Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Highlights:

This bill provides FY2017 appropriations for the Department of Agriculture (USDA), except for the Forest Service which is included in the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. It also provides appropriations for the Food and Drug Administration and the Farm Credit Administration.

The bill includes both discretionary and mandatory funding. The mandatory funding levels are generally set by authorizing legislation such as the farm bill and are frequently limited in the agriculture appropriations bill.

The bill decreases discretionary funding for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies below FY2016 levels.

Also included in the bill are provisions that affect policies in areas such as:

 reporting requirements for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) households, inventory requirements for SNAP-authorized retailers, payments to farmers under the Agriculture Risk Coverage Program, labeling requirements for menus, labeling requirements for genetically engineered salmon, and horse slaughter facility inspections. Full Summary:

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017

Provides FY2017 appropriations to the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and related agencies.

TITLE I--AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS

Provides appropriations for the following agricultural programs and services:

 the Office of the Secretary; Executive Operations; the Office of the Chief Information Officer; the Office of the Chief Financial Officer; the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights; the Office of Civil Rights; Agriculture Buildings and Facilities; Hazardous Materials Management; the Office of Inspector General; the Office of the General Counsel; the Office of Ethics; the Office of the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics; the Economic Research Service; the National Agricultural Statistics Service; the Agricultural Research Service; the National Institute of Food and Agriculture; the Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs; the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; the Agricultural Marketing Service; the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration; the Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety; the Food Safety and Inspection Service; the Office of the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services; the Farm Service Agency; the Risk Management Agency; the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund; and the Commodity Credit Corporation Fund. TITLE II--CONSERVATION PROGRAMS

Provides appropriations for the Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment.

Provides appropriations to the Natural Resources Conservation Service for: (1) Conservation Operations, and (2) Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations.

TITLE III--RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

Provides appropriations for Rural Development Programs including:

 the Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development, Rural Development, the Rural Housing Service, the Rural Business--Cooperative Service, and the Rural Utilities Service. TITLE IV--DOMESTIC FOOD PROGRAMS

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

Provides appropriations to the Food and Nutrition Service for:

 Child Nutrition Programs; the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps); the Commodity Assistance Program; and Nutrition Programs Administration. TITLE V--FOREIGN ASSISTANCE AND RELATED PROGRAMS

Provides appropriations for the Foreign Agricultural Service, including:

 the Food for Peace Act (P.L. 480) and the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program. TITLE VI--RELATED AGENCIES AND FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION

 Provides appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Provides appropriations to the Farm Credit Administration.

TITLE VII--GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sets forth permissible and prohibited uses for funds provided by this and other appropriations Acts.

(Sec. 701) Permits USDA to use funds provided by this bill for the purchase, replacement, and hire of passenger motor vehicles.

(Sec. 702) Permits USDA to transfer unobligated balances to the Working Capital Fund for the acquisition of plant and capital equipment for financial, administrative, and information technology services. Permits the transferred funds to remain available until expended and specifies restrictions on the use of the funds.

(Sec. 703) Prohibits appropriations provided by this bill from remaining available for obligation beyond the current fiscal year unless the bill expressly provides otherwise.

(Sec. 704) Limits negotiated indirect costs on cooperative agreements between USDA and nonprofit institutions to 10% of the total direct cost of the agreement when the purpose of the agreement is to carry out programs of mutual interest between the two parties.

 (Sec. 705) Permits appropriations for direct and guaranteed loans to remain available until expended to disburse obligations made in the current fiscal year for: (1) the Rural Development Loan Fund program account, (2) the Rural Electrification and Telecommunication Loans program account, and (3) the Rural Housing Insurance Fund program account.

(Sec. 706) Prohibits USDA from using funds provided by this bill to acquire or upgrade information technology systems without approval of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and the Executive Information Technology Investment Review Board. Restricts the transfer of funds made available by this bill to the CIO without prior approval of Congress. Prohibits funds from being used for specified information technology projects without the approval of the CIO.

(Sec. 707) Permits specified FY2017 funds provided under the Federal Crop Insurance Act for agricultural management assistance to remain available until expended to disburse obligations made in the current fiscal year.

(Sec. 708) Makes a former Rural Utility Service borrower that has repaid or prepaid a loan under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 or any not-for profit utility qualified to receive a loan under the Act eligible for rural economic development and job creation assistance in the same manner as a borrower.

(Sec. 709) Permits up to $20 million of the unobligated balances from appropriations by this bill for salaries and expenses of the Farm Service Agency to remain available through FY2018 for information technology expenses. Permits unobligated balances from appropriations by this bill for salaries and expenses for the Rural Development mission area to remain available for information technology expenses through FY2018.

(Sec. 710) Prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used for first-class travel by employees of agencies funded by this bill.

(Sec. 711) Provides that Commodity Credit Corporation funds authorized or required to be used for specified programs included in the Agricultural Act of 2014: (1) shall be available for salaries and administrative expenses associated with the programs without regard to allotment and transfer limits, and (2) shall not be considered to be a fund transfer or allotment for purposes of applying the limits.

(Sec. 712) Limits funds available for USDA advisory committees, panels, commissions, and task forces, except for panels used to comply with negotiated rulemaking or to evaluate competitively awarded grants.

(Sec. 713) Prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used to pay indirect costs charged against any agricultural research, education, or extension grant awards issued by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) that exceed 30% of total federal funds provided under each award.

Permits funds provided by this bill for grants awarded competitively by NIFA to be used to pay full allowable indirect costs for specified research and development grants awarded under the Small Business Act.

(Sec. 714) Limits funds that may be used for the following programs:

 the Watershed Rehabilitation Program; the Environmental Quality Incentives Program; and the Biomass Crop Assistance Program; (Sec. 715) Limits funds for the following domestic food assistance categories: (1) Child Nutrition Programs Entitlement Commodities, (2) State Option Contracts, and (3) Removal of Defective Commodities.

Limits FY2017 funds for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program that provides fruit and vegetables to students in participating elementary schools.

Prohibits USDA from using funds for payments authorized by Section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1935 to increase purchasing power of agricultural producers or for surplus removal or price support activities authorized by the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act.

 (Section 32 is a program created to assist agricultural producers of non-price-supported commodities and is funded by a permanent appropriation of a portion of the previous year's customs receipts less certain mandatory transfers to child nutrition and other programs. This provision effectively prohibits the use of Section 32 for emergency disaster payments.)

Rescinds specified unobligated balances provided for domestic food assistance programs.

(Sec. 716) Prohibits funds from being used to prepare proposals for the President's budget that assume savings from certain user fee proposals without identifying additional spending reductions that should occur if the proposals are not enacted.

 (Sec. 717) Sets forth procedures, requirements, and restrictions for reprogramming and transferring funds provided by this bill.

(Sec. 718) Permits USDA to assess a one-time fee for any guaranteed business and industry loan in an amount that does not exceed 3% of the guaranteed principal portion of the loan.

(Sec. 719) Prohibits funds from being used to provide questions or responses to questions requested for the appropriations hearing process to anyone not employed by an agency funded by this bill.

 (Sec. 720) Prohibits any executive branch agency from using funds provided by this bill to produce a prepackaged news story for U.S. broadcast or distribution unless it includes clear notification that it was produced or funded by the agency.

(Sec. 721) Prohibits USDA employees from being detailed or assigned from an agency funded by this bill to any other USDA agency or office for more than 60 days in a fiscal year unless the individual's employing agency is reimbursed by the receiving agency for the salary and expenses of the employee.

(Sec. 722) Prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used: (1) in contravention of a provision of the Agricultural Act of 2014 that permits an institution of higher education or a state department of agriculture to grow or cultivate industrial hemp for research purposes; or (2) to prohibit the transportation, processing, sale, or use of industrial hemp that is grown or cultivated in accordance with the Agricultural Act of 2014, within or outside the state in which it is grown or cultivated.

 (Sec. 723) Directs the agencies funded by this bill to submit spending plans to Congress.

(Sec. 724) Appropriates funds for direct reimbursement payments for geographically disadvantaged farmers or ranchers to transport agricultural commodities.

 (Sec. 725) Requires USDA to establish an intermediary loan packaging program based on the FY2013 pilot program for packaging and reviewing section 502 single family direct loans. (The loan program assists low-income applicants in purchasing homes in rural areas. Funds may also be used to build, repair, or renovate a house, including providing water and sewage facilities.)

 (Sec. 726) Permits USDA to increase the program level by up to 25% for certain loans and loan guarantees that do not require budget authority and have program levels established by this bill. Requires congressional notification prior to implementing any increase.

(Sec. 727) Provides that certain credit card refunds or rebates transferred to the Working Capital Fund: (1) shall not be available for obligation without congressional approval; and (2) shall only be available for the acquisition of plant and capital equipment for USDA financial, administrative, and information technology services.

(Sec. 728) Directs USDA to set aside specified additional funds for Rural Economic Area Partnership (REAP) Zones.

(Sec. 729) Permits USDA to respond to a community with inadequate drinking water supplies due to a natural disaster by providing potable water through the Emergency Community Water Assistance Grant Program for up to 120 days beyond the time period established in the program.

(Sec. 730) Specifies the matching requirements that apply to funds appropriated for the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative.

 (Sec. 731) Provides additional funds for the Rural Energy Savings Program. (The program helps rural families and small businesses achieve cost savings by providing loans to consumers to implement durable cost-effective energy efficiency measures.)

 (Sec. 732) Appropriates funds for the pilot program to demonstrate new technologies that increase growth of re-forested hardwood trees on private nonindustrial forests lands on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico that were damaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

 (Sec. 733) Sets forth the authorities that apply for USDA to provide loans for housing and buildings on adequate farms.

(Sec. 734) Prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used for regulations to allow or require information intended for a prescribing health care professional, in the case of a drug or biological product, to be distributed electronically until a federal law is enacted to allow or require electronic distribution.

(Sec. 735) Prohibits the FDA from using funds for the rule entitled "Food Labeling; Nutrition Labeling of Standard Menu Items in Restaurants and Similar Retail Food Establishments" until April 29, 2017.

(Sec. 736) Prohibits the FDA from acknowledging applications for an exemption for investigational use of a drug or biological product in research in which a human embryo is intentionally created or modified to include a heritable genetic modification. Provides that any submission is deemed not to have been received, and the exemption may not go into effect.

 (Sec. 737) Prohibits funds from being used to implement or enforce any provisions of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, with respect to the regulation of the distribution, sale, or receipt of dried spent grain byproducts of the alcoholic beverage production process, irrespective of whether the byproducts are solely intended for use as animal feed.

(Sec. 738) Provides appropriations to remain available until expended for implementing non-renewable agreements for wetlands preservation on eligible lands, including flooded agricultural lands.

(Sec. 739) Permits USDA to receive access to certain information from federal tax returns to verify the income for individuals participating in loan programs under the Housing Act of 1949.

 (Sec. 740) Prohibits the FDA from deeming partially hydrogenated oils to be unsafe or any food containing a partially hydrogenated oil to be adulterated prior to June 18, 2018.

 (Sec. 741) Permits USDA to charge a fee for lenders to access USDA loan guarantee systems in connection with participation in the loan guarantee programs of the Rural Housing Service.

 (Sec. 742) Rescinds specified unobligated balances of funds provided to USDA for the Rural Housing and Community Development Service, the Rural Housing Service, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, and the Rural Utilities Service.

 (Sec. 743) Rescinds specified unobligated balances of funds provided to USDA for the Rural Housing and Community Development Service, the Rural Housing Service, the Rural Business-Cooperative Service, and the Rural Utilities Service.

 (Sec. 744) Requires a household that is certified to participate in SNAP to report when it no longer resides in the state in which it is certified.

 (Sec. 745) Rescinds specified unobligated balances from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

 (Sec. 746) Provides additional funds to USDA for loans and grants that are consistent with the Healthy Food Financing Initiative and that support projects to provide access to healthy food in underserved areas, create and preserve quality jobs, and revitalize low-income communities.

 (Sec. 747) Rescinds specified unobligated balances of FY2015 funds that were provided to the Rural Development Salaries and Expenses account for the Comprehensive Loan Accounting System. Provides an equivalent amount of additional FY2016 funding to remain available through FY2017 for Information Technology modernization activities.

(Sec. 748) Rescinds specified unobligated balances of FY2016 funds that were provided to the Rural Development Salaries and Expenses account for the Comprehensive Loan Accounting System. Provides an equivalent amount of additional funding to remain available through FY2018 for Information Technology modernization activities.

 (Sec. 749) Provides appropriations for a pilot program for USDA to award grants to non-profit organizations and public housing authorities to provide technical assistance to Rural Housing Service (RHS) multi-family housing borrowers to facilitate the acquisition of RHS multi-family housing properties in areas where there is a risk of loss of affordable housing. Requires the grants to be used to assist acquisitions by non-profit housing organizations and public housing authorities that commit to keep the properties in the RHS multi-family housing program for a period of time determined by USDA.

 (Sec. 750) Makes state agricultural experiment stations and state cooperative extension services eligible to enter into cooperative agreements with USDA to support the dissemination of objective, scholarly, and authoritative agricultural and food law research, legal tools, and information.

(Sec. 751) Requires USDA to establish a pilot program to permit state Farm Service Agency offices to make county-level payments to agricultural producers under the Agriculture Risk Coverage Program using an alternate calculation method if it is necessary to ensure that there are not significant yield calculation disparities between comparable counties in the state. Specifies requirements for the alternative calculation method and provides appropriations for the program.

(Sec. 752) Prohibits fund provided by this bill from being used for any portion of the rule entitled "Enhancing Retailer Standards in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)" that would:

 alter the definition of a retail food store by establishing a threshold for the amount of food sales that must be for items that are not cooked or heated on-site; establish a minimum number of stocking units required for each food item in a staple food category; or alter the definition of staple food by: (1) changing the counting of commercially processed foods and prepared mixtures with multiple ingredients, or (2) expanding the scope of accessory food items. (Sec. 753) Specifies that, for the purposes of applying the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the acceptable market name of Lithodes aequispinus is "golden king crab."

(Sec. 754) Specifies that, for the purposes of applying the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act , the acceptable market name of any salmon that is genetically engineered must include the words "genetically engineered" or "GE" prior to the existing acceptable market name.

(Sec. 755) Prohibits funds from being used to inspect horses for slaughter purposes.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure bill provides fy2017 appropriations department_of_agriculture usda forest_service included department_of_the_interior environment related agencies appropriations bill provides appropriations food_and_drug_administration farm credit administration bill includes discretionary mandatory funding mandatory funding levels generally set authorizing legislation farm bill frequently limited agriculture appropriations bill bill decreases discretionary funding agriculture rural_development food_and_drug_administration related agencies fy2016 levels included bill provisions affect policies areas reporting requirements supplemental nutrition assistance program snap known food stamp program households inventory requirements snap authorized retailers payments farmers agriculture risk coverage program labeling requirements menus labeling requirements genetically engineered salmon horse slaughter facility inspections summary agriculture rural_development food_and_drug_administration related agencies appropriations act provides fy2017 appropriations department_of_agriculture usda food_and_drug_administration fda related agencies title agricultural programs provides appropriations following agricultural programs services office_of_the_secretary executive operations office chief information officer office chief financial officer office assistant secretary civil rights office civil rights agriculture buildings facilities hazardous materials management office_of_inspector_general office general counsel office ethics office secretary research education economics economic research service national agricultural statistics service agricultural_research_service national_institute_of_food_and_agriculture office secretary marketing regulatory programs animal plant_health_inspection_service agricultural marketing service grain inspection packers administration office secretary food safety food_safety_and_inspection_service office secretary farm foreign agricultural services farm_service_agency risk_management_agency federal_crop_insurance_corporation fund commodity_credit_corporation fund title conservation programs provides appropriations office secretary natural resources environment provides appropriations natural_resources_conservation_service conservation operations watershed flood prevention operations title iii rural_development programs provides appropriations rural_development programs including office secretary rural_development rural_development rural housing service rural business cooperative service rural_utilities_service title domestic food programs provides appropriations office secretary food nutrition consumer services provides appropriations food nutrition service child nutrition programs special supplemental nutrition program women infants children wic supplemental nutrition assistance program snap known food stamps commodity assistance program nutrition programs administration title foreign assistance related programs provides appropriations foreign agricultural service including food_for_peace_act mcgovern dole international food education child nutrition program title related agencies food_and_drug_administration provides appropriations department_of_health_and_human_services food_and_drug_administration fda provides appropriations farm credit administration title vii general_provisions sets forth permissible prohibited uses funds provided appropriations acts sec permits usda use funds provided bill purchase replacement hire passenger motor vehicles sec permits usda transfer unobligated balances working capital_fund acquisition plant capital equipment financial administrative information technology services permits transferred funds remain available expended specifies restrictions use funds sec prohibits appropriations provided bill remaining available obligation current fiscal year bill expressly provides sec limits negotiated indirect costs cooperative agreements usda nonprofit institutions total direct cost agreement purpose agreement carry programs mutual interest parties sec permits appropriations direct guaranteed loans remain available expended disburse obligations current fiscal year rural_development loan fund program account rural electrification telecommunication loans program account rural housing insurance fund program account sec prohibits usda funds provided bill acquire upgrade information technology systems approval chief information officer cio executive information technology investment review board restricts transfer funds available bill cio prior approval congress prohibits funds specified information technology projects approval cio sec permits specified fy2017 funds provided federal_crop_insurance_act agricultural management assistance remain available expended disburse obligations current fiscal year sec makes rural utility service borrower repaid prepaid loan rural electrification act profit utility qualified receive loan act eligible rural economic development job creation assistance manner borrower sec permits million unobligated balances appropriations bill salaries expenses farm_service_agency remain available fy2018 information technology expenses permits unobligated balances appropriations bill salaries expenses rural_development mission area remain available information technology expenses fy2018 sec prohibits funds provided bill class travel employees agencies funded bill sec provides commodity_credit_corporation funds authorized required specified programs included agricultural act shall available salaries administrative expenses associated programs regard allotment transfer limits shall considered fund transfer allotment purposes applying limits sec limits funds available usda advisory committees panels commissions task forces panels comply negotiated rulemaking evaluate competitively awarded grants sec prohibits funds provided bill pay indirect costs charged agricultural research education extension grant awards issued national_institute_of_food_and_agriculture exceed total federal funds provided award permits funds provided bill grants awarded competitively pay allowable indirect costs specified research development grants awarded small_business_act sec limits funds following programs watershed rehabilitation program environmental quality incentives program biomass crop assistance program sec limits funds following domestic food assistance categories child nutrition programs entitlement commodities state option contracts removal defective commodities limits fy2017 funds fresh fruit vegetable program provides fruit vegetables students participating elementary schools prohibits usda funds payments authorized section agricultural adjustment act increase purchasing power agricultural producers surplus removal price support activities authorized commodity_credit_corporation charter act section program created assist agricultural producers non price supported commodities funded permanent appropriation portion previous year customs receipts certain mandatory transfers child nutrition programs provision effectively prohibits use section emergency disaster payments rescinds specified unobligated balances provided domestic food assistance programs sec prohibits funds prepare proposals president budget assume savings certain user fee proposals identifying additional spending reductions occur proposals enacted sec sets forth procedures requirements restrictions reprogramming transferring funds provided bill sec permits usda assess time fee guaranteed business industry loan exceed guaranteed principal portion loan sec prohibits funds provide questions responses questions requested appropriations hearing process employed agency funded bill sec prohibits executive branch agency funds provided bill produce news story broadcast distribution includes clear notification produced funded agency sec prohibits usda employees detailed assigned agency funded bill usda agency office days fiscal year individual employing agency reimbursed receiving agency salary expenses employee sec prohibits funds provided bill contravention provision agricultural act permits institution higher education state department_of_agriculture grow industrial hemp research purposes prohibit transportation processing sale use industrial hemp grown cultivated accordance agricultural act outside state grown cultivated sec directs agencies funded bill submit spending plans congress sec appropriates funds direct reimbursement payments geographically disadvantaged farmers ranchers transport agricultural commodities sec requires usda establish intermediary loan packaging program based fy2013 pilot program packaging reviewing section single family direct_loans loan program assists low income applicants purchasing homes rural areas funds build repair renovate house including providing water sewage facilities sec permits usda increase program level certain loans loan guarantees require budget authority program levels established bill requires congressional notification prior implementing increase sec provides certain credit card refunds rebates transferred working capital_fund shall available obligation congressional approval shall available acquisition plant capital equipment usda financial administrative information technology services sec directs usda set aside specified additional funds rural economic area partnership reap zones sec permits usda respond community inadequate drinking water supplies natural disaster providing potable water emergency community water assistance grant program days time period established program sec specifies matching requirements apply funds appropriated agriculture_and_food_research_initiative sec provides additional funds rural energy savings program program helps rural families small businesses achieve cost savings providing loans consumers implement durable cost effective energy efficiency measures sec appropriates funds pilot program demonstrate new technologies increase growth forested trees private nonindustrial forests lands coast gulf_of_mexico damaged hurricane katrina sec sets forth authorities apply usda provide loans housing buildings adequate farms sec prohibits funds provided bill regulations allow require information intended prescribing health_care professional case drug biological product distributed electronically federal law enacted allow require electronic distribution sec prohibits fda funds rule entitled food labeling nutrition labeling standard menu items restaurants similar retail food establishments april sec prohibits fda acknowledging applications exemption investigational use drug biological product research human embryo intentionally created modified include genetic modification provides submission deemed received exemption effect sec prohibits funds implement enforce provisions fda food safety modernization act respect regulation distribution sale receipt dried spent grain byproducts alcoholic beverage production process irrespective byproducts solely intended use animal feed sec provides appropriations remain available expended implementing non renewable agreements wetlands preservation eligible lands including flooded agricultural lands sec permits usda receive access certain information federal tax returns verify income individuals participating loan programs housing act sec prohibits fda deeming partially oils unsafe food containing partially oil adulterated prior june sec permits usda charge fee lenders access usda loan guarantee systems connection participation loan guarantee programs rural housing service sec rescinds specified unobligated balances funds provided usda rural housing community development service rural housing service rural business cooperative service rural_utilities_service sec rescinds specified unobligated balances funds provided usda rural housing community development service rural housing service rural business cooperative service rural_utilities_service sec requires household certified participate snap report longer resides state certified sec rescinds specified unobligated balances special supplemental nutrition program women infants children wic sec provides additional funds usda loans grants consistent healthy food financing initiative support projects provide access healthy food underserved areas create preserve quality jobs revitalize low income communities sec rescinds specified unobligated balances fy2015 funds provided rural_development salaries expenses account comprehensive loan accounting system provides equivalent additional fy2016 funding remain available fy2017 information technology modernization activities sec rescinds specified unobligated balances fy2016 funds provided rural_development salaries expenses account comprehensive loan accounting system provides equivalent additional funding remain available fy2018 information technology modernization activities sec provides appropriations pilot program usda award grants non profit organizations public housing authorities provide technical assistance rural housing service multi family housing borrowers facilitate acquisition multi family housing properties areas risk loss affordable housing requires grants assist acquisitions non profit housing organizations public housing authorities commit properties multi family housing program period time determined usda sec makes state agricultural experiment stations state cooperative extension services eligible enter cooperative agreements usda support dissemination objective scholarly authoritative agricultural food law research legal tools information sec requires usda establish pilot program permit state farm_service_agency offices county level payments agricultural producers agriculture risk coverage program alternate calculation method necessary ensure significant yield calculation disparities comparable counties state specifies requirements alternative calculation method provides appropriations program sec prohibits fund provided bill portion rule entitled enhancing retailer standards supplemental nutrition assistance program snap alter definition retail food store establishing threshold food sales items site establish minimum number stocking units required food item staple food category alter definition staple food changing counting commercially processed foods prepared mixtures multiple ingredients expanding scope accessory food items sec specifies purposes applying federal food drug cosmetic act acceptable market golden king crab sec specifies purposes applying federal food drug cosmetic act acceptable market salmon genetically engineered include words genetically engineered prior existing acceptable market sec prohibits funds inspect horses slaughter purposes


Summary: Department of Homeland Security Secure American Federal Equipment Procurement Act or the DHS SAFE Procurement Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to prohibit the use of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funds for the procurement of any of the following items that are not manufactured in the United States: (1) uniforms; (2) protective gear; (3) badges or other insignia indicating rank, office, or position; and (4) identification cards.Makes exceptions: (1) where the Secretary determines that satisfactory quality and sufficient quantity of the article cannot be procured as and when needed at U.S. market prices (in which case the Secretary shall notify the House and Senate homeland security committees and include a certification that manufacturing the article outside the United States does not pose a risk to national security and an explanation of steps required by the manufacturer to ensure that any elements used for the article are not misappropriated); (2) for acquisitions at or below the micro-purchase threshold; and (3) for acquisitions outside the United States for use outside the United States. Makes this Act applicable notwithstanding any presidential waiver of discriminatory purchasing requirements under the Trade Agreements Act of 1979.

department_of_homeland_security secure american federal equipment procurement act dhs safe procurement act_-_amends homeland_security act prohibit use department_of_homeland_security dhs funds procurement following items manufactured united_states uniforms protective gear insignia indicating rank office position identification cards makes exceptions secretary determines satisfactory quality sufficient quantity article procured needed market prices case secretary shall notify house senate homeland_security committees include certification manufacturing article outside united_states pose risk national security explanation steps required manufacturer ensure elements article misappropriated acquisitions micro purchase threshold acquisitions outside united_states use outside united_states makes act applicable notwithstanding presidential waiver discriminatory purchasing requirements trade agreements act


Summary: Trade Adjustment Assistance Reform Act - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to repeal group eligibility requirements for trade adjustment assistance (TAA) that: (1) the country to which the workers' firm has shifted production of the articles be a party to a free trade agreement with the United States; or (2) such country be a beneficiary country under the Andean Trade Preference Act, African Growth and Opportunity Act, or the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act.Requires the Secretary of Labor, with respect to textile and apparel workers, to make group eligibility determinations without regard to the sales, imports, and production factors of the group eligibility requirements.Requires funds provided to a state to cover the administrative costs associated with its TAA responsibilities to be sufficient to cover all costs associated with operating the program, including caseworker costs.Increases the amount of payments for training of adversely affected workers under the Act.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the credit for health insurance costs of certain TAA and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) pension recipients.Requires the Secretaries of the Treasury and of Labor each to carry out compatible and coordinated programs to simplify the TAA and credit eligibility process.

trade adjustment assistance reform_act_-_amends trade act repeal group eligibility requirements trade adjustment assistance taa country workers firm production articles party free trade agreement united_states country beneficiary country andean_trade_preference_act african_growth opportunity act caribbean_basin_economic_recovery_act requires secretary labor respect textile apparel workers group eligibility determinations regard sales imports production factors group eligibility requirements requires funds provided state cover administrative costs associated taa responsibilities sufficient cover costs associated operating program including caseworker costs increases payments training adversely affected workers act amends_the_internal_revenue_code increase credit health insurance costs certain taa pension_benefit_guaranty_corporation pbgc pension recipients requires secretaries treasury labor carry compatible coordinated programs simplify taa credit eligibility process


Summary: American Automobile Industry Promotion Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) offer to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to assess state-of-the-art battery technologies with potential application for electric drive transportation; (2) conduct a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for electric drive transportation technology (i.e., vehicles that use electric motors for all or part of the motive power); and (3) establish and carry out an Advanced Battery Initiative to support research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of battery technologies in on-road or nonroad vehicles. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to redefine the new advanced lean burn technology motor vehicle credit to suspend, until 2012 and later model vehicles, requirements that vehicles, to qualify for the credit, receive a certificate stating they meet or exceed certain weight and emission standards. Amends the Clean Air Act to: (1) define "biodiesel" and "biodiesel blend"; and (2) require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations to establish standards for each biodiesel blend.

american automobile industry promotion act directs secretary energy offer enter arrangement national_academy_of_sciences assess state art battery technologies potential application electric drive transportation conduct program research development demonstration commercial application electric drive transportation technology vehicles use electric motors motive power establish carry advanced battery initiative support research development demonstration commercial application battery technologies road nonroad vehicles amends_the_internal_revenue_code redefine new advanced lean burn technology motor vehicle credit suspend later model vehicles requirements vehicles qualify credit receive certificate stating meet exceed certain weight emission standards amends clean_air act define biodiesel biodiesel blend require administrator environmental_protection_agency epa promulgate regulations establish standards biodiesel blend


Summary: Applies Buy America requirements to an entire bridge project if they apply to a component part of the project. (Buy America requires the use of steel, iron, and manufactured products produced in the United States for certain transportation-related projects unless, among other exceptions, inclusion of domestic material will increase the cost of the overall project contract by more than 25 percent.)

applies buy america requirements entire bridge project apply component project buy america requires use steel iron manufactured products produced united_states certain transportation related projects exceptions inclusion domestic material increase cost overall project contract percent


Summary: Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend from September 30, 2007, through December 31, 2007, the authorization of appropriations for the trade adjustment assistance program for workers, firms (including agricultural firms), and farmers. Amends the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 to increase the amount of any corporate estimated tax installment otherwise due by a corporation with assets of not less than $1 billion in July, August, or September of 2012 to 115% of such amount. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to extend from September 30, 2014, through October 7, 2014, certain customs fees for the processing of merchandise entered into the United States.

amends trade act extend september december authorization appropriations trade adjustment assistance program workers firms including agricultural firms farmers amends tax_increase_prevention_and_reconciliation_act increase corporate estimated tax installment corporation assets billion july august september amends consolidated_omnibus_budget_reconciliation_act extend september october certain customs fees processing merchandise entered united_states


Summary: Improving Public Diplomacy through International Travel Act - Directs the Secretary of State to enhance diplomatic relations with foreign countries and promote domestic business interests abroad by establishing a grant program to promote international travel to the United States. Directs a grant recipient to develop a promotion program to encourage international travel to the United States and to effectively communicate U.S. entry requirements, including required documentation, fees, and processes. Sets forth the following market phase-ins: (1) year one, Canada; (2) year two, Canada and Mexico; (3) year three, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom; (4) year four, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and Japan; and (5) year five, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Germany. Reserves 20% of grant funds for promotion programs for destinations that lack the resources to market themselves internationally.

improving public diplomacy international travel act_-_directs secretary state enhance diplomatic relations foreign countries promote domestic business interests abroad establishing grant program promote international travel united_states directs grant recipient develop promotion program encourage international travel united_states effectively communicate entry requirements including required documentation fees processes sets forth following market phase year canada year canada mexico year canada mexico united_kingdom year canada mexico united_kingdom japan year canada mexico united_kingdom japan germany reserves grant funds promotion programs destinations lack resources market internationally


Summary: Toy Origin for Toddler Safety Act - Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to require every manufacturer of a consumer product to post on its website (if any) the location of the facility where the product was manufactured or assembled. Requires the manufacturer, if similar products are manufactured or assembled at multiple facilities, to make such information available by serial number or other identifier.

toy origin toddler safety act_-_amends consumer product safety act require manufacturer consumer product post website location facility product manufactured assembled requires manufacturer similar products manufactured assembled multiple facilities information available serial number identifier


Summary: Innovation Tax Credit Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the tax credit for increasing research activities by: (1) phasing in increases in the alternative simplified tax credit rate through 2009; (2) establishing a 20% alternative simplified tax credit rate in 2010 in lieu of the standard research tax credit rate; (3) increasing the amount of basic and contract research expenses eligible for such tax credit; and (4) making such tax credit permanent.

innovation tax credit act amends_the_internal_revenue_code revise tax credit increasing research activities phasing increases alternative simplified tax credit rate establishing alternative simplified tax credit rate lieu standard research tax credit rate increasing basic contract research expenses eligible tax credit making tax credit permanent


Summary: American Steel First Act of 2008 - Prohibits heads of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Defense (DOD), and the Department of Transportation (DOT) from obligating or expending funds or providing financial assistance for projects for the construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of a public building or public work unless all of the iron and steel used in such project is produced in the United States.Waives such prohibition in cases where: (1) the prohibition would be inconsistent with the public interest; (2) iron and steel are not produced in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available quantities of a satisfactory quality; or (3) inclusion of iron and steel produced in the United States will increase the cost of the overall project contract by more than 25%. Prohibits waivers by a department head for products produced in a foreign country that is determined by the U.S. Trade Representative to have violated the terms of an agreement with the United States by discriminating against products covered by the agreement that are produced in the United States.Prohibits such department heads from imposing financial assistance restrictions on: (1) states that impose more stringent requirements on the use of iron and steel in foreign countries in projects carried out with such assistance; or (2) recipients that comply with such state imposed requirements.Makes any person who intentionally labels or represents a product used in a project under this Act as "Made in America" when it is not ineligible for another department contract from for six years.Requires the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) publish a justification for a waiver of the prohibition against obligating funds to carry out the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982, highway projects, public transportation projects, or aviation programs unless the steel, iron, and manufactured products used are produced in the United States; and (2) provide for public notice and comment for such waiver.

american steel act prohibits heads department_of_homeland_security dhs department_of_defense dod department_of_transportation dot obligating expending funds providing financial assistance projects construction alteration maintenance repair public building public work iron steel project produced united_states waives prohibition cases prohibition inconsistent public interest iron steel produced united_states sufficient reasonably available quantities satisfactory quality inclusion iron steel produced united_states increase cost overall project contract prohibits waivers department head products produced foreign country determined trade representative violated terms agreement united_states discriminating products covered agreement produced united_states prohibits department heads imposing financial assistance restrictions states impose stringent requirements use iron steel foreign countries projects carried assistance recipients comply state imposed requirements makes person intentionally labels represents product project act america ineligible department contract years requires secretary transportation publish justification waiver prohibition obligating funds carry surface_transportation assistance_act highway projects public transportation projects aviation programs steel iron manufactured products produced united_states provide public notice comment waiver


Summary: Trade Enforcement Act of 2008 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to revise certain trade provisions to require the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to: (1) review U.S. trade expansion priorities; and (2) report to Congress on priority foreign country practices which if eliminated will have the most potential to increase U.S. exports. Requires the USTR to seek consultation and satisfactory resolution of any identified priority foreign country trade practice (including an agreement for elimination or provision of compensatory trade benefits) with the country of concern. Establishes the Office of the Congressional Trade Enforcer. Requires the USTR to: (1) identify priority foreign countries that maintain technical barriers to trade, or sanitary or phytosanitary measures, that deny market access to U.S. products; and (2) initiate an investigation of such trade barriers to determine what trade action, if any, must be taken to remedy such barriers. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to apply countervailing duty provisions to nonmarket economy countries. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States should restore the balance between rights and obligations struck during the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations; (2) the United States should have the ability to enforce rigorously its trade laws (including antidumping, countervailing duty, and safeguard laws) in World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations and dispute settlement proceedings; and (2) dispute settlement panels are obligated to follow WTO negotiated agreements and not Appellate Body jurisprudence. Revises requirements for presidential action on a finding by the International Trade Commission (ITC) regarding an imported Chinese product that threatens or causes market disruption to a like U.S. product. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish: (1) a government-wide, uniform data system to identify all goods imported into the United States; and (2) a voluntary government-private Import Safety Program to ensure that all goods in the international supply chain do not pose risks to public health or safety, and to facilitate the movement of such goods through the chain. Requires the Secretary to establish: (1) a list of importers of record and foreign manufacturers, processing facilities, exporters, and suppliers whose imported products have been determined to be inadmissible into the United States or have been the subject of U.S. recalls because of violations of health or safety standards; and (2) sanctions for entities on the list. Establishes the position of Director of Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement to develop an annual strategic plan for the enforcement of intellectual property rights. Sets forth: (1) enforcement activities to combat the counterfeiting and piracy of products; and (2) civil fines for the import of pirated or counterfeit products.

trade enforcement act amends trade act revise certain trade provisions require united_states_trade_representative ustr review trade expansion priorities report congress priority foreign country practices eliminated potential increase exports requires ustr seek consultation satisfactory resolution identified priority foreign country trade practice including agreement elimination provision compensatory trade benefits country concern establishes office congressional trade requires ustr identify priority foreign countries maintain technical barriers trade sanitary measures deny market access products initiate investigation trade barriers determine trade action taken remedy barriers amends tariff act apply countervailing duty provisions nonmarket economy countries expresses sense congress united_states restore balance rights obligations uruguay round multilateral trade negotiations united_states ability enforce trade laws including antidumping countervailing duty safeguard laws world_trade_organization wto negotiations dispute settlement proceedings dispute settlement panels obligated follow wto negotiated agreements appellate body revises requirements presidential action finding international_trade_commission itc imported chinese product threatens causes market disruption like product directs secretary treasury establish government wide uniform data system identify goods imported united_states voluntary government private import safety program ensure goods international supply chain pose risks public health safety facilitate movement goods chain requires secretary establish list importers record foreign manufacturers processing facilities exporters suppliers imported products determined inadmissible united_states subject recalls violations health safety standards sanctions entities list establishes position director intellectual property rights enforcement develop annual strategic plan enforcement intellectual property rights sets forth enforcement activities combat counterfeiting piracy products civil fines import counterfeit products


Summary: Consumer and Automotive Recovery Act of 2008 or the CAR Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers a one-time tax credit for the purchase of a U.S. manufactured motor vehicle with a gross weight rating of not more than 14,000 pounds. Limits the amount of such credit to $1,500.

consumer automotive recovery_act car act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow individual taxpayers time tax credit purchase manufactured motor vehicle gross weight rating pounds limits credit


Summary: Competitiveness through Education, Technology, and Enterprise Act of 2007 or the COMPETE Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for research and education by: (1) making permanent the credit for increasing research activities; (2) providing a credit for information and communications technology education; and (3) setting an alternative percentage limitation for corporate charitable contributions to the mathematics and science partnership program. Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to establish an SBIR-STEM Workforce Development Grant Pilot program awarding bonus grants to grantees under the Small Business Innovation Research program to provide workforce development opportunities to college students in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the maximum Pell Grant should be increased from $4,600 for academic year 2008-2009 to $5,400 for academic year 2012-2013. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to award matching grants to institutions of higher education to: (1) provide stipends or other financial assistance for students enrolled in graduate programs in the sciences, technology, engineering, or mathematics; and (2) support outreach and mentoring activities to increase the participation of underrepresented groups in the sciences, technology, engineering, or mathematics at all or any level of education, including elementary, secondary and postsecondary education. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to make partnership bonus grants annually to a certain number of elementary and of secondary schools in each state that show the most improvement in mathematics and in science, respectively.

competitiveness education technology enterprise act compete act amends_the_internal_revenue_code provide tax incentives research education making permanent credit increasing research activities providing credit information communications technology education setting alternative percentage limitation corporate charitable contributions mathematics science partnership program directs administrator small_business_administration establish sbir stem workforce development grant pilot program awarding bonus grants grantees small_business_innovation_research program provide workforce development opportunities college students science technology engineering mathematics fields expresses sense senate maximum pell_grant increased academic year academic year authorizes secretary energy award matching grants institutions higher education provide stipends financial assistance students enrolled graduate programs sciences technology engineering mathematics support outreach mentoring activities increase participation underrepresented groups sciences technology engineering mathematics level education including elementary secondary postsecondary education amends elementary secondary education act direct secretary education partnership bonus grants annually certain number elementary secondary schools state improvement mathematics science respectively


Summary: American Automobile Industry Promotion Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) offer to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to assess state-of-the-art battery technologies with potential application for electric drive transportation; (2) conduct a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for electric drive transportation technology (i.e., vehicles that use electric motors for all or part of the motive power); and (3) establish and carry out an Advanced Battery Initiative to support research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of battery technologies in on-road or nonroad vehicles.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to redefine the new advanced lean burn technology motor vehicle credit for high-efficiency diesel passenger automobiles and light trucks to eliminate requirements that such motor vehicles for 2004 and later model years receive a certificate stating they meet or exceed certain weight and emission standards.Amends the Clean Air Act to: (1) define "biodiesel" and "biodiesel blend"; and (2) require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations to establish standards for each biodiesel blend.

american automobile industry promotion act directs secretary energy offer enter arrangement national_academy_of_sciences assess state art battery technologies potential application electric drive transportation conduct program research development demonstration commercial application electric drive transportation technology vehicles use electric motors motive power establish carry advanced battery initiative support research development demonstration commercial application battery technologies road nonroad vehicles amends_the_internal_revenue_code redefine new advanced lean burn technology motor vehicle credit high efficiency diesel passenger automobiles light trucks eliminate requirements motor vehicles later model years receive certificate stating meet exceed certain weight emission standards amends clean_air act define biodiesel biodiesel blend require administrator environmental_protection_agency epa promulgate regulations establish standards biodiesel blend


Summary: Gas Petroleum Refiner Improvement and Community Empowerment Act or the Gas PRICE Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to enter into a domestic fuels facility permitting agreement with a requesting state or Indian tribe under which the process for obtaining all permits necessary for construction and operation of a domestic fuels facility shall use a prescribed interdisciplinary multimedia approach.Requires the Administrator to: (1) conduct a research and demonstration program to evaluate the air quality benefits of ultra-clean Fischer-Tropsch transportation fuel, including diesel and jet fuel; (2) evaluate the use of such fuel for reducing engine exhaust emissions; and (3) submit recommendations and reports to Congress. Directs the Secretary of Energy and the Economic Development Administration to give priority to projects supportting commercial-scale cellulosic biomass ethanol projects and coal-to-liquids facilities. Directs the Secretary to make an additional award in connection with a grant made to a recipient (including any Indian tribe for use on Indian land) for a project to support a commercial-scale biomass ethanol facility or coal-to-liquid facility.Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to appoint a task force to report to Congress on: (1) modernization of the hydrocarbon reserves disclosures classification system of the SEC to reflect advances in reserves recovery from nontraditional sources; and (2) creation of a renewable reserves classification system for cellulosic biofuels feedstocks.

gas petroleum refiner improvement community empowerment act gas price act_-_directs administrator environmental_protection_agency enter domestic fuels facility permitting agreement requesting state indian tribe process obtaining permits necessary construction operation domestic fuels facility shall use prescribed interdisciplinary multimedia approach requires administrator conduct research demonstration program evaluate air quality benefits ultra clean fischer-tropsch transportation fuel including diesel jet fuel evaluate use fuel reducing engine exhaust emissions submit recommendations reports congress directs secretary energy economic_development_administration priority projects commercial scale cellulosic biomass ethanol projects coal liquids facilities directs secretary additional award connection grant recipient including indian tribe use indian land project support commercial scale biomass ethanol facility coal liquid facility directs securities_and_exchange_commission sec appoint task_force report congress modernization hydrocarbon reserves disclosures classification system sec reflect advances reserves recovery nontraditional sources creation renewable reserves classification system cellulosic biofuels feedstocks


Summary: Trade and Globalization Adjustment Assistance Act of 2007 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to allow the filing of a petition with the Secretary of Labor for certification of eligibility to apply for trade adjustment assistance (TAA) by adversely affected workers in a service sector firm, its subdivision, or a public agency.Revises group eligibility requirements for TAA to cover: (1) a shift, by a public agency to a foreign country, of production of articles or in provision of services, like or directly competitive with articles which are produced, or services which are provided by the workers' firm, subdivision, or public agency; and (2) instances where the workers' firm, subdivision, or public agency obtains or is likely to obtain such services from a foreign country.Provides for industry-wide certification of adversely affected workers for TAA.Increases the amount of payments for training of adversely affected workers under the Act.TAA Health Coverage Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the tax credit for the health insurance costs of certain TAA workers and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) pension recipients.Sets forth requirements to prevent a lapse of health care coverage for TAA workers and their families. Replaces alternative trade adjustment assistance for older workers provisions with eligibility requirements for wage insurance benefits to older workers who have received an industry-wide certification to apply for TAA.Increases the maximum allowance to cover costs of an adversely affected worker for job search expenses and relocation expenses.Establishes an Office of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Ombudsman.Extends the TAA program for workers through December 31, 2012.Revises the TAA program for communities negatively impacted by trade. Establishes a TAA for communities program to coordinate the federal response. Allows the filing of a petition with the Secretary of Commerce for certification of eligibility to apply for TAA by a service sector firm. Extends the TAA program for firms through FY2012.Makes fishermen and aquaculture producers eligible for TAA without regard to whether such fishermen seek TAA based on an increase in imports of wild stock or an increase of imports of farm-raised stock.Revises TAA group eligibility requirements for certain agricultural commodity producers.Extends the TAA program for farmers through FY2012.

trade adjustment assistance_act amends trade act allow filing petition secretary labor certification eligibility apply trade adjustment assistance taa adversely affected workers service sector firm subdivision public agency revises group eligibility requirements taa cover shift public agency foreign country production articles provision services like directly competitive articles produced services provided workers firm subdivision public agency instances workers firm subdivision public agency obtains likely obtain services foreign country provides industry wide certification adversely affected workers payments training adversely affected workers act taa health coverage improvement act amends_the_internal_revenue_code increase tax credit health insurance costs certain taa workers pension_benefit_guaranty_corporation pbgc pension recipients sets forth requirements prevent lapse health_care coverage taa workers families replaces alternative trade adjustment assistance older workers provisions eligibility requirements wage insurance benefits older workers received industry wide certification apply maximum allowance cover costs adversely affected worker job search expenses relocation expenses establishes office trade adjustment assistance ombudsman extends taa program workers december taa program communities negatively impacted trade establishes taa communities program coordinate federal response allows filing petition secretary commerce certification eligibility apply taa service sector firm extends taa program firms fishermen aquaculture producers eligible taa regard fishermen seek taa based increase imports wild stock increase imports farm raised stock revises taa group eligibility requirements certain agricultural commodity producers extends taa program farmers fy2012


Summary: Jubilee Act for Responsible Lending and Expanded Debt Cancellation of 2008 - (Sec. 3) Expresses the sense of Congress that U.S. debt cancellation or international debt relief to eligible low-income countries should not be followed by a reduction in other development assistance to such countries. (Sec. 4) Amends the International Financial Institutions Act to direct the Secretary of the Treasury, within the Paris Club of Official Creditors, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), and other international financial institutions to: (1) provide for debt cancellation of eligible low-income countries to such institutions and to the United States; (2) require low-income countries to allocate debt cancellation savings towards poverty-reducing expenditures; and (3) provide for establishment of frameworks for creditor transparency and responsible lending. States that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) should audit the multilateral debt portfolios of previous governments in countries such as South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo where significant concern exists that unsustainable loans were made to the government. Directs the Secretary to make available on the Department of the Treasury website the full record of the U.S. Executive Director's remarks at meetings of the boards of directors of the IMF, the World Bank, and other international financial institutions about cancellation or reduction of debts owed to the institution involved. Requires five annual reports to the House Committees on Financial Services and on Foreign Affairs and to the Senate Committees on Foreign Relations and on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs (committees) by: (1) GAO regarding operations of the IMF, the World Bank, and other international financial institutions for canceling the debt of eligible low-income countries; and (2) the Secretary regarding activities undertaken under this section, and other progress made in accomplishing the purposes of this section, for the prior fiscal year, including a list of countries whose debt cancellation requests have been granted, denied or are under consideration. Defines "eligible low-income country." (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary to commence immediate efforts within the Paris Club of Official Creditors, the IMF, the World Bank and other international financial institutions to ensure that the provision of debt cancellation to eligible low-income countries is not conditioned on any agreement by such a country to implement or comply with policies that deepen poverty, significantly increase the costs of public services for low-income households, or degrade the environment. Requires a report to the committees concerning previous rounds of debt cancellation. (Sec. 6) Expresses the sense of Congress that due to the current humanitarian and political instability in Haiti, including food shortages and political turmoil, the Secretary should use the Secretary's influence to expedite cancellation of Haiti's debts to all international financial institutions, or if such debt cancellation cannot be provided, to urge the institutions to suspend Haiti's debt service payments. (Sec. 7) Directs the Secretary, by June 30, 2009, to report to the committees regarding the feasibility and design of a facility to provide temporary financing to relieve debt service burdens in the case of shocks to the economies of low-income countries beyond their control, including natural disasters and commodity price spikes.

act responsible lending expanded debt cancellation sec expresses sense congress debt cancellation international debt relief eligible low income countries followed reduction development assistance countries sec amends international financial institutions act direct secretary treasury club official creditors international_monetary_fund imf international bank reconstruction development world_bank international financial institutions provide debt cancellation eligible low income countries institutions united_states require low income countries allocate debt cancellation savings poverty reducing expenditures provide establishment frameworks creditor transparency responsible lending states government_accountability_office gao audit multilateral debt portfolios previous governments countries south_africa democratic republic significant concern exists unsustainable loans government directs secretary available department_of_the_treasury website record executive director meetings boards directors imf world_bank international financial institutions cancellation reduction debts owed institution involved requires annual reports house committees financial_services foreign affairs senate_committees foreign relations banking housing urban affairs committees gao operations imf world_bank international financial institutions canceling debt eligible low income countries secretary activities undertaken section progress accomplishing purposes section prior fiscal year including list countries debt cancellation requests granted denied consideration defines eligible low income country sec directs secretary commence immediate efforts club official creditors imf world_bank international financial institutions ensure provision debt cancellation eligible low income countries conditioned agreement country implement comply policies poverty significantly increase costs public services low income households degrade environment requires report committees concerning previous rounds debt cancellation sec expresses sense congress current humanitarian political instability haiti including food shortages political secretary use secretary influence expedite cancellation haiti debts international financial institutions debt cancellation provided urge institutions suspend haiti debt service payments sec directs secretary june report committees feasibility design facility provide temporary financing relieve debt service burdens case economies low income countries control including natural disasters commodity price spikes


Summary: Aeronautics Competitiveness Act of 2007 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2011 for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for Science, Aeronautics, and Exploration for aeronautics research.Establishes an advisory committee on priorities in aeronautics research.Requires the NASA Administrator to develop particular aeronautics technologies, including for the Next Generation Air Transportation System, to a demonstration ready level.Sets the maximum number of NASA aeronautics scholarships at no more than seven at any one time. Requires the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish a program to provide fellowships for graduate students in research in aviation or aeronautics.Requires the Secretary of the Department of Defense (DOD) to prescribe regulations governing DOD's payment of contractors' costs for education and professional development of their aeronautics workforce.

aeronautics competitiveness act authorizes appropriations fy2009 fy2011 national_aeronautics_and_space_administration nasa science aeronautics exploration aeronautics research establishes advisory_committee priorities aeronautics research requires nasa administrator develop particular aeronautics technologies including generation_air_transportation_system demonstration ready level sets maximum number nasa aeronautics scholarships seven time requires administrator federal_aviation_administration faa establish program provide fellowships graduate students research aviation aeronautics requires secretary department_of_defense dod prescribe regulations governing dod payment contractors costs education professional development aeronautics workforce


Summary: Military Spouse Education and Employment Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include spouses of members of the Armed Forces on extended active duty (more than 90 days or for an indefinite period) and eligible teleworking military spouses (teleworking spouses whose wages are expected to equal or exceed 150% of U.S. median annual earnings) as members of a targeted group for purposes of the work opportunity tax credit. Includes the wife or husband of a member serving on extended active duty within the federal veterans' employment preference. Allows members who have completed two terms of service and have reenlisted for a third term to transfer a portion of their entitlement to basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill. (Current law allows such transfer for members with critical military skills.) Requires studies on: (1) the development of an education grant program for training military spouses in health care and early childhood development careers; and (2) creating work opportunities for undergraduate- and graduate-educated military spouses during the active-duty service of their spouses.

military spouse education employment act amends_the_internal_revenue_code include spouses members armed_forces extended active duty days indefinite period eligible teleworking military spouses teleworking spouses wages expected equal exceed median annual earnings members targeted group purposes work opportunity tax credit includes wife husband member serving extended active duty federal veterans employment preference allows members completed terms service term transfer portion entitlement basic educational assistance montgomery bill current law allows transfer members critical military skills requires studies development education grant program training military spouses health_care early childhood development careers creating work opportunities graduate educated military spouses active duty service spouses


Summary: American Competitiveness Through International Openness Now Act of 2008 or the ACTION Act of 2008 - Directs the President to submit to the appropriate congressional committees a strategic plan for increasing U.S. competitiveness for international students, scholars, scientists, and exchange visitors. Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the International Education Coordinating Council. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) revise the "intent" criterion with respect to foreign students; and (2) permit specified employment-based visas to be renewed in the United States. Extends the security clearance for nonimmigrant scientists. Provides for: (1) security clearance portability under specified circumstances; (2) periodic review of the technology alert list (as defined by this Act); and (3) expansion of the social security number enumeration-at-entry program to include eligible exchange visitor nonimmigrants (J-visa) at all U.S. ports of entry. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 with respect to temporary driver's licenses and temporary identification cards. Directs the Secretary of State to establish an expedited visa trusted traveler program for international students, researchers, scholars, and individuals engaged in business.

american competitiveness international openness act action act directs president submit appropriate congressional committees strategic plan increasing competitiveness international students scholars scientists exchange visitors establishes executive_office president international education coordinating council amends immigration_and_nationality_act revise intent criterion respect foreign students permit specified employment based visas renewed united_states extends security clearance nonimmigrant scientists provides security clearance portability specified circumstances periodic review technology alert list defined act expansion social_security number entry program include eligible exchange visitor nonimmigrants visa ports entry amends illegal immigration reform immigrant responsibility act respect temporary driver licenses temporary identification cards directs secretary state establish expedited visa trusted traveler program international students researchers scholars individuals engaged business


Summary: Designates the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) building under construction at the intersection of 120th and L Streets in Omaha, Nebraska, as the "J. James Exon Federal Bureau of Investigation Building."

designates federal_bureau_of_investigation fbi building construction streets nebraska james federal_bureau_of_investigation building


Summary: Passenger Vehicle Loss Disclosure Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to require all insurers and self-insurers of passenger motor vehicles to disclose to the public, in a commercially reasonable, electronically accessible manner, for each passenger motor vehicle declared or determined to be a total loss: (1) the vehicle identification number and odometer reading; (2) the date of and primary reason for the total loss determination; and (3) whether the airbags deployed.

passenger vehicle loss disclosure act_-_directs secretary transportation require insurers self insurers passenger motor vehicles disclose public commercially reasonable electronically accessible manner passenger motor vehicle declared determined total loss vehicle identification number reading date primary reason total loss determination deployed


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include a computer technology or equipment development business within the definition of a "qualified business" for purposes of enterprise zone tax incentives.

amends_the_internal_revenue_code include computer technology equipment development business definition qualified business purposes enterprise zone tax incentives


Summary: Consumer Auto Relief Act of 2009 or the CAR Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers a tax deduction for: (1) up to $7,500 of the purchase price of a new passenger automobile or light truck that is purchased in 2009; (2) interest paid on any loan to purchase such vehicles; and (3) state and local sales taxes paid on a vehicle purchase. Excludes from the gross income of lenders 50% of the interest paid on any consumer loan for the purchase of a new passenger automobile or light truck.

consumer auto relief_act car act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow individual taxpayers tax deduction purchase price new passenger automobile light truck purchased interest paid loan purchase vehicles state local sales taxes paid vehicle purchase excludes gross income lenders interest paid consumer loan purchase new passenger automobile light truck


Summary: Air Force One Built in America Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to enter into a contract for the procurement of an aircraft for use as Air Force One by the President only if it is manufactured in the United States by an American-owned company.

air_force built america act_-_authorizes secretary defense enter contract procurement aircraft use air_force president manufactured united_states american owned company


Summary: Congressional Made in America Promise Act of 2010 - Amends the Buy American Act to apply Buy American requirements to articles, materials, and supplies acquired for the use of any legislative branch office, including the House of Representatives and the Senate, in the same manner as the Act applies with respect to articles, materials, and supplies acquired for the use of a department or independent establishment. Prescribes a special rule in the case of any product which bears a congressional official insignia (including a mark resembling an official seal) that is acquired for the use of a legislative branch office. Prohibits the head of such office from making a determination under the Act that: (1) it is inconsistent with the public interest to enter into a contract in accordance with the Act; or (2) an article, material, or supply is not mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available commercial quantities and of satisfactory quality. Applies this prohibition to otherwise exempted manufactured articles, materials, or supplies procured under any contract the award value of which is less than or equal to the micro-purchase threshold.

congressional america promise act amends buy_american_act apply buy american requirements articles materials supplies acquired use legislative branch office including house_of_representatives senate manner act applies respect articles materials supplies acquired use department independent establishment prescribes special rule case product bears congressional official insignia including mark official seal acquired use legislative branch office prohibits head office making determination act inconsistent public interest enter contract accordance act article material supply mined produced manufactured united_states sufficient reasonably available commercial quantities satisfactory quality applies prohibition exempted manufactured articles materials supplies procured contract award value equal micro purchase threshold


Summary: Foreign Business Bribery Prohibition Act of 2009 - Amends the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 to make a foreign concern liable for up to treble damages to any issuer, domestic concern, or U.S. person as a result of violating certain anti-bribery prohibitions. (In effect, authorizes a private right of action against such concerns.)

foreign business bribery prohibition act amends foreign corrupt practices act foreign concern liable treble damages issuer domestic concern person result violating certain anti bribery prohibitions effect authorizes private right action concerns


Summary: National Manufacturing Strategy Act of 2010 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the U.S. government should promote policies related to the nation's manufacturing sector intended to promote growth, sustainability, and competitiveness, create well-paying jobs, enable innovation and investment, and support national security; and (2) the President and Congress should act promptly to pursue policies consistent with a National Manufacturing Strategy (Strategy). Directs the President, every four years, to submit to Congress, and publish on a public website, a Strategy. Requires the first Strategy to be submitted within one year after enactment of this Act. Directs the President to establish, within the Department of Commerce, the President's Manufacturing Strategy Board (consisting of both public and private sector members) to: (1) advise the President and Congress on issues affecting the nation's manufacturing sector; (2) conduct a comprehensive analysis of such sector; (3) develop a Strategy; and (4) report annually to the President and Congress on the current state of U.S. manufacturing. Directs the Comptroller General, in each of 2013, 2017, and 2021, to submit to Congress an assessment and analysis of the Strategy. Directs the President, in developing each Strategy, to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to conduct a study concerning U.S. manufacturing and related assessments and reviews. Requires the NAS to report each study's results to Congress and the President. Requires the President, in preparing each annual budget, to include information regarding that budget's consistency with the goals and recommendations included in the latest Strategy.

national manufacturing strategy act expresses sense congress government promote policies related nation manufacturing sector intended promote growth sustainability competitiveness create paying jobs enable innovation investment support national security president congress act promptly pursue policies consistent national manufacturing strategy strategy directs president years submit congress publish public website strategy requires strategy submitted year enactment act directs president establish department_of_commerce president manufacturing strategy board consisting public private sector members advise president congress issues affecting nation manufacturing sector conduct comprehensive analysis sector develop strategy report annually president congress current state manufacturing directs comptroller_general submit congress assessment analysis strategy directs president developing strategy enter agreement national_academy_of_sciences nas conduct study concerning manufacturing related assessments reviews requires nas report study results congress president requires president preparing annual budget include information budget consistency goals recommendations included latest strategy


Summary: American Job Creation and Investment Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a corporation to elect in 2010 and 2011 to increase its alternative minimum tax (AMT) credits by a specified credit adjustment amount for purposes of increasing its U.S. workforce and making investments in business equipment. Allows a similar election for a taxable year which includes December 31, 2009, with certain restrictions. Terminates such additional credit allowance after December 31, 2011.

american job creation investment act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow corporation elect increase alternative minimum tax amt credits specified credit adjustment purposes increasing workforce making investments business equipment allows similar election taxable year includes december certain restrictions terminates additional credit allowance december