addressed to
improve the best available science on white oaks;
(E) outreach to forest landowners the land of which
possesses white oak trees or white oak regeneration
potential, as determined by the Coalition; and
(F) options and policies necessary to improve the
quality and quantity of white oak trees in tree
nurseries.
(c) Administrative, Staffing, and Technical Support.--The
Secretaries shall make available to the Coalition such personnel for
administrative support, technical services, and the development and
dissemination of educational materials as those Secretaries determine
to be necessary to carry out this section.
(d) Private Funding.--Subject to the availability of appropriations
made in advance for that purpose, the Secretary may make funds
available to the Coalition to carry out this section from the account
established pursuant to section 1241(f) of the Food Security Act of
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(f)).
SEC. 8502. FOREST SERVICE PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Chief of the
Forest Service, shall establish and carry out 5 pilot projects in units
of the National Forest System to restore white oak trees in those units
through white oak restoration and natural regeneration practices that
are consistent with applicable forest management plans.
(b) Requirement.--Of the pilot projects carried out under
subsection (a), not fewer than 3 shall be carried out on units of the
National Forest System that are reserved or withdrawn from the public
domain.
(c) Cooperative Agreements.--The Secretary may enter into
cooperative agreements to carry out the pilot projects under this
section.
(d) Sunset.--The authority under this section terminates on the
date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 8503. WHITE OAK REGENERATION AND UPLAND OAK HABITAT.
(a) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a nonregulatory
program, to be known as the ``White Oak and Upland Oak Habitat
Regeneration Program'' (referred to in this section as the
``Program'').
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the Program shall include--
(1) coordinating restoration and conservation activities
among Federal, State, and local entities, Indian Tribes, and
conservation partners to address white oak restoration
priorities;
(2) improving and regenerating white oak and upland oak
forests and the wildlife habitat such forests provide;
(3) carrying out coordinated restoration and conservation
activities that lead to the increased growth of species of
white oak in native white oak regions;
(4) facilitating strategic planning to maximize the
resilience of white oak systems and habitats under changing
climate conditions;
(5) engaging the public through outreach, education, and
citizen involvement to increase capacity and support for
coordinated restoration and conservation activities for species
of white oak; and
(6) increasing scientific capacity to support the planning,
monitoring, and research activities necessary to carry out such
coordinated restoration and conservation activities.
(c) Consultation.--In establishing the Program, the Secretary,
acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, shall consult with--
(1) the heads of Federal agencies, including--
(A) the Director of the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service; and
(B) the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation
Service;
(2) the Governor of each State in which restoration efforts
will be carried out pursuant to the Program; and
(3) Indian Tribes.
(d) Duties.--In carrying out the Program, the Secretary shall--
(1) draw on the best available science and management plans
for species of white oak to identify, prioritize, and implement
restoration and conservation activities that will improve the
growth of white oak trees in the United States;
(2) collaborate and coordinate with the White Oak
Restoration Initiative Coalition established by section 8501(a)
to prioritize white oak restoration initiatives;
(3) adopt a white oak restoration strategy that--
(A) supports the implementation of a shared set of
science-based restoration and conservation activities
developed in accordance with paragraph (1);
(B) targets cost-effective projects with measurable
results; and
(C) maximizes restoration outcomes with no net gain
of Federal full-time equivalent employees; and
(4) establish voluntary grant and technical assistance
programs in accordance with subsection (e).
(e) Grants and Assistance.--
(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
(A) Foundation.--The term ``Foundation'' means the
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
(B) Grant program.--The term ``grant program''
means the voluntary grant and technical assistance
program established under paragraph (2).
(2) Establishment.--To the extent that funds are available
to carry out this section, the Secretary shall establish a
voluntary grant and technical assistance program to achieve the
purposes of the Program described in subsection (b).
(3) Administration.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall offer to enter
into a cooperative agreement with the Foundation to
manage and administer the grant program.
(B) Funding.--Subject to the availability of
appropriations made in advance for that purpose, on
entering into a cooperative agreement with the
Foundation under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall
pay to the Foundation to carry out this subsection for
each fiscal year an advance payment of the entire
amount for the applicable fiscal year--
(i) on October 1 of that fiscal year; or
(ii) as soon as practicable thereafter.
(4) Application of national fish and wildlife foundation
establishment act.--Amounts received by the Foundation to carry
out the grant program shall be subject to the National Fish and
Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act (16 U.S.C. 3701 et seq.),
excluding section 10(a) of that Act (16 U.S.C. 3709(a)).
(f) Sunset.--The authority under this section terminates on the
date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 8504. TREE NURSERY SHORTAGES.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest
Service, shall--
(1) develop and implement a national strategy to increase
the capacity of Federal, State, and private tree nurseries and
tree nurseries of Indian Tribes to address the nationwide
shortage of tree seedlings; and
(2) coordinate the strategy under paragraph (1) with--
(A) the national reforestation strategy of the
Forest Service; and
(B) each regional implementation plan for National
Forests.
(b) Elements.--The strategy required under subsection (a) shall--
(1) be based on the best available science and data,
including the consideration of Indigenous knowledge; and
(2) identify and address--
(A) regional seedling shortages of bareroot and
container tree seedlings;
(B) regional reforestation opportunities and the
seedling supply necessary to fulfill those
opportunities;
(C) opportunities to enhance seedling diversity,
improve quality, quantity, genetic resources, and
availability, and close gaps in seed inventories; and
(D) barriers to expanding, enhancing, or creating
new infrastructure to increase nursery capacity.
Subtitle F--Other Matters
SEC. 8601. NATIONAL FOREST FOUNDATION ACT.
(a) Matching Funds.--Section 405(b) of the National Forest
Foundation Act (16 U.S.C. 583j-3(b)) is amended by striking ``2023''
and inserting ``2031''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 410(b) of the
National Forest Foundation Act (16 U.S.C. 583j-8(b)) is amended by
striking ``$3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 through 2023'' and
inserting ``$5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031''.
(c) White Oak Restoration Fund.--Section 409 of the National Forest
Foundation Act (16 U.S.C. 583j-7) is amended--
(1) by striking ``The activities'' and inserting the
following:
``(a) In General.--The activities''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) White Oak Restoration Fund.--
``(1) In general.--Funds described in paragraph (2) shall
be made available for activities on units of the National
Forest System that are approved by the Secretary, acting
through the Chief of the Forest Service--
``(A) to re-establish white oak forests where
appropriate;
``(B) to improve management of existing white oak
forests to foster natural regeneration of white oak;
``(C) to improve and expand white oak nursery
stock; and
``(D) to adapt and improve white oak seedlings.
``(2) Fund.--The Foundation may accept gifts, devises, or
bequests for the purposes of carrying out the activities
specified in paragraph (1).
``(3) Summary.--Beginning 1 year after the date of
enactment of this subsection, the Foundation shall include in
the budget justification materials submitted to Congress in
support of the budget of the Foundation for each fiscal year
(as submitted with the budget of the President under section
1105(a) of title 31, United States Code) a summary of the
activities carried out under paragraph (1) and the funds
accepted under paragraph (2) that includes--
``(A) the amount accepted under paragraph (2) in
the preceding fiscal year;
``(B) the amount described in subparagraph (A) that
is unobligated on the date of the report; and
``(C) a description of the activities under
paragraph (1) funded during the preceding fiscal
year.''.
SEC. 8602. RURAL REVITALIZATION TECHNOLOGIES.
Section 2371(d)(2) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6601(d)(2)) is amended by striking ``2023''
and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 8603. RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMITTEES.
Section 205 of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-
Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7125) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following:
``(6) Appointments by applicable regional foresters.--In
making appointments under this subsection, the Secretary
concerned may act through the applicable regional forester if,
before the applicable regional forester makes an appointment,
the applicable regional forester conducts the review and
analysis that would otherwise be conducted for an appointment
to a resource advisory committee, including any review and
analysis with respect to civil rights, budgetary requirements,
vetting, and reporting, as the Secretary concerned determines
appropriate.'';
(2) in subsection (d)(6)(C), by striking ``October 1,
2026'' and inserting ``October 1, 2031''; and
(3) by striking subsection (g).
SEC. 8604. TRIBAL FOREST PROTECTION MANAGEMENT.
Section 2 of the Tribal Forest Protection Act of 2004 (25 U.S.C.
3115a) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the
following:
``(2) Indian forest land or rangeland.--The term `Indian
forest land or rangeland' means--
``(A) land that--
``(i) is held in trust, or subject to a
restriction against alienation, by the United
States for an Indian Tribe or a member of an
Indian Tribe; and
``(ii)(I) is Indian forest land (as defined
in section 304 of the National Indian Forest
Resources Management Act (25 U.S.C. 3103)); or
``(II)(aa) has a cover of grasses, brush,
or any similar vegetation; or
``(bb) formerly had a forest cover or
vegetative cover that is capable of
restoration; and
``(B) land that--
``(i) is in the State of Alaska and held by
an Alaska Native Corporation pursuant to the
Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C.
1601 et seq.); and
``(ii)(I) has a cover of grasses, brush, or
any similar vegetation; or
``(II) formerly had a forest cover or
vegetative cover that is capable of
restoration.'';
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``450b'' and
inserting ``5304''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Tribal organization.--The term `Tribal organization'
has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Indian
Forest Land or Rangeland'' and inserting ``or Restore
Indian Forest Land or Rangeland and Federal Land of
Special Significance'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by inserting ``or Tribal organization''
after ``Indian tribe'' each place it appears;
(ii) by striking ``a project to protect
Indian forest land or rangeland (including a
project to restore Federal land that borders on
or is adjacent to Indian forest land or
rangeland)'' and inserting ``activities and
projects to protect or restore Indian forest
land or rangeland or Federal land''; and
(iii) by striking ``activities described''
and inserting ``activities and projects
described'';
(C) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``or Tribal
organization'' after ``Indian tribe''; and
(D) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the
following:
``(3) Activities and projects.--Under an agreement or
contract entered into under paragraph (2), the Indian tribe or
Tribal organization may carry out activities and projects to
achieve land management goals for--
``(A) Federal land that is--
``(i) under the jurisdiction of the
Secretary; and
``(ii) consistent with the criteria
described in subsection (c); and
``(B) Indian forest land or rangeland.'';
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by inserting ``for
Federal Land'' after ``Criteria'';
(B) by striking ``an Indian tribe,'' in the matter
preceding paragraph (1) and all that follows through
``Indian tribe--'' in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A) of paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``Federal land, are whether--
``(1) the Federal land has a special geographic,
historical, or cultural significance to the Indian tribe or
Tribal organization and--'';
(C) in paragraph (1) (as so designated)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking clause
(i) and inserting the following:
``(i) Indian forest land or rangeland;
or''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``restoration activities;'' and inserting ``or
watershed restoration activities; and'';
(D) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraphs
(2);
(E) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated)--
(i) by inserting ``and projects'' after
``activities'';
(ii) by inserting ``or Tribal
organization'' after ``Indian tribe''; and
(iii) by striking ``subject land; and'' and
inserting ``Federal land.''; and
(F) by striking paragraph (4);
(4) in subsection (d)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
inserting ``or Tribal organization'' after ``Indian
tribe''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``Indian tribe
for'' and all that follows through the period at the
end and inserting the following: ``Indian tribe or
Tribal organization for the purpose of developing a
strategy for protecting or restoring--
``(A) Indian forest land or rangeland; or
``(B) Federal land that has a special geographic,
historical, or cultural significance to the Indian
tribe or Tribal organization.'';
(5) in subsection (e), in the matter preceding paragraph
(1), by inserting ``or Tribal organization'' after ``Indian
tribe'';
(6) in subsection (g), by striking ``date of enactment of
this Act'' and inserting ``date of enactment of the
Agricultural Act of 2026''; and
(7) by adding at the end the following:
``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this Act $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2027 through 2031.''.
SEC. 8605. CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CENTERS.
Public Law 91-378 (16 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``TITLE III--CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CENTERS
``SEC. 301. DEFINITIONS.
``In this title:
``(1) Civilian conservation center.--The term `Civilian
Conservation Center' means any residential workforce
development or training facility for underserved youth operated
by the Department of the Interior or the Department of
Agriculture.
``(2) Covered graduate.--The term `covered graduate' means
an individual who successfully completed a training program at
a Civilian Conservation Center.
``(3) Covered student.--The term `covered student' means an
individual who is enrolled in a training program at a Civilian
Conservation Center.
``(4) Secretaries.--The term `Secretaries' means--
``(A) the Secretary of Agriculture; and
``(B) the Secretary of the Interior.
``SEC. 302. CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CENTERS WILDFIRE AND CONSERVATION
TRAINING PROGRAM.
``(a) Specialized Training Programs.--The Secretaries, in
coordination with the Secretary of Labor, shall offer at Civilian
Conservation Centers specialized training programs focused on--
``(1) forestry and rangeland management;
``(2) wildland firefighting; or
``(3) any other topic relating to the mission of the Forest
Service or the Department of the Interior or the public
interest.
``(b) Prioritization.--The Secretaries shall prioritize offering
specialized training programs under subsection (a) at facilities
described in section 147(d) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
Act (29 U.S.C. 3197(d)).
``SEC. 303. WILDLAND FIREFIGHTING WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PILOT.
``(a) In General.--
``(1) Experiment, research, or demonstration pilots.--The
Secretary of Agriculture, in coordination with the Secretary of
Labor, may carry out experimental, research, or demonstration
pilots to provide career and technical education curricula and
course offerings to advance the missions of the Department of
Agriculture at Civilian Conservation Centers operated by the
Department of Agriculture, including facilities described in
section 147(d) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
(29 U.S.C. 3197(d)).
``(2) Curricula and courses.--Curricula and courses
described in paragraph (1) include--
``(A) incident management and emergency response
logistics;
``(B) disaster response;
``(C) forest products measurement;
``(D) timber sale administration and preparation;
``(E) heavy equipment operation;
``(F) equipment and mechanical services;
``(G) industrial electrical;
``(H) machining;
``(I) mill operations;
``(J) forest restoration;
``(K) habitat and water quality monitoring;
``(L) watershed and habitat enhancement;
``(M) range management;
``(N) recreation access improvement;
``(O) volunteers and visitors enhancement; and
``(P) historic preservation.
``(b) Requirements.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary
of Agriculture shall--
``(1) identify workforce needs in Federal land agencies,
forest, conservation, and recreation industries, and rural
communities, after consulting with State governments and
agencies, Federal emergency management and Federal land
agencies, local communities, institutions of higher education,
and Indian Tribes;
``(2) develop marketing, recruitment, and retention
materials for the curricula and courses offerings provided
under subsection (a); and
``(3) provide specialized staff necessary to teach
curricula and courses offerings provided under subsection (a),
to the extent practicable.
``SEC. 304. WILDLAND FIREFIGHTING WORKFORCE ENHANCEMENT.
``(a) Recruitment Goals and Investments.--
``(1) Recruitment goal.--The Secretaries--
``(A) shall each set goals of--
``(i) hiring 300 covered graduates annually
to contribute to wildland firefighting or other
critical workforce needs within the respective
Department of each of the Secretaries;
``(ii) a certain percentage of covered
graduates annually attaining employment within
the wildland firefighting, natural resources,
forestry, or a related field; and
``(iii) a certain percentage of covered
graduates annually attaining employment; and
``(B) may make investments to support the
recruitment, training, hiring, and retention of covered
graduates.
``(2) Signing bonus.--The Secretaries may provide for a
signing bonus to enable the successful employment and
transition of covered graduates, including for the purpose of
securing housing in rural and remote communities.
``(b) Direct Hire Authority.--For fiscal year 2025 and each fiscal
year thereafter, the Secretaries may appoint, without regard to the
provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, United States
Code, other than sections 3303 and 3328 of that title, a covered
graduate directly to a position for which the covered graduate meets
Office of Personnel Management qualification standards.
``(c) Pathways to Employment.--The Secretaries shall ensure that
appropriate career pathways are developed for covered graduates of
relevant Civilian Conservation Center training programs.
``(d) Disadvantaged Youth Employment.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, the Secretaries may employ covered students at
regular rates of pay for necessary hours of work.
``(e) Use of Covered Students for Contracts, Agreements, and
Grants.--To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary of
Agriculture shall encourage the use of covered students to fulfill
obligations under contracts, agreements, and grants relevant to the
training administered by the Forest Service at a unit of the National
Forest System where a Civilian Conservation Center is located.
``SEC. 305. WILDLAND FIREFIGHTING HOUSING PILOT PROGRAM.
``(a) In General.--The Secretaries shall establish a pilot program
to employ covered students to improve and expand the housing stock
owned by the Federal Government for the purpose of housing wildland
firefighters, volunteers, partner crewmembers, interns, and other
agency employees.
``(b) Requirements.--In carrying out the pilot program under
subsection (a), the Secretaries shall--
``(1) identify properties currently owned by the Federal
Government that would be appropriate housing for wildland
firefighters, volunteers, partner crewmembers, interns, and
other agency employees;
``(2) identify areas where the construction of new housing
described in paragraph (1) would be appropriate and
sustainable; and
``(3) submit to Congress a prioritized list of projects for
renovation with a plan for how the Secretaries will employ
covered students to repair, renovate, and remediate the
properties identified under paragraph (1).
``SEC. 306. REPORT.
``Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this title,
the Secretaries shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture,
Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture
of the House of Representatives a report--
``(1) describing underutilized capacity at Civilian
Conservation Centers, based on an assessment conducted by the
Secretaries; and
``(2) identifying the investments, improvements, and
efficiencies necessary to utilize the full capacity of Civilian
Conservation Centers.''.
SEC. 8606. PERMITS AND AGREEMENTS WITH ELECTRICAL UTILITIES.
(a) In General.--In any special use permit or easement on National
Forest System land provided to an electric utility company (as defined
in section 1262 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16451)),
the Secretary may provide permission to cut and remove trees or other
vegetation from within the vicinity of distribution lines or
transmission lines, including hazardous vegetation that increases fire
risk, without requiring a separate timber sale if that cutting and
removal is consistent with the applicable land management plan.
(b) Use of Proceeds.--A special use permit or easement that
includes permission for the cutting and removal of trees or other
vegetation described in subsection (a) shall include a requirement
that, if the applicable electric utility company sells any portion of
the material removed under the permit or easement, the electric utility
company shall provide to the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the
Forest Service, any proceeds received from the sale, less any
transportation costs incurred in the sale.
(c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to require the sale of any material removed under a special
use permit or easement that includes permission for the cutting and
removal of trees or other vegetation described in subsection (a).
SEC. 8607. EXEMPTION FOR PREVIOUSLY ANALYZED AREAS OF NATIONAL FOREST
SYSTEM LAND.
(a) In General.--The requirements under the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) or division A of subtitle
III of title 54, United States Code, shall not apply to an application
for a communications use authorization on National Forest System land,
including National Forest System land on which authorized utilities,
communications facilities, powerline facilities, or roads have been
installed, if--
(1) the communications equipment is located in or on
existing infrastructure; or
(2) the communications facility is located on previously
analyzed areas of National Forest System land.
(b) No Additional Consultation Required Under Certain
Circumstances.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the
Secretary shall not be required to reinitiate consultation under the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) or
division A of subtitle III of title 54, United States Code, for an
application for a communications use authorization on previously
analyzed areas of National Forest System land if new information
concerning a previously analyzed area of National Forest System land
becomes available.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Communications facility; communications use
authorization.--The terms ``communications facility'' and
``communications use authorization'' have the meanings given
the terms, respectively, in section 8705 of the Agriculture
Improvement Act of 2018 (43 U.S.C. 1761a).
(2) Previously analyzed areas of national forest system
land.--The term ``previously analyzed areas of National Forest
System land'' means any National Forest System land with
respect to which the Secretary has--
(A) granted, issued, and executed a communications
use authorization; and
(B) conducted sufficient environmental or
historical reviews, including under the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et
seq.) or division A of subtitle III of title 54, United
States Code.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary,
acting through the Chief of the Forest Service.
SEC. 8608. ALIGNMENT OF FARM SERVICE AGENCY AND FOREST SERVICE DROUGHT
RESPONSE.
(a) In General.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator of the Farm Service Agency and the Chief
of the Forest Service shall enter into a memorandum of understanding to
better align drought response activities of the Farm Service Agency and
the Forest Service (referred to in this section as the ``agencies'').
(b) Contents.--The memorandum of understanding entered into under
subsection (a) shall include--
(1) a commitment to better align practices of the agencies
with respect to determining the severity of regional drought
conditions;
(2) a strategy for amending those determinations to ensure
consistent policy with respect to drought response in cases
where the agencies are making inconsistent determinations
within the same spatial scale;
(3) an agreement to utilize, to the extent practicable, the
United States Drought Monitor in making those determinations;
and
(4) an agreement to provide consistent information to
grazing permittees, operators, and other stakeholders affected
by determinations relating to drought.
SEC. 8609. RURAL FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL.
Section 10 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16
U.S.C. 2106) is amended--
(1) in subsection (e)(2)(B), by striking ``in kind
contributions.'' and inserting ``in-kind contributions. The
Secretary may waive the Federal share requirements of this
subparagraph with respect to any such funds made available to
rural volunteer fire departments.''; and
(2) in subsection (g)(1)--
(A) by striking ``any organized, not for profit,
fire protection organization'' and inserting ``any fire
protection organization that is organized as a not-for-
profit organization or by the authority of a local
government and'';
(B) by striking ``10,000'' and inserting
``15,000''; and
(C) by striking ``80'' and inserting ``70''.
SEC. 8610. SAFETY STANDARDS FOR WILDLAND FIREFIGHTERS.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Covered permissible exposure limits.--The term
``covered permissible exposure limits'' means--
(A) the permissible smoke exposure limit
established by the National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health; and
(B) the permissible occupational smoke exposure
limit established by the Occupational Health and Safety
Administration.
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary,
acting through the Chief of the Forest Service.
(3) Secretary concerned.--The term ``Secretary concerned''
means--
(A) the Secretary, with respect to wildland
firefighters under the direction of the Secretary; and
(B) the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to
wildland firefighters under the direction of the
Secretary of the Interior.
(4) Wildland firefighter.--The term ``wildland
firefighter'' means any person who participates in wildland
firefighting activities under the direction of the Secretary or
the Secretary of the Interior, including under a contract with
the Secretary or the Secretary of the Interior.
(b) Safety Standards.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2)--
(A) not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in coordination
with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group, the
Secretary of the Interior, and other appropriate
Federal agencies, shall develop a strategy to make
commercially available appropriate respiratory personal
protective equipment for wildland firefighters and
supporting staff in settings in which smoke exposure
surpasses covered permissible exposure limits; and
(B) the Secretary, in consultation with the
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration,
shall determine appropriate respiratory personal
protective equipment for wildland firefighters and
supporting staff in settings in which smoke exposure
surpasses covered permissible exposure limits.
(2) Review.--The Secretary shall--
(A) in consultation with the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health and the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration, convene a task force
assigned to develop an interim standard for smoke
exposure that will review and update as necessary such
standards relating to personal protective equipment and
other safety standards for wildland firefighters and
supporting staff, including the respiratory personal
protective equipment determined under paragraph (1)(B),
with the goal of developing an appropriate permissible
exposure limit or occupational exposure limit for
wildfire smoke for wildland firefighters and supporting
staff participating in settings described in paragraph
(1)(A); and
(B) incorporate into the standards described in
subparagraph (A), by reference, the most recent edition
of standard NFPA 1984, entitled ``Standard on
Respirators for Wildland Fire-Fighting and Wildland
Urban Interface Operations'' (and any subsequent
editions), as necessary, for the safety and personal
protection of wildland firefighters and supporting
staff, subject to the limit described in subsection
(a)(1)(A).
SEC. 8611. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.
Section 7(l)(3) of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978
(16 U.S.C. 2103c(l)(3)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``the State of
Vermont'' and inserting ``any State''; and
(2) in subparagraph (B)--
(A) in clause (i)(II), by adding ``and'' after the
semicolon; and
(B) in clause (ii), in the matter preceding
subclause (I), by striking ``State of Vermont'' and
inserting ``applicable State''.
TITLE IX--ENERGY
SEC. 9001. DEFINITION OF ADVANCED BIOFUEL.
Section 9001(3)(B)(iv) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment
Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8101(3)(B)(iv)) is amended by inserting ``and
sustainable aviation fuel'' after ``diesel-equivalent fuel''.
SEC. 9002. BIOBASED MARKETS PROGRAM.
Section 9002 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
(7 U.S.C. 8102) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)(i)--
(I) in subclause (II)(bb), by
striking ``and'' at the end;
(II) in subclause (III), by
striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(III) by adding at the end the
following:
``(IV) on an annual basis, update
the procurement requirement described
in subclause (III) by increasing the
number of biobased-only contracts or
the volume purchased under those
contracts from the previous year.'';
and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(G) Guidance.--The Secretary, in coordination
with the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, shall
issue guidance to procuring agencies to consider
product lifespan, savings, and efficacy in making
procurement decisions under this subsection.'';
(B) in paragraph (4)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) by striking clause (ii); and
(II) by redesignating clauses (iii)
and (iv) as clauses (ii) and (iii),
respectively;
(ii) in subparagraph (B)(i)--
(I) in the matter preceding
subclause (I)--
(aa) by inserting ``and the
Secretary'' after ``Policy'';
and
(bb) by striking
``information concerning--''
and inserting ``a report that
describes, for the year covered
by the report--'';
(II) in subclause (I), by inserting
``, including the actions taken by the
procuring agency to establish and
implement the biobased procurement
program of the procuring agency under
that paragraph'' before the semicolon;
(III) in subclause (IV), by
striking ``and'' at the end;
(IV) in subclause (V), by striking
``and'' at the end; and
(V) by adding at the end the
following:
``(VI)(aa) the specific categories
of biobased products that are
unavailable to meet the procurement
needs of the procuring agency; and
``(bb) the desired performance
standards and other relevant
specifications for those products; and
``(VII) if applicable, the
procurement requirement or updated
procurement requirement established
under paragraph (2)(A)(i) that the
procuring agency failed to meet and
reasons for the failure; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) Verification.--The Office of Federal
Procurement Policy, in consultation with the Secretary,
shall--
``(i) annually collect the information
required to be reported under subparagraph (B)
and make the information publicly available;
and
``(ii) annually verify, using the
information collected under clause (i), that
each procuring agency under paragraph
(2)(A)(i), as applicable, has established a
procurement program in accordance with
subclause (I) of that paragraph.
``(E) Training.--
``(i) In general.--Not later than 2 years
after the date of enactment of this
subparagraph, each procuring agency shall have
completed training on biobased product
purchasing for the appropriate staff of the
procuring agency, including contracting
officers, purchase card managers, and purchase
card holders.
``(ii) Materials.--The Office of Federal
Procurement Policy, in cooperation with the
Secretary, shall provide training materials for
procuring agencies conducting training pursuant
to clause (i).
``(F) Federal catalog updates.--Not later than 2
years after the date of enactment of this subparagraph,
the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, in
cooperation with the Secretary, shall--
``(i) direct the Administrator of General
Services to update the Federal Procurement Data
System described in section 1122(a)(4) of title
41, United States Code (or any successor
system), to include biobased product
designations;
``(ii) direct that the System for Award
Management collect biobased product purchasing
data;
``(iii) direct that Federal online
procurement systems, including GSA Advantage!
and FedMall, include designations for products
that meet the guidelines under paragraph (3);
``(iv) require, to the maximum extent
practicable, that Federal online procurement
systems, including GSA Advantage! and FedMall,
use North American Industry Classification
System codes, North American Product
Classification System-based product codes, and
other product codes, as determined in
consultation with the Secretary, when
identifying products that meet the guidelines
under paragraph (3); and
``(v) require agencies with online Federal
sales platforms to include reporting of
purchases in their reporting on products that
meet the guidelines under paragraph (3).'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (3), by adding at the end the
following:
``(C) Regulations.--The Secretary shall promulgate
such regulations as the Secretary determines to be
appropriate to ensure the integrity of the label
described in paragraph (1), including regulations to
define additional terms necessary to avoid or reduce
public confusion relating to the label.
``(D) Unauthorized use.--Not later than 120 days
after the date of enactment of this subparagraph, the
Secretary shall, in coordination with the Inspector
General of the Department of Agriculture, make publicly
available instructions on how to report an instance of
unauthorized use of the label described in paragraph
(1).''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Public marketing and education.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may conduct
outreach to educate the public on and promote the use
of biobased products, including by--
``(i) conducting outreach to small
businesses producing biobased products that
seek a label described in paragraph (1);
``(ii) providing information about biobased
product procurement preferences to State
procurement agencies; and
``(iii) establishing public-private
partnerships to further increase awareness and
use of biobased products.
``(B) Acceptance and use of contributions.--
``(i) In general.--The Secretary may
establish an account to accept contributions of
non-Federal funds to carry out the outreach
described in subparagraph (A).
``(ii) Deposit and use of contributions.--
Contributions under clause (i) shall--
``(I) be deposited into the account
established under that clause;
``(II) be available to and subject
to the control of the Secretary,
without further appropriation and until
expended; and
``(III) supplement any funding made
available under subsection (k) and
allocated by the Secretary for the
outreach described in subparagraph (A).
``(6) Report.--Not later than December 31, 2027, and
annually thereafter, the Secretary shall make publicly
available on the website of the Department of Agriculture and
submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives a report that includes--
``(A) a list of the biobased products that were
authorized to use the label described in paragraph (1)
during the preceding fiscal year;
``(B) a description of the audit and compliance
activities conducted under paragraph (3)(B) during the
preceding fiscal year, including any findings of
noncompliance and any actions taken by the Secretary to
address the noncompliance;
``(C)(i) a description of the outreach conducted
under paragraph (5)(A); and
``(ii) a plan for conducting outreach under that
paragraph for the following 2 fiscal years that is
designed to increase the use of the label described in
paragraph (1) and the purchase of biobased products;
and
``(D) the total amount of contributions of non-
Federal funds accepted into the account established
under paragraph (5)(B).'';
(3) in subsection (f), by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary shall submit to the
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate
and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives a report that--
``(A) includes the Federal statistical collections
of information related to the North American Industry
Classification System codes and the North American
Product Classification System codes that utilize
bioeconomy-specific data;
``(B) recommends necessary changes to the most
recent North American Industry Classification System
codes and the North American Product Classification
System codes related to the bioeconomy in accordance
with this subsection; and
``(C) provides an assessment of the impacts that
bioeconomy-specific North American Industry
Classification System codes and North American Products
Classification System codes would have on the
measurement by the Secretary of the economic
contributions of the bioeconomy.'';
(4) in subsection (k)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2024'' and
inserting ``2031''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2019 through
2023'' and inserting ``2027 through 2031''; and
(5) in subsection (l)--
(A) by striking ``In this section'' and inserting
the following:
``(1) In general.--In this section''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Standard.--To determine the contents of biobased
products, the Secretary shall use--
``(A) the most recent version of the ASTM-D-6866
standard of the ASTM International standards; or
``(B) any alternative standard that the Secretary
determines appropriate.''.
SEC. 9003. BIOREFINERY, RENEWABLE CHEMICAL, BIOBASED PRODUCT
MANUFACTURING, AND SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL ASSISTANCE.
(a) In General.--Section 9003 of the Farm Security and Rural
Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8103) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``and biobased
product manufacturing'' and inserting ``biobased product
manufacturing, and sustainable aviation fuel'';
(2) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph
(1)--
(A) by striking ``to assist'' and inserting ``to
develop advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals,
biobased product manufacturing, and sustainable
aviation fuel, and to assist''; and
(B) by striking ``and biobased product
manufacturing so as'' and inserting ``biobased product
manufacturing, and sustainable aviation fuel so as'';
(3) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by inserting ``or innovative'' after
``technologically new''; and
(ii) by striking ``end-user products'' and
inserting ``end-user products, renewable
chemicals, and biobased products''; and
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) by indenting clauses (i)
through (iii) appropriately;
(II) in clause (ii), by striking
``or'' at the end;
(III) in clause (iii), by striking
``; and'' and inserting ``; or''; and
(IV) by adding at the end the
following:
``(iv) sustainable aviation fuel (as
defined by the Secretary); and''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) by indenting clauses (i)
through (iii) appropriately;
(II) in clause (ii), by striking
``or'' at the end;
(III) in clause (iii), by striking
the period at the end and inserting ``;
or''; and
(IV) by adding at the end the
following:
``(iv) sustainable aviation fuel (as
defined by the Secretary).'';
(4) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking ``The Secretary shall make
available to eligible entities guarantees'' and
inserting the following: ``Subject to the availability
of funding, the Secretary shall make available to
eligible entities--
``(1) on a year-round basis, guarantees''; and
(B) in paragraph (1) (as so designated), by
striking the period at the end and inserting the
following: ``, in accordance with subsection (d); and
``(2) on a competitive basis, grants to develop, construct,
or retrofit pilot or demonstration-scale biorefineries to
demonstrate the commercial viability of 1 or more processes for
converting renewable biomass to advanced biofuels, renewable
chemicals, sustainable aviation fuel (as defined by the
Secretary), and biobased products in accordance with subsection
(e).'';
(5) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (C);
(ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and
(D) as subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively;
(iii) in subparagraph (A) (as so
redesignated)--
(I) by striking ``In approving a
loan guarantee application'' and
inserting the following:
``(i) In general.--In approving an
application for a loan guarantee under
subsection (c)(1)''; and
(II) by adding at the end the
following:
``(ii) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the
feasibility study under clause (i) for proven
or otherwise commercially available
technologies.''; and
(iv) in subparagraph (B) (as so
redesignated), by striking ``loan guarantee
applications'' and inserting ``applications for
loan guarantees under subsection (c)(1)'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``subsection
(c)'' each place it appears and inserting ``subsection
(c)(1)''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Technical review agreements.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall, at the
appropriate time, enter into an agreement with project
applicants that clearly describes the specific
objectives, outcomes, and conditions by which the
Secretary shall determine the successful technical
feasibility of the projects to be carried out by the
project applicants.
``(B) Guidelines and expectations.--
``(i) In general.--The agreement entered
into under clause (i) shall include clear
guidelines and expectations for--
``(I) the methodologies, protocols,
and procedures to be used by the
Secretary to determine the technical
feasibility of an integrated
demonstration unit; and
``(II) the functions to be
demonstrated by the integrated
demonstration unit.
``(ii) Contents.--The guidelines and
expectations referred to in clause (i) shall
include--
``(I) a set timeline for the
integrated demonstration unit campaign
and final technical report to show
reliable evidence of continuous,
steady-state production;
``(II) criteria and methods for
evaluating the success of the project,
including any third-party assessments
or evaluations that may be conducted
during the demonstration period and at
the conclusion of the set timeline
described in subclause (I);
``(III) criteria and methods to
prove the ability of the integrated
demonstration unit to use project-
specific feedstock for the production
of advanced biofuels, renewable
chemicals, sustainable aviation fuels
(as defined by the Secretary), or
biobased products at a yield and
quality consistent with the design
basis of the project;
``(IV) required information and
conditions that demonstrate operation
duration, quality, and quantity
specifications; and
``(V) any other information that,
if supplied to the Secretary, would
assist the project applicants in
sufficiently demonstrating the
technical feasibility of the project.
``(C) Failure to comply.--
``(i) Notification.--If an eligible entity
fails to comply with a guideline or expectation
under subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall
issue to the eligible entity a written notice
that--
``(I) describes each deficiency;
and
``(II) provides a reasonable
timeframe for the eligible entity to
correct any deficiencies.
``(ii) Corrective action period.--Not later
than 90 days after the date of receipt of a
notice under clause (i), the applicable
eligible entity shall--
``(I) address any deficiency
described in clause (i)(I); and
``(II) submit to the Secretary a
revised technical feasibility
assessment for reconsideration.
``(D) Determination of technical feasibility.--On
fulfillment by an eligible entity of the guidelines and
expectations under subparagraph (B), or approval of a
revised technical feasibility assessment submitted by
an eligible entity under subparagraph (C)(ii)(II), as
applicable, the Secretary shall determine that the
project of the eligible entity is technically
feasible.'';
(6) by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following:
``(e) Grants.--
``(1) Selection criteria.--
``(A) In general.--In approving applications for
grants under subsection (c)(2), the Secretary shall
establish a priority scoring system that assigns
priority scores to each application and only approve
applications that exceed a specified minimum score, as
determined by the Secretary.
``(B) Feasibility.--
``(i) In general.--In approving an
application for a grant under subsection
(c)(2), the Secretary shall determine the
technical and economic feasibility of the
project based on a feasibility study of the
project described in the application conducted
by an independent third party.
``(ii) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the
feasibility study under clause (i) for proven
or otherwise commercially available
technologies.
``(C) Scoring system.--The priority scoring system
established under subparagraph (A) shall consider, with
respect to a project proposed in an application for a
grant under subsection (c)(2)--
``(i) the potential market for the advanced
biofuel, renewable chemical, sustainable
aviation fuel (as defined by the Secretary), or
biobased product, and the byproducts produced
under the project;
``(ii) the level of financial participation
by the eligible entity, including support from
non-Federal and private sources;
``(iii) whether the eligible entity is
proposing to use--
``(I) a feedstock not previously
used in the production of advanced
biofuels; or
``(II) a feedstock, process, or
technology used in an innovative manner
in the production of renewable
chemicals, sustainable aviation fuel
(as defined by the Secretary), or
biobased products;
``(iv) whether the eligible entity is
proposing to work with producer associations or
cooperatives;
``(v) whether the eligible entity has
established that the adoption of the process
proposed in the application will have a
positive impact on resource conservation,
public health, and the environment;
``(vi) the potential for rural economic
development;
``(vii) whether the project can be
replicated;
``(viii) scalability for commercial use;
and
``(ix) in the case of an advanced biofuels
project, the contribution of the project to
domestic energy security.
``(2) Grant amount.--The amount of a grant awarded under
subsection (c)(2) shall not exceed $10,000,000.'';
(7) in subsection (g)(2), by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031'';
(8) in subsection (h)(1), by striking ``subsections (a)
through (e), and (g)'' and inserting ``subsections (a) through
(e) and (g)''; and
(9) in subsection (i)(1), by striking ``subsections (a)
through (e) and subsection (g)'' and inserting ``subsections
(a) through (e) and (g)''.
(b) Rescission.--Of the unobligated balances of amounts made
available under section 9003(g) of the Farm Security and Rural
Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8103(g)), $15,000,000 are rescinded.
SEC. 9004. BIOPRODUCT LABELING TERMINOLOGY.
The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 is amended by
inserting after section 9003 (7 U.S.C. 8103) the following:
``SEC. 9004. BIOPRODUCT LABELING TERMINOLOGY.
``(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2026, the Secretary shall issue
rules implementing national uniform labeling standards for, and
ensuring the proper use of, the following terms in the labeling and
marketing of bioproducts:
``(1) Bio-attributed plastic.
``(2) Bio-attributed product.
``(3) Biobased plastic.
``(4) Plant-based product.
``(b) Inclusion of Defined Terms.--In issuing rules to implement
national uniform labeling standards under subsection (a), the Secretary
shall include the following terms (as defined in section 9001):
``(1) Biobased product.
``(2) Intermediate ingredient or feedstock.
``(3) Renewable biomass.
``(4) Renewable chemical.
``(c) Consultation.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary
shall consult with--
``(1) biomanufacturers;
``(2) entities engaged in research and development of
bioproducts;
``(3) feedstock growers; and
``(4) other industry stakeholders.''.
SEC. 9005. BIOENERGY PROGRAM FOR ADVANCED BIOFUELS.
Section 9005(g)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
2002 (7 U.S.C. 8105(g)(2)) is amended by striking ``2019 through 2023''
and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.
SEC. 9006. BIODIESEL FUEL EDUCATION PROGRAM.
Section 9006(d) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
2002 (7 U.S.C. 8106(d)) is amended by striking ``2019 through 2023''
and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.
SEC. 9007. RURAL ENERGY FOR AMERICA PROGRAM.
Section 9007 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
(7 U.S.C. 8107) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Energy
Audits and Renewable Energy'' and inserting
``Project'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and
(B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and
indenting appropriately;
(ii) in the matter preceding clause (i) (as
so redesignated), by striking ``provide
assistance'' and inserting the following:
``provide--
``(A) assistance'';
(iii) in subparagraph (A)(ii) (as so
redesignated), by striking the period at the
end and inserting ``; and''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) technical assistance to agricultural
producers and rural small businesses to apply for
financial assistance under subsection (c).'';
(C) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (D), by striking
``and'' at the end;
(ii) by redesignating subparagraph (E) as
subparagraph (F); and
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (D)
the following:
``(E) an agricultural producer cooperative; and'';
(D) in paragraph (3)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking
``audits and'' and inserting ``audits, relevant
technical assistance, and'';
(ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (D)
through (F) as subparagraphs (E) through (G),
respectively; and
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (C)
the following:
``(D) the potential improvements to the financial
conditions of those agricultural producers and rural
small businesses;''; and
(E) in paragraph (4)--
(i) in subparagraph (B), by redesignating
clauses (i) and (ii) as subclauses (I) and
(II), respectively, and indenting
appropriately;
(ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and
(B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and
indenting appropriately;
(iii) in the matter preceding clause (i)
(as so redesignated), by striking ``funds to
assist'' and inserting the following: ``funds--
``(A) to assist'';
(iv) in subparagraph (A)(ii) (as so
redesignated)--
(I) in subclause (I) (as so
redesignated), by striking ``and'' at
the end;
(II) in subclause (II) (as so
redesignated), by striking the period
at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(III) by adding at the end the
following:
``(III) to apply for assistance
under subsection (c); and''; and
(v) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) to provide training for individuals to
perform the activities described in subparagraph
(A).'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (F), by striking
``and'' at the end;
(ii) by redesignating subparagraph (G) as
subparagraph (H); and
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (F)
the following:
``(G) the potential improvements to the financial
conditions of the agricultural producer or rural small
business receiving the loan guarantee or grant; and'';
and
(B) in paragraph (3)(B), by striking
``$25,000,000'' and inserting ``$50,000,000''; and
(C) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the
following:
``(4) Application process.--For projects carried out using
assistance under this subsection, the Secretary shall establish
an application, evaluation, and oversight process that is--
``(A) the most simplified for projects for which
the cost of the activity funded under this subsection
is less than $50,000; and
``(B) more comprehensive for projects for which the
cost of the activity funded under this subsection is
more than $50,000.'';
(3) in subsection (e)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``20'' and inserting
``25''; and
(ii) by striking ``$20,000'' and inserting
``$50,000''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Rebate pilot project.--
``(A) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
``(i) Covered rebate.--The term `covered
rebate' means a rebate provided by the
Secretary to an eligible entity for the
purchase of certain energy efficient equipment
described in subsection (c)(1)(A), to be
determined by the Secretary, that was made by
an eligible entity--
``(I) as part of a project
completed in the 12-month period
preceding the provision of the rebate;
and
``(II) to meet the immediate needs
of the eligible entity, which were not
anticipated while the application
period for assistance under subsection
(c) was open but would otherwise meet
the requirements for projects eligible
for assistance under that subsection.
``(ii) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible
entity' means any entity eligible to receive
financial assistance under subsection (c).
``(iii) Pilot project.--The term `pilot
project' means the pilot project established
under subparagraph (B).
``(B) Establishment.--Using not more than 2 percent
of the funds made available to carry out subsection (c)
for each of fiscal years 2027 and 2028, the Secretary
shall carry out a pilot project under which the
Secretary shall--
``(i) award covered rebates to eligible
entities; and
``(ii) test and evaluate a simplified
application process for eligible entities to
apply for those covered rebates.
``(C) Notification prior to commencement.--Not
later than 30 days before the commencement of the pilot
project, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and
the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives a notification containing--
``(i) the commencement date of the pilot
project;
``(ii) a detailed description of the pilot
project;
``(iii) a copy of the simplified
application to be used under the pilot project;
and
``(iv) a list of the equipment for which
covered rebates will be provided under the
pilot project.
``(D) Report.--Not later than June 30, 2027, the
Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture,
Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee
on Agriculture of the House of Representatives, and
make publicly available, a report on the pilot project,
which shall include--
``(i) the total number of each type of
equipment for which an application for a
covered rebate was submitted, and the total
number of each type of equipment for which a
covered rebate was provided; and
``(ii) the extent to which applications for
covered rebates exceeded the availability of
funding, if applicable.
``(E) Procedures.--The administration of this
paragraph shall be--
``(i) made without regard to chapter 35 of
title 44, United States Code; and
``(ii) carried out by the Secretary using
the authority provided under section 808 of
title 5, United States Code.''; and
(4) in subsection (f)--
(A) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``paragraph
(1), 4 percent'' and inserting ``this subsection, 5
percent'';
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Reservation of funds.--Of the funds made available to
carry out this section for a fiscal year, the Secretary may
reserve--
``(A) not more than 10 percent for awarding grants
under subsection (c) that support the adoption of
underutilized but proven commercial renewable energy
technologies; and
``(B) not more than 5 percent to carry out
subsection (d).''.
SEC. 9008. FEEDSTOCK FLEXIBILITY PROGRAM FOR BIOENERGY PRODUCERS.
Section 9010(b) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
2002 (7 U.S.C. 8110(b)) is amended in paragraphs (1)(A) and (2)(A) by
striking ``2026'' each place it appears and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 9009. BIOMASS CROP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
Section 9011(f)(1) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
2002 (7 U.S.C. 8111(f)(1)) is amended by striking ``2019 through 2023''
and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.
SEC. 9010. CARBON UTILIZATION AND BIOGAS EDUCATION PROGRAM.
Section 9014(c) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
2002 (7 U.S.C. 8115(c)) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph
(1) by striking ``2019 through 2023'' and inserting ``2027 through
2031''.
SEC. 9011. SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUELS STRATEGY.
The Secretary shall establish a Department-wide strategy to advance
the production of sustainable aviation fuels by--
(1) facilitating collaboration between relevant mission
areas of the Department to encourage the advancement of the
sustainable aviation fuels supply chain, including use of
agricultural crops grown for sustainable aviation fuel
production;
(2) identifying opportunities to maximize sustainable
aviation fuels development, deployment, and commercialization;
(3) leveraging the capabilities of United States farmers,
ranchers, foresters, and agricultural producers to capture
opportunities in the sustainable aviation fuels market;
(4) supporting rural economic development through
sustainable aviation fuel production; and
(5) promoting public-private partnerships for the
development, deployment, and commercialization of sustainable
aviation fuels.
SEC. 9012. LEVERAGING EFFICIENCY AWARENESS FOR PUMPING SYSTEMS.
(a) Definition of Pumping System.--In this section, the term
``pumping system'' means any pumps, pipes, motors, drives, and controls
used to move water and other fluids on farms, ranches, and aquaculture
operations.
(b) Information on Energy-Efficient Pumping Systems.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with
pumping system experts, in order to provide to farmers
education on the benefits of energy-efficient pumping systems,
shall develop and make publicly available on the website of the
Department easily accessible information on cost savings,
energy savings, water conservation, and carbon emissions
reductions that can be realized through the use of energy-
efficient pumping systems.
(2) Contents.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary
shall include information on--
(A) pumps, pipes, motors, drives, and controls that
can provide energy savings and cost savings, conserve
water, and reduce carbon emissions; and
(B) Department programs that provide to farmers
resources for acquiring energy-efficient pumping
systems and drought management infrastructure,
including the environmental quality incentives program,
the Rural Energy for America Program, and the
conservation stewardship program.
(c) Energy Efficiency Preassessment Tool.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with
pumping system experts, in order to raise awareness of the
benefits of energy-efficient pumping systems and increase
participation in Department programs that promote energy
efficiency, shall develop and make publicly available on the
website of the Department a user-friendly tool--
(A) to assist farmers in making a preliminary
assessment of the energy efficiency of existing pumping
systems; and
(B) to provide an estimate of potential energy
savings, cost savings, and carbon emissions reductions
that may be realized through pumping system
improvements.
(2) Requirements.--
(A) Ease of use.--The Secretary shall ensure that
the tool made available under paragraph (1) provides a
user with projected energy savings, projected cost
savings, and projected carbon emissions reductions
through the input by the user of the following data
relating to an existing pumping system:
(i) Pump type.
(ii) Flow rating and actual flow.
(iii) Pressure rating and actual pressure.
(iv) Speed rating and actual speed.
(B) Considerations.--The Secretary shall ensure
that the tool made available under paragraph (1)--
(i) in assessing the energy efficiency of a
pumping system, takes into consideration pumps,
pipes, motors, drives, and controls associated
with the pumping system; and
(ii) in projecting the energy savings, cost
savings, and carbon emissions reductions that
may be realized through pumping system
improvements, takes into consideration the cost
of electricity and the profile of the existing
pumping system.
(d) Energy Auditor Education.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this section, the Secretary, in consultation with
pumping system experts, in order to increase the effectiveness
of Department energy efficiency programs, shall establish a
process to provide to persons performing energy efficiency
audits for the Department education on energy use and energy
efficiency in pumping systems.
(2) Implementation.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the
Secretary shall consider the use of existing education and
training programs focused on energy use and energy efficiency
in pumping systems.
(e) Conservation Stewardship Program Activities.--Section
1240I(2)(B)(i) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-
21(2)(B)(i)) is amended by inserting ``and energy-efficient pumping
systems (as defined in section 9012(a) of the Agricultural Act of
2026'' before ``, as determined''.
SEC. 9013. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.
Section 9008 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
(7 U.S.C. 8108) is amended--
(1) in subsection (f)(1), by striking ``Secretary of Energy
and the Secretary of Agriculture may provide such
administrative support and funds of the Department of Energy
and the Department of Agriculture to the Board and the Advisory
Committee'' and inserting ``Secretary and the Secretary of
Energy may provide to the Board and the Advisory Committee such
administrative support and funds of the Department of
Agriculture and the Department of Energy'';
(2) in subsection (g), by striking ``Secretary of Energy
and the Secretary of Agriculture'' each place it appears and
inserting ``Secretary and the Secretary of Energy''; and
(3) by striking ``Secretary of Agriculture'' each place it
appears and inserting ``Secretary''.
TITLE X--HORTICULTURE
Subtitle A--Horticulture Marketing and Information
SEC. 10101. MARKETING ORDERS.
Section 8e(a) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act (7 U.S.C. 608e-
1(a)), reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural Marketing
Agreement Act of 1937, is amended--
(1) by inserting ``mandarin oranges,'' after ``oranges,'';
(2) by striking ``dates,'' and inserting ``dates (including
dates for processing),''; and
(3) by striking ``, other than dates for processing,'' each
place it appears.
SEC. 10102. SPECIALTY CROPS MARKET NEWS ALLOCATION.
Section 10107(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008
(7 U.S.C. 1622b(b)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''.
SEC. 10103. LOCAL AGRICULTURE MARKET PROGRAM.
Section 210A of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C.
1627c) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (5) through (13) as
paragraphs (6) through (14), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
``(5) Food hub.--The term `food hub' means a business or
organization that actively manages the aggregation,
distribution, and marketing of source-identified food products
to multiple buyers from multiple producers, who are primarily
local and regional producers, to strengthen the ability of such
producers to satisfy local and regional wholesale, retail, and
institutional demands.'';
(2) in subsection (b)(4), by inserting ``, regional food
chain coordination,'' after ``collaboration'';
(3) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031''; and
(B) in paragraph (6)--
(i) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) by redesignating clauses (vii)
and (viii) as clauses (viii) and (ix),
respectively; and
(II) by inserting after clause (vi)
the following:
``(vii) a food hub;'';
(ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (D) and
(E) as subparagraphs (E) and (F), respectively;
and
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (C)
the following:
``(D) Simplified applications.--
``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall
establish a simplified application form for
eligible entities described in subparagraph (B)
that--
``(I) request less than $100,000;
and
``(II) choose from the project
categories described in clause (ii),
which shall include a specific, limited
set of key activities with predefined
requirements established by the
Secretary.
``(ii) Project categories.--The Secretary
shall establish a simplified application form
for the following project categories but may
include additional project categories as
necessary:
``(I) Direct-to-consumer
projects.--In the case of a direct-to-
consumer project, an application form
described in clause (i) may be
available for the following categories
of projects:
``(aa) An outreach and
promotion project.
``(bb) A project to provide
funding for farmers market
manager staff time.
``(cc) A project to provide
vendor training.
``(dd) A planning and
design project.
``(ee) A data collection
and evaluation project.
``(II) Local and regional food
markets and enterprise projects.--In
the case of a local and regional food
market and enterprise project, an
application form described in clause
(i) may be available for the following
categories of projects:
``(aa) A food hub
feasibility study project.
``(bb) A project to provide
funding for regional food chain
coordination staff time.
``(cc) A project to provide
technical assistance.
``(dd) A data collection
and evaluation project.
``(ee) A project to support
the purchase of special purpose
equipment.'';
(4) in subsection (e)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A)--
(i) by redesignating clauses (x) and (xi)
as clauses (xi) and (xii), respectively; and
(ii) by inserting after clause (ix) the
following:
``(x) a food hub;''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``2019 through
2023'' and all that follows through the period at the
end and inserting the following: ``2027 through 2031 to
support partnerships--
``(i) to plan a local or regional food
system;
``(ii) to implement a local or regional
food system plan;
``(iii) to develop and implement a regional
chain coordination project; and
``(iv) to develop and implement a regional
outreach, technical assistance, and evaluation
project.'';
(5) in subsection (f)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking
``subsection (d); or'' and inserting
``subsection (d)(5);'';
(ii) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as
subparagraph (C); and
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (A)
the following:
``(B) are eligible to submit an application in
accordance with subsection (d)(6)(D); or''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Stakeholder input.--In developing the simplified
application and reporting process under this subsection, the
Secretary shall engage with stakeholders to receive input on
how the simplified application and reporting process can be
streamlined for eligible entities without affecting program
integrity.'';
(6) in subsection (h)(2), by striking ``this section'' and
inserting ``the Agricultural Act of 2026''; and
(7) in subsection (i)(3)(B)--
(A) by striking ``Of the funds'' and inserting the
following:
``(i) In general.--Of the funds''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(ii) Simplified applications.--Of the
funds made available for grants under
subsection (d)(6) for a fiscal year, not less
than 10 percent, and not more than 50 percent,
shall be used to provide grants to eligible
entities that submit an application in
accordance with subsection (d)(6)(D).''.
SEC. 10104. ACER ACCESS AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.
Section 12306 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 1632c) is
amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as subsections
(g) and (h), respectively;
(2) by inserting after subsection (d) the following:
``(e) Consultations.--
``(1) In general.--Beginning with the first request for
applications under this section that occurs at least 1 year
after the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2026,
not later than 6 months before such a request for applications,
the Secretary shall solicit input from maple syrup industry
stakeholders with respect to the research and education
priorities of the maple syrup industry.
``(2) Consideration.--The Secretary shall consider the
information provided through the consultation required under
paragraph (1) when making grants under this section.
``(f) No Cost-sharing or Matching Requirements.--The Secretary may
not impose any cost-sharing or matching requirement on any award or
sub-award made using funds made available to carry out this section.'';
and
(3) in subsection (h), as so redesignated, by striking
``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
SEC. 10105. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM.
(a) Technical Assistance.--Section 2107 of the Organic Foods
Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6506) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (c) through (e) as
subsections (d) through (f), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
``(c) Technical Assistance.--
``(1) In general.--As part of the national organic program
established under this title, the Secretary may provide
technical assistance, education, and outreach to--
``(A) farmers on certified organic farms; and
``(B) farmers who are transitioning to organic (as
determined by the Secretary).
``(2) Activities.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the
Secretary may--
``(A) coordinate with the heads of agencies within
the Department of Agriculture, including the
Administrator of the Farm Service Agency, the Chief of
the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the
Administrator of the Risk Management Agency, and the
Director of the National Institute of Food and
Agriculture; and
``(B) enter into cooperative agreements with
nonprofit organizations to provide regionally-specific
training, education, and outreach.''.
(b) Funding.--Section 2123(b) of the Organic Foods Production Act
of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6522(b)) is amended by striking paragraphs (1)
through (6) and inserting the following:
``(1) $26,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
``(2) $28,000,000 for fiscal year 2028;
``(3) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2029;
``(4) $32,000,000 for fiscal year 2030; and
``(5) $34,000,000 for fiscal year 2031.''.
SEC. 10106. NATIONAL ORGANIC CERTIFICATION COST-SHARE PROGRAM.
Section 10606 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
(7 U.S.C. 6523) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``(referred to in this
section as the `program')'' after ``cost-share program'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking ``Not'' and inserting the
following:
``(1) Annual report.--Not''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) GAO assessment.--
``(A) Efficacy study.--The Comptroller General of
the United States shall conduct a study to assess the
impact that the program has had on the rising cost of
organic certification.
``(B) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the
date of enactment of this paragraph, the Comptroller
General of the United States shall submit to the
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of
the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture of the
House of Representatives a report that summarizes the
findings of the study conducted under subparagraph
(A).''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(e) Discretionary Funding.--In addition to amounts made available
under subsection (d), there is authorized to be appropriated to carry
out this section not more than $8,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027
through 2031.''.
SEC. 10107. FOOD SAFETY EDUCATION INITIATIVES.
Section 10105(c) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008
(7 U.S.C. 7655a(c)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''.
SEC. 10108. NATIONAL PLANT DIAGNOSTIC NETWORK.
Section 12203(c)(5) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7
U.S.C. 8914(c)(5)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''.
SEC. 10109. SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANTS.
Section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7
U.S.C. 1621 note; Public Law 108-465) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph
(1)--
(A) by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031'';
and
(B) by striking ``specialty crops,'' and inserting
``specialty crops through priorities established
annually by State program administrators in
consultation with specialty crop producers and producer
groups,'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as
subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, and indenting
appropriately;
(B) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) (as so
redesignated), by striking ``Notwithstanding'' and
inserting the following:
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) No cost-sharing or matching requirements.--The
Secretary may not impose any cost-sharing or matching
requirement on any award or sub-award made using funds made
available to carry out this section.'';
(3) in subsection (e), by striking ``indicate how'' and
inserting the following: ``indicate--
``(1) how outreach to, and consultation with, specialty
crop producers and producer groups will be achieved; and
``(2) how''; and
(4) in subsection (i)(1)--
(A) by striking ``in accordance with paragraph
(2)''; and
(B) by inserting ``, by adding those unobligated or
unexpended amounts to the allocation funding pool for
the following fiscal year or any subsequent fiscal
year'' after ``determined by the Secretary''.
SEC. 10110. ORGANIC INPUTS VERIFICATION.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Covered organic feedstuff.--The term ``covered organic
feedstuff'' means any organic feedstuff included on the list
established under subsection (c)(2)--
(A) that is shipped in bulk; and
(B) for which there is a national organic program
import certificate.
(2) National organic program import certificate.--The term
``national organic program import certificate'' has the meaning
given the term in section 2103 of the Organic Foods Production
Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6502).
(3) Organic.--The term ``organic'', with respect to a
feedstuff, means that the feedstuff is organically produced (as
defined in section 2103 of the Organic Foods Production Act of
1990 (7 U.S.C. 6502)).
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary,
acting through the Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing
Service.
(5) Shipped in bulk.--
(A) In general.--The term ``shipped in bulk'', with
respect to a feedstuff, means that the feedstuff is
shipped loose in a ship hold, railcar, container, or
super sack, or by another similar method.
(B) Exclusion.--The term ``shipped in bulk'', with
respect to a feedstuff, does not include the shipment
of that feedstuff as a packaged good.
(b) Annual Report on Residue Testing for Covered Organic Feedstuffs
and Other Imported Organic Feedstuffs.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary
shall submit to Congress a report on the residue testing
described in paragraph (2) that was carried out during the year
covered by the report for--
(A) each covered organic feedstuff; and
(B) each other imported organic feedstuff--
(i) that is shipped in bulk; and
(ii) for which there is a national organic
program import certificate.
(2) Residue testing described.--The residue testing
referred to in paragraph (1) is residue testing carried out
under any of the following:
(A) Subsection (c)(3).
(B) Section 2107(a)(6) of the Organic Foods
Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6506(a)(6)).
(C) Section 2112(a) of that Act (7 U.S.C. 6511(a)).
(D) Section 205.670(c) of title 7, Code of Federal
Regulations (or a successor regulation).
(3) Requirements.--Each report under paragraph (1) shall
include information on--
(A) the frequency of the applicable residue
testing;
(B) the methods used for that residue testing;
(C) the results of that residue testing;
(D) the standards used to analyze those results;
and
(E) any actions taken as a result of that residue
testing.
(c) Annual Testing and Corrective Action.--
(1) Risk-based protocol.--The Secretary, in consultation
with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the organic
agricultural product imports interagency working group
established under section 2122A of the Organic Foods Production
Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6521a), shall develop and regularly
update risk-based protocols for--
(A) determining which imported organic feedstuffs
shall be included on the list of covered organic
feedstuffs described in paragraph (2) each year; and
(B) determining necessary parameters of residue
testing for those imported organic feedstuffs,
including--
(i) frequency of testing;
(ii) quantity to be tested;
(iii) type of testing;
(iv) responsibility for testing; and
(v) other necessary parameters.
(2) List of covered organic feedstuffs.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary, using the risk-
based protocol established under paragraph (1)(A),
shall establish and annually update a list of imported
organic feedstuffs for which the Secretary shall carry
out residue testing under paragraph (3) during that
year.
(B) Confidentiality.--The list established under
subparagraph (A) shall not be made publicly available.
(3) Annual testing.--Each year, the Secretary shall carry
out residue testing for each covered organic feedstuff.
(4) Corrective action.--Beginning on the date of enactment
of this Act, if any residue testing required under paragraph
(3) indicates any detectable prohibited substance at a level in
excess of the level permitted by the national organic program
established under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7
U.S.C. 6501 et seq.) or the relevant, equivalent organic
certification program of a State, the applicable shipment of
that covered organic feedstuff--
(A) shall be excluded from organic sale; and
(B) may not be sold, labeled, or represented as
organically produced.
SEC. 10111. OFFICE OF URBAN AGRICULTURE AND INNOVATIVE PRODUCTION.
Section 222 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of
1994 (7 U.S.C. 6923) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(3)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
inserting ``production'' after ``emerging
agricultural'';
(B) in subparagraph (D)--
(i) by inserting ``controlled-environment
agriculture, including'' before ``hydroponic'';
and
(ii) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(C) by redesignating subparagraph (E) as
subparagraph (H); and
(D) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the
following:
``(E) using the resources of the Department and of
State, Tribal, and local agencies to provide technical
assistance for business incorporation, navigating local
zoning, and managing farm tract numbers for smaller,
noncontiguous parcels to growers implementing
activities described in this paragraph;
``(F) using the resources of the Department and of
State, Tribal, and local agencies to promote
conservation techniques unique to urban agriculture and
innovative production, including techniques that
address stormwater runoff and the impacted nature of
urban land and the subsurface of the land;
``(G) assisting urban and innovative producers in
navigating Federal, State, Tribal, and local policies
and regulations that impact business or operations;
and'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (5)(B), by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2031''; and
(B) in paragraph (7)(A), by striking ``the date
that is 5 years after the date on which the members are
appointed under paragraph (2)(B)'' and inserting
``September 30, 2031'';
(3) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
``(c) Grants and Cooperative Agreements.--
``(1) Grants.--
``(A) In general.--The Director shall award
competitive grants to support the development of urban
and innovative agricultural production and technical or
financial assistance to producers.
``(B) Subgrants.--An eligible entity may use funds
from a grant under subparagraph (A) to provide
subgrants to urban and innovative producers to support
the growth of the farm or farm business of the urban
and innovative producers.
``(C) Eligible entities.--An entity eligible to
receive a grant under subparagraph (A) is--
``(i) a nonprofit organization;
``(ii) a unit of local government;
``(iii) a Tribal organization;
``(iv) an agricultural cooperative or other
agricultural business entity or a producer
network or association; or
``(v) a school that serves any of grades
kindergarten through grade 12.
``(2) Cooperative agreements.--
``(A) In general.--The Director may enter into
cooperative agreements with eligible entities to
support the development of urban and innovative
agricultural production.
``(B) Eligible entities.--An entity eligible to
enter into a cooperative agreement under subparagraph
(A) is--
``(i) a nonprofit organization;
``(ii) a unit of local government;
``(iii) a Tribal organization;
``(iv) an agricultural cooperative or other
agricultural business entity; or
``(v) a producer network or association.'';
(4) in subsection (d)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking
``Pilot'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``Not
later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this section, the Secretary shall establish
a pilot program for not fewer than 5 years that
establishes 10'' and inserting ``The Secretary
shall continue to implement a program that
establishes not fewer than 10''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (C)--
(I) in the matter preceding clause
(i), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''; and
(II) in clause (i), by striking
``pilot''; and
(C) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) by striking ``pilot'';
(II) by striking ``local or
municipal'' and inserting ``local,
municipal, or Tribal'';
(III) by striking the period at the
end and inserting ``; and'';
(IV) by striking ``States to
develop'' and inserting the following:
``States--
``(i) to develop''; and
(V) by adding at the end the
following:
``(ii) to construct at-scale composting,
food-to-feed, or anaerobic digestion food
waste-to-energy projects.'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) in the subparagraph heading, by
striking ``pilot'';
(II) in the matter preceding clause
(i), by inserting ``Tribal
governments,'' after ``local
governments,'';
(III) by redesignating clauses (vi)
through (viii) as clauses (vii) through
(ix), respectively; and
(IV) by inserting after clause (v)
the following:
``(vi) develop food waste-to-energy
operations;''; and
(iii) in subparagraph (C), by striking
``pilot'' each place it appears; and
(5) in subsection (e), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''.
SEC. 10112. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM OVERSIGHT PROTOCOLS AND INSPECTION
REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Definitions of Risk to Organic Integrity and Oversight
Protocols.--
(1) In general.--Section 2103 of the Organic Foods
Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6502) is amended--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), and (6)
through (22) as paragraphs (3), (6), (7), (8), (9),
(10), (11), (12), (13), (15), (17), (18), (20), (21),
(22), (23), (25), (26), and (27), respectively, and
moving all paragraphs of that section so as to appear
in numerical order;
(B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term
`appropriate committees of Congress' means--
``(A) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
Forestry of the Senate; and
``(B) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives.'';
(C) by inserting after paragraph (13) (as so
redesignated) the following:
``(14) National organic program.--The term `national
organic program' means the national organic program established
under this title.'';
(D) by inserting after paragraph (15) (as so
redesignated) the following:
``(16) National organic standards board.--The term
`National Organic Standards Board' means the National Organic
Standards Board established under section 2119.'';
(E) by inserting after paragraph (18) (as so
redesignated) the following:
``(19) Oversight protocols.--The term `oversight protocols'
means the regulations, policies, and procedures issued by the
Secretary under the authorities provided by sections 2104,
2107, 2114, 2115, 2116, and 2120.''; and
(F) by inserting after paragraph (23) (as so
redesignated) the following:
``(24) Risk to organic integrity.--The term `risk to
organic integrity' means the likelihood that a product marketed
as organically produced is, or contains, an agricultural
product that--
``(A) was not produced utilizing a system of
organic farming in compliance with this title; or
``(B) was not processed in compliance with this
title.''.
(2) Conforming amendments.--
(A) Section 2104(c) of the Organic Foods Production
Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6503(c)) is amended by striking
``established under section 2119''.
(B) Section 2107 of the Organic Foods Production
Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6506) (as amended by section
10105(a)) is amended--
(i) in subsection (c)(1), in the matter
preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``established under this title''; and
(ii) in subsection (d)(2)(A)(ii), by
striking ``established under section 2119''.
(C) Section 2115(c) of the Organic Foods Production
Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6514(c)) is amended by striking
``established under this title''.
(D) Section 2123(b) of the Organic Foods Production
Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6522(b)) is amended, in the
matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``established under this title''.
(b) Study and Reform of National Organic Program Oversight
Protocols.--
(1) In general.--The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990
is amended by inserting after section 2122A (7 U.S.C. 6521a)
the following:
``SEC. 2122B. STUDY AND REFORM OF NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM OVERSIGHT
PROTOCOLS.
``(a) Study.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this section, the Secretary shall complete a comprehensive study for
the purpose of determining whether the establishment of oversight
protocols based on risk to organic integrity and the implementation of
related reforms are necessary and appropriate.
``(b) Elements.--
``(1) In general.--In conducting the study under subsection
(a), the Secretary shall examine the feasibility of,
opportunities for, and implications of, implementing oversight
protocols that--
``(A) are based on risk to organic integrity;
``(B) include differential treatment of
noncompliance that increases the risk to organic
integrity versus noncompliance that does not increase
the risk to organic integrity;
``(C) utilize common organic plans under section
2114 that are aligned with the risk to organic
integrity;
``(D) include a multi-tiered approach to
certification aligned with the risk to organic
integrity and the scale of the organic operation;
``(E) provide for increased guidance and
interpretations of standards and criteria established
under this title, to be provided by the national
organic program to--
``(i) certifying agents;
``(ii) certified organic farms; and
``(iii) certified organic handling
operations; and
``(F) include virtual inspections as described in
subsection (e)(4).
``(2) Consideration of relevant factors.--In carrying out
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, with respect to certified
organic farms, certified organic handling operations, and
certifying agents, take into account--
``(A) the scope of certification or accreditation
of each entity;
``(B) the scale and complexity of each entity;
``(C) the domestic or international location of
each entity;
``(D) the history of compliance of each entity; and
``(E) other relevant factors.
``(c) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment
of this section, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress, and make publicly available on the website of
the Department of Agriculture, a report describing the findings of the
study conducted under subsection (a).
``(d) Consultation.--In conducting the study under subsection (a),
the Secretary shall consult with--
``(1) the National Organic Standards Board;
``(2) certifying agents;
``(3) certified organic farms;
``(4) certified organic handling operations;
``(5) consumers of organically produced agricultural
products; and
``(6) other relevant stakeholders.
``(e) Authority to Establish Additional Terms and Conditions.--
``(1) Oversight protocols.--Based on the findings described
in the report under subsection (c), and after consultation with
the appropriate committees of Congress, the Secretary may
promulgate regulations to establish or modify oversight
protocols under this title that the Secretary determines are
necessary and appropriate, subject to the condition that such
regulations--
``(A) maintain strong organic integrity;
``(B) support a resilient domestic organic sector;
and
``(C) are consistent with the requirements of this
title.
``(2) Public comment period.--Any rulemaking proceeding
relating to the promulgation of regulations under paragraph (1)
shall include a public comment period of not less than 90 days.
``(3) Reducing oversight costs; prioritization.--In
promulgating regulations under paragraph (1), the Secretary may
seek--
``(A) to reduce oversight costs and administrative
burdens for certified organic farms, certified organic
handling operations, and certifying agents that present
a lower risk to organic integrity; or
``(B) to prioritize oversight resources for
activities that present a higher risk to organic
integrity.
``(4) Limited virtual inspections.--
``(A) In general.--If the Secretary determines,
based on the study, report, and consultation required
under subsections (a) through (d) and paragraph (1),
that it would be appropriate to allow certifying agents
to conduct a limited number of annual inspections under
section 2107(a)(5) virtually pursuant to the protocol
described in subparagraph (B), the Secretary may,
subject to all other requirements of this subsection,
include in any regulations promulgated under paragraph
(1) provisions allowing for the use of virtual
inspections consistent with that protocol.
``(B) Inspection protocol.--The protocol referred
to in subparagraph (A) is the following:
``(i) In the case of a farm or handling
operation site located outside the United
States, all inspections shall be conducted on-
site.
``(ii) In the case of a farm or handling
operation site located in the United States,
inspections shall be conducted on-site once
every 3 years with intervening annual
inspections being conducted on-site or
virtually based on the risk to organic
integrity at the farm or handling operation
site, as determined by the Secretary.
``(iii) In the case of a handling operation
that acquires but does not physically receive,
process, package, or store organic products,
inspections shall be conducted through
inspection methods, including virtual methods,
that provide sufficient assurance of compliance
with this title, as determined by the
Secretary.
``(f) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section limits the
authority of the Secretary to enforce compliance with this title to
protect organic integrity.''.
(2) Conforming amendment.--Section 2107(a) of the Organic
Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6506(a)) is amended by
striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following:
``(5) provide for annual inspections by the certifying
agent of each farm and handling operation that has been
certified under this title, which shall be conducted--
``(A) on-site; or
``(B) if the Secretary has promulgated regulations
under section 2122B(e) allowing for the limited use of
virtual inspections, pursuant to those regulations.''.
(3) Clerical amendment.--The table of contents in section
1(b) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of
1990 (Public Law 101-624; 104 Stat. 3370) is amended by
striking the item relating to section 2123 and inserting the
following:
``Sec. 2122A. Organic agricultural product imports interagency working
group.
``Sec. 2122B. Study and reform of national organic program oversight
protocols.
``Sec. 2123. Funding.''.
SEC. 10113. STUDY ON BARRIERS TO PARTICIPATION IN DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS FACED BY CERTIFIED ORGANIC FARMS AND
FARMS INTERESTED IN TRANSITIONING TO ORGANIC PRODUCTION.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term
``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
(A) Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
Forestry of the Senate; and
(B) Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives.
(2) Certified organic farm.--The term ``certified organic
farm'' has the meaning given the term in section 2103 of the
Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6502).
(b) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of
Congress, and make publicly available on the website of the Department,
a report on barriers to participation in Department programs faced by
certified organic farms and farms that may be interested in
transitioning to organic production.
(c) Contents.--The report required under subsection (b) shall
include the following:
(1) Program review.--An assessment of barriers to
participation in Department programs faced by certified organic
farms and farms that may be interested in transitioning to
organic production, including barriers in programs relating to
conservation, credit, disaster assistance, risk management,
export promotion, market development, technical assistance,
rural development, data collection, procurement, and organic
certification cost-share.
(2) Participation data.--To the extent practicable, data on
application rates, approval rates, denial rates, funding
levels, geographic distribution, farm size, production type,
and reasons for denial or nonparticipation by certified organic
farms and farms that may be interested in transitioning to
organic production.
(3) Specific barriers.--An assessment of barriers relating
to program eligibility, payment rates, ranking criteria,
application forms, recordkeeping requirements, crop insurance
price elections, disaster assistance valuation, conservation
practice standards, certification documentation, supply-chain
infrastructure, organic literacy among Department staff, and
the availability of organic-specific data.
(4) Staff training and technical assistance.--An assessment
of the need for organic-specific training, guidance, and
technical assistance for Department field staff, including
staff of the Farm Service Agency, the Natural Resources
Conservation Service, the Risk Management Agency, Rural
Development, the Foreign Agricultural Service, and other
relevant agencies and offices.
(5) Administrative actions.--A description of
administrative actions that the Secretary intends to take to
remove barriers identified in the report.
(6) Statutory recommendations.--Any recommendations for
statutory changes needed to remove barriers identified in the
report.
(d) Annual Updates.--For each of the first 3 years following
submission of the report required under subsection (b), the Secretary
shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress, and make
publicly available on the website of the Department, an annual update
to that report that describes--
(1) any progress made to remove barriers identified in that
report;
(2) any administrative actions completed or underway;
(3) any remaining barriers to participation in Department
programs faced by certified organic farms and farms that may be
interested in transitioning to organic production; and
(4) any additional recommendations for statutory changes.
SEC. 10114. STRENGTHENING LOCAL FOOD SECURITY PROGRAM.
Subtitle A of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621
et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 210B. STRENGTHENING LOCAL FOOD SECURITY PROGRAM.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Beginning farmer or rancher.--The term `beginning
farmer or rancher' has the meaning given the term in section
2501(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(a)).
``(2) Covered local producer.--The term `covered local
producer' means, with respect to an eligible entity
participating in the program, a fisherman, farmer, producer,
rancher, processor, or cooperative processor that is--
``(A) within the geographic boundaries of the State
of the eligible entity; or
``(B) not more than 400 miles from the delivery
destination of the food.
``(3) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means a
State agency, commission, or department that is responsible for
agriculture, procurement, food distribution, emergency
response, or other similar activities within the State.
``(4) Medium-size producer.--The term `medium-size
producer' means an individual whose annual gross cash farm
income is equal to or exceeds $350,000 but less than $999,999.
``(5) Program.--The term `program' means the program
established under subsection (b).
``(6) Small-size producer.--The term `small-size producer'
means an individual whose annual gross cash farm income is less
than $350,000.
``(7) State.--The term `State' includes--
``(A) each territory or possession of the United
States; and
``(B) each Federally recognized Indian Tribe.
``(8) Unprocessed or minimally processed foods.--The term
`unprocessed or minimally processed foods' means agricultural
products that retain their inherent character, including--
``(A) fruits and vegetables (including 100-percent
juices);
``(B) grain products, such as pastas and rice;
``(C) milk and dairy products and eggs;
``(D) meat (including whole carcasses, pieces
thereof, or ground meat) , poultry, and seafood;
``(E) protein sources that are meat alternatives
(such as beans or legumes) and fluid milk and other
dairy foods (such as cheese and yogurt); and
``(F) foods in a wide variety of minimal processing
states (such as whole, cut, or pureed) or forms (such
as fresh, frozen, canned, or dried).
``(9) Veteran farmer or rancher.--The term `veteran farmer
or rancher' has the meaning given the term in section 2501(a)
of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990
(7 U.S.C. 2279(a)).
``(b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a program under
which the Secretary shall enter into cooperative agreements, on a
noncompetitive basis, with eligible entities--
``(1) to support covered local producers by building and
expanding economic opportunities for those covered local
producers;
``(2) to establish and broaden partnerships with covered
local producers and the food distribution community to ensure
distribution of fresh (including fresh frozen) and nutritious
foods;
``(3) to strengthen the local and regional food security
and systems within the State of the eligible entity; and
``(4) to distribute food within the geographic boundaries
of an eligible entity, including to hunger relief organizations
and schools participating in school meal programs under the
Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et
seq.) and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et
seq.).
``(c) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity that enters into a
cooperative agreement under the program shall use funds received under
that cooperative agreement--
``(1) to purchase unprocessed or minimally processed foods
from covered local producers;
``(2) to ensure that at least 51 percent of the total
annual value of purchased unprocessed or minimally processed
foods by the eligible entity comprises purchases from small-
size producers, medium-size producers, beginning farmers or
ranchers, or veteran farmers or ranchers;
``(3) to provide technical assistance to covered local
producers, including--
``(A) in obtaining food safety training and
certifications; and
``(B) to support efforts to grow the local
agricultural value chain;
``(4) to distribute unprocessed or minimally processed
foods from covered local producers to organizations, including
nonprofit organizations, that have experience in food
distribution to improve access to healthy and nutritious food;
and
``(5) to build and expand economic opportunity for covered
local producers.
``(d) Limitation on Use of Funds.--Of the amount made available to
an eligible entity through a cooperative agreement under the program,
an eligible entity may use not more than 25 percent for administrative
expenses, of which not less than 35 percent shall be used to provide
the technical assistance described in subsection (c)(3).
``(e) Technical Assistance to Eligible Entities.--The Secretary
shall provide to eligible entities entering into a cooperative
agreement under the program guidance, technical assistance,
instruction, and monitoring throughout the duration of the cooperative
agreement.
``(f) Food Safety Training and Certification.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may require food purchased
by an eligible entity under a cooperative agreement entered
into under the program to be purchased from a farm that has
undergone food safety training or received a relevant food
safety certification with respect to production, packaging,
handling, and storage to minimize risks of food safety hazards.
``(2) Federal certification not required.--The Secretary
shall not require a food safety certification described in
paragraph (1) to be a Federal certification.
``(g) Amount of Allocation.--Of the amounts made available to carry
out this section for each fiscal year, the Secretary shall--
``(1) first allocate 10 percent to Tribal governments, to
be allocated using a funding formula determined by the
Secretary;
``(2) of the amounts remaining after making the allocation
under paragraph (1), allocate 1 percent to each State (other
than Tribal governments); and
``(3) after making the allocations under paragraphs (1) and
(2), allocate the remaining amounts to each eligible entity
(other than Tribal governments) by applying the formula
described in section 214 of the Emergency Food Assistance Act
of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7515).
``(h) Funding.--
``(1) Authorization of appropriations.--In addition to
other amounts made available under this subsection, there is
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section
$200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
``(2) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity
Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to carry
out this section $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 and
2028, to remain available until expended.''.
Subtitle B--Regulatory Reform
SEC. 10201. BIOSTIMULANTS.
(a) Definitions.--Section 2 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide,
and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (v) and inserting the following:
``(v) Plant Regulator.--
``(1) In general.--The term `plant regulator' means any
substance or mixture of substances intended, through
physiological action, for accelerating or retarding the rate of
growth or rate of maturation, or for otherwise altering the
behavior, of plants or the produce thereof.
``(2) Exclusions.--The term `plant regulator' does not
include--
``(A) substances to the extent that they are--
``(i) intended to be produced and used
within a plant; or
``(ii) intended as plant nutrients, trace
elements, nutritional chemicals, plant
inoculants, soil amendments, or vitamin hormone
products; or
``(B) plant biostimulants that--
``(i) have a low-risk profile in relation
to humans and other organisms, as determined by
the Environmental Protection Agency; and
``(ii) are of biological origin or include
chemical compounds that are synthetically
derived, but structurally similar and
functionally identical to substances of
biological origin.'';
(2) in subsection (hh)--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``or'' at the
end;
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by striking ``substances.'' and inserting
``substances'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) by striking ``volatilization
urease'' and inserting
``volatilization, or urease''; and
(II) by striking the period at the
end and inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
``(4) a plant biostimulant; or
``(5) a nutritional chemical.''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(pp) Plant Biostimulant.--The term `plant biostimulant' means any
substance or mixture of substances that, when applied to seeds, plants,
the rhizosphere, or soil or other growth media, acts to support a
plant's natural nutrition processes independently of the nutrient
content of that substance or mixture of substances, and that thereby
improves--
``(1) nutrient availability, uptake, or use efficiency;
``(2) tolerance to abiotic stress; or
``(3) consequent growth, development, quality, or yield.
``(qq) Nutritional Chemical.--The term `nutritional chemical' means
any substance or mixture of substances that interacts with plant
nutrients in a manner that improves nutrient availability or aids the
plant in acquiring or utilizing plant nutrients.
``(rr) Vitamin Hormone Product.--The term `vitamin hormone product'
means a product that--
``(1) consists of a mixture of plant hormones, plant
nutrients, plant inoculants, soil amendments, trace elements,
nutritional chemicals, plant biostimulants, or vitamins that is
intended for the improvement, maintenance, survival, health,
and propagation of plants;
``(2) is nontoxic and nonpoisonous in the undiluted
packaged concentrations of the product; and
``(3) is not intended for use on food crop sites and is
labeled accordingly.
``(ss) Plant-incorporated Protectant.--
``(1) In general.--The term `plant-incorporated protectant'
means a pesticide that is--
``(A) intended for preventing, destroying,
repelling, or mitigating a pest; and
``(B) a substance or mixture of substances intended
to be produced and used within a living plant, or in
the produce thereof, and the genetic material necessary
for its production.
``(2) Inclusions.--The term `plant-incorporated protectant'
includes any inert ingredient (as defined in section 174.3 of
title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor
regulation)).''.
(b) Exemption From Regulation.--Section 25 of the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136w) is amended
by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
``(b) Exemption of Pesticides.--
``(1) Exemption by rule.--The Administrator may exempt from
the requirements of this Act by regulation any pesticide which
the Administrator determines either--
``(A) to be adequately regulated by another Federal
agency; or
``(B) to be of a character which is unnecessary to
be subject to this Act in order to carry out the
purposes of this Act.
``(2) Exemption for certain plant-incorporated
protectants.--
``(A) Exemption.--
``(i) In general.--On the issuance of
guidance as described in subparagraph (B),
plant-incorporated protectants resulting from
endogenous genetic material found within or
that could arise from the plant's gene pool are
exempt from the requirements of this Act.
``(ii) Exception.--A specific plant-
incorporated protectant arising from endogenous
genetic material found within or that could
arise from the plant's gene pool shall not be
exempt from the requirements of this Act if the
Administrator determines that such plant-
incorporated protectant is of a character which
is necessary to be subject to this Act in order
to carry out the purposes of this Act.
``(B) Guidance.--
``(i) In general.--Not later than 1 year
after the date of enactment of the Agricultural
Act of 2026, the Administrator shall issue
guidance for the implementation of subparagraph
(A).
``(ii) Updates.--The Administrator may
update the guidance issued under clause (i) as
the Administrator determines to be appropriate.
``(C) Order.--
``(i) In general.--If the Administrator
makes a determination described in subparagraph
(A)(ii) with respect to a plant-incorporated
protectant, the Administrator shall issue an
order explaining the basis for that
determination, which may be issued directly to
any person who owns, controls, or has custody
of the plant-incorporated protectant or
published in the Federal Register.
``(ii) Effect of order.--After receipt or
publication of an order described in clause
(i), the plant-incorporated protectant
described in the order will no longer be exempt
from the requirements of this Act.
``(D) Tolerance exemption.--The residue of a plant-
incorporated protectant that is exempt under
subparagraph (A)(i) shall be exempt from the
requirement for a tolerance under section 408 of the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 346a)
unless, and until such time as, the Administrator
issues or publishes an order under subparagraph
(C)(i).''.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--Section 17(c) of the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136o(c)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
striking ``(as defined in section 174.3 of title 40,
Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor
regulation))'';
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``or'' at the
end;
(C) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; or''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) that plant-incorporated protectant is exempt
under section 25(b)(2) or part 174 of title 40, Code of
Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation).'';
and
(2) in paragraph (3)(A), by striking ``(as defined in
section 174.3 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or any
successor regulation))''.
SEC. 10202. SOIL HEALTH STUDY.
(a) Study.--The Secretary shall conduct a study to assess the types
of, and practices using, plant biostimulants (as defined in section 2
of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C.
136)) that best achieve the following:
(1) Increasing organic matter content.
(2) Reducing atmospheric volatilization.
(3) Promotion of nutrient management practices.
(4) Limiting or eliminating runoff or leaching of soil or
nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, into groundwater or
other water sources.
(5) Restoring beneficial bioactivity or healthy nutrients
to the soil.
(6) Aiding in carbon sequestration, nutrient use
efficiency, and other climate-related benefits.
(7) Supporting innovative approaches to improving
agricultural sustainability, including the adoption of
performance-based outcome standards and criteria.
(b) Report.--Not later than 4 years after the date on which funds
are first made available for the study under subsection (a), the
Secretary shall make publicly available and submit to the Committee on
Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that
describes the results of the study.
SEC. 10203. FIFRA INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP.
Section 3(c)(11) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136a(c)(11)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B)--
(A) by striking ``The Administrator shall'' and
inserting the following:
``(i) In general.--The Administrator
shall''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(ii) Participation.--The Secretary of
Agriculture shall include the Director of the
Office of Pest Management Policy in all
meetings of the interagency working group.'';
(2) in subparagraph (D)--
(A) in clause (iv), in the matter preceding
subclause (I), by striking ``every 180 days thereafter
during the 5-year period beginning on that date'' and
inserting ``each year thereafter''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(v) Availability.--All reports required
under this subparagraph shall be published on
the website of the Environmental Protection
Agency.''; and
(3) by striking subparagraph (E) and inserting the
following:
``(E) Consultation.--
``(i) Working group with private sector.--
In carrying out the duties under this
paragraph, the working group shall, as
appropriate--
``(I) consult, including through
public meetings, with representatives
of interested industry stakeholders and
nongovernmental organizations not less
frequently than once each year; and
``(II) take into consideration
factors, such as actual and potential
differences in interest between, and
the views of, those stakeholders and
organizations.
``(ii) Administrator with working group.--
Before the Administrator implements any policy,
strategy, workplan, or pilot program regarding
the application of the Endangered Species Act
of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) to the
processes for the registration or registration
review of a pesticide under this Act, the
Administrator shall--
``(I) consult with the covered
agencies on the policy, strategy,
workplan, or pilot program and take
into consideration input received; and
``(II) publish the input received
from the covered agencies in the docket
with the corresponding policy,
strategy, workplan, or pilot
program.''.
SEC. 10204. INTERSTATE MOVEMENT OUTSIDE OF THE CONTINENTAL UNITED
STATES.
Section 433(c)(1) of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7753(c)(1))
is amended by inserting ``or interstate movement from areas outside of
the continental United States,'' after ``United States,''.
SEC. 10205. CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS TO SUPPORT EMERGENCY PLANT HEALTH
RESPONSE EFFORTS.
Subtitle D of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7771 et seq.) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 443. USE OF FUNDS.
``The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out this
title for the construction and operation of research laboratories,
quarantine stations, and other buildings and facilities for special
purposes.''.
SEC. 10206. AGRICULTURE QUARANTINE AND INSPECTION PROGRAM RESERVE FEE.
Section 2509(a)(1) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990 (21 U.S.C. 136a(a)(1)) is amended by striking
subparagraph (C) and inserting the following:
``(C) to maintain a reasonable balance in the
Department of Agriculture accounts described in
paragraph (6).''.
SEC. 10207. REGISTRATION REVIEW.
(a) Extension of Deadline.--Section 3(g)(1)(A)(iii) of the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C.
136a(g)(1)(A)(iii)) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking
``the registration review of'' and inserting ``the interim
registration review decision of''; and
(2) in subclause (I), by striking ``2022'' and inserting
``2031''.
(b) Interim Registration Review Decision Requirements.--Section
3(g)(1)(A) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
(7 U.S.C. 136a(g)(1)(A)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(vi) Interim registration review decision
requirements.--
``(I) Requirements.--Any covered
interim registration review decision
shall include, where applicable,
measures to reduce the effects of the
applicable pesticide on--
``(aa) species listed under
the Endangered Species Act of
1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.);
or
``(bb) any designated
critical habitat.
``(II) Consultation.--In developing
measures described in subclause (I),
the Administrator shall take into
account the input received from the
Secretary of Agriculture and other
members of the interagency working
group established under subsection
(c)(11).
``(III) Covered interim
registration review decision.--In this
subsection, the term `covered interim
registration review decision' means an
interim registration review decision--
``(aa) that is associated
with an initial registration
review described in clause
(iii);
``(bb) that is noticed in
the Federal Register before
October 1, 2031; and
``(cc) for which the
Administrator has not, as of
the date on which the decision
is noticed in the Federal
Register, made effects
determinations or completed any
necessary consultation under
section 7(a)(2) of the
Endangered Species Act of 1973
(16 U.S.C. 1536(a)(2)).''.
(c) Conforming Repeal.--Section 711 of the Pesticide Registration
Improvement Act of 2022 (title VI of division HH of Public Law 117-328;
136 Stat. 6083) is repealed.
SEC. 10208. OFFICE OF PEST MANAGEMENT POLICY.
Section 614(f) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7653(f)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2023.'' and inserting
``2026; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) $8,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through
2031.''.
SEC. 10209. COORDINATION.
Section 3 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide
Act (7 U.S.C. 136a) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(i) Coordination.--
``(1) Risk mitigation measures.--If any risk mitigation
measures are required for any pesticide registered under this
Act, the Administrator shall--
``(A) develop such measures in coordination with
the Secretary of Agriculture; and
``(B) conduct, and publish in the docket, with the
corresponding action, an economic analysis determining
the cost of implementation of such measures.
``(2) Data and information.--
``(A) Coordination of data and information.--With
respect to the registration or registration review of a
pesticide under this Act and for making a determination
under section 408 of the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 346a) with respect to any
action that impacts the sale, distribution, or use of a
pesticide, the Administrator shall coordinate with the
Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Director
of the Office of Pest Management Policy, so that the
Administrator has, for the Administrator's use and
consideration for such processes--
``(i) agronomic use data from--
``(I) the Department of
Agriculture; and
``(II) industry; and
``(ii) any information relating to the
availability and economic viability of
alternatives to the applicable pesticide.
``(B) Publication.--In issuing any decision
resulting from a process described in subparagraph (A),
the Administrator shall publish--
``(i) a description of the use by the
Administrator of any data or information
provided by the Secretary of Agriculture under
that subparagraph; and
``(ii) the determination of the
Administrator on whether to use such data or
information, including, if applicable, the
reasons that the data or information was not
used.
``(3) Reasonable and prudent actions and measures.--With
respect to the implementation of reasonable and prudent actions
and measures relating to the use of a pesticide registered
under this Act, the Administrator shall coordinate with the
Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of the Interior, and
the Secretary of Commerce--
``(A) to review the development of any such actions
and measures that are a result of consultations
relating to actions under this Act;
``(B) to fully consider the risks and benefits of
any such actions and measures in a manner consistent
with practices established to evaluate the risks and
benefits of a pesticide registered under this Act; and
``(C) to provide feedback to the Secretary of the
Interior and the Secretary of Commerce on decisions
relating to any such actions and measures that may
affect end users of a pesticide registered under this
Act.
``(4) Waiver.--The coordination requirements imposed by
this subsection may be waived or modified for a specific action
to the extent agreed upon by the Administrator, the Secretary
of Agriculture, and the registrant, subject to the condition
that such agreement is published by the Administrator in the
docket for the corresponding action.''.
SEC. 10210. MULTIPLE CROP AND PESTICIDE USE SURVEY.
Section 10109 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Public
Law 115-334; 132 Stat. 4906) is amended by striking subsection (b) and
inserting the following:
``(b) Administration.--
``(1) Submission.--The Secretary shall submit to the
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and make
publicly available, the survey described in subsection (a).
``(2) Commercial data.--The Secretary, acting through the
Director of the Office of Pest Management Policy, shall obtain
commercial data on pesticide use to inform the conduct of, and
enhance the results of, the survey described in subsection (a).
``(3) Rulemaking procedure.--The administration of this
section shall be made without regard to chapter 35 of title 44,
United States Code (commonly known as the `Paperwork Reduction
Act').''.
SEC. 10211. OFFICE OF BIOTECHNOLOGY POLICY.
(a) In General.--Subtitle B of title VI of the Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7651 et
seq.) is amended by adding at the end following:
``SEC. 621. OFFICE OF BIOTECHNOLOGY POLICY.
``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to establish an
Office of Biotechnology Policy to provide for the effective
coordination of agricultural policies and activities within the
Department related to biotechnology, while taking into account the
effects of actions of other government agencies.
``(b) Establishment of Office; Principal Responsibilities.--The
Secretary shall establish in the Department an Office of Biotechnology
Policy, which shall be responsible for--
``(1) facilitating the coordination of the development of
Department policy on biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and
related topics;
``(2) facilitating the coordination of activities and
services of the Department, including research, extension, and
education activities, regarding the development, regulation,
availability, and use of biotechnology tools and products
under--
``(A) the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7701 et
seq.);
``(B) the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C.
8301 et seq.);
``(C) the eighth paragraph of the matter under the
heading `bureau of animal industry' in the Act of March
4, 1913 (commonly known as the `Virus-Serum-Toxin Act')
(21 U.S.C. 151 et seq.);
``(D) the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C.
601 et seq.);
``(E) the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21
U.S.C. 451 et seq.);
``(F) the Egg Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C.
1031 et seq.); and
``(G) other applicable laws;
``(3) offering consultation to other agencies of the
Department in fulfilling their responsibilities relating to
biotechnology under--
``(A) the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.);
``(B) the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21
U.S.C. 301 et seq.);
``(C) the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996
(Public Law 104-170; 110 Stat. 1489); and
``(D) other applicable laws; and
``(4) performing such other functions as may be required by
law or prescribed by the Secretary.
``(c) Interagency Coordination.--In support of its responsibilities
under subsection (b), the Office of Biotechnology Policy shall provide
leadership to ensure coordination of interagency activities between
cross-Departmental agencies and offices and 1 or more of the following:
``(1) The Environmental Protection Agency.
``(2) The Food and Drug Administration.
``(3) Any other Federal or State agency.
``(d) Outreach.--The Office of Biotechnology Policy shall consult
with biotechnology developers, academics, agricultural producers, and
others that may be affected by biotechnology-related activities or
actions of the Department or other Federal agencies, as necessary, in
carrying out the responsibilities of the Office of Biotechnology Policy
under this section.
``(e) Director.--The Office of Biotechnology Policy shall be under
the direction of a Director appointed by the Secretary, who shall
report directly to the Secretary or a designee of the Secretary.
``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $1,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2027 through 2031.''.
(b) Clerical Amendments.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of
the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998
(Public Law 105-185; 112 Stat. 523) is amended--
(1) by striking the items relating to sections 401, 402,
403, 405, 409, 612, 617, 631, and 632;
(2) by striking the item relating to subtitle C of title
VI;
(3) by inserting after the item relating to section 404 the
following:
``Sec. 405. National food safety training, education, extension,
outreach, and technical assistance
program.'';
(4) by inserting after the item relating to section 408 the
following:
``Sec. 410. Grants for youth organizations.
``Sec. 411. Agricultural biotechnology research and development for
developing countries.
``Sec. 412. Specialty crop research initiative.
``Sec. 413. Food and agriculture service learning program.'';
(5) by inserting after the item relating to section 616 the
following:
``Sec. 617. Forestry products advanced utilization research.''; and
(6) by inserting after the item relating to section 619 the
following:
``Sec. 620. Senior Scientific Research Center.
``Sec. 621. Office of Biotechnology Policy.''.
SEC. 10212. NATIONAL CLEAN PLANT NETWORK.
Section 420(g) of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7721(g)) is
amended by striking ``$5,000,000'' and inserting ``$10,000,000''.
SEC. 10213. PROPER ADMINISTRATION OF THE DEFINITION OF SPECIALTY CROP.
The Secretary shall ensure that for all programs and services
administered by the Department, the term ``specialty crop'' has the
meaning given the term in section 3 of the Specialty Crops
Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note; Public Law 108-465).
TITLE XI--CROP INSURANCE
SEC. 11001. DEFINITION OF SPECIALTY CROP.
Section 502(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1502(b))
is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (13) and (14) as paragraphs
(14) and (15), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (12) the following:
``(13) Specialty crop.--The term `specialty crop' has the
meaning given the term in section 3 of the Specialty Crops
Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note; Public Law
108-465).''.
SEC. 11002. MANAGEMENT OF CORPORATION.
(a) In General.--Section 505 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7
U.S.C. 1505) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by redesignating subparagraphs (E),
(F), and (G) as subparagraphs (F), (G), and
(H), respectively;
(ii) by inserting after subparagraph (D)
the following:
``(E) The chairperson of the Specialty Crop
Advisory Committee established under subsection
(f)(1)(A), who shall serve as a nonvoting ex officio
member.''; and
(iii) in subparagraph (H) (as so
redesignated)--
(I) by striking ``Four'' and
inserting ``4''; and
(II) by striking ``including at
least one specialty crop producer.''
and inserting the following:
``including at least--
``(i) 1 specialty crop producer; and
``(ii) beginning with the Board of
Directors serving on or after May 1, 2027--
``(I) 1 producer that actively
engages in livestock production and
crop production of agricultural
commodities; and
``(II) 1 underserved producer (as
defined in section 508(a)(7)(A)) that
is a beginning farmer or rancher.'';
and
(B) in paragraph (3), in the matter preceding
subparagraph (A), by striking ``subparagraphs (E), (F),
and (G) of paragraph (2)'' and inserting
``subparagraphs (F), (G), and (H) of paragraph (2), and
the members of the Specialty Crop Advisory Committee
established under subsection (f)(1)(A)'';
(2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
``(b) Vacancies.--
``(1) In general.--A vacancy on the Board shall not impair
the power of the Board to execute the functions of the
Corporation, subject to the condition that there are at least 6
members of the Board in office.
``(2) Quorum.--6 members of the Board in office shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of the business of the
Board.''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Specialty Crop Advisory Committee.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date
of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall--
``(A) establish a Specialty Crop Advisory Committee
(referred to in this subsection as the `Committee'), to
assist the Corporation in the research, establishment,
and improvement of policies or plans of insurance for
specialty crops; and
``(B) appoint the initial members of the Committee
in accordance with paragraph (2).
``(2) Composition.--
``(A) Chairperson.--The chairperson of the
Committee shall be an individual with--
``(i) experience in crop insurance; and
``(ii) familiarity with the unique nature
of the specialty crop industry.
``(B) Members.--The Committee shall consist of not
more than 10 members, to be appointed in accordance
with subsection (a)(3), including--
``(i) individuals with an understanding of
the production methods, markets, and risks
(including losses due to weather, trade
damages, and supply chain disruptions) unique
to specialty crop production;
``(ii) not fewer than 5 producers; and
``(iii) not fewer than 1 producer from each
of the West, Midwest, South, and Northeast
regions of the United States (as identified by
the Bureau of the Census).
``(3) Duties.--
``(A) In general.--The Committee shall--
``(i) review available educational programs
and make recommendations on how to enhance the
effectiveness of those programs for specialty
crop producers;
``(ii) advise the manager of the
Corporation on issues relating to specialty
crop insurance policies;
``(iii) provide, through the Chairperson of
the Committee, input to the Board on decisions
relating to specialty crop insurance policies;
``(iv) provide recommendations to the
manager of the Corporation regarding the
presentation of policies to the Board under
section 508(a)(6); and
``(v) advise the manager of the Corporation
on entering into partnerships to carry out
subsections (d) and (e)(2)(B) of section 522.
``(B) Requirements.--In carrying out the duties
under this paragraph, the Committee shall--
``(i) meet not less frequently than 2 times
each year; and
``(ii) coordinate closely with the
Specialty Crops Coordinator under section
507(g).''.
(b) Specialty Crops Coordinator.--Section 507 of the Federal Crop
Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1507) is amended by striking subsection (g) and
inserting the following:
``(g) Specialty Crops Coordinator.--
``(1) In general.--The Corporation shall establish a
management-level position, to be known as the `Specialty Crops
Coordinator'.
``(2) Responsibilities.--
``(A) In general.--The Specialty Crops Coordinator
shall have the primary responsibility for--
``(i) addressing the needs of specialty
crop producers; and
``(ii) providing information and advice, in
connection with the activities of the
Corporation, to improve and expand the
insurance program for specialty crops.
``(B) Other duties.--In carrying out subparagraph
(A), the Specialty Crops Coordinator shall--
``(i) act as a liaison of the Corporation
with representatives of specialty crop
producers and the Specialty Crop Advisory
Committee; and
``(ii) assist the Corporation with the
knowledge, expertise, and familiarity of
specialty crop producers with risk management
and production issues relating to specialty
crops.''.
(c) Annual Review of New and Specialty Crops.--Section 508(a)(6)(A)
of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(a)(6)(A)) is amended,
in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting ``, in consultation
with the Specialty Crop Advisory Committee,'' after ``Corporation''.
SEC. 11003. IDENTIFICATION OF HOLDERS OF SUBSTANTIAL INTERESTS.
(a) In General.--Section 506(m) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act
(7 U.S.C. 1506(m)) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
``(3) Identification of holders of substantial interests.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the
Manager of the Corporation may require each
policyholder to provide to the Manager, at such times
and in such manner as the Manager may prescribe, the
name of each individual or other entity that acquires
or holds a substantial beneficial interest in such
policyholder.
``(B) Extension available.--
``(i) In general.--Except as provided in
clause (ii), the Manager of the Corporation
shall allow a policyholder that does not
provide to the Manager any information required
pursuant to subparagraph (A) at the time
prescribed by the Manager to provide that
information to the Manager at any time during
the applicable crop year.
``(ii) Exception.--Clause (i) shall not
apply to a policyholder that an approved
insurance provider determines--
``(I) would receive a
disproportionate benefit under a crop
insurance program as a result of
failing to provide to the Manager of
the Corporation information required
pursuant to subparagraph (A) at the
time prescribed by the Manager; or
``(II) failed to provide such
information to avoid an obligation or
requirement under an applicable Federal
or State law.''; and
(2) in paragraph (4), by striking ``5 percent'' and
inserting ``10 percent''.
(b) Technical Corrections.--Section 506 of the Federal Crop
Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1506) is amended--
(1) in subsection (d), in the first sentence, by striking
``section 508(j)(2)(A), the Corporation, subject to the
provisions of section 508(j), may'' and inserting ``section
508(j), the Corporation may''; and
(2) in subsection (m) (as amended by subsection (a))--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking
``205(c)(2)(C)(iii)'' and inserting
``205(c)(2)(C)(iv)''; and
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) as
paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and (1), respectively, and
moving the paragraphs so as to appear in numerical
order.
SEC. 11004. RESTORATION OF FINAL AGENCY DETERMINATIONS.
Section 506 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1506) is
amended by striking subsection (r) and inserting the following:
``(q) Procedures for Responding to Certain Inquiries.--
``(1) Exclusive interpretive authority.--The Corporation
shall have exclusive authority to interpret--
``(A) any regulation issued under this subtitle;
``(B) any plan of insurance authorized by this Act
or reinsured by the Corporation; and
``(C) any policy, plan of insurance, contract
provision, or procedure issued or approved pursuant to
this Act.
``(2) Request for interpretation.--A participant in the
Federal crop insurance program may request the Corporation to
provide an interpretation under paragraph (1).
``(3) Final agency determination.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 90 days after
receiving a request under paragraph (2), the
Corporation shall provide a written interpretation,
which shall be considered a final agency determination.
``(B) Publication.--The Corporation shall make
publicly available each interpretation provided under
subparagraph (A).
``(4) General applicability and binding effect.--
``(A) In general.--Any determination made pursuant
to paragraph (3) or, if made before the date of
enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2026, pursuant to
any provision of this section then in effect, shall be
generally applicable to and binding on all participants
in the Federal crop insurance program, including
producers, approved insurance providers, agents, loss
adjusters, arbitrators, and the National Appeals
Division.
``(B) No judicial review.--There shall be no
judicial review of any determination of the Corporation
made--
``(i) pursuant to this subsection; or
``(ii) before the date of enactment of the
Agricultural Act of 2026 pursuant to any
provision of this section then in effect.''.
SEC. 11005. COVERAGE OF REVENUE LOSSES.
Section 508(a)(1) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
1508(a)(1)) is amended, in the second sentence, by inserting ``or a
decline in the market price of the insured commodity, subject to the
condition that the decline was not directly caused by the producer, as
determined by the Secretary'' before the period at the end.
SEC. 11006. YIELD DETERMINATIONS.
Section 508(g)(4) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
1508(g)(4)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (D), by inserting ``, except no such
adjustment shall be made in the case of an action taken by the
Corporation under subparagraph (E)'' before the period at the
end; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) Further exclusion.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Act, with respect to 1 or more of the
crop years used to establish the actual production
history of an agricultural commodity of the producer,
the Corporation shall exclude any recorded or appraised
yield for any crop year in which the per planted acre
yield of the agricultural commodity of the producer is
adversely impacted due to the operation of the project
described in row 4 in the table under section 7002(2)
of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of
2014 (Public Law 113-121; 128 Stat. 1366).''.
SEC. 11007. CROP INSURANCE SUPPORT FOR BEGINNING AND VETERAN FARMERS
AND RANCHERS.
(a) Definition of Veteran Farmer or Rancher.--Section 502(b) is
amended, in paragraph (15) (as redesignated by section 11001(1)), in
subparagraph (B)--
(1) in clause (ii), by striking ``5'' and inserting ``10'';
and
(2) in clause (iii), by striking ``5-year'' and inserting
``10-year''.
(b) Increase in Assistance.--Section 508(e)(9) of the Federal Crop
Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(e)(9)) is amended by inserting ``or
veteran farmer or rancher'' after ``beginning farmer or rancher'' each
place it appears.
SEC. 11008. MARKETABILITY.
Section 508(h)(4) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
1508(h)(4)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)(iii)--
(A) by striking ``This subparagraph'' and inserting
the following:
``(I) In general.--Except as
provided in subclause (II), this
subparagraph''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(II) Exception.--An approved
insurance provider that submits a
letter of support for a concept
proposal or a policy or plan of
insurance--
``(aa) shall not be
considered the public for
purposes of clause (ii);
``(bb) shall have access to
data and other product
development information
submitted to the Board under
this subsection; and
``(cc) shall be subject to
the confidentiality
requirements that are
applicable to the Board under
clauses (i) and (ii).'';
(2) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the
following:
``(B) Submitter.--With respect to a person
authorized to make a submission under paragraph (1)(A),
the Board--
``(i) shall provide that person with an
opportunity to present the submission to the
Board in person; and
``(ii) shall not require an approved
insurance provider assisting that person with a
policy to be included as a person or entity
making the submission under this subsection.'';
(3) in subparagraph (D), by adding at the end the
following:
``(iv) Marketability deadline.--Any new
policy, plan of insurance, or other material
approved by the Board under this subsection
during a reinsurance year and after the
Standard Reinsurance Agreement closing date of
July 1 shall not be implemented for that
reinsurance year unless, not later than 90 days
before the sales closing date for that policy,
plan of insurance, or other material, the Board
makes available to the approved insurance
providers all necessary handbooks, training
materials, and other resources associated with
such policy, plan of insurance, or other
materials, as determined by the Board.''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(F) Marketability determination.--Prior to the
approval of a policy, plan of insurance, or other
material submitted to the Board under this subsection
(referred to in this subparagraph as a `product'), any
approved insurance provider that submits a letter of
support for the product shall provide an assessment to
the Board on the marketability of that product.''.
SEC. 11009. REIMBURSEMENT RATES FOR ADMINISTRATIVE AND OPERATING COSTS.
Section 508(k)(4) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
1508(k)(4)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking
``shall not exceed--'' and inserting ``shall--'';
(B) in clause (i)--
(i) by inserting ``not exceed,'' before
``for the''; and
(ii) by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(C) in clause (ii)--
(i) by inserting ``not exceed,'' before
``for each'';
(ii) by striking ``and subsequent'' and
inserting ``through 2026''; and
(iii) by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(iii) for each of the 2027 and subsequent
reinsurance years, be determined in accordance
with subparagraph (F).''; and
(2) by striking subparagraph (F) and inserting the
following:
``(F) Reimbursement rates for reinsurance year 2027
and subsequent reinsurance years.--Notwithstanding
subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (E), for each of the
2027 and subsequent reinsurance years, the rate
established by the Board to reimburse approved
insurance providers and agents for the administrative
and operating costs of the providers and agents with
respect to each policy made available under this Act
shall be equal to the rate applicable to the policy in
effect for the 2026 reinsurance year.''.
SEC. 11010. QUALITY LOSS ADJUSTMENT COVERAGE.
Section 508(m)(3) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
1508(m)(3)) is amended--
(1) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the
following:
``(A) Periodic review.--Beginning with the 2027
calendar year and every 5 years thereafter, the
Corporation shall contract with a qualified person to
conduct a review, which shall be completed within 1
year of initiation, of the quality loss adjustment
procedures of the Corporation.'';
(2) in subparagraph (B), by striking the subparagraph
designation and all that follows through ``review'' and
inserting the following:
``(B) Stakeholder engagement.--Each review under
subparagraph (A) shall include engagement from
regionally diverse industry stakeholders for each
agricultural commodity for which a quality loss
adjustment is offered.
``(C) Procedures.--Based on each review conducted
under subparagraph (A)''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) Report.--On the completion of each review
under subparagraph (A), the Corporation shall submit to
the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture of the
House of Representatives a report that describes--
``(i) findings from that review;
``(ii) changes to the quality loss
adjustment procedures;
``(iii) the stakeholder engagement for that
review pursuant to subparagraph (B); and
``(iv) plans for establishing specific
quality loss adjustment procedures for unique
regions, as determined by the Secretary.''.
SEC. 11011. LIMITATION ON FARM PROGRAM PARTICIPATION.
(a) In General.--Section 508B(f) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act
(7 U.S.C. 1508b(f)) is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1),
by striking ``beginning with the 2019 crop year'' and inserting ``for
the 2019 through 2025 crop years''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1115 of the Agricultural Act of
2014 (7 U.S.C. 9015) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(j) Limitation.--Beginning with the 2026 crop year, in the case
of a farm for which a producer obtains coverage under the Stacked
Income Protection Plan for upland cotton under section 508B of the
Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508b) for a crop year, that farm
shall not be eligible to receive payments for seed cotton for that crop
year under--
``(1) price loss coverage under section 1116; or
``(2) agriculture risk coverage under section 1117.''.
(c) Technical Correction.--Section 508(c)(4)(C)(iv) of the Federal
Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(c)(4)(C)(iv)) is amended, in the
clause heading, by striking ``crops and''.
SEC. 11012. PILOT PROGRAM TO REVIEW EFFECTIVENESS OF COVERAGE PENALTY.
The Federal Crop Insurance Act is amended by inserting after
section 508D (7 U.S.C. 1508d) the following:
``SEC. 508E. PILOT PROGRAM TO REVIEW EFFECTIVENESS OF COVERAGE PENALTY.
``(a) In General.--The Risk Management Agency and the Corporation
shall establish a pilot program (referred to in this section as the
`pilot program'), to be in effect beginning with the 2027 crop year, to
evaluate the effectiveness of the reduction in benefits applied to corn
and other crops, as determined by the Corporation, planted during the
late planting period (as defined in section 457.8 of title 7, Code of
Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation)).
``(b) Location.--The pilot program shall be conducted in not less
than 4 counties located within or adjacent to the North Plains
Groundwater Conservation District or the Panhandle Groundwater
Conservation District in the State of Texas.
``(c) Duration.--The pilot program shall operate for a period of
not less than 4 crop years.
``(d) Evaluation.--In carrying out the pilot program, the Risk
Management Agency and the Corporation shall--
``(1) suspend any reduction to the insurance guarantee
applied to an insurance policy for a crop that is planted
during the late planting period;
``(2) gather and analyze data to determine if the number of
days beyond the final plant date in which a crop was planted
during the late planting period correlates with a decrease in
crop yields; and
``(3) determine if planting a crop after the final plant
date results in reduced usage of irrigation from the Ogallala
Aquifer.
``(e) Partnerships.--Of the amounts made available under section
522(e)(2)(A)(ii), the Corporation may use not more than $200,000 to
enter into a partnership or cooperative agreement with a nonprofit
organization, State agency, or public university that is familiar with
agricultural production in the area described in subsection (b) to
conduct the research and evaluation required under paragraphs (2) and
(3) of subsection (d).
``(f) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the last day of crop
year 2031, the Risk Management Agency and the Corporation shall submit
to the Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and Nutrition of the Senate
and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives a
report that includes--
``(1) a summary of the results of the pilot program;
``(2) an analysis of the correlation between planting date
and final yields; and
``(3) any changes to existing policies that the Corporation
intends to make as a result of the information obtained during
the pilot program.''.
SEC. 11013. PROGRAM COMPLIANCE AND INTEGRITY.
Section 515(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1515(b))
is amended--
(1) in the subsection heading, by inserting ``, RESPONSE,
AND FINAL DETERMINATION'' after ``NOTIFICATION'';
(2) in paragraph (1), by striking ``shall notify in
writing'' and inserting ``shall, through an initial finding in
writing, notify (unless such notification is pursuant to the
responsibilities to conduct reviews and make corrections)'';
(3) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking the paragraph designation and
heading and all that follows through ``Notice'' and
inserting the following:
``(2) Required timing.--
``(A) Initial finding.--Notice''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Response.--During the 90-day period beginning
on the date on which the Corporation notifies an
approved insurance provider of an initial finding under
paragraph (1), the approved insurance provider may
appeal that initial finding in writing.
``(C) Final finding.--Not later than 90 days after
the date on which an approved insurance provider
submits an appeal under subparagraph (B), the
Corporation shall issue a final finding in writing to
the approved insurance provider.
``(D) Request for final administrative
determination.--Not later than 90 days after the date
of a final finding of the Corporation under
subparagraph (C), an approved insurance provider may
request, in writing, a final administrative
determination if the approved insurance provider has
reason to believe that the final finding under
subparagraph (C) is not in accordance with--
``(i) the applicable laws, regulations,
custom, or practice of the crop insurance
industry; or
``(ii) the approved policy and procedure of
the Corporation.
``(E) Final determination.--Not later than 90 days
after the receipt of a request for a final
administrative determination under subparagraph (D),
the Corporation shall provide a final administrative
determination, unless substantial new information, as
determined by the Corporation, is provided by the
approved insurance provider.
``(F) Appeal to civilian board of contract
appeals.--Not later than 90 days after receipt of a
final administrative determination under subparagraph
(E), an approved insurance provider may appeal that
determination to the Civilian Board of Contract
Appeals.''; and
(4) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
``(3) Effect of failure to timely notify.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (B), failure of the Corporation to comply
with the requirements under paragraph (2) shall relieve
the approved insurance provider from the debt owed to
the Corporation.
``(B) Exception.--Subparagraph (A) shall not apply
to any matters referred to the Office of the Inspector
General or the Department of Justice.''.
SEC. 11014. WHOLE FARM IMPROVEMENTS.
Section 522(c)(7)(E) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
1522(c)(7)(E)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(iii) Additional review.--Not later than
1 year after the date of enactment of this
clause and annually thereafter, the Corporation
shall--
``(I) review any limitations on
insurable revenue (including the
overall limitation and limitations
specific to animals, animal products,
greenhouses and nurseries, and
aquaculture) to ensure that those
limitations are adequate to cover the
financial risks associated with the
production of high-value agricultural
products; and
``(II) submit to the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of
the Senate and the Committee on
Agriculture of the House of
Representatives a report that contains
a summary of the review conducted under
subclause (I) and a description of any
expected changes to the policy for the
following reinsurance year.''.
SEC. 11015. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(c))
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(20) Organic producers.--
``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall carry out
research and development, or offer to enter into 1 or
more contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to
carry out research and development, regarding
impediments faced by organic producers in participating
in Federal crop insurance.
``(B) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the
date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2026, the
Corporation shall submit to the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and
the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives a report that describes--
``(i) the results of the research and
development carried out under subparagraph (A);
and
``(ii) any recommendations with respect to
those results.
``(21) Wine grapes.--
``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall carry out
research and development, or offer to enter into 1 or
more contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to
carry out research and development, regarding a policy
to insure wine grapes (including wine grapes produced
in the States of California, Oregon, and Washington)
against losses due to wildfire smoke exposure.
``(B) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the
date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2026, the
Corporation shall submit to the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and
the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives a report that describes--
``(i) the results of the research and
development carried out under subparagraph (A);
and
``(ii) any recommendations with respect to
those results.
``(22) Mushrooms.--
``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall carry out
research and development, or offer to enter into 1 or
more contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to
carry out research and development, regarding a policy
to insure mushrooms.
``(B) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2026, the
Corporation shall submit to the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and
the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives, and make publicly available, a report
that describes--
``(i) the results of the research and
development carried out under subparagraph (A);
and
``(ii) any recommendations with respect to
those results.
``(23) Frost, freeze, or cold weather insurance.--
``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall carry out
research and development, or offer to enter into 1 or
more contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to
carry out research and development, regarding an index-
based policy to insure crops (including tomatoes, table
grapes, wine grapes, juice grapes, peppers, sugarcane,
strawberries, melons, citrus, peaches, blueberries,
apples, cherries, and any other crop) against losses
due to a frost, freeze, or cold weather event.
``(B) Research and development.--Research and
development under subparagraph (A) shall--
``(i) evaluate the effectiveness of risk
management tools, such as the use of an index,
with respect to low frequency and catastrophic
loss weather events; and
``(ii) result in a policy that provides
protection for at least 1 of the following:
``(I) Production loss.
``(II) Revenue loss.
``(C) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2026, the
Corporation shall submit to the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and
the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives a report that describes--
``(i) the results of the research and
development carried out under subparagraph (A);
and
``(ii) any recommendations with respect to
those results.
``(24) Double cropping and rotational cropping of certain
oilseed crops.--
``(A) Definition of covered oilseed crops.--In this
paragraph, the term `covered oilseed crops' means
rapeseed, canola, camelina, and other oilseed crops
that--
``(i) require a period of cold temperature
(vernalization) before the plants will produce
flowers and seeds; and
``(ii) are planted and harvested on land
that would otherwise be idle in a rotation
pattern.
``(B) Research and development.--The Corporation
shall carry out research and development, or offer to
enter into 1 or more contracts with 1 or more qualified
persons to carry out research and development, with
respect to the inclusion of covered oilseed crops under
double cropping and rotational cropping policies.
``(C) Requirements.--The research and development
carried out pursuant to subparagraph (B) shall be
conducted in consultation with stakeholders to
evaluate--
``(i) the factors impacting availability
and cost of crop insurance when incorporating
covered oilseed crops into double cropping and
rotational cropping policies; and
``(ii) the potential risk management
benefits associated with incorporating covered
oilseed crops into double cropping and
rotational cropping policies, including risk
management benefits to soil health,
biodiversity, and the profitability of farming
operations.
``(D) Emphasis.--In awarding contracts under
subparagraph (B), the Corporation may place emphasis on
qualified persons and institutions that--
``(i) have previous research experience
with covered oilseed crops; and
``(ii) have access to a facility with the
capacity to do the applicable research.
``(E) Report.--Not later than 13 months after the
date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2026, the
Corporation shall submit to the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and
the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives, and make publicly available, a report
that describes--
``(i) the results of the research and
development carried out under subparagraph (B);
and
``(ii) any recommendations with respect to
those results.
``(25) Study on supplemental coverage option.--
``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall carry out
a study, or offer to enter into 1 or more contracts
with 1 or more qualified persons to carry out a study,
to determine the feasibility of modifying the
supplemental coverage option described in section
508(c)(4)(C) to provide coverage for counties larger
than 1,400 square miles--
``(i) at a level smaller than county-wide;
and
``(ii) at a level greater than individual
coverage.
``(B) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2026, the
Corporation shall submit to the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and
the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives a report that describes--
``(i) the results of the study carried out
under subparagraph (A); and
``(ii) any recommendations with respect to
those results.
``(26) Blueberries.--
``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall carry out
research and development, or offer to enter into 1 or
more contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to
carry out research and development, regarding--
``(i) improvements to existing policies
(including the Actual Production History
policy) to insure blueberries, including taking
into consideration multiple crop types and
values; and
``(ii) a policy to insure blueberries
against revenue loss.
``(B) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the
date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2026, the
Corporation shall submit to the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and
the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives a report that describes--
``(i) the results of the research and
development carried out under subparagraph (A);
and
``(ii) any recommendations with respect to
those results.
``(27) Pecan revenue enhancements.--
``(A) Research and development.--
``(i) In general.--The Corporation shall
carry out research and development, or offer to
enter into 1 or more contracts with 1 or more
qualified persons to carry out research and
development, to explore options to mitigate the
impacts of hurricanes, freezes, droughts, and
other natural disasters (as determined by the
Secretary) on the revenue guarantee under the
Pecan Revenue policy by offering 1 or more of
the following:
``(I) Options to exclude certain
crop years from revenue history, in a
manner similar to section 508(g)(4)(C).
``(II) Streamlined process and
procedures to allow approved insurance
providers to increase revenue
guarantees on restoration of pecan
production after a natural disaster.
``(III) Other policy and procedural
changes that--
``(aa) mitigate the impact
of low-revenue years; and
``(bb) retain actuarial
soundness.
``(ii) Policy changes.--Notwithstanding
section 508(g)(4)(C), the Corporation shall
make a policy change described in subclause (I)
or (III) of clause (i) available if the
requirements of section 508(h) are met.
``(B) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the
date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2026, the
Corporation shall submit to the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and
the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives a report that describes--
``(i) the results of the research and
development carried out under subparagraph (A);
and
``(ii) any recommendations with respect to
those results.
``(28) Standalone policy for hurricanes and tropical
storms.--
``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall conduct a
study, or offer to enter into 1 or more contracts with
1 or more qualified persons to conduct a study, to
determine the feasibility of making available insurance
against tropical storms and hurricanes, regardless of
whether there exists an applicable underlying crop
insurance policy.
``(B) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2026, the
Corporation shall submit to the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and
the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives a report that describes the results of
the study conducted under subparagraph (A).
``(29) Harvest incentives.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2026, the
Corporation shall carry out research and development,
or offer to enter into 1 or more contracts with 1 or
more qualified persons to carry out research and
development, relating to harvest incentives for
policies that provide coverage against losses of
revenue.
``(B) Availability of policy.--Notwithstanding
paragraphs (1)(B) and (2) of section 508(a), not later
than 2 years after the date of enactment of the
Agricultural Act of 2026, the Corporation shall make
available a policy described in subparagraph (A) if the
requirements of section 508(h) are met.
``(C) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2026, the
Corporation shall submit to the Committees on
Appropriations and Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
of the Senate and the Committees on Appropriations and
Agriculture of the House of Representatives a report
that describes--
``(i) the results of the research and
development carried out under subparagraph (A);
and
``(ii) any policy made available under this
paragraph.
``(30) Separate enterprise units for fallow cropping
systems.--
``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall carry out
a study, or offer to enter into 1 or more contracts
with 1 or more qualified persons to carry out a study,
to determine the feasibility of allowing separate
enterprise units for fallow and continuous acreage of
crops in counties.
``(B) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2026, the
Corporation shall submit to the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and
the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives a report that describes--
``(i) the results of the study carried out
under subparagraph (A); and
``(ii) any recommendations with respect to
those results.''.
SEC. 11016. RISK MANAGEMENT STUDY FOR LAMB.
(a) Definition of Livestock Protection and Risk Management
Program.--In this section, the term ``livestock protection and risk
management program'' includes--
(1) dairy margin coverage;
(2) livestock risk protection; and
(3) any other program designed to protect producers from
market volatility, as determined by the Secretary.
(b) Study.--The Secretary shall conduct a study on modifications to
existing livestock protection and risk management programs that may
enhance risk management protection to domestic lamb producers.
(c) Content.--In conducting the study under this section, the
Secretary shall take into account various factors affecting risk
management, including--
(1) market access;
(2) sources of feed;
(3) costs of, and fluctuation of costs of, feed;
(4) imports;
(5) consumer demand and trends;
(6) labor costs; and
(7) availability and accuracy of market data.
(d) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture,
Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture
of the House of Representatives a report on the findings of the study
conducted under this section.
SEC. 11017. REPORT ON STANDARD REINSURANCE AGREEMENT.
(a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation shall submit to the
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the
Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives a report on
modifications to the Standard Reinsurance Agreement that are necessary
to expand the availability of policies and plans of insurance that meet
the risk management needs of agricultural producers, States, regions,
and commodities.
(b) Contents.--The report required under subsection (a) shall--
(1) take into account the requirements under section
508(k)(8)(F) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
1508(k)(8)(F)) relating to budget neutrality of the Standard
Reinsurance Agreement; and
(2) include an analysis of--
(A) any benefit related to establishing--
(i) at least 1 additional reinsurance fund
for States that have experienced consistently
high loss ratios; and
(ii) at least 1 additional reinsurance fund
to provide alternative risk sharing terms for
approved insurance providers that sell
insurance contracts offering area plan
coverage;
(B) with respect to any funds reimbursed for
administrative and operating costs under section 507(c)
of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1507(c)),
the best method for ensuring that approved insurance
providers obligate those funds for--
(i) the delivery of risk management tools
to producers; and
(ii) agent workforce assistance for
producers, in an amount that is not less than
the historical percentage of such
reimbursement; and
(C) with respect to each policy and plan of
insurance, compensation amounts for agents that--
(i) are consistent with historical norms;
and
(ii) provide a reasonable return, taking
into account workload and the critical service
across programs that the agents provide.
(c) Consultation.--In developing the report under subsection (a),
the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation shall consult with--
(1) representatives of producers--
(A) from each State and region; and
(B) with respect to each commodity;
(2) representatives of agents and approved insurance
providers;
(3) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives; and
(4) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
of the Senate.
TITLE XII--MISCELLANEOUS
Subtitle A--Livestock
SEC. 12101. ANIMAL IMPORTATION INSPECTIONS.
Section 10404(b) of the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C.
8303(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``under paragraph (1)''
after ``regulations''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Conduct of inspections.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may promulgate
regulations under paragraph (1) that--
``(i) permit qualified veterinarians
employed by or contracted with the Department
of Agriculture to conduct inspections for the
purpose of carrying out this section; and
``(ii) give priority to the conduct of
inspections by those qualified veterinarians in
regions that do not have veterinary medical
officers of the Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service available.
``(B) Qualified veterinarian.--A qualified
veterinarian under subparagraph (A) shall have
appropriate training and credentials, as determined by
the Secretary.''.
SEC. 12102. ANIMAL DISEASE PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT.
Section 10409A of the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8308a)
is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (F)--
(i) by striking ``including training'' and
inserting the following: ``including--
``(i) training'';
(ii) in clause (i) (as so designated), by
striking the period at the end and inserting
``; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(ii) improving animal disease
traceability.''; and
(B) in subparagraph (I), by inserting ``, including
activities approved by the Secretary as of the date of
enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2026'' before the
period at the end;
(2) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) by striking ``$30,000,000'' and
inserting ``$45,000,000''; and
(II) by striking ``2019 through
2023'' and inserting ``2027 through
2031''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``2019 through 2023'' and inserting ``2027
through 2031''; and
(B) in paragraph (3)(B)--
(i) by inserting ``the National Animal
Health Laboratory Network under subsection (a)
and'' after ``carry out'';
(ii) by striking ``10'' and inserting
``15'';
(iii) by striking ``paragraph (7)(B) of
such subsection'' and inserting ``subsection
(b)(7)(B)''; and
(iv) by striking ``the Program'' and
inserting ``the National Animal Health
Laboratory Network or the National Animal
Disease Preparedness and Response Program'';
and
(3) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``2019 through 2023''
and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.
SEC. 12103. ENGAGEMENT WITH EXPORT MARKETS.
Section 10411 of the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8310)
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Engagement With Export Markets.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may preemptively
negotiate, to the extent practicable, regionalization,
compartmentalization, and other trade agreements regarding
outbreaks of known animal disease threats with the governments
of countries with export markets for any animal, article, or
associated means of conveyance from the United States.
``(2) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection may
be construed--
``(A) to limit the ability of the United States
Trade Representative to negotiate trade agreements; or
``(B) to require the United States Trade
Representative to condition other trade agreements on
the inclusion of language relating to outbreaks of
known animal disease threats, as described in paragraph
(1).''.
SEC. 12104. REPORT ON SUPPORT FOR LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY PRODUCERS
DURING A FOREIGN ANIMAL DISEASE OUTBREAK.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on
Agriculture of the House of Representatives a report on the readiness
of the Department to support livestock producers and poultry growers
facing economic losses in the event of an outbreak of a foreign animal
disease.
(b) Contents.--The report submitted under subsection (a) shall
include, with respect to the ability of the Department to protect
producers and growers from significant economic losses as a result of
an outbreak of a foreign animal disease--
(1) an assessment of--
(A) existing Federal programs to assist producers
impacted by foreign animal disease outbreaks, including
catastrophic risk management tools, producer indemnity,
direct payments, biosecurity assistance, and herd
buyouts; and
(B) the capacity of the Department to use those
programs to provide benefits to producers and growers
that, as a result of an outbreak of a foreign animal
disease--
(i) have to sell livestock and poultry at a
reduced price;
(ii) have to quarantine, treat, destroy, or
dispose of animals;
(iii) have to implement additional
biosecurity measures; or
(iv) experience other significant economic
losses as a result of catastrophic market
conditions;
(2) a determination of gaps that exist in the ability of
the Department to provide economic support for growers
suffering losses; and
(3) recommendations of the Secretary for modifications to
Federal law (including regulations) relating to protecting
producers and growers from significant economic losses related
to a foreign animal disease outbreak.
(c) Provision of Information.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, for purposes of facilitating the
preparation of the report required under subsection (a), the
relevant Department officials described in paragraph (2) shall
provide information to the Secretary necessary for conducting
the assessment described in subsection (b)(1).
(2) Relevant department officials described.--The relevant
Department officials referred to in paragraph (1) are the
following:
(A) The Under Secretary for Farm Production and
Conservation.
(B) The Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and
Consumer Services.
(C) The Under Secretary for Rural Development.
(D) The Under Secretary for Food Safety.
(E) The Under Secretary for Marketing and
Regulatory Programs.
(F) The Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign
Agricultural Affairs.
(G) Other officials, as specified by the Secretary.
SEC. 12105. ADDITIONAL TRAINING FACILITIES.
The Beagle Brigade Act of 2023 (Public Law 118-191; 138 Stat. 2658)
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 4. ADDITIONAL TRAINING FACILITIES.
``(a) In General.--In addition to the Center, the Secretary may--
``(1) establish additional dog training facilities, which
shall have the same duties as the duties of the Center
described in section 2(b); and
``(2) enter into a cooperative agreement with the
department of agriculture of a State (or political subdivision
thereof) to establish an off-site training program for the
purpose of providing training and technical assistance in the
training of dogs, as described in section 2(b).
``(b) Considerations.--In determining the need for establishing 1
or more additional training facilities under subsection (a)(1), the
Secretary shall consider--
``(1) the location of international ports of entry;
``(2) the volume of international passengers and cargo; and
``(3) regional agricultural production trends and
associated pest and disease threats.
``SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``In addition to amounts otherwise made available, there is
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act $15,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031, to remain available until
expended.''.
SEC. 12106. ALLOWED INTEREST OF LIVESTOCK AUCTION OWNERS IN MEATPACKING
BUSINESSES.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall revise section 201.67 of title 9, Code
of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this
Act), to exempt the packers described in subsection (b) from the
prohibition described in that section.
(b) Packers Described.--A packer referred to in subsection (a) is a
packer that--
(1) with respect to cattle or sheep, has a cumulative
slaughter capacity of less than--
(A) 2,000 animals per day; or
(B) 700,000 animals per year; and
(2) with respect to hogs, has a cumulative slaughter
capacity of less than--
(A) 10,000 animals per day; or
(B) 3,000,000 animals per year.
(c) Required Disclosure.--In the case of a market agency that has
an ownership interest in, finances, or participates in the management
or operation of a packer to which the market agency sells consigned
livestock, the market agency shall disclose on the account of sale the
name of the packer and the nature of the relationship between the
market agency and the packer.
(d) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall limit the
authority of the Secretary to adopt or enforce rules or regulations
under the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 (7 U.S.C. 181 et seq.),
relating to the protection of producers, competition, market integrity,
or the prevention of conflicts of interest.
SEC. 12107. HAZARD ANALYSIS AND CRITICAL CONTROL POINT GUIDANCE AND
RESOURCES FOR SMALL AND VERY SMALL POULTRY AND MEAT
ESTABLISHMENTS.
(a) Meat Establishments.--The Federal Meat Inspection Act is
amended by inserting after section 25 (21 U.S.C. 625) the following:
``SEC. 26. SMALL AND VERY SMALL ESTABLISHMENT GUIDANCE AND RESOURCES.
``(a) Definitions of Small Establishment and Very Small
Establishment.--In this section, the terms `small establishment' and
`very small establishment' have the meanings given the terms `smaller
establishment' and `very small establishment', respectively, in the
final rule entitled `Pathogen Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical
Control Point (HACCP) Systems' (61 Fed. Reg. 38806 (July 25, 1996)) (or
successor regulations).
``(b) Studies; Model Plans.--Not later than 18 months after the
date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall, to the maximum
extent practicable, make publicly available--
``(1) a list of scientific studies, updated as necessary by
the Secretary, for use by small establishments and very small
establishments in developing a Hazard Analysis and Critical
Control Points plan, which list the Secretary shall update as
necessary;
``(2) guidelines relating to best practices and techniques
by small establishments and very small establishments in the
production of fresh or further processed meat and meat food
products; and
``(3) scale-appropriate model Hazard Analysis and Critical
Control Points plans for small establishments and very small
establishments, including model plans for--
``(A) slaughter-only establishments;
``(B) processing-only establishments; and
``(C) slaughter and processing establishments.
``(c) Guidance.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
of this section, the Secretary shall publish a guidance document, after
notice and an opportunity for public comment, providing information on
the requirements that need to be met for small establishments and very
small establishments to develop a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control
Points plan pursuant to this Act.
``(d) Data Confidentiality.--In carrying out this section, the
Secretary shall not publish confidential business information of any
meat processing establishment, including a Hazard Analysis and Critical
Control Points plan of a meat processing establishment.
``(e) Nonbinding Guidance.--Any guidance, model plans, or
scientific resources made publicly available by the Secretary under
this section shall be clearly identified as nonbinding examples that
are not endorsed, approved, or considered universally applicable by the
Secretary.
``(f) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section limits the
ability of the Secretary to issue additional guidance, model plans, or
scientific resources before or after the deadlines required under this
section, as determined necessary by the Secretary.''.
(b) Poultry Establishments.--The Poultry Products Inspection Act is
amended by inserting after section 14 (21 U.S.C. 463) the following:
``SEC. 14A. SMALL AND VERY SMALL ESTABLISHMENT GUIDANCE AND RESOURCES.
``(a) Definitions of Small Establishment and Very Small
Establishment.--In this section, the terms `small establishment' and
`very small establishment' have the meanings given the terms `smaller
establishment' and `very small establishment', respectively, in the
final rule entitled `Pathogen Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical
Control Point (HACCP) Systems' (61 Fed. Reg. 38806 (July 25, 1996)) (or
successor regulations).
``(b) Studies; Model Plans.--Not later than 18 months after the
date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall, to the maximum
extent practicable, make publicly available--
``(1) a list of scientific studies, updated as necessary by
the Secretary, for use by small establishments and very small
establishments in developing a Hazard Analysis and Critical
Control Points plan, which list the Secretary shall update as
necessary;
``(2) guidelines relating to best practices and techniques
used by small establishments and very small establishments in
the production of fresh or further processed poultry products;
and
``(3) scale-appropriate model Hazard Analysis and Critical
Control Points plans for small establishments and very small
establishments, including model plans for--
``(A) slaughter-only establishments;
``(B) processing-only establishments; and
``(C) slaughter and processing establishments.
``(c) Guidance.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
of this section, the Secretary shall publish a guidance document, after
notice and an opportunity for public comment, providing information on
the requirements that need to be met for small establishments and very
small establishments to develop a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control
Points plan pursuant to this Act.
``(d) Data Confidentiality.--In carrying out this section, the
Secretary shall not publish confidential business information of any
poultry processing establishment, including a Hazard Analysis and
Critical Control Points plan of a poultry processing establishment.
``(e) Nonbinding Guidance.--Any guidance, model plans, or
scientific resources made publicly available by the Secretary under
this section shall be clearly identified as nonbinding examples that
are not endorsed, approved, or considered universally applicable by the
Secretary.
``(f) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section limits the
ability of the Secretary to issue additional guidance, model plans, or
scientific resources before or after the deadlines required under this
section, as determined necessary by the Secretary.''.
SEC. 12108. NATIONAL POULTRY IMPROVEMENT PLAN.
The Animal Health Protection Act is amended by inserting after
section 10409A (7 U.S.C. 8308a) the following:
``SEC. 10409B. NATIONAL POULTRY IMPROVEMENT PLAN.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall maintain and administer the
National Poultry Improvement Plan in accordance with parts 145, 146,
and 147 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the
date of enactment of this section).
``(b) General Conference Committee.--The Secretary shall maintain a
general conference committee in accordance with part 147 of title 9,
Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of
this section) and chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code, to provide
recommendations to the Secretary on the administration of the National
Poultry Improvement Plan under subsection (a).
``(c) Successor Regulations.--The Secretary may promulgate
successor regulations to the regulations described in subsections (a)
and (b) as the Secretary determines necessary to carry out this
section.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--In addition to amounts
otherwise made available, there is authorized to be appropriated to
carry out this section $1,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through
2031, to remain available until expended.
``(e) General Limitation.--The expenses of the general conference
committee under subsection (b) shall not be counted toward any general
limitation on the expenses of advisory committees, panels, commissions,
and task forces of the Department of Agriculture contained in any Act
making appropriations for the Department of Agriculture, whether
enacted before, on, or after June 23, 1998, unless the appropriation
Act specifically--
``(1) refers to this subsection; and
``(2) includes the general conference committee under
subsection (b) within the general limitation.''.
SEC. 12109. U.S. SWINE HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PLAN.
The Animal Health Protection Act is amended by inserting after
section 10409B (as added by section 12108) the following:
``SEC. 10409C. U.S. SWINE HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PLAN.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish and maintain a
voluntary certification program for swine diseases, to be known as the
`U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan', to improve biosecurity,
traceability, disease surveillance, and foreign animal disease
preparedness of the swine industry.
``(b) Advisory Committee.--The Secretary shall establish and
maintain a Federal advisory committee in accordance with chapter 10 of
title 5, United States Code, to provide recommendations to the
Secretary in the administration of the U.S. Swine Health Improvement
Plan established under subsection (a).
``(c) Rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this section, the Secretary shall establish the U.S. Swine
Health Improvement Plan under subsection (a) and the Federal advisory
committee under subsection (b) by finalizing the proposed rule entitled
`US Swine Health Improvement Plan' (89 Fed. Reg. 107045 (December 31,
2024)), taking into consideration the comments received.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--In addition to amounts
otherwise made available, there is authorized to be appropriated to
carry out this section $4,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through
2031, to remain available until expended.
``(e) General Limitation.--The expenses of the Federal advisory
committee under subsection (b) shall not be counted toward any general
limitation on the expenses of advisory committees, panels, commissions,
and task forces of the Department of Agriculture contained in any Act
making appropriations for the Department of Agriculture, whether
enacted before, on, or after June 23, 1998, unless the appropriation
Act specifically--
``(1) refers to this subsection; and
``(2) includes the Federal advisory committee under
subsection (b) within the general limitation.''.
SEC. 12110. INTERSTATE INTERNET SALES OF CERTAIN STATE-INSPECTED MEAT
AND POULTRY.
(a) Meat.--
(1) In general.--Section 301 of the Federal Meat Inspection
Act (21 U.S.C. 661) is amended--
(A) in subsection (a)(1), by inserting ``or for
distribution pursuant to the second sentence of
subsection (c)(2)'' before the period at the end; and
(B) in subsection (c)(2), by inserting after the
first sentence the following: ``For the purposes of
this paragraph, any retail store, restaurant, or
similar retail-type establishment may sell over the
internet and ship by carrier in commerce (other than
for export to a foreign country) any State-inspected
meat or meat food product, provided that the State-
inspected meat or meat food product is shipped directly
to household consumers and in normal retail
quantities.''.
(2) Technical amendments.--Section 301 of the Federal Meat
Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 661) is amended--
(A) by striking ``he'' each place it appears and
inserting ``the Secretary'';
(B) by striking ``him'' each place it appears and
inserting ``the Secretary''; and
(C) in subsection (c)--
(i) in paragraph (1), in the first
sentence, by striking ``subparagraph (2)'' and
inserting ``paragraph (2)'';
(ii) in paragraph (2)--
(I) in the first sentence, by
striking ``paragraph (c)'' and
inserting ``subsection''; and
(II) in the third sentence (as so
redesignated), by striking
``subparagraph'' and inserting
``paragraph'';
(iii) in paragraph (3)--
(I) by striking ``paragraph (c)''
each place it appears and inserting
``subsection'';
(II) by striking ``subparagraph
(1)'' and inserting ``paragraph (1)'';
and
(III) by striking ``this
paragraph'' each place it appears and
inserting ``this subsection''; and
(iv) in paragraph (4), by striking
``paragraph (c)'' and inserting ``subsection''.
(b) Poultry.--
(1) In general.--Section 5 of the Poultry Products
Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 454) is amended--
(A) in subsection (a)(1), by inserting ``or for
distribution pursuant to the second sentence of
subsection (c)(2)'' before the period at the end; and
(B) in subsection (c)(2), by inserting after the
first sentence the following: ``For the purposes of
this paragraph, any retail store, restaurant, or
similar retail-type establishment may sell over the
internet and ship by carrier in commerce (other than
for export to a foreign country) any State-inspected
poultry product, provided that the State-inspected
poultry product is shipped directly to household
consumers and in normal retail quantities.''.
(2) Technical amendments.--Section 5 of the Poultry
Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 454) is amended--
(A) by striking ``he'' each place it appears and
inserting ``the Secretary'';
(B) by striking ``him'' each place it appears and
inserting ``the Secretary'';
(C) in subsection (a)(3), in the third sentence, by
striking ``subparagraph (4)'' and inserting ``paragraph
(4)''; and
(D) in subsection (c)--
(i) in paragraph (1)--
(I) in the first sentence, by
striking ``subparagraph (2) of this
paragraph (c)'' and inserting
``paragraph (2)''; and
(II) in the fourth sentence, by
striking ``subparagraph (a)(4) of this
section'' and inserting ``subsection
(a)(4)'';
(ii) in paragraph (2)--
(I) in the first sentence, by
striking ``paragraph (c)'' and
inserting ``subsection''; and
(II) in the third sentence (as so
redesignated), by striking
``subparagraph'' and inserting
``paragraph'';
(iii) in paragraph (3)--
(I) by striking ``subparagraph (1)
of this paragraph (c)'' and inserting
``paragraph (1)'';
(II) by striking ``paragraph (c)''
each place it appears and inserting
``subsection''; and
(III) by striking ``this
paragraph'' each place it appears and
inserting ``this subsection''; and
(iv) in paragraph (4), by striking
``paragraph (c)'' and inserting ``subsection''.
SEC. 12111. OUTREACH ON COOPERATIVE INTERSTATE SHIPMENT.
(a) Meat.--Section 501 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21
U.S.C. 683) is amended by striking subsection (j) and inserting the
following:
``(j) Federal Outreach.--In each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031,
the Secretary shall conduct outreach to States that--
``(1) have a State meat inspection program pursuant to
section 301; but
``(2) do not have a selected establishment.
``(k) Report.--Not later than September 30 of each of fiscal years
2027 through 2031, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and Appropriations of the Senate
and the Committees on Agriculture and Appropriations of the House of
Representatives a report that describes the outreach activities carried
out under subsection (j) and the results of that outreach.''.
(b) Poultry.--Section 31 of the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21
U.S.C. 472) is amended by striking subsection (i) and inserting the
following:
``(i) Federal Outreach.--In each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031,
the Secretary shall conduct outreach to States that--
``(1) have a State poultry product inspection program
pursuant to section 5; but
``(2) do not have a selected establishment.
``(j) Report.--The Secretary shall include in the report required
under subsection (k) of section 501 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act
(21 U.S.C. 683) a description of the outreach activities carried out
under subsection (i) and the results of that outreach.''.
SEC. 12112. LIVESTOCK AND MEAT MARKETING STUDY.
(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Office of the
Chief Economist, shall offer to enter into a contract with an
independent, nonpartisan research institute, a land-grant college or
university (as defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)),
or a non-land-grant college of agriculture (as defined in that section)
with expertise in economic analyses of the livestock and meat industry
to carry out a study that--
(1) is similar in scope to the study funded under the
heading ``salaries and expenses'' under the heading ``Grain
Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration'' under the
heading ``AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS'' under title I of division A
of the Consolidated Appropriations Resolution, 2003 (Public Law
108-7; 117 Stat. 22); and
(2) analyzes production trends and marketing practices used
in the livestock and meat industries, including the extent to
which different marketing practices are used and the possible
effects of the use of those marketing practices on industry
participants, including consumers.
(b) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture,
Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture
of the House of Representatives, and make publicly available on the
website of the Department, a report containing the findings of the
study conducted under subsection (a).
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $3,000,000, to remain available
until expended.
SEC. 12113. COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING FOR BEEF.
(a) Definitions.--Section 281 of the Agricultural Marketing Act of
1946 (7 U.S.C. 1638) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (7) as
paragraphs (2) through (8), respectively;
(2) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated)
the following:
``(1) Beef.--The term `beef' means meat produced from
cattle (including veal).''; and
(3) in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (2) (as so
redesignated)--
(A) in clause (i), by inserting ``, beef,'' after
``lamb''; and
(B) in clause (ii), by inserting ``, ground beef,''
after ``lamb''.
(b) Notice of Country of Origin.--Section 282(a)(2) of the
Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1638a(a)(2)) is amended--
(1) in the paragraph heading, by inserting ``beef,'' after
``for'';
(2) in each of subparagraphs (A) through (D), by inserting
``beef,'' before ``lamb'' each place it appears; and
(3) in subparagraph (E)--
(A) in the subparagraph heading, by inserting
``beef,'' after ``Ground''; and
(B) by inserting ``ground beef,'' before ``ground
lamb'' each place it appears.
(c) Means of Reinstating MCOOL for Beef.--
(1) Determination of means.--Not later than 180 days after
the date of enactment of this Act, the United States Trade
Representative, in consultation with the Secretary, shall
determine a means of reinstating mandatory country of origin
labeling for beef in accordance with the amendments made by
subsections (a) and (b) that is in compliance with all
applicable rules of the World Trade Organization.
(2) Implementation of means.--Not later than 1 year after
the date of enactment of this Act, the United States Trade
Representative and the Secretary shall implement the means
determined under paragraph (1).
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b)
take effect on the earlier of--
(1) the date on which the Secretary publishes a
determination in the Federal Register that the means determined
under paragraph (1) of subsection (c) have been implemented
under paragraph (2) of that subsection; and
(2) the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act.
Subtitle B--National Security
SEC. 12201. DEFINITIONS; ORGANIZATIONAL UPDATES.
(a) Definitions.--Section 9 of the Agricultural Foreign Investment
Disclosure Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 3508) is amended--
(1) by striking the section designation and heading and all
that follows through ``located in one'' in paragraph (1) and
inserting the following:
``SEC. 9. DEFINITIONS.
``In this Act:
``(1) Agricultural land.--The term `agricultural land'
means any land located in 1'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking the semicolon at the end and
inserting a period; and
(B) by striking ``(2) the term `foreign government'
means any government other than the Federal
Government'' and inserting the following:
``(2) Foreign government.--The term `foreign government'
means any government other than the United States Government'';
(3) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) in clause (ii), by striking ``the Trust
Territory of the Pacific Islands'' and
inserting ``a party to a Compact of Free
Association with the United States''; and
(ii) in clause (iii), by inserting ``(8
U.S.C. 1101 et seq.)'' before the semicolon at
the end;
(B) in subparagraph (D), by striking the semicolon
at the end and inserting a period; and
(C) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
striking ``(3) the term'' and inserting the following:
``(3) Foreign person.--The term'';
(4) in paragraph (4)--
(A) by striking the semicolon at the end and
inserting a period; and
(B) by striking ``(4) the term'' and inserting the
following:
``(4) Person.--The term'';
(5) in paragraph (5)--
(A) by striking ``; and'' at the end and inserting
a period; and
(B) by striking ``(5) the term'' and inserting the
following:
``(5) Secretary.--The term''; and
(6) in paragraph (6)--
(A) by striking ``the Trust Territory of the
Pacific Islands'' and inserting ``any party to a
Compact of Free Association with the United States'';
and
(B) by striking ``(6) the term'' and inserting the
following:
``(6) State.--The term''.
(b) Organizational Updates.--
(1) In general.--The Agricultural Foreign Investment
Disclosure Act of 1978 is amended--
(A) by redesignating sections 2, 3, and 4 (7 U.S.C.
3501, 3502, 3503) as sections 3, 4, and 5,
respectively; and
(B) by redesignating section 9 (7 U.S.C. 3508) as
section 2 and moving the section so as to appear after
section 1 (7 U.S.C. 3501 note; Public Law 95-460).
(2) Conforming amendments.--
(A) In general.--The Agricultural Foreign
Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 is amended--
(i) in section 5 (as redesignated by
paragraph (1)(A))--
(I) by striking ``section 2'' and
inserting ``section 3''; and
(II) by striking ``person who'' and
inserting ``person that''; and
(ii) in section 6 (7 U.S.C. 3505)--
(I) by striking ``beginning after
the effective date of section 2''; and
(II) by striking ``section 2 during
such'' and inserting ``section 3 during
that''.
(B) Agricultural adjustment act.--Section
8c(5)(K)(i) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act (7
U.S.C. 608c(5)(K)(i)) is amended, in the undesignated
matter following subclause (II), by striking ``such
term under section 9(3) of the Agricultural Foreign
Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 3508(3))''
and inserting ``the term in section 2 of the
Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of
1978''.
(3) Repeal.--Section 10 of the Agricultural Foreign
Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 3501 note; Public
Law 95-460) is repealed.
SEC. 12202. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
Section 3 of the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of
1978 (as redesignated by section 12201(b)(1)(A)) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (4), by striking ``acquired or
transferred'' and inserting ``acquired, transferred, or
leased'';
(B) in paragraph (6), by inserting ``or lease''
after ``purchase'';
(C) in paragraph (7), by redesignating
subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii),
respectively, and indenting the clauses appropriately;
and
(D) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (9) as
subparagraphs (A) through (I), respectively, and
indenting the subparagraphs appropriately;
(2) by striking the section designation and heading and all
that follows through ``Such report'' in the second sentence of
subsection (a) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) and
inserting the following:
``SEC. 3. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
``(a) Acquisitions or Transfers of Certain Agricultural Land
Interests by Foreign Persons.--
``(1) In general.--A foreign person that acquires or
transfers any interest in agricultural land, or that enters
into a leasing agreement the period of which is longer than 5
years with respect to agricultural land, shall submit to the
Secretary a report describing the acquisition, transfer, or
lease, as applicable, not later than 90 days after the date of
the acquisition, transfer, or lease.
``(2) Requirements.--A report under paragraph (1)'';
(3) by striking subsection (b);
(4) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking the third sentence;
(B) in the second sentence--
(i) by striking ``subsection (b) of this
section'' and inserting ``subparagraphs (A)
through (F), (H), and (I) of subsection
(a)(2)''; and
(ii) by striking ``Such report'' and
inserting the following:
``(2) Requirements.--A report under paragraph (1)''; and
(C) by striking the subsection designation and all
that follows through ``who subsequently'' in the first
sentence and inserting the following:
``(b) Change in Foreign Person Status of Interest Holders.--
``(1) In general.--A person that holds or acquires any
interest in agricultural land at a time when the person is not
a foreign person, and that subsequently'';
(5) in subsection (d)--
(A) by striking the third sentence;
(B) in the second sentence--
(i) by striking ``subsection (b) of this
section'' and inserting ``subparagraphs (A)
through (F), (H), and (I) of subsection
(a)(2)''; and
(ii) by striking ``Such report'' and
inserting the following:
``(3) Requirements.--A report under paragraphs (1) and
(2)'';
(C) by striking the subsection designation and all
that follows through ``security interest,'' in the
first sentence and inserting the following:
``(c) Conversion of Land.--
``(1) Conversion of land to agricultural use.--A foreign
person that holds or acquires any interest''; and
(D) by inserting after paragraph (1) (as so
designated) the following:
``(2) Conversion of land out of agricultural use.--A
foreign person that holds or acquires any interest in
agricultural land that subsequently ceases to be agricultural
land shall submit a report to the Secretary not later than 90
days after the date on which that land ceases to be
agricultural land.'';
(6) in subsection (e)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``each person
who'' and inserting ``each person that'';
(B) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (C)
as paragraphs (1) through (3), respectively; and
(C) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) (as so
redesignated)--
(i) by striking ``who is required by
subsection (a), (b), (c), or (d) of this
section'' and inserting ``that is required
under subsection (a), (b), or (c)''; and
(ii) by striking ``(e) With respect'' and
inserting the following:
``(d) Additional Reports by Foreign Persons Other Than Individuals
or Governments.--With respect''; and
(7) in subsection (f)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``any person
who'' and inserting ``each person that'';
(B) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``principle
place'' and inserting ``principal place'';
(C) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (C)
as paragraphs (1) through (3), respectively; and
(D) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) (as so
redesignated)--
(i) by striking ``subsection (e) of the
section'' and inserting ``subsection (d)''; and
(ii) by striking ``(f) With respect'' and
inserting the following:
``(e) Persons Holding Certain Interests.--With respect''.
SEC. 12203. CIVIL PENALTIES.
Section 4 of the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of
1978 (as redesignated by section 12201(b)(1)(A)) is amended to read as
follows:
``SEC. 4. CIVIL PENALTIES.
``(a) Assessment.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall assess against a
person a civil penalty if the Secretary determines that the
person has committed a violation of this Act by--
``(A) failing to submit a report required under
section 3 in accordance with that section;
``(B) knowingly submitting a report under section 3
that--
``(i) does not contain all information
required to appear in the report; or
``(ii) contains information that is
misleading or false; or
``(C) failing to update any report submitted under
section 3 that presents information that is no longer
accurate.
``(2) Amount.--The amount of a civil penalty assessed under
paragraph (1) shall be such amount as the Secretary determines
to be appropriate to achieve the purposes of this Act, subject
to the conditions that--
``(A) the amount determined for a violation
described in subparagraph (A) or (C) of paragraph (1)
shall not exceed 25 percent of the fair market value,
on the date of the assessment, of the interest in
agricultural land with respect to which the applicable
violation occurred; and
``(B) the amount determined for a violation
described in paragraph (1)(B) shall be not less than 5
percent, but not more than 25 percent, of the fair
market value, on the date of the assessment, of the
interest in agricultural land with respect to which the
applicable violation occurred.
``(b) Collection.--A civil penalty assessed under subsection (a)
shall be recoverable in a civil action brought by the Attorney General
of the United States in a United States district court of competent
jurisdiction.
``(c) Availability.--A civil penalty collected under this section
shall be available to the Secretary, and remain available until
expended, for the purpose of enforcing this Act.
``(d) Liens.--
``(1) In general.--On assessing a civil penalty under
subsection (a), the Secretary may place a lien on the
agricultural land with respect to which the violation that is
the subject of the penalty occurred.
``(2) Release.--A lien placed pursuant to paragraph (1)
shall be released only on payment of the applicable civil
penalty.
``(e) Public Disclosure of Enforcement Actions.--The Secretary
shall include in the report required under section 9(a), and make
publicly available, the following information:
``(1) The name of each person that paid to the Secretary a
civil penalty assessed under subsection (a).
``(2) The amount of each civil penalty assessed under
subsection (a), including, if applicable, any such penalty
assessed after completion of an appeal of the penalty.
``(3) The reason for each civil penalty assessed under
subsection (a), including whether the penalty was for a
violation described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of
paragraph (1) of that subsection.''.
SEC. 12204. INVESTIGATIVE ACTIONS.
Section 5 of the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of
1978 (as redesignated and amended by section 12201(b)) is amended--
(1) by striking the section designation and heading and all
that follows through ``compliance'' and inserting the
following:
``SEC. 5. INVESTIGATIVE ACTIONS.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary may take such actions as the
Secretary considers necessary to promote and monitor compliance''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Audit.--The Secretary shall conduct an annual compliance
audit of not less than 10 percent of the reports submitted under
section 3 for the year covered by the audit to ensure the completeness
and accuracy of those reports.
``(c) Training.--The Secretary shall provide annual training to
State- and county-level personnel relating to identifying agricultural
land for which--
``(1) a report is required to be submitted under section 3;
but
``(2) no report has been submitted by the applicable
foreign person.
``(d) Outreach.--Using existing resources and efforts, to the
maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall carry out a nationwide
outreach program for landlords, owners, operators, persons, producers,
and tenants (as those terms are defined in section 718.2 of title 7,
Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of
the Agricultural Act of 2026)) of agricultural land, county property
appraiser offices, land appraisal companies, and real estate auction
companies to increase public awareness and provide education regarding
the reporting requirements under this Act.''.
SEC. 12205. PUBLIC INSPECTION.
Section 7 of the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of
1978 (7 U.S.C. 3506) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 7. PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF REPORTING DATA.
``(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2026, the Secretary shall--
``(1) establish a streamlined process for electronic
submission and retention of reports submitted under section 3;
and
``(2) publish in the internet database established under
section 742 of division B of the Consolidated Appropriations
Act, 2024 (7 U.S.C. 3501 note; Public Law 118-42), human-
readable and machine-readable data sets that--
``(A) contain a description of--
``(i) the purchase or lease price paid, or
any other consideration given, for each
interest in agricultural land for which a
report is submitted under section 3;
``(ii) updated estimated values of each
interest in agricultural land described in
subparagraph (A), as that information is made
available to the Secretary, based on the most
recently assessed value of the agricultural
land or another comparable method determined by
the Secretary;
``(iii) with respect to any agricultural
land for which a report is submitted under
section 3, updated descriptions of each foreign
person that holds an interest in the
agricultural land, as that information is made
available to the Secretary, categorized as a
majority owner or a minority owner of the
agricultural land; and
``(iv) any other relevant information, as
determined by the Secretary, relating to
reporting requirements under this Act, based on
each report submitted to the Secretary under
section 3; and
``(B) as soon as practicable after 30 days after
the date of receipt of a report under section 3, be
updated with the data from that report.
``(b) Protection of Information.--In carrying out subsection (a),
the Secretary shall ensure the protection of personally identifiable
information contained in reports submitted under section 3.''.
SEC. 12206. SECRETARIAL REPORTS.
The Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (as
amended by section 12201(b)(1)) is amended by inserting after section 8
(7 U.S.C. 3507) the following:
``SEC. 9. SECRETARIAL REPORTS.
``(a) Report on Data Collected.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2026, and not less
frequently than annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit
to Congress, and make publicly available, a report describing,
with respect to the year covered by the report--
``(A) a description of--
``(i) the number of acres of agricultural
land owned, leased, or managed by foreign
persons, organized by State; and
``(ii) for each State, the percentage of
land owned or managed by foreign persons
compared to the total acreage of the State;
``(B) the activities carried out by the Secretary
pursuant to this Act;
``(C) the intended and unintended misrepresentation
of foreign landownership in any annual reports prepared
by the Secretary describing foreign holdings of
agricultural land due to inaccurate reporting of
foreign holdings of agricultural land; and
``(D) any specific activities carried out by the
Secretary to monitor erroneous reporting required under
this Act that would result in--
``(i) a violation of this Act; or
``(ii) the assessment of a civil penalty
under section 4, including the information
described in subsection (e) of that section.
``(2) Protection of information.--The Secretary shall
ensure the protection of personally identifiable information
contained in the report pursuant to subparagraphs (A) through
(D) of paragraph (1).
``(b) Interagency Report on Foreign Influence in Agriculture.--Not
later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act
of 2026, and not less frequently than annually thereafter, the
Secretary, jointly with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the head
of any other appropriate Federal agency, shall--
``(1) conduct an analysis of foreign influence in the
United States agricultural sector; and
``(2) submit to Congress a report, which may be included
with the report submitted under subsection (a), that includes a
summary, with respect to the year covered by the report, of--
``(A) foreign investments in the United States
agricultural sector;
``(B) trends relating to the purchase of
agricultural land in the United States by foreign-owned
shell corporations;
``(C) the risks and benefits, as determined by the
Secretary, that are associated with foreign ownership
or leasing of agricultural land in rural areas (as
defined in section 520 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42
U.S.C. 1490));
``(D) the risks to the agricultural sector of the
United States posed by foreign purchases of United
States businesses engaged in agriculture;
``(E) the potential for foreign investment to
undermine United States agricultural production and
agricultural supply chains;
``(F) the greatest international threats of
increased foreign control of, and investment in, the
United States agricultural sector; and
``(G) agriculture-related espionage and theft
techniques used by foreign governments, including any
attempts to target United States agricultural
intellectual property, innovation, research and
development, cost or pricing data, or internal strategy
documents.
``(c) Report on Implementation and Interagency Collaboration.--Not
later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act
of 2026, the Secretary shall, in coordination with any other Federal
agency as determined by the Secretary, submit to Congress a report
describing--
``(1) the progress of the Secretary in implementing the
amendments made to this Act by the Agricultural Act of 2026;
``(2) the feasibility of establishing a mechanism for
quantifying the threats posed by foreign persons to United
States food security, biosecurity, food safety, environmental
protection, and national defense; and
``(3) the feasibility of establishing a rigorous discovery
and review process to review transactions that may be
transactions described in section 721(a)(4)(B) of the Defense
Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4565(a)(4)(B)) for referral
to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States.''.
SEC. 12207. OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
Section 221 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of
1994 (7 U.S.C. 6922) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking the subsection designation and
heading and all that follows through ``section, the''
and inserting the following:
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Agriculture and food defense.--The''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Food and agriculture critical infrastructure
sector.--The term `food and agriculture critical infrastructure
sector' means any physical infrastructure, energy production,
or land associated with the production, including the storage,
manufacturing, and processing, of crops, livestock, poultry, or
forestry, as determined by the Secretary.
``(3) Intelligence community.--The term `intelligence
community' has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the
National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003).'';
(2) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (4)(B)--
(i) by striking ``(as defined in section 3
of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C.
3003))''; and
(ii) by striking ``124h(j))'' and inserting
``124h(j)))'';
(B) in paragraph (7), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(C) by redesignating paragraphs (6), (7), and (8)
as paragraphs (12), (13), and (16), respectively;
(D) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following:
``(6) be responsible for leveraging the capabilities of the
intelligence community and research conducted by the National
Laboratories relating to intelligence to ensure that the
Secretary is fully informed of threats by foreign actors to the
food and agriculture critical infrastructure sector;
``(7) advise the Secretary on foreign efforts--
``(A) to steal knowledge and technology from the
food and agriculture critical infrastructure sector;
and
``(B) to develop or implement biological warfare
attacks, cyber or clandestine operations, or other
means of sabotaging and disrupting the food and
agriculture critical infrastructure sector;
``(8) prepare, conduct, and facilitate intelligence
briefings for the Secretary and appropriate officials of the
Department;
``(9) serve as the Federal Senior Intelligence Coordinator
of the Department, and as the liaison between the Secretary and
the intelligence community, with the authority to request
intelligence collection and analysis on matters relating to the
food and agriculture critical infrastructure sector;
``(10) collaborate with the intelligence community to
downgrade intelligence assessments for broader dissemination
within the Department;
``(11) facilitate the sharing with the intelligence
community of information acquired by the Department regarding
foreign activities relating to agriculture;''; and
(E) by inserting after paragraph (13) (as so
redesignated) the following:
``(14) coordinate with the Administrator of the Farm
Service Agency to monitor compliance with the reporting
requirements of the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure
Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);
``(15) refer to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the
United States any transactions that raise potential national
security concerns; and'';
(3) in subsection (e)(1)--
(A) by striking ``(as defined in section 3 of the
National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003))''; and
(B) by striking ``124h(j)) that have'' and
inserting ``124h(j))) that have''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Detailees.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may detail employees of
the Department to, and accept employees detailed from, the
intelligence community and other relevant departments and
agencies, as necessary, to assist in carrying out the duties of
the Office of Homeland Security.
``(2) Office of homeland security.--
``(A) From department.--The Secretary may detail
employees from across the Department to the Office of
Homeland Security.
``(B) Reimbursement.--The Office of Homeland
Security may accept an employee detailed under
paragraph (1) or subparagraph (A) without
reimbursement.''.
SEC. 12208. ASSESSMENT OF CYBERSECURITY THREATS AND SECURITY
VULNERABILITIES IN THE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD CRITICAL
INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Agriculture and food critical infrastructure sector.--
The term ``agriculture and food critical infrastructure
sector'' means--
(A) any activity relating to the production,
processing, distribution, storage, transportation,
consumption, or disposal of agricultural or food
products; and
(B) any entity involved in an activity described in
subparagraph (A), including a farmer, rancher,
processor, manufacturer, distributor, retailer,
consumer, and regulator.
(2) Cybersecurity threat; defensive measure; incident;
security vulnerability.--The terms ``cybersecurity threat'',
``defensive measure'', ``incident'', and ``security
vulnerability'' have the meanings given those terms in section
2200 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 650).
(3) Sector-specific ISAC.--The term ``sector-specific
ISAC'' means the Food and Agriculture-Information Sharing and
Analysis Center.
(b) Risk Assessment.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, and on a biennial basis thereafter, the
Secretary, in coordination with the Cybersecurity and
Infrastructure Security Agency, shall conduct a risk assessment
on the cybersecurity threats to, and security vulnerabilities
in, the agriculture and food critical infrastructure sector,
including--
(A) the nature and extent of cyberattacks and
incidents that affect the agriculture and food critical
infrastructure sector;
(B) the potential impacts of a cyberattack or
incident on the safety, security, and availability of
food products, as well as on the economy, public
health, and national security of the United States;
(C) the current capability and readiness of the
Federal Government, State and local governments, and
private sector entities to prevent, detect, mitigate,
respond to, and recover from cyberattacks and incidents
described in subparagraph (B);
(D) the existing policies, standards, guidelines,
best practices, and initiatives applicable to the
agriculture and food critical infrastructure sector to
enhance defensive measures in that sector;
(E) the gaps, challenges, barriers, or
opportunities for improving defensive measures in the
agriculture and food critical infrastructure sector;
and
(F) any recommendations for Federal legislative or
administrative actions to address the cybersecurity
threats to, and security vulnerabilities in, the
agriculture and food critical infrastructure sector,
including intrusive, duplicative, or conflicting
regulatory requirements that may divert attention and
resources from operational risk management to a
compliance regime that impedes security efforts.
(2) Private sector participation.--In conducting a risk
assessment under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult
with appropriate entities in the private sector, including--
(A) the sector-specific ISAC; and
(B) the appropriate sector coordinating council.
(3) Report.--The Secretary shall submit a report on each
risk assessment conducted under paragraph (1) to--
(A) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
Forestry of the Senate;
(B) the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs of the Senate;
(C) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives; and
(D) the Committee on Homeland Security of the House
of Representatives.
(c) Food Security and Cyber Resilience Simulation Exercise.--
(1) Establishment.--Not later than 2 years after the date
of enactment of this Act, and on a biennial basis thereafter
over a 6-year period, the Secretary, in coordination with the
Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Health and
Human Services, the Director of National Intelligence, and the
heads of other relevant Federal agencies, shall conduct a
cross-sector crisis simulation exercise relating to a food-
related emergency or disruption (referred to in this subsection
as an ``exercise'').
(2) Purposes.--The purposes of each exercise are--
(A) to assess the preparedness and response
capabilities of Federal, State, Tribal, local, and
territorial governments and private sector entities in
the event of a food-related emergency or disruption;
(B) to identify and address gaps and
vulnerabilities in the food supply chain and critical
infrastructure;
(C) to enhance coordination and information sharing
among stakeholders involved in food production,
processing, distribution, and consumption;
(D) to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of
existing policies, programs, and resources relating to
food security and resilience;
(E) to develop and disseminate best practices and
recommendations for improving food security and
resilience; and
(F) to identify key stakeholders and categories
that were missing from the exercise to ensure the
inclusion of those stakeholders and categories in
future exercises.
(3) Design.--Each exercise shall--
(A) involve a realistic and plausible scenario that
simulates a food-related emergency or disruption
affecting multiple sectors and jurisdictions;
(B) incorporate input from experts and stakeholders
from various disciplines and sectors, including
agriculture, public health, nutrition, emergency
management, transportation, energy, water,
communications, related equipment suppliers and
manufacturers, and cybersecurity, including related
academia and private sector information security
researchers and practitioners, including the sector-
specific ISAC;
(C) use a variety of methods and tools, such as
tabletop exercises, workshops, seminars, games, drills,
or full-scale exercises; and
(D) include participants from Federal, State,
Tribal, local, and territorial governments and private
sector entities, including the sector-specific ISAC and
appropriate sector coordinating councils, that have
roles and responsibilities relating to food security
and resilience.
(4) Private sector participation.--In conducting an
exercise, the Secretary shall consult with appropriate entities
in the private sector, including--
(A) the sector-specific ISAC; and
(B) the appropriate sector coordinating councils.
(5) Feedback; report.--After each exercise, the Secretary,
in consultation with the heads of the Federal agencies
described in paragraph (1), shall--
(A) provide feedback to, and an evaluation of, the
participants in that exercise on their performance and
outcomes; and
(B) produce, and submit to Congress, a report that
summarizes, with respect to that exercise, the findings
of that exercise, lessons learned from that exercise,
and recommendations to enhance the cybersecurity and
resilience of the agriculture and food critical
infrastructure sector.
(6) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $1,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
Subtitle C--Fertilizer
SEC. 12301. CROP INPUT REPORTING.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall coordinate across the
Department the development of reports on, including assessments of, the
domestic and international crop input market.
(b) Duties.--The Secretary shall--
(1) designate a liaison between the Department, other
Federal agencies, and Congress with respect to the crop input
market;
(2) make available to the public on the website of the
Department routine reports on, with respect to the crop input
market--
(A) supply and demand conditions;
(B) pricing indicators;
(C) trade flows; and
(D) any other market trends;
(3) assess any volatility, disruption, or supply chain risk
in the crop input market;
(4) with respect to such volatility, disruption, or risk,
assess any implication for producers and food security in the
United States;
(5) improve the collection, quality, transparency, and
accessibility of data on the crop input market, including
through coordination with other Federal agencies;
(6) coordinate research on improving transparency,
resilience, and competitiveness with respect to the supply
chain for crop inputs;
(7) support research evaluating any connection between--
(A) the availability, affordability, and efficiency
of crop inputs; and
(B) agricultural productivity, food security, and
conservation outcomes; and
(8) submit to Congress and provide publicly, at such time
and in such manner as is determined by the Secretary, reports
containing the information described in this subsection,
including recommendations relating to the results of the
research described in paragraph (6).
SEC. 12302. FERTILIZER RESEARCH.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of
the Economic Research Service, shall publish on the website of the
Department a report on the United States fertilizer industry,
including--
(1) a description of the impacts on the fertilizer industry
that influence the prices that agricultural producers receive
for their agricultural products at the location of the farm;
(2) a description of the current size and value, and the
size and value over the previous 25 years, of the United States
fertilizer market, including--
(A) any trends over the previous 25 years; and
(B) such sizes and values by each type of
fertilizer;
(3) a description of any patterns in pricing of fertilizer
over the previous 25 years;
(4) a description of the importation of fertilizer into the
United States, including--
(A) a list of types of fertilizer that are imported
into the United States, including the quantity of each
type of fertilizer imported;
(B) a list of foreign companies and domestic
companies that import into the United States
fertilizer, including the quantity of fertilizer
imported by each company;
(C) a list of the countries from which fertilizer
is imported into the United States; and
(D) a description of the impacts that antidumping
duties and countervailing duties have on prices of
fertilizer paid at the retail level;
(5) an overview of the manufacturing level, distribution
channels, and retail level of the fertilizer supply chain,
including transportation, logistics, and supply chain
disruptions from natural disasters;
(6) a study of the concentration of the United States
fertilizer industry in United States fertilizer companies,
including an evaluation of the extent to which concentration
has had any anticompetitive impacts;
(7) a description of the prices, crop-use efficiencies, and
crop yields of emerging fertilizers and fertilizer
technologies, including biological fertilizers and other
recently developed tools, compared to conventional fertilizers
and fertilizer technologies;
(8) an assessment of the regulatory environment governing
fertilizer production, distribution, and usage, including a
description of areas in which regulatory burden is hampering
domestic production, distribution, and usage of fertilizer;
(9) a description of the extent to which current public
price reporting of fertilizer is transparent for market
participants and the extent to which further public price
reporting is needed to achieve transparency for market
participants, including--
(A) an evaluation of the potential for the
Secretary to establish a fertilizer reporting mechanism
in which the fertilizer industry is required to report
fertilizer prices at multiple levels of the supply
chain on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis; and
(B) a recommendation to Congress on whether a
reporting mechanism described in subparagraph (A)
should be established; and
(10) a description of the projected growth of the United
States fertilizer market and the anticipated economic and
political risks to fertilizer production as a result of that
growth.
(b) Confidential Information.--The report published under
subsection (a) shall not include any confidential business information.
SEC. 12303. FERTILIZER MANDATORY REPORTING.
Subtitle A of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621
et seq.) (as amended by section 10114) is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``SEC. 210C. FERTILIZER MANDATORY REPORTING.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Affiliate.--The term `affiliate' means, with respect
to a manufacturer or wholesaler (excluding a cooperative or
retailer), a person that directly or indirectly owns, controls,
or holds, with voting power, not less than 5 percent of the
outstanding voting securities of the manufacturer or wholesaler
(excluding a cooperative or retailer).
``(2) Cooperative.--
``(A) In general.--The term `cooperative' means--
``(i) an association of agricultural
producers acting pursuant to--
``(I) the Act entitled `An Act to
authorize association of producers of
agricultural products' (commonly known
as the `Capper-Volstead Act') (7 U.S.C.
291 et seq.);
``(II) the Agricultural Adjustment
Act (7 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), reenacted
with amendments by the Agricultural
Marketing Agreement Act of 1937; or
``(III) the Act of July 2, 1926
(commonly known as the `Cooperative
Marketing Act') (7 U.S.C. 451 et seq.);
``(ii) a farmers' cooperative organization
described in subsection (b)(1) of section 521
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt
from taxation under subsection (a) of that
section; and
``(iii) an association of agricultural
producers otherwise operating on a cooperative
basis for the benefit of its members.
``(B) Inclusions.--The term `cooperative' includes
any entity not less than 25 percent of which is owned
by a cooperative, as defined in subparagraph (A).
``(3) Covered fertilizer manufacturer.--
``(A) In general.--The term `covered fertilizer
manufacturer' means a person or entity, other than a
cooperative or retailer, that--
``(i) is primarily engaged, at the
establishment level, in the manufacture of
nitrogenous fertilizer, the manufacture of
phosphatic fertilizer, or the mining and
processing of potash, soda, or borate minerals
for use in fertilizer production, as such
activities are classified by the Office of
Management and Budget under the North American
Industry Classification System (or any
successor classification system); and
``(ii) sold not less than 25,000 short tons
of fertilizer products in the United States
during the preceding calendar year.
``(B) Affiliates.--The term `covered fertilizer
manufacturer' does not include a cooperative or
retailer that is an affiliate of a covered fertilizer
manufacturer described in subparagraph (A), or that
engages in blending, mixing, storing, warehousing,
handling, distributing, reselling, or applying
fertilizer materials or products, unless the
cooperative or retailer independently meets the
criteria described subparagraph (A).
``(4) Marketed.--The term `marketed' means the sale or
other disposition in commerce of--
``(A) nitrogen, phosphorous, or potassium for use
as fertilizer; or
``(B) a fertilizer product.
``(5) Retailer.--The term `retailer' means a person or
entity that primarily sells fertilizer products at retail.
``(6) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary
of Agriculture.
``(7) Wholesaler.--The term `wholesaler' means any person
or entity, not including a cooperative, engaged in the business
of buying and selling fertilizer or fertilizer products for
resale or distribution.
``(b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a program of
fertilizer and fertilizer product price information reporting that
will--
``(1) provide timely, accurate, and reliable market
information that can be readily understood by farmers and
market participants;
``(2) facilitate more informed marketing decisions; and
``(3) promote competition in the fertilizer and fertilizer
products industry.
``(c) General Reporting Provisions Applicable to Manufacturers,
Wholesalers, and the Secretary.--Whenever the prices or quantities of
fertilizer or fertilizer products are required to be reported or
published under this section, the prices or quantities shall be
categorized so as to clearly delineate--
``(1) the prices or quantities, as applicable, of the
fertilizer or fertilizer product marketed in the United States
by a domestic manufacturer or wholesaler or an affiliate of a
domestic manufacturer or wholesaler; and
``(2) the prices or quantities, as applicable, of the
fertilizer or fertilizer product marketed in the United States
by a foreign manufacturer or wholesaler or an affiliate of a
foreign manufacturer or wholesaler.
``(d) Weekly Reporting.--
``(1) Nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium.--The corporate
officers or officially designated representatives of each
covered fertilizer manufacturer or wholesaler of nitrogen,
phosphorous, or potassium for use as fertilizer shall report to
the Secretary at least weekly--
``(A) the prices, as marketed, for nitrogen,
phosphorous, or potassium, as applicable; and
``(B) the quantities of nitrogen, phosphorous, or
potassium, as applicable, manufactured and marketed, as
applicable.
``(2) Fertilizer products.--The corporate officers or
officially designated representatives of each covered
fertilizer manufacturer or wholesaler of a fertilizer product
shall report to the Secretary at least weekly--
``(A) the prices for the fertilizer product; and
``(B) the quantity of the fertilizer product
manufactured or marketed, as applicable.
``(3) Mandatory reporting exemption for cooperatives and
retailers; voluntary reporting.--The Secretary shall--
``(A) exempt all cooperatives and retailers
(including fertilizer mixing or blending facilities
engaged in the custom blending or mixing of fertilizer
materials, without a chemical reaction, for direct
delivery to an agricultural end user) from any
mandatory price reporting under this section; and
``(B) provide a mechanism for cooperatives and
retailers to voluntarily and confidentially report the
prices and quantities described in subparagraphs (A)
and (B) of paragraphs (1) and (2)--
``(i) directly to the Secretary; or
``(ii) through the program established
under subsection (e).
``(4) Publication.--The Secretary shall make the
information reported to the Secretary under this subsection
available to the public--
``(A) not less frequently than weekly; and
``(B) in a manner that ensures the information is
published--
``(i) on a national basis; and
``(ii) on a regional or statewide basis, as
the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
``(5) Competitive effects analysis.--The Secretary may
conduct a competitive effects analysis of the information
reported to the Secretary under this subsection.
``(e) Fertilizer Retail Survey.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a program
within Market News of the Agricultural Marketing Service--
``(A) to conduct not less frequently than weekly
surveys of retail fertilizer prices;
``(B) to obtain commercially available estimates of
the retail prices described in subparagraph (A); and
``(C) to provide State or regional estimates or
benchmarks and formulas to allow estimation of local
prices.
``(2) Maintenance of existing activities.--The program
established under paragraph (1) shall supplement, and not
supplant, existing input price collection activities of the
Secretary.
``(f) Summary of Data.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall, directly or through
1 or more cooperative agreements with 1 or more affiliated
agricultural research programs, not less frequently than weekly
summarize and make available on a dashboard or other resource
easily accessible to farmers and market participants--
``(A) the information reported to the Secretary
under subsection (d); and
``(B) the retail survey prices and commercially
available estimates obtained under subsection (e).
``(2) Protection of confidentiality.--In carrying out
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall aggregate the information
and data in a manner that prevents confidential business
information and the identity of persons, including parties to a
contract, from being disclosed publicly.
``(3) Disclosure by federal government employees.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), no
officer, employee, or agent of the United States shall,
without the consent of the manufacturer, wholesaler, or
other person concerned, divulge or make known in any
manner any facts or information regarding the business
of the manufacturer, wholesaler, or other person that
was acquired through reporting required under
subsection (d).
``(B) Exception.--Information obtained by the
Secretary under subsection (d) may be disclosed--
``(i) to agents or employees of the
Department of Agriculture in the course of
their official duties under this subtitle;
``(ii) as directed by the Secretary or the
Attorney General, for enforcement purposes; or
``(iii) by a court of competent
jurisdiction.
``(C) Disclosure under freedom of information
act.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no
facts or information obtained under this subtitle shall
be disclosed in accordance with section 552 of title 5,
United States Code.
``(g) Review.--Not less frequently than once every 2 years, the
Secretary shall review the information required to be reported to the
Secretary by manufacturers and wholesalers under this section.
``(h) Outdated Information.--If the Secretary determines under a
review under subsection (g) that information required to be reported
under this section no longer accurately reflects the methods by which
nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium for use as fertilizer or
fertilizer products are valued and priced by manufacturers and
wholesalers, the Secretary shall, after public notice and an
opportunity for comment, promulgate regulations to specify additional
information that shall be reported under this section.
``(i) Application of Antitrust Laws.--
``(1) In general.--Nothing in this section modifies,
impairs, or supersedes the operation of any of the antitrust
laws.
``(2) Definition of antitrust laws.--In this subsection,
the term `antitrust laws'--
``(A) has the meaning given the term in subsection
(a) of the first section of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C.
12); and
``(B) includes section 5 of the Federal Trade
Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 45) to the extent that such
section applies to unfair methods of competition.
``(j) Clarification.--Notwithstanding the definition of `produce'
in subsection (c) of section 1910.1200 of title 29, Code of Federal
Regulations, the custom blending of fertilizers by an agricultural
retailer shall not be treated as `producing' a chemical, and that
retailer shall not be treated as a `chemical manufacturer' under that
section, if--
``(1) no chemical reaction occurs during the blending
process;
``(2) no new chemical hazard classifications arise as a
result of the blending that are not already present in the
component fertilizers;
``(3) each component fertilizer used in the blend is
accompanied by a Safety Data Sheet prepared by its original
manufacturer or importer; and
``(4) the resulting blend is delivered directly to an
agricultural end user for application to farmland.
``(k) Regulations.--The Secretary shall promulgate regulations to
consider the development of a map depicting regional fertilizer prices
and quantities.''.
Subtitle D--United States Grain Standards Reauthorization
SEC. 12401. PRIORITIZING IMPROVEMENTS TO GRAIN GRADING TECHNOLOGY.
Section 2(b) of the United States Grain Standards Act (7 U.S.C.
74(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (3)(F), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) that the Secretary shall prioritize the adoption of
improved grain grading technology to provide for the efficient,
accurate, and consistent grading of grain.''.
SEC. 12402. ADDITIONAL FLEXIBILITIES.
(a) In General.--Section 7(e) of the United States Grain Standards
Act (7 U.S.C. 79(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Manner of inspection of domestic grain at export port
locations.--The Secretary may provide that grain that is not
export grain and is loaded into or unloaded out of a rail car,
barge, truck, or other container at an export port location
shall be inspected in the manner provided in this subsection or
subsection (f), as the Secretary determines will best meet the
objectives of this Act.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 7A(c)(2) of the United States
Grain Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 79a(c)(2)) is amended, in the first
sentence, by inserting ``or official agency'' after ``State agency''.
SEC. 12403. INVESTMENT AUTHORITY.
(a) In General.--Section 7(j) of the United States Grain Standards
Act (7 U.S.C. 79(j)) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``trust'' before ``fund'' each place it
appears;
(2) in paragraph (3), in the second sentence, by striking
``Secretary shall be credited to the fund'' and inserting
``Secretary, and the interest earned from the investment of
those penalties, shall be credited to the trust fund created in
paragraph (1)''; and
(3) in paragraph (5), in the first sentence, by striking
``2025'' and inserting ``2033''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 7(g)(2) of the United States Grain Standards
Act (7 U.S.C. 79(g)(2)) is amended, in the second sentence, by
inserting ``trust'' before ``fund''.
(2) Section 7A(l) of the United States Grain Standards Act
(7 U.S.C. 79a(l)) is amended by inserting ``trust'' before
``fund created in section 7(j)'' each place it appears.
(3) Section 7B(a) of the United States Grain Standards Act
(7 U.S.C. 79b(a)) is amended, in the third sentence, by
inserting ``trust'' before ``fund''.
(4) Section 16(j) of the United States Grain Standards Act
(7 U.S.C. 87e(j)) is amended by inserting ``trust'' before
``fund''.
(5) Section 17A(e) of the United States Grain Standards Act
(7 U.S.C. 87f-1(e)) is amended, in the third sentence, by
inserting ``trust'' before ``fund''.
SEC. 12404. ADMINISTRATIVE AND SUPERVISORY COSTS.
Section 7D of the United States Grain Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 79d)
is amended--
(1) by inserting ``, equipment, and development of
technology'' after ``activities''; and
(2) by striking ``2025'' and inserting ``2033''.
SEC. 12405. GENERAL AUTHORITIES.
Section 16(e) of the United States Grain Standards Act (7 U.S.C.
87e(e)) is amended by inserting ``State agencies delegated authority
under sections 7 and 7A, and official agencies,'' after ``Department of
Agriculture,''.
SEC. 12406. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
Section 17B(e) of the United States Grain Standards Act (7 U.S.C.
87f-2(e)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as
subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, and indenting
appropriately;
(2) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) (as so
redesignated), by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting the
following:
``(1) Data.--The Secretary''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Technology analysis.--The Secretary shall, to the
extent determined appropriate by the Secretary, in consultation
with State agencies delegated authority under sections 7 and
7A, official agencies, and the grain industries described in
the second sentence of section 21(a), publish--
``(A) an analysis of any existing deficiencies in
the technology evaluation process; and
``(B) recommendations--
``(i) to advance the efficiency, accuracy,
and consistency of grain grading; and
``(ii) to minimize costs imposed on the
Federal Government and the grain export
industry.''.
SEC. 12407. IMPROVING ADVISORY COMMITTEE NOMINATIONS EFFICIENCY AND
CONTINUITY.
Section 21 of the United States Grain Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 87j)
is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Nominations; appointment.--
``(A) Nominations.--Before the terms of the current
members of the advisory committee expire, the Secretary
shall solicit nominations for individuals to be
appointed to the advisory committee.
``(B) Appointment.--Not later than 180 days after
the end of the period of soliciting nominations under
subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall announce the new
members that the Secretary has appointed to the
advisory committee.
``(C) Continuity of service.--The current members
of the advisory committee may continue to serve until
such time as new members are nominated and appointed by
the Secretary.'';
(B) in the matter preceding paragraph (5) (as added
by subparagraph (A))--
(i) in the fourth sentence, by striking
``No member'' and inserting the following:
``(4) Term limit.--No member'';
(ii) in the third sentence, by striking
``Members'' and inserting the following:
``(3) Term length.--Members'';
(iii) in the second sentence, by striking
``The advisory'' and inserting the following:
``(2) Composition.--The advisory'';
(iv) in the first sentence, by inserting
``(referred to in this section as the `advisory
committee')'' before the period at the end; and
(v) by striking ``(a) Not later'' and
inserting the following:
``(a) In General.--
``(1) Establishment.--Not later''; and
(C) in paragraph (4) (as so designated), by
striking ``terms'' and inserting ``terms unless the
member is continuing to serve in accordance with
paragraph (5)(C)''; and
(2) in subsection (e), by striking ``2025'' and inserting
``2033''.
SEC. 12408. REAUTHORIZATION OF OTHER EXPIRING PROVISIONS.
(a) Weighing Fees and Duties.--Section 7A(l)(4) of the United
States Grain Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 79a(l)(4)) is amended, in the
first sentence, by striking ``2025'' and inserting ``2033''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 19(a) of the United
States Grain Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 87h(a)) is amended by striking
``2025'' and inserting ``2033''.
Subtitle E--Year-Round E15 and RFS Reform
SEC. 12501. YEAR-ROUND E15 AND RFS REFORM.
(a) Ethanol Waiver.--
(1) Existing waivers.--Section 211(f)(4) of the Clean Air
Act (42 U.S.C. 7545(f)(4)) is amended--
(A) by striking ``(4) The Administrator, upon'' and
inserting the following:
``(4) Waivers.--
``(A) In general.--The Administrator, on'';
(B) in subparagraph (A) (as so designated)--
(i) in the first sentence--
(I) by striking ``of this
subsection'' each place it appears; and
(II) by striking ``if he
determines'' and inserting ``if the
Administrator determines''; and
(ii) in the second sentence, by striking
``The Administrator'' and inserting the
following:
``(B) Final action.--The Administrator''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) Reid vapor pressure.--A fuel or fuel additive
may be introduced into commerce if--
``(i)(I) the Administrator determines that
the fuel or fuel additive is substantially
similar to a fuel or fuel additive utilized in
the certification of any model year vehicle
pursuant to paragraph (1)(A); or
``(II) the fuel or fuel additive has been
granted a waiver under subparagraph (A) and
meets all of the conditions of that waiver
other than any limitation of the waiver with
respect to the Reid Vapor Pressure of the fuel
or fuel additive; and
``(ii) the fuel or fuel additive meets all
other applicable Reid Vapor Pressure
requirements under subsection (h).''.
(2) Reid vapor pressure limitation.--Section 211(h) of the
Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7545(h)) is amended--
(A) by striking ``vapor pressure'' each place it
appears and inserting ``Vapor Pressure'';
(B) in paragraph (4), in the matter preceding
subparagraph (A), by striking ``10 percent'' and
inserting ``10 to 15 percent''; and
(C) in paragraph (5)(A)--
(i) by striking ``Upon notification,
accompanied by'' and inserting ``On receipt of
a notification that is submitted after the date
of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2026,
and is accompanied by appropriate'';
(ii) by striking ``10 percent'' and
inserting ``10 to 15 percent''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``Upon the enactment of the Agricultural Act of
2026, any State for which the notification from
the Governor of a State was submitted after
January 1, 2022, and before the date of
enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2026 and
to which the Administrator applied the Reid
Vapor Pressure limitation established by
paragraph (1) shall instead have the Reid Vapor
Pressure limitation established by paragraph
(4) apply to all fuel blends containing
gasoline and 10 to 15 percent denatured
anhydrous ethanol that are sold, offered for
sale, dispensed, supplied, offered for supply,
transported, or introduced into commerce in the
area during the high ozone season.''.
(b) Termination of Petitions; Adjusted Obligation.--
(1) In general.--Section 211(o)(9) of the Clean Air Act (42
U.S.C. 7545(o)(9)) is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in clause (i), by striking ``A small''
and inserting ``Subject to clause (iv), a
small''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(iv) Termination of exemption and
petitions.--
``(I) In general.--Beginning in
calendar year 2028, the Administrator
may not apply or enforce any extension
of an exemption granted pursuant to a
petition under this subparagraph or
otherwise continue to enforce the
exemption under subparagraph (A) with
respect to any small refinery.
``(II) Limitation on petitions.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of
law--
``(aa) no small refinery
may petition for an extension
under this subparagraph with
respect to any calendar year
after calendar year 2027;
``(bb) the Administrator
may not consider any petition
for an extension under this
subparagraph, with respect to
any calendar year, that is
submitted after July 1, 2028;
and
``(cc) to the maximum
extent practicable, the
Administrator shall, not later
than October 1, 2028, act on
all outstanding petitions.'';
(B) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) and (D) as
subparagraphs (D) and (E), respectively; and
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the
following:
``(C) Small refinery certainty.--
``(i) Reduction of compliance
requirements.--Beginning in calendar year 2028
and for each calendar year thereafter, the
Administrator shall reduce the compliance
requirements under paragraph (2) for a calendar
year for each small refinery that received an
exemption under subparagraph (A)(i) by a volume
equal to the lesser of--
``(I) the greatest actual annual
production volume of transportation
fuel by the small refinery during any
of calendar years 2023 through 2025 for
which the small refinery--
``(aa) petitioned for an
extension of an exemption under
subparagraph (B) by June 1,
2026; and
``(bb) met the requirements
of paragraph (1)(K); and
``(II) the actual annual production
volume of transportation fuel produced
by the small refinery during the
calendar year during which the
Administrator is applying the reduction
under this clause.
``(ii) Application of obligations for
exceedances.--If the actual annual production
volume of transportation fuel by a small
refinery exceeds the volume described in clause
(i)(I) in a calendar year, the amount of the
actual annual production volume that exceeds
the amount described in that clause shall be
subject to the obligations under paragraph (2).
``(iii) No subsequent redesignation.--If,
in calendar year 2028 or any calendar year
thereafter, a refinery no longer meets the
requirements of paragraph (1)(K) to be a small
refinery, the Administrator may not apply the
reduction under clause (i) in whole or in part
during the calendar year in which the refinery
no longer meets those requirements or any
subsequent calendar year.
``(iv) Reallocation.--
``(I) In general.--Notwithstanding
paragraph (2)(B)(ii) and except as
provided in subclause (II), in calendar
year 2028 and each calendar year
thereafter, when determining compliance
obligations for parties subject to
paragraph (2) implementing the
applicable volumes determined under
that paragraph, the Administrator shall
reallocate all volumes of
transportation fuel for which small
refineries were not obligated as a
result of the application of clause (i)
for that calendar year, less a volume
of transportation fuel equivalent to an
obligation of renewable fuel that the
Administrator determines has, in total,
an energy content equal to the energy
content of 500,000,000 gallons of
conventional biofuel, based on a
projection of the volume of
transportation fuel that the
Administrator expects to be exempt as a
result of the application of that
clause for that calendar year.
``(II) Volume adjustment.--
Notwithstanding paragraph (2)(B)(ii),
in calendar year 2028 and each calendar
year thereafter, the Administrator
shall reconcile the projection made
under subclause (I) with the actual
annual volume of transportation fuel
that is exempt as a result of the
application of clause (i) for the
applicable calendar year by adding or
subtracting a corresponding reallocated
volume of transportation fuel in a
subsequent calendar year.''.
(2) Savings provision.--Nothing in this section or an
amendment made by this section affects any remedy available to
a small refinery (as defined in paragraph (1) of section 211(o)
of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7545(o))) with respect to
petitions for extensions of exemptions under paragraph (9) of
that section and, for purposes of the application of those
extensions and the review of the denial of those petitions,
paragraph (9) of that section shall be applied as in effect on
the day before the date of enactment of this Act.
(c) Generation of Credits by Small Refineries Under the Renewable
Fuel Program.--Section 211(o)(9) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C.
7545(o)(9)) (as amended by subsection (b)(1)) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(F) Credits generated for 2016-2018 compliance
years.--
``(i) Rule.--For any small refinery
described in clause (ii) or (iii), the credits
described in the respective clause shall be--
``(I) returned to the small
refinery and, notwithstanding paragraph
(5)(C), deemed eligible for future
compliance years; or
``(II) applied as a credit in the
EPA Moderated Transaction System (EMTS)
account of the small refinery.
``(ii) Compliance years 2016 and 2017.--
Clause (i) applies with respect to any small
refinery that--
``(I) retired credits generated for
compliance years 2016 or 2017; and
``(II) submitted a petition under
subparagraph (B)(i) for that compliance
year that remained outstanding as of
December 1, 2022.
``(iii) Compliance year 2018.--In addition
to small refineries described in clause (ii),
clause (i) applies with respect to any small
refinery--
``(I) that submitted a petition
under subparagraph (B)(i) for
compliance year 2018 by September 1,
2019;
``(II) that retired credits
generated for compliance year 2018 as
part of the compliance demonstration of
the small refinery for compliance year
2018 by March 31, 2019; and
``(III) for which--
``(aa) the petition
remained outstanding as of
December 1, 2022; or
``(bb) the Administrator
denied the petition as of July
1, 2022, and has not returned
the retired credits as of
December 1, 2022.''.
(d) Fuel Infrastructure Rulemaking.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency shall, after a period of notice and public
comment, finalize a rule modifying the regulations of the
Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Air Act (42
U.S.C. 7401 et seq.) and the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42
U.S.C. 6901 et seq.) (commonly known as the ``Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976'') relating to the sale
and distribution of gasoline-ethanol blends that contain
greater than 10 volume percent ethanol and less than or equal
to 15 volume percent ethanol.
(2) Requirement.--In finalizing the rule required under
paragraph (1), the Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency shall modify the E15 fuel dispenser labeling
requirements and the underground storage tank regulations of
the Environmental Protection Agency with respect to
compatibility with gasoline-ethanol blends.
Subtitle F--Other Miscellaneous Provisions
SEC. 12601. PROTECTING ANIMALS WITH SHELTER.
Section 12502(b)(8)(A) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018
(34 U.S.C. 20127(8)(A)) is amended by striking ``2019 through 2023''
and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.
SEC. 12602. IMPORTATION OF LIVE DOGS.
(a) In General.--The Animal Health Protection Act is amended by
inserting after section 10404 (7 U.S.C. 8303) the following:
``SEC. 10404A. IMPORTATION OF LIVE DOGS.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Compensation.--The term `compensation' means any act,
consideration, or thing of value received by a person directly,
including cash or noncash benefits, cost-avoidance, obtaining
positive or avoiding negative publicity, an exchange of
services, or maintaining a license issued under any local,
State, or Federal government authority.
``(2) Import transporter.--The term `import transporter'
means any person or entity who--
``(A) receives an imported dog from any importer,
dealer, research facility, exhibitor, operator of an
auction sale, or department, agency, or instrumentality
of the United States or of any State or local
government; and
``(B) receives compensation for moving that
imported dog in commerce.
``(3) Importer.--The term `importer' means any person who
transports or causes the transportation of a dog into the
United States from a foreign country.
``(4) Transfer.--The term `transfer' means a change of
ownership or control of an imported dog to another person,
including by sale, adoption, exchange, or donation.
``(b) Requirements.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), no
person shall import a dog into the United States unless, prior
to transport to the United States, the Secretary receives
electronic documentation demonstrating, as determined by the
Secretary, that the dog--
``(A) is in good health;
``(B) has received all necessary vaccinations and
internal and external parasite treatment and
demonstrated negative test results, as required by the
Secretary and evidenced by a certificate that--
``(i) is issued by a licensed veterinarian
accredited by a competent veterinary authority
recognized by the Secretary; and
``(ii) is endorsed by that authority in a
manner representing that the veterinarian
issuing the certificate was authorized to do
so;
``(C) is officially identified by a permanent
method approved by the Secretary; and
``(D) if intended for transfer--
``(i) is at least 6 months old; and
``(ii) is accompanied by an import permit
issued by the Secretary under this Act.
``(2) Exceptions.--The Secretary, by regulation, shall
provide an exception to any requirement under this Act in any
case in which a dog is imported--
``(A) as a personal pet of United States origin
returning to the United States;
``(B) as a United States military working dog or
contracted working dog supporting a military mission or
tasking; or
``(C) for purposes of transfer for--
``(i) research purposes;
``(ii) veterinary treatment, paid for by
the importer, subject to the condition that the
dog--
``(I) is taken directly to a
veterinary facility for treatment with
appropriate quarantine until the dog
meets the criteria described in
paragraph (1); and
``(II) is then exported to its
country of origin; or
``(iii) in the case of a dog that is less
than 6 months old, lawful importation into the
State of Hawaii from the British Isles,
Australia, Guam, or New Zealand, in compliance
with the regulations of the State of Hawaii and
the other requirements of this section, if the
dog is not transported out of the State of
Hawaii for transfer at less than 6 months of
age.
``(c) Implementation and Regulations.--Not later than 18 months
after the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2026, the
Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human
Services, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Homeland
Security, and the Secretary of Transportation, shall promulgate such
regulations as the Secretary determines to be necessary to implement
and enforce this section, including regulations that--
``(1) facilitate electronic submission and interagency
sharing of all documentation required under subsection (b)(1)
prior to the arrival of a dog into the United States;
``(2) establish any necessary post-arrival verification
processes for imported dogs;
``(3) ensure the denial of entry into the United States of
any dog that fails to meet the requirements of subsection
(b)(1);
``(4) require each importer, import transporter,
intermediate handler, or carrier receiving a certificate
described in subsection (b)(1)(B) to submit a copy of the
certificate to the Secretary;
``(5) require the Secretary to maintain the information
submitted under paragraph (4) in a centralized database and, on
request by a State veterinarian, promptly share the information
with the State veterinarian not later than 3 days after such
request is received by the Secretary;
``(6) require the Secretary to annually submit to Congress
and make publicly available a report that describes the
aggregated data maintained under paragraph (5), including
information on the country of origin and purpose of the import;
and
``(7) determine and establish such fees for the
verification of documentation and issuance of permits with
respect to dog importation as are necessary to fund the
implementation and enforcement of this section.
``(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in subsection (c)(7) limits
the availability of funding made available under section 10417 to carry
out this section.
``(e) Enforcement.--
``(1) Authority.--The Secretary shall have the authority
granted under section 10414 to enforce this section.
``(2) Penalties.--An importer or import transporter that
fails to comply with this section shall--
``(A) be subject to penalties under section 10414;
and
``(B) provide, as the Secretary may determine, at
the expense of the importer or import transporter,
for--
``(i) the care (including appropriate
veterinary care), forfeiture, quarantine, and
removal from the United States of each
applicable dog; and
``(ii) the return of each applicable dog to
its place of export, with due care for the
welfare of each applicable dog.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act (7
U.S.C. 2148) is repealed.
(c) Transition Period.--Until the date on which final regulations
are issued under section 10404A(c) of the Animal Health Protection Act
(as added by subsection (a)), the importation of live dogs shall be
regulated in accordance with the regulations promulgated under section
18 of that Act (7 U.S.C. 2148) (as in effect on the day before the date
of enactment of this Act), but only to the extent that those
regulations are not in conflict with section 10404A of that Act.
SEC. 12603. DAIRY BUSINESS INNOVATION INITIATIVES.
Section 12513(i) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7
U.S.C. 1632d(i)) is amended by striking ``$20,000,000'' and inserting
``$36,000,000''.
SEC. 12604. COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING FOR COOKED KING CRAB AND TANNER
CRAB AND COOKED AND CANNED SALMON.
Section 281 of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C.
1638) (as amended by section 12113(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)(B), by inserting ``(excluding wild
fish described in clause (ii) or (iii) of paragraph (8)(B))''
after ``an item described in subparagraph (A)''; and
(2) in paragraph (8)(B)--
(A) by striking the period at the end and inserting
a semicolon;
(B) by striking ``includes a fillet'' and inserting
the following: ``includes--
``(i) a fillet''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(ii) cooked (including by frying,
broiling, grilling, boiling, steaming, baking,
and roasting)--
``(I) salmon;
``(II) whole king crab and tanner
crab; and
``(III) king crab and tanner crab
sections; and
``(iii) canned salmon.''.
SEC. 12605. COUNTRY OF ORIGIN AND METHOD OF PRODUCTION LABELING FOR
FISH.
(a) In General.--Section 282(c) of the Agricultural Marketing Act
of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1638a(c)) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(3) Labeling for fish.--In the case of a covered
commodity that is farm-raised fish or wild fish--
``(A) the information required by subsection (a)
shall be provided to consumers by a means described in
paragraph (1) in a conspicuous location, so as to
render the information likely to be read and understood
by a consumer under normal conditions of purchase, in a
font size that is not smaller than the font size
describing the farm-raised fish or wild fish on the
package, display, holding unit, or bin;
``(B) the designation of country of origin and the
designation of wild fish or farm-raised fish shall be
combined, and not made separately; and
``(C) the labeling shall be located on the front of
the package if the fish is in a consumer package.''.
(b) Effective Date.--This section and the amendments made by this
section shall take effect on the date that is 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 12606. ESTABLISHMENT OF OFFICE OF SEAFOOD.
Subtitle A of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of
1994 (7 U.S.C. 6912 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``SEC. 224B. OFFICE OF SEAFOOD.
``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish an Office of
Seafood to improve coordination within the Department, and with other
Federal, State, local, and nongovernmental entities, relating to the
domestic harvesting, processing, and consumption of wild and farmed
seafood in the United States.
``(b) Responsibilities.--The Office of Seafood shall--
``(1) coordinate seafood policies and activities within the
Department and with other Federal agencies, including the
Department of Commerce, the Food and Drug Administration, and
the Office of the United States Trade Representative;
``(2) provide strategic analysis, planning, communication,
and coordination of Department and interagency activities for
wild and farmed seafood;
``(3) coordinate efforts to provide economic analysis to
advise the Secretary and the Chief Economist regarding the
development, availability, promotion, and use of seafood
produced in the United States in Department programs and
policies;
``(4) coordinate with the Foreign Agricultural Service and
the Economic Research Service to integrate analysis of wild and
farmed seafood products into existing analyses of the
agricultural exports of the United States, including analysis
on the competitiveness of United States wild and farmed seafood
producers in global markets;
``(5) identify opportunities to provide integrated access
for United States wild and farmed seafood producers to
Department programs; and
``(6) perform such other functions as may be required by
law or prescribed by the Secretary.
``(c) Outreach.--The Office of Seafood shall consult with wild and
farmed seafood harvesters and producers that may be affected by
policies or actions of the Department, as necessary, in carrying out
the responsibilities described in subsection (b), which may include
providing technical assistance regarding access to applicable
Department programs.''.
SEC. 12607. STUDY AND REPORT ON EXPANDING SEAFOOD PROCESSING CAPACITY.
(a) Study.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce
and the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, shall conduct a study to
evaluate methods to facilitate more domestic processing of United
States-caught seafood in coastal communities, including--
(1) an identification of coastal communities in which--
(A) commercial fishing is a significant economic
driver;
(B) current processing infrastructure is not
sufficient to meet the needs of the seafood industry;
and
(C) there exists a need and a voiced community
desire for the creation of new, or the rehabilitation
of existing, seafood processing infrastructure to allow
the coastal community to process caught seafood and
provide seafood to local, national, and international
markets; and
(2) an extensive evaluation of all potential Federal and
State programs for facilitating the expanded processing of
seafood, including recommendations to improve the access of
seafood producers to those programs.
(b) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress, and make publicly
available, a report describing the results of the study conducted under
subsection (a).
SEC. 12608. OFFICE OF SMALL FARMS.
Subtitle B of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of
1994 (7 U.S.C. 6931 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``SEC. 229. OFFICE OF SMALL FARMS.
``(a) Definition of Small Farm, Ranch, or Forest Operation.--In
this section, the term `small farm, ranch, or forest operation' means a
farm, ranch, or forest operation that--
``(1)(A) is less than 180 acres; or
``(B) meets another acreage-based definition of `small', as
determined by the Secretary, that takes into consideration--
``(i) the State or region in which the farm, ranch,
or forest operation is located;
``(ii) the production system of the farm, ranch, or
forest operation; or
``(iii) both; and
``(2) has an annual gross cash farm income of less than
$350,000.
``(b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish within the farm
production and conservation mission area the Office of Small Farms.
``(c) Responsibilities.--The Office of Small Farms shall--
``(1) coordinate efforts to improve support for small
farms, ranches, and forest operations across all Department
agencies and offices;
``(2) review Department programs and policies and identify
statutory, regulatory, and administrative provisions, policies,
and guidance that disadvantage small farm, ranch, or forest
operation participation, and recommend changes to ensure that
those programs and policies adequately serve small farms,
ranches, and forest operations;
``(3) develop recommendations for new initiatives,
including financing mechanisms and technical assistance
opportunities, to specifically serve small farms, ranches, and
forest operations relating to production, conservation,
business planning, land access, and other issues, as determined
by the Secretary;
``(4) make recommendations to Department agencies and
offices and other Federal agencies on tracking small farm,
ranch, or forest operation data, including demographics and
program participation rates;
``(5) propose research agendas on topics that are of
special interest to small farms, ranches, and forest
operations;
``(6) provide or coordinate technical assistance through
the Department or through cooperative agreements with other
entities to operators of small farms, ranches, and forest
operations to assist those operators--
``(A) to access the full complement of available
Department grant, cost-share, and loan programs;
``(B) to implement activities using assistance
received under those programs; and
``(C) with farmland preservation, including through
succession planning;
``(7) implement a program directly or through cooperative
agreements with other entities to provide grants of not more
than $25,000 to operators of small farms, ranches, and forest
operations for--
``(A) equipment and infrastructure repairs and
upgrades;
``(B) uninsured losses;
``(C) business planning and market development
assistance;
``(D) conservation practice adoption;
``(E) down payments for land acquisition; and
``(F) such other purposes as the Secretary
determines to be appropriate;
``(8) operate a hotline through which operators of small
farms, ranches, and forest operations can anonymously report
problems that the operators encounter in attempts to access
Department programs; and
``(9) collaborate with other Federal agencies and State
agencies on how to effectively reach and serve small farms,
ranches, and forest operations.
``(d) Report to Congress.--Annually, the Secretary shall submit to
the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a
report describing--
``(1) the efforts of the Secretary to enhance participation
by small farms, ranches, and forest operations in agricultural
programs; and
``(2) the results achieved to enhance such participation
for each such agricultural program.
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031--
``(1) $15,000,000 for the administration of the Office of
Small Farms; and
``(2) $10,000,000 to provide technical assistance and
grants authorized by this section.''.
SEC. 12609. INNOVATIVE FEED ENHANCEMENT.
(a) Definition.--Section 201 of the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(tt)(1) The term `zootechnical animal food substance' means a
substance that--
``(A) is added to the food or drinking water of animals;
``(B) is intended to--
``(i) affect the byproducts of the digestive
process of an animal;
``(ii) reduce the presence of foodborne pathogens
of human health significance in an animal intended to
be used for food; or
``(iii) affect the structure or function of the
body of the animal, other than by providing nutritive
value, by altering the animal's gastrointestinal
microbiome; and
``(C) achieves its intended effect by acting solely within
the gastrointestinal tract of the animal.
``(2) Such term does not include a substance that--
``(A) is intended for use in the diagnosis, cure,
mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease in an animal;
``(B) is a hormone;
``(C) is an active moiety in an animal drug, which, prior
to the filing of a petition under section 409 was approved
under section 512, conditionally approved under section 571,
indexed under section 572, or for which substantial clinical
investigations have been instituted and for which the existence
of such investigations has been made public;
``(D) is an ionophore; or
``(E) is otherwise excluded from the definition based on
criteria established by the Secretary through notice and
comment rulemaking.
``(3) A zootechnical animal food substance shall be deemed to be a
food additive within the meaning of paragraph (s) and its introduction
into interstate commerce shall be in accordance with a regulation
issued under section 409. A zootechnical animal food substance shall
not be considered a drug under paragraph (g)(1)(C) solely because the
substance has an intended effect described in subparagraph (1).''.
(b) Food Additives.--Section 409 of the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 348) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (5) as
paragraphs (4) through (6), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) In the case of a zootechnical animal food substance,
such petition shall, in addition to any explanatory or
supporting data, contain--
``(A) all relevant data bearing on the effect the
zootechnical animal food substance is intended to have
and the quantity of such substance required to produce
the intended effect; and
``(B) full reports of investigations made with
respect to the intended use of such substance,
including full information as to the methods and
controls used in conducting such investigations.'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) by amending subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1)
to read as follows:
``(A)(i) by order establish a regulation (whether or not in
accord with that proposed by the petitioner) prescribing--
``(I) with respect to one or more proposed uses of
the food additive involved, the conditions under which
such additive may be safely used (including
specifications as to the particular food or classes of
food in or on which such additive may be used, the
maximum quantity which may be used or permitted to
remain in or on such food, the manner in which such
additive may be added to or used in or on such food,
and any directions or other labeling or packaging
requirements for such additive as the Secretary
determines necessary to assure the safety of such use);
and
``(II) in the case of a zootechnical animal food
substance, the conditions under which such substance
may be used to achieve the intended effect; and
``(ii) notify the petitioner of such order and the reasons
for such action; or''; and
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``;
or'' and inserting a semicolon;
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the
period and inserting ``; or''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) in the case of a zootechnical animal food substance,
fails to establish that the proposed use of the substance,
under the conditions of use to be specified in the regulation,
will achieve the intended effect.''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(l) Zootechnical Animal Food Substances.--The labeling of a
zootechnical animal food substance--
``(1) shall include the statement: `Not for use in the
diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of
disease in animals.'; and
``(2) may include statements regarding the intended effect
of the substance on the structure or function of the body of
animals, as set forth in section 201(tt)(1).''.
(c) Misbranded Food.--Section 403 of the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 343) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(z) If it is a zootechnical animal food substance and the
labeling of the food does not include the statement required by section
409(l)(1).''.
(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section, or the
amendments made by this section, shall be construed to authorize the
Secretary of Health and Human Services to require the use of any
zootechnical food substance or food additive (as those terms are
defined in section 201 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as
amended by subsection (a)).
SEC. 12610. CODIFYING USEFUL REGULATORY DEFINITIONS.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds as follows:
(1) There is a need to define the term ``natural cheese''
in order to maintain transparency and consistency for consumers
so that they may differentiate ``natural cheese'' from
``process cheese''.
(2) The term ``natural cheese'' has been used within the
cheese making industry for more than 50 years and is well-
established.
(b) Definition of Natural Cheese.--Section 201 of the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321) (as amended by section 12609(a))
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(uu)(1) The term `natural cheese' means cheese that is a ripened
or unripened soft, semi-soft, or hard product, which may be coated,
that is produced--
``(A) by--
``(i) coagulating wholly or partly the protein of
milk, skimmed milk, partly skimmed milk, cream, whey
cream, or buttermilk, or any combination of such
ingredients, through the action of rennet or other
suitable coagulating agents, and by partially draining
the whey resulting from the coagulation, while
respecting the principle that cheese-making results in
a concentration of milk protein (in particular, the
casein portion), and that consequently, the protein
content of the cheese will be distinctly higher than
the protein level of the blend of the above milk
materials from which the cheese was made; or
``(ii) processing techniques involving coagulation
of the protein of milk or products obtained from milk
to produce an end-product with similar physical,
chemical, and organoleptic characteristics as the
product described in subclause (i); and
``(iii) including the addition of safe and suitable
non-milk derived ingredients of the type permitted in
the standards of identity described in clause (B) as
natural cheese; or
``(B) in accordance with standards of identity under part
133 of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor
regulations), other than the standards described in
subparagraph (2) or any future standards adopted by the
Secretary in accordance with subparagraph (2)(I).
``(2) Such term does not include--
``(A) pasteurized process cheeses as defined in section
133.169, 133.170, or 133.171 of title 21, Code of Federal
Regulations (or any successor regulations);
``(B) pasteurized process cheese foods as defined in
section 133.173 or 133.174 of title 21, Code of Federal
Regulations (or any successor regulations);
``(C) pasteurized cheese spreads as defined in section
133.175, 133.176, or 133.178 of title 21, Code of Federal
Regulations (or any successor regulations);
``(D) pasteurized process cheese spreads as defined in
section 133.179 or 133.180 of title 21, Code of Federal
Regulations (or any successor regulations);
``(E) pasteurized blended cheeses as defined in section
133.167 or 133.168 of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations (or
any successor regulations);
``(F) any products comparable to any product described in
any of clauses (A) through (E);
``(G) cold pack cheeses as defined in section 133.123,
133.124, or 133.125 title 21, Code of Federal Regulations (or
any successor regulations);
``(H) grated American cheese food as defined in section
133.147 of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations (or any
successor regulations); or
``(I) any other product the Secretary may designate as a
process cheese.
``(3) For purposes of this paragraph, the term `milk' has the
meaning given such term in section 133.3 of title 21, Code of Federal
Regulations (or any successor regulations) and includes the lacteal
secretions from animals other than cows.''.
(c) Labeling.--Section 403 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act (21 U.S.C. 343) (as amended by section 12609(c)) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(aa) If its label or labeling includes the term `natural cheese'
as a factual descriptor of a category of cheese unless the food meets
the definition of natural cheese under section 201(uu), except that
nothing in this paragraph shall prohibit the use of the term `natural'
or `all-natural', or a similar claim or statement with respect to a
food in a manner that is consistent with regulations, guidance, or
policy statements issued by the Secretary.''.
(d) National Uniformity.--Section 403A(a)(2) of the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 343-1(a)(2)) is amended by striking
``or 403(x)'' and inserting ``403(x), or 403(aa)''.
SEC. 12611. CATTLE FEVER TICK ERADICATION PROGRAM REVIEW AND REPORT.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Covered institution.--The term ``covered institution''
means--
(A) a land-grant college or university (as defined
in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
3103)); and
(B) a non-land-grant college of agriculture (as
defined in that section (7 U.S.C. 3103)).
(2) Program.--The term ``Program'' means the Cattle Fever
Tick Eradication Program carried out by the Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service in coordination with the Texas Animal
Health Commission.
(b) Program Review.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall offer to enter into a
contract with a covered institution under which the covered institution
shall conduct a review of the Program.
(c) Review Elements.--The review conducted pursuant to subsection
(b) shall include an evaluation of--
(1) the effectiveness of the Program with respect to
preventing and reducing the spread of tick-borne illnesses in
cattle, including a review of places from which the cattle
fever tick has been eradicated and the resulting economic
impact;
(2) with respect to cattle producers--
(A) the benefits of the Program; and
(B) the burden of compliance with the Program;
(3) the treatment protocols developed and implemented under
the Program; and
(4) the Federal and State funds allocated to support the
Program for the most recent fiscal year, including the funds
allocated to each research project associated with the Program.
(d) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which the
Secretary and a covered institution enter into a contract under
subsection (b), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on
Agriculture of the House of Representatives a report that includes--
(1) the results of the review conducted under that
contract; and
(2) recommendations for improvements to the Program,
including recommendations for reducing the burden on cattle
producers of compliance with the Program.
(e) Funding.--The Secretary shall use funds made available for the
agricultural and food policy research centers under section 1419A of
the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act
of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3155) to carry out this section.
SEC. 12612. QUALIFIED RENEWABLE BIOMASS.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Agency action.--The term ``agency action'' has the
meaning given the term in section 551 of title 5, United States
Code.
(2) Qualified renewable biomass.--
(A) In general.--The term ``qualified renewable
biomass'' means--
(i) forest product manufacturing bioenergy
feedstock, including from--
(I) forest product manufacturing
residuals, including spent pulping
liquors, pulping by-products, bark,
woody manufacturing residuals, paper
recycling residuals, wastewater and
process water treatment plant
residuals, and anaerobic digester
biogas;
(II) harvest residue, including
portions of harvested trees that are
too small or of too poor quality to be
utilized for wood products or paper
products;
(III) downed wood from extreme
weather events and natural disasters,
nonhazardous landscape or right-of-way
trimmings and municipal trimmings, and
plant material removed for purposes of
invasive or noxious plant species
control;
(IV) biowaste, including landfill
gas; and
(V) nonchemically treated used wood
products, such as crates or pallets;
and
(ii) forest biomass derived from residues
created as a by-product of timber harvesting--
(I) including treetops, tree limbs,
and bark; but
(II) excluding stumps, roots, and
round wood suitable for industrial
purposes.
(B) Exclusion.--The term ``qualified renewable
biomass'' does not include paper of a type that is
commonly recycled.
(b) Consideration as Renewable Energy Source.--With respect to any
agency action of the Department related to qualified renewable biomass,
the Secretary shall--
(1) consider qualified renewable biomass to be a renewable
energy source; and
(2) assign the qualified renewable biomass a greenhouse gas
emission rate and a carbon intensity of not greater than zero
if the use of the qualified renewable biomass as fuel does not
cause the conversion of forests to nonforest use.
(c) Petitions.--Not later than 1 year after receiving a petition
requesting a change to a rule, policy, or program of the Department in
order to comply with the requirements of subsection (b), the Secretary
shall take such action as may be necessary to comply with such
requirements with respect to such rule, policy, or program.
(d) Guidance.--
(1) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish
guidance for purposes of carrying out subsections (b) and (c).
(2) Modification.--The Secretary may periodically update
the guidance established under paragraph (1) as the Secretary
determines necessary.
(3) Consultation.--In carrying out this subsection, the
Secretary shall consult with--
(A) the Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency;
(B) the Secretary of Energy; and
(C) any other relevant entities, as determined by
the Secretary.
SEC. 12613. PROMOTING PRECISION AGRICULTURE.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Advanced wireless communications technology.--The term
``advanced wireless communications technology'' means advanced
technology that contributes to mobile (5G or beyond) networks,
next-generation Wi-Fi networks, or other future networks using
other technologies, regardless of whether the network is
operating on an exclusive licensed, shared licensed, or
unlicensed frequency band.
(2) Artificial intelligence.--The term ``artificial
intelligence'' has the meaning given the term in section 238(g)
of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115-232; 10 U.S.C. note prec.
4061).
(3) Foreign adversary.--The term ``foreign adversary''
means any foreign government or foreign nongovernment person
engaged in a long-term pattern or serious instances of conduct
significantly adverse to the national security of the United
States, or security and safety of United States persons.
(4) Precision agriculture.--The term ``precision
agriculture'' means managing, tracking, or reducing crop or
livestock production inputs, including seed, feed, fertilizer,
chemicals, water, time, and such other inputs as the Secretary
determines to be appropriate, at a heightened level of spatial
and temporal granularity to improve efficiencies, reduce waste,
and maintain environmental quality.
(5) Precision agriculture equipment.--The term ``precision
agriculture equipment'' means any equipment or technology that
directly contributes to a reduction in, or improved efficiency
of, inputs used in crop or livestock production, including--
(A) global positioning system-based or geospatial
mapping;
(B) satellite or aerial imagery;
(C) yield monitors;
(D) soil mapping;
(E) sensors for gathering data on crop, soil, and
livestock conditions;
(F) Internet of Things and technology that relies
on edge and cloud computing;
(G) data management software and advanced
analytics;
(H) network connectivity products and solutions,
including public and private wireless networks;
(I) global positioning system guidance, auto-steer
systems, autonomous fleeting, and other machine-to-
machine operations;
(J) variable rate technology for applying inputs,
such as section control; and
(K) any other technology that leads to a reduction
in, or improves efficiency of, crop and livestock
production inputs, which may include--
(i) seed;
(ii) feed;
(iii) fertilizer;
(iv) chemicals;
(v) water;
(vi) time;
(vii) fuel;
(viii) emissions; and
(ix) such other inputs as the Secretary
determines to be appropriate.
(6) Trusted.--The term ``trusted'' means, with respect to a
provider of advanced communications service or a supplier of
communications equipment or service, that the Secretary has
determined that the provider or supplier is not owned by,
controlled by, or subject to the influence of, a foreign
adversary.
(7) Voluntary consensus standards development
organization.--The term ``voluntary consensus standards
development organization'' means an organization that develops
standards in a process that meets the principles for the
development of voluntary consensus standards (as defined in the
document of the Office of Management and Budget entitled
``Federal Participation in the Development and Use of Voluntary
Consensus Standards and in Conformity Assessment Activities''
(OMB Circular A-119)).
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
(1) to enhance the participation of precision agriculture
in the United States; and
(2) to promote United States leadership in voluntary
consensus standards development organizations that set
standards for precision agriculture.
(c) Interconnectivity Standards for Precision Agriculture.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the
Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology
and the Federal Communications Commission, shall--
(A) develop voluntary, consensus-based, private
sector-led interconnectivity standards, guidelines, and
best practices for precision agriculture that will
promote economies of scale and ease the burden of the
adoption of precision agriculture; and
(B) in carrying out subparagraph (A)--
(i) coordinate with relevant public and
trusted private sector stakeholders and other
relevant industry organizations, including
voluntary consensus standards development
organizations; and
(ii) consult with sector-specific agencies,
other appropriate agencies, and State and local
governments.
(2) Considerations.--The Secretary, in carrying out
paragraph (1), shall, in consultation with the Director of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Federal
Communications Commission, consider--
(A) the evolving demands of precision agriculture;
(B) the connectivity needs of precision agriculture
equipment;
(C) the cybersecurity challenges facing precision
agriculture, including cybersecurity threats for
agriculture producers and agriculture supply chains;
(D) the impact of advanced wireless communications
technology on precision agriculture; and
(E) the impact of artificial intelligence on
precision agriculture.
(d) GAO Assessment of Precision Agriculture Standards.--
(1) Study.--Not later than 1 year after the Secretary
develops standards under subsection (c), and every 2 years
thereafter for the following 8 years, the Comptroller General
of the United States shall conduct a study that assesses those
standards, including the extent to which those standards, as
applicable--
(A) are voluntary;
(B) were developed in coordination with relevant
industry organizations, including voluntary consensus
standards development organizations; and
(C) have successfully encouraged the adoption of
precision agriculture.
(2) Report.--The Comptroller General of the United States
shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives a report that summarizes the findings of each
study conducted under paragraph (1).
SEC. 12614. FARMING OPPORTUNITIES TRAINING AND OUTREACH.
Section 2501(c)(2) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(c)(2)) is amended, in the matter
preceding subparagraph (A), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''.
SEC. 12615. IMPROVEMENTS TO UNITED STATES DROUGHT MONITOR.
Section 12512(d)(2) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7
U.S.C. 5856(d)(2)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2031''.
SEC. 12616. WHOLE MILK UNDER THE SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM.
Section 9(a)(2) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act
(42 U.S.C. 1758(a)(2)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding clause
(i), by striking ``Act--'' and inserting ``Act and breakfasts
served by schools participating in the school breakfast program
under section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C.
1773)--'';
(2) in subparagraph (C), in the matter preceding clause
(i), by inserting ``or the school breakfast program under
section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773)''
after ``Act''; and
(3) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``section 210.10'' and
inserting ``sections 210.10 and 220.8''.
SEC. 12617. COMMISSION ON RURAL MATERNAL HEALTH.
(a) Establishment.--There is established a commission to be known
as the ``Commission on Rural Maternal Health'' (referred to in this
section as the ``Commission'').
(b) Duties.--
(1) Study.--The Commission shall conduct a study on issues
impacting rural maternal health, including--
(A) access to and availability of maternal
healthcare providers in rural areas, including the
prevalence and impact of maternity care deserts;
(B) impediments to access to appropriate maternal
care services in rural areas;
(C) factors that contribute to maternal mortality,
pregnancy-related mortality, severe maternal morbidity,
and adverse maternal health outcomes across the full
continuum of care, including the prenatal, labor and
delivery, and postpartum periods;
(D) disparities in maternal health outcomes among
rural populations; and
(E) solutions, best practices, and evidence-based
interventions, including State programs and community-
based education and outreach efforts, to reduce
maternal mortality and maternal morbidity rates in
rural areas.
(2) Report.--Not later than September 30, 2031, the
Commission shall submit to the President, the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate, and the
Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives a
report containing the results of the study required by
paragraph (1), including such recommendations as the Commission
considers appropriate.
(c) Membership.--
(1) In general.--The Commission shall be composed of 10
members, as follows:
(A) 3 members appointed by the Chair of the
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of
the Senate.
(B) 3 members appointed by the Chair of the
Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives.
(C) 2 members appointed by the Ranking Member of
the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
of the Senate.
(D) 2 members appointed by the Ranking Member of
the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives.
(2) Date of appointments.--All members of the Commission
shall be appointed not more than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act.
(3) Term; vacancies.--
(A) Term.--A member shall be appointed for the life
of the Commission.
(B) Vacancies.--A vacancy on the Commission--
(i) shall not affect the powers of the
Commission; and
(ii) shall be filled in the same manner as
the original appointment was made.
(4) Co-chairs.--The Chair of the Committee on Agriculture,
Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Chair of the
Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives shall
appoint 2 of the members of the Commission to serve as Co-
Chairs.
(d) Meetings.--
(1) Initial meeting.--Not later than 30 days after the date
on which all members of the Commission have been appointed, the
Commission shall hold the initial meeting of the Commission.
(2) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Commission
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but
a lesser number of members may hold hearings.
(e) Information From Federal Agencies.--The Commission may secure
directly from a Federal agency such information as the Commission
considers necessary to carry out this section.
(f) Termination.--The Commission shall terminate on the date that
is 90 days after the date on which the Commission submits the report
under subsection (b)(2).
SEC. 12618. COST-SHARE GRANTS FOR ROLLOVER PROTECTION STRUCTURES.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Approved rollover protection structure.--The term
``approved rollover protection structure'' means a rollover
protection structure that the Program Administrator
determines--
(A) may be installed on eligible equipment;
(B) includes a seatbelt; and
(C) meets or exceeds the rollover protection
structure standards.
(2) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means,
as determined by the Secretary--
(A) an agricultural producer; and
(B) an eligible school.
(3) Eligible equipment.--The term ``eligible equipment''
means an agricultural tractor that the Program Administrator
determines to be eligible for installation of an approved
rollover protection structure.
(4) Eligible school.--The term ``eligible school'' means--
(A) a vocational school that provides agricultural
instruction or training;
(B) an institution of higher education that
provides direct, practical agricultural instruction or
training; and
(C) a public or private secondary school the
curriculum of which includes an agricultural
instruction or training component.
(5) Program administrator.--The term ``Program
Administrator'' means the organization selected by the
Secretary under subsection (c)(1)(B).
(6) Rollover protection structure standards.--The term
``rollover protection structure standards'' includes SAE J2194,
SAE J1194, ISO 5700:2013, and successor standards, and any
other relevant national or international rollover protection
structure manufacturing or testing standards.
(b) Cost-share Grants.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall award grants to
eligible entities for the cost of purchasing, shipping, and
installing on eligible equipment approved rollover protection
structures.
(2) Limitations.--The amount of a grant under this section
shall be not more than the lesser of--
(A) 70 percent of the cost of the eligible entity
to purchase, transport, and install the approved
rollover protection structure, as documented by the
eligible entity; and
(B) $500.
(c) Administration.--
(1) Program administrator.--The Secretary shall--
(A) seek competitive bids from nongovernmental
organizations to serve as the Program Administrator
under this section;
(B) select 1 organization from among organizations
that submit bids under subparagraph (A); and
(C) enter into a cooperative agreement with that
organization to carry out the activities described in
paragraph (2).
(2) Duties.--The Program Administrator shall--
(A) identify--
(i) approved rollover protection
structures; and
(ii) eligible equipment; and
(B) administer the application process under
subsection (d).
(d) Applications.--
(1) In general.--To apply for a grant under this section,
an eligible entity shall submit to the Program Administrator an
application, including documentation of the cost described in
subsection (b)(2)(A).
(2) Approval or denial.--On receipt of an application under
paragraph (1), the Program Administrator shall--
(A) determine--
(i) whether the applicant is eligible for a
grant under this section; and
(ii) the amount of a grant under this
section for which the applicant is eligible;
and
(B) submit to the Secretary a notification of the
determinations under subparagraph (A).
(e) Disbursement.--On receipt of a notification under subsection
(d)(2)(B), if an applicant is eligible for a grant under this section,
the Secretary shall disburse to the eligible entity the amount of the
grant described in subsection (d)(2)(A)(ii).
(f) Funding.--
(1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section $725,000 for each
of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
(2) Allocation.--Of the amounts appropriated under
paragraph (1) for each fiscal year--
(A) the Secretary shall use $500,000 for grants
under this section; and
(B) the Secretary shall transfer to the Program
Administrator--
(i) $125,000 for promotion of, and upgrades
to a website for, grants under this section;
and
(ii) $100,000 for a telephone hotline for
grants under this section.
SEC. 12619. IMPROVING WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTIONS UNDER THE COMMODITY
EXCHANGE ACT.
(a) Commodity Futures Trading Commission Customer Protection Fund
Modifications.--
(1) Separate account for education initiatives and
administrative expenses.--Section 23(g) of the Commodity
Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 26(g)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``subsection
(a)'' and inserting ``subsection (b)''; and
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking
``$100,000,000'' and inserting
``$300,000,000'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``subparagraph (A)'' and inserting ``clause
(i)'';
(iii) by redesignating subparagraphs (A)
through (C) as clauses (i) through (iii),
respectively, and indenting the clauses
appropriately;
(iv) in the matter preceding clause (i) (as
so redesignated), by striking ``There shall be
deposited into or credited to the Fund:'' and
inserting the following:
``(A) In general.--There shall be deposited in, or
credited to, the Fund the following:''; and
(v) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Separate account for education initiatives
and administrative expenses.--
``(i) In general.--Any amounts contained
in, deposited in, or credited to the Fund under
subparagraph (A) shall be first deposited in,
or credited to, a separate account in the Fund
described in clause (ii), regardless of
outstanding whistleblower awards, unless the
balance of that separate account at the time
the amounts are deposited or credited exceeds
$10,000,000.
``(ii) Use of separate account.--The
separate account referred to in clause (i)
shall be available to the Commission, without
further appropriation or fiscal year
limitation, for--
``(I) the purpose described in
subparagraph (B) of paragraph (2); and
``(II) the funding of
administrative and salary expenses
necessary for personnel to carry out
the activities described in
subparagraphs (A) and (B) of that
paragraph.''.
(2) Commodity futures trading commission whistleblower
program.--Section 1(b) of Public Law 117-25 (135 Stat. 297; 136
Stat. 2133; 136 Stat. 2309; 136 Stat. 5984; 139 Stat. 46) is
amended--
(A) in paragraph (3), by striking ``until'' and all
that follows through the period at the end and
inserting ``until expended.''; and
(B) by striking paragraph (4).
(3) Definitions.--Section 23(a) of the Commodity Exchange
Act (7 U.S.C. 26(a)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (3)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking
``and'' at the end;
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the
period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) any distribution made in a United States
bankruptcy proceeding to the Commission, an injured
investor, or other defrauded person or entity as a
result of information provided by 1 or more
whistleblowers.''; and
(B) in paragraph (5)--
(i) by striking ``means any judicial'' and
inserting ``means any proceeding in a United
States bankruptcy court brought by any party
and any judicial'';
(ii) by striking ``subsection (h)(2)(C)''
and inserting ``subsection (h)(2)(C)(i)''; and
(iii) by striking ``subsection (a)'' and
inserting ``subsection (b)''.
(b) Strengthening Protections for Commodity Whistleblowers.--
Section 23 of the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 26) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(7)--
(A) by striking ``The term'' and inserting the
following:
``(A) In general.--The term''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Special rule.--For purposes of subsection
(h), the term `whistleblower' includes any individual
who takes, or any 2 or more individuals, acting
jointly, who take, an action described in paragraph
(1)(A) of that subsection.'';
(2) in subsection (h)(1)--
(A) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the
following:
``(A) In general.--No employer may, directly or
indirectly, discharge, demote, suspend, threaten,
blacklist, harass, seek to deny any award, or in any
other manner discriminate against a whistleblower in
the terms and conditions of employment or post-
employment because of any lawful act done by the
whistleblower--
``(i) in providing information in writing
or orally, if the oral report is documented,
including information provided as part of the
job duties of the whistleblower, in accordance
with this section to--
``(I) the Commission or the
Attorney General;
``(II) a Federal, State, or local
regulatory or law enforcement agency;
``(III) any Member of Congress or
any committee of Congress; or
``(IV) a person with supervisory
authority over the whistleblower, or
such other person working for the
employer who has the authority to
investigate, discover, or terminate
misconduct;
``(ii) in initiating, testifying in, or
assisting in any investigation or judicial or
administrative action of the Commission or the
Department of Justice based upon or related to
the information described in clause (i); or
``(iii) in providing information, in
writing or orally, if the oral report is
documented, regarding any conduct that the
whistleblower reasonably believes constitutes a
violation of any law, rule, or regulation
subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission,
or a violation of section 1956, 1957, or 1960
of title 18, United States Code (or any rule or
regulation under any such provision), to--
``(I) a person with supervisory
authority over the whistleblower at the
employer of the whistleblower; or
``(II) another individual working
for the employer described in subclause
(I) who the whistleblower reasonably
believes has the authority--
``(aa) to investigate,
discover, or terminate the
misconduct; or
``(bb) to take any other
action to address the
misconduct.'';
(B) in subparagraph (B)(i)--
(i) by striking ``An individual'' and
inserting the following:
``(I) In general.--An individual'';
(ii) in subclause (I) (as so designated),
by striking ``, unless'' and all that follows
through ``title 5, United States Code''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(II) Jury trial.--A person
against whom an action is brought under
this subsection shall be entitled to a
jury trial.
``(III) Burden of proof.--All
complaints under this subsection shall
be governed by the legal burdens of
proof set forth in section 1221(e) of
title 5, United States Code.''; and
(C) in subparagraph (C)(ii), by inserting ``2
times'' before ``the amount''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(o) Employee Education on Whistleblower Rights.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 360 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall publish in the
Federal Register a final rule requiring each registered entity
to provide education and training to employees of the
registered entity on the rights of whistleblowers and remedies
under this section, including, at a minimum, through--
``(A) notice provided individually to each
employee;
``(B) posting information on the homepage of the
website of the registered entity; and
``(C) mandatory training for each employee.
``(2) Procedure.--Notwithstanding the exceptions described
in the undesignated matter following subsection (b)(4) of
section 553 of title 5, United States Code, that section shall
apply to the issuance of the rule under paragraph (1).''.
(c) Prompt Payment of Awards.--Section 23(b) of the Commodity
Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 26(b)) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(3) Timely processing of claims.--
``(A) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
``(i) Award claim.--The term `award claim'
means a claim submitted by a whistleblower for
an award under this section.
``(ii) Director.--The term `Director' means
the Director of the Division of Enforcement of
the Commission (or a designee).
``(B) Preliminary determination.--
``(i) In general.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (C), the Commission shall make a
preliminary determination with respect to an
award claim not later than the later of--
``(I) the date that is 1 year after
the deadline established by the
Commission, by rule, for the
whistleblower to file the award claim;
and
``(II) the date that is 1 year
after the final resolution of all
litigation, including any appeals,
concerning the covered judicial or
administrative action or related
action.
``(ii) Multiple related actions.--If an
award claim involves 1 or more related actions,
the requirement under clause (i) shall apply
with respect to the latest deadline with
respect to the involved actions.
``(C) Exceptions.--
``(i) Initial extension.--If the Director
determines that an award claim is sufficiently
complex or involves more than 1 whistleblower,
or if other good cause exists such that the
Commission cannot reasonably satisfy the
requirements under subparagraph (B), as
determined by the Director, the Director, after
providing notice to the Chairman of the
Commission, may extend the deadline with
respect to the satisfaction of those
requirements by not more than 180 days.
``(ii) Additional extension.--If, after
providing an extension under clause (i), the
Director determines that good cause exists such
that the Commission cannot reasonably satisfy
the requirement under subparagraph (B), the
Director may extend the deadline described in
clause (i) for 1 additional successive 180-day
period only after providing notice to, and
receiving approval from, the Commission.
``(iii) Notice to whistleblower required.--
If the Director exercises authority under
clause (i) or (ii), the Director shall submit
to the whistleblower who filed the award claim
that is subject to that exercise a written
notification of the exercise.
``(D) Final order.--The Commission shall issue a
final order with respect to an award claim not later
than 1 year after the preliminary determination under
subparagraph (B).
``(E) Applicability.--This paragraph shall apply
only to an award claim that the Director determines is
timely submitted under a deadline established by the
Commission after the date of enactment of this
paragraph.''.
(d) Technical Corrections.--Section 23 of the Commodity Exchange
Act (7 U.S.C. 26) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(1)(B)(i)(III), by striking ``the
Act'' each place it appears and inserting ``this Act''; and
(2) in subsection (f)(3), by striking ``section 7064'' and
inserting ``section 706''.
Calendar No. 683
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 5526
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other
programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2031, and
for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
September 24, 2026
Read twice and placed on the calendar