87–930 PDF 

Calendar No. 390 

113TH CONGRESS REPORT " ! SENATE 2d Session 113–164 

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG 

ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2015 

MAY 22, 2014.—Ordered to be printed 

Mr. PRYOR, from the Committee on Appropriations, 

submitted the following 

R E P O R T 

[To accompany S. 2389] 

The Committee on Appropriations reports the bill (S. 2389) making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and 

Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal 

year ending September 30, 2015, and for other purposes, reports favorably thereon and recommends that the bill do pass. 

New obligational authority 

Total of bill as reported to the Senate ....................$142,654,142,000 

Amount of 2014 appropriations ............................... 145,437,976,000 

Amount of 2015 budget estimate ............................ 165,182,539,000 

Bill as recommended to Senate compared to— 

2014 appropriations .......................................... ¥2,783,834,000 

2015 budget estimate ........................................ ¥22,528,397,000 
(2) 

C O N T E N T S 

Page 

Breakdown by Title ................................................................................................. 4 

Overview and Summary of the Bill ........................................................................ 5 

Reports to Congress ................................................................................................. 6 

Title I: 

Agricultural Programs: 

Production, Processing, and Marketing: 

Office of the Secretary ....................................................................... 7 

Executive Operations ......................................................................... 9 

Office of the Chief Information Officer ............................................. 10 

Office of the Chief Financial Officer ................................................. 11 

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights ........................... 11 

Office of Civil Rights .......................................................................... 12 

Agriculture Buildings and Facilities ................................................ 12 

Hazardous Materials Management .................................................. 13 

Office of Inspector General ................................................................ 13 

Office of the General Counsel ........................................................... 14 

Office of Ethics ................................................................................... 14 

Office of the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics .............................................................................................. 15 

Economic Research Service ............................................................... 15 

National Agricultural Statistics Service .......................................... 16 

Agricultural Research Service ........................................................... 17 

National Institute of Food and Agriculture ..................................... 20 

Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs ............................................................................................... 28 

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service .................................. 28 

Agricultural Marketing Service ........................................................ 34 

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration ............ 37 

Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety ................................. 38 

Food Safety and Inspection Service .................................................. 38 

Office of the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural 

Services ............................................................................................ 39 

Farm Service Agency ......................................................................... 40 

Risk Management Agency ................................................................. 45 

Corporations: 

Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund ...................................... 45 

Commodity Credit Corporation Fund ............................................... 46 

Title II: 

Conservation Programs: 

Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment ........................................................................................................ 48 

Natural Resources Conservation Service ................................................ 48 

Title III: 

Rural Development Programs: 

Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development ........................... 51 

Rural Housing Service .............................................................................. 52 

Rural Community Facilities Program Account ....................................... 57 

Rural Business—Cooperative Service ...................................................... 58 

Rural Utilities Service .............................................................................. 62 

Title IV: 

Domestic Food Programs: 

Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer 

Services ................................................................................................... 66 

Food and Nutrition Service ...................................................................... 66 
Page

3 

Title V: Foreign Assistance and Related Programs: Foreign Agricultural Service .......................................................................................................................... 74 

Title VI: 

Related Agency and Food and Drug Administration: 

Department of Health and Human Services: Food and Drug Administration ..................................................................................................... 78 

Independent Agency: Farm Credit Administration ................................ 87 

Title VII: General Provisions .................................................................................. 89 

Program, Project, and Activity ............................................................................... 92 

Compliance With Paragraph 7, Rule XVI of the Standing Rules of the 

Senate ................................................................................................................... 92 

Compliance With Paragraph 7(c), Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the 

Senate ................................................................................................................... 93 

Compliance With Paragraph 12, Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the 

Senate ................................................................................................................... 93 

Budgetary Impact of Bill ......................................................................................... 94 

Comparative Statement of Budget Authority ........................................................ 95 
(4) 

BREAKDOWN BY TITLE 

The amounts of obligational authority for each of the seven titles 

are shown in the following table. A detailed tabulation, showing 

comparisons, appears at the end of this report. Recommendations 

for individual appropriation items, projects and activities are carried in this report under the appropriate item headings. 

[In thousands of dollars] 

2014 2015 Committee 

recommendation 

Title I: Agricultural programs ..................................................................................... 29,938,096 25,627,270 

Title II: Conservation programs .................................................................................. 825,832 850,193 

Title III: Rural economic and community development programs ............................. 2,397,709 2,448,923 

Title IV: Domestic food programs ............................................................................... 108,585,603 109,802,904 

Title V: Foreign assistance and related programs ..................................................... 1,838,472 1,830,199 

Title VI: Related agencies and Food and Drug Administration ................................. 2,560,693 2,597,324 

Title VII: General provisions ........................................................................................ ¥708,429 ¥502,671 

Total, new budget (obligational) authority ................................................... 145,437,976 142,654,142 
(5) 

OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY OF THE BILL 

The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies appropriations bill provides funding for 

a wide array of Federal programs, mostly in the U.S. Department 

of Agriculture [USDA]. These programs include agricultural research, education, and extension activities; natural resources conservation programs; farm income and support programs; marketing 

and inspection activities; domestic food assistance programs; rural 

housing, economic and community development, and telecommunication and electrification assistance; and various export and international activities of the USDA. 

The bill also provides funding for the Food and Drug Administration [FDA] and allows the use of collected fees for administrative 

expenses of the Farm Credit Administration [FCA]. 

The discretionary programs and activities of USDA and FDA 

that are supported by this bill include high priority responsibilities 

entrusted to the Federal Government and its partners to protect 

human health and safety, contribute to economic recovery, and 

achieve policy objectives strongly supported by the American people. The ability to provide for these measures is made difficult by 

growing pressure on available levels of discretionary spending as a 

consequence of the overall public debate on Federal spending, revenues, and size of the Federal debt. 

Too often, the USDA programs funded by this bill are confused 

with farm subsidies and other mandatory spending more properly 

associated with multi-year farm bills. In contrast, this bill provides 

annual funding for programs familiar to all Americans such as protecting food safety through the Food Safety and Inspection Service 

and the Food and Drug Administration, which also plays a vital 

role in maintaining the safety of the Nation’s blood supply and 

availability of safe and effective medical products and other components of our health system. This bill also provides funding to fight 

against the introduction and spread of noxious or infectious and 

often invasive pests and disease that threaten our plant and animal health environments, as well as funding for many other missions of dire importance to the American people. 

In the context of overall pressures on spending and the competing priorities that the Committee faces, this bill as reported provides the proper amount of emphasis on agricultural, rural development, and other programs and activities funded by the bill. It is 

consistent with the subcommittee’s allocation for fiscal year 2015. 

All accounts in the bill have been closely examined to ensure 

that an appropriate level of funding is provided to carry out the 

programs of USDA, FDA, and FCA. Details on each of the accounts, the funding level, and the Committee’s justifications for the 

funding levels are included in the report. 
6 

REPORTS TO CONGRESS 

The Committee has, throughout this report, requested agencies 

to provide studies and reports on various issues. The Committee 

utilizes these reports to evaluate program performance and make 

decisions on future appropriations. The Committee directs that all 

studies and reports be provided to the Committee as electronic documents in an agreed upon format within 120 days after the date 

of enactment, unless an alternative submission schedule is specifically stated in the report request. 
(7) 

TITLE I 

AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS 

PRODUCTION, PROCESSING, AND MARKETING

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $43,778,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 46,816,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 46,466,000 

The Secretary of Agriculture, assisted by the Deputy Secretary, 

Under Secretaries and Assistant Secretaries, Chief Information Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and members of their immediate 

staffs, directs and coordinates the work of the Department. This includes developing policy, maintaining relationships with agricultural organizations and others in the development of farm programs, and maintaining liaison with the Executive Office of the 

President and Members of Congress on all matters pertaining to 

agricultural policy. 

The general authority of the Secretary to supervise and control 

the work of the Department is contained in the Organic Act (7 

U.S.C. 2201–2202). The delegation of regulatory functions to Department employees and authorization of appropriations to carry 

out these functions is contained in 7 U.S.C. 450c–450g. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $46,466,000 for 

the Office of the Secretary. The Committee recommendation includes the following accounts under the Office of the Secretary: Office of the Secretary; Office of Tribal Relations; Office of Homeland 

Security and Emergency Coordination; Office of Advocacy and Outreach; Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration; Departmental Administration; Office of Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations; and Office of Communications. The following table 

reflects the amount provided by the Committee for each office and 

activity: 

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY 

[In thousands of dollars] 

2014 enacted 2015 budget 

request 

Committee recommendation 

Office of the Secretary ......................................................................... 5,051 5,086 5,086 

Office of Tribal Relations .................................................................... 498 502 502 

Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Coordination ................ 1,496 1,507 1,507 

Office of Advocacy and Outreach ........................................................ 1,209 1,217 1,217 

Office of Assistance Secretary for Administration .............................. 804 809 809 

Departmental Administration 1 ............................................................ 22,786 25,661 25,311 

Office of Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations ................. 3,869 3,897 3,897 
8 

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY—Continued 

[In thousands of dollars] 

2014 enacted 2015 budget 

request 

Committee 

recommendation 

Office of Communications ................................................................... 8,065 8,137 8,137 

Total ........................................................................................ 43,778 46,816 46,466 

1 Included in the amount for the fiscal year 2015 budget request and Committee recommendation is $2,877,000 for payments to the General Services Administration for rent and for payments to the Department of Homeland Security for building security activities, which was previously funded through the Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and Rental Payments account. 

Animal Fighting.—The Committee is very concerned about reports of illegal animal fighting activities and directs the Secretary 

to work with relevant agencies on the most effective and proper 

means for investigating and enforcing laws and regulations regarding these activities. 

Forest Products.—The Committee supports the inclusion of forest 

products in the Biobased Markets Program and encourages the Department to expeditiously promulgate new regulations pursuant to 

changes in the Agricultural Act of 2014. 

Loan Servicing Center of Excellence.—In order to leverage existing capacity and expertise within the Department, the Secretary is 

directed to explore the creation of a Center of Excellence for loan 

servicing support functions in order to provide consolidated customer service, field office support, and centralized loan services to 

USDA agencies and other Federal agencies. The Secretary shall 

consult with employee representatives and management in the 

Farm Service Agency Farm Loan Information Technology, Accounting, and Finance Office loan servicing support functions; the Rural 

Development Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Deputy Chief Information Officer functions; and the Rural Housing Centralized 

Servicing Center. 

Military Veteran’s Liaison.—The Agricultural Act of 2014 created 

a Military Veteran’s Liaison to coordinate programs to assist veterans entering into agricultural occupations. USDA is encouraged 

to prioritize the creation of a full-time Military Veteran’s Liaison 

in the Department staffing plan. 

Resource Conservation and Development Councils.—Since 1964, 

the Resource Conservation and Development [RC&D] Councils 

have worked at the grassroots level with local leaders to plan, develop, and carry out programs for land and water conservation and 

management. The Committee encourages the Secretary to consider 

the maximum practical use of RC&D Councils, where such RC&D 

Councils meet agency performance requirements, in the delivery of 

USDA programs and services. 

Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs.—The Agricultural Act of 2014 requires the Secretary 

of Agriculture to propose a reorganization of the international trade 

functions at the Department of Agriculture, including the establishment of an Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign 

Agricultural Affairs, and issue a report to Congress not later than 

180 days after enactment, or August 6, 2014. One year after the 

report is submitted, or no later than August 6, 2015, the Secretary 

is required to implement this reorganization. The Committee af-
9 

firms the importance of meeting the deadlines included in the Agricultural Act of 2014. 

EXECUTIVE OPERATIONS

Executive operations were established as a result of the reorganization of the Department to provide a support team for USDA 

policy officials and selected department-wide services. Activities 

under the executive operations include the Office of the Chief Economist, the National Appeals Division, and the Office of Budget and 

Program Analysis. 

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ECONOMIST

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $16,777,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 16,854,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 16,854,000 

The Office of the Chief Economist advises the Secretary of Agriculture on the economic implications of Department policies and 

programs. The Office serves as the single focal point for the Nation’s economic intelligence and analysis, risk assessment, and costbenefit analysis related to domestic and international food and agriculture issues, provides policy direction for renewable energy development, conducts analyses of climate change impacts on agriculture and forestry, and is responsible for coordination and review 

of all commodity and aggregate agricultural and food-related data 

used to develop outlook and situation material within the Department. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $16,854,000 for 

the Office of the Chief Economist. 

Policy Research.—The Committee recommendation includes 

$4,000,000 for policy research under 7 U.S.C. 3155 for entities with 

existing institutional capacity to conduct complex economic and policy analysis and a lengthy and well-documented record of conducting policy analysis for the benefit of the Department of Agriculture, the Congressional Budget Office, or the Congress. To maximize resources, the Committee expects the Department to focus efforts on entities that have developed models, databases, and staff 

necessary to conduct in-depth analysis of impacts of agriculture or 

rural development policy proposals on rural communities, farmers, 

agribusiness, taxpayers, and consumers. 

NATIONAL APPEALS DIVISION

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $12,841,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 13,430,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 13,430,000 

The National Appeals Division conducts administrative hearings 

and reviews of adverse program decisions made by the Rural Development mission area, the Farm Service Agency, the Risk Management Agency, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. 
10 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $13,430,000 for the National Appeals Division. Included in this amount is $528,000 

for payments to the General Services Administration for rent and 

for payments to the Department of Homeland Security for building 

security activities, which was previously funded through the Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and Rental Payments account. 

OFFICE OF BUDGET AND PROGRAM ANALYSIS

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $9,064,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 10,292,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 9,305,000 

The Office of Budget and Program Analysis provides direction 

and administration of the Department’s budgetary functions including development, presentation, and execution of the budget; reviews program and legislative proposals for program, budget, and 

related implications; analyzes program and resource issues and alternatives, and prepares summaries of pertinent data to aid the 

Secretary and departmental policy officials and agency program 

managers in the decisionmaking process; and provides departmentwide coordination for and participation in the presentation of budget-related matters to the committees of the Congress, the media, 

and interested public. The Office also provides department-wide coordination of the preparation and processing of regulations and legislative programs and reports. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $9,305,000 for 

the Office of Budget and Program Analysis. The Committee does 

not recommend an appropriation to establish the position of Chief 

Evaluation Officer. 

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $44,031,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 45,199,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 45,199,000 

The Office of the Chief Information Officer was established in 

August 1996 (40 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.), pursuant to the ClingerCohen Act of 1996, which required the establishment of a Chief Information Officer for major Federal agencies. This Office provides 

policy guidance, leadership, coordination, and direction to the Department’s information management and information technology 

investment activities in support of USDA program delivery, and is 

the lead office in USDA e-gov efforts. The Office provides longrange planning guidance, implements measures to ensure that 

technology investments are economical and effective, coordinates 

interagency information resources management projects, and implements standards to promote information exchange and technical 

interoperability. In addition, the Office of the Chief Information Officer is responsible for certain activities financed under the Department’s Working Capital Fund (7 U.S.C. 2235). The Office also provides telecommunication and automated data processing [ADP] 

services to USDA agencies through the National Information Tech-
11 

nology Center with locations in Fort Collins, Colorado, Kansas 

City, Missouri and Washington, DC. Direct ADP operational services are also provided to the Office of the Secretary, the Office of 

the General Counsel, the Office of Communications, the Office of 

the Chief Financial Officer, and Departmental Management. 

On November 28, 2004, the information technology staffs of the 

Service Center Agencies [SCA] were converged into one IT organization within the office of the Chief Information Officer; this converged organization is named Information Technology Services and 

replaces a network of cross-agency teams used to coordinate IT infrastructure investment within the SCA and allows for unified 

management of the IT infrastructure. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $45,199,000 for 

the Office of the Chief Information Officer. Included in this amount 

is $993,000 for payments to the General Services Administration 

for rent and for payments to the Department of Homeland Security 

for building security activities, which was previously funded 

through the Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and Rental Payments account. This amount also includes not less than 

$28,000,000 to support cybersecurity requirements of the Department. 

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $6,213,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 6,080,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 6,080,000 

The Office of the Chief Financial Officer is responsible for the 

dual roles of Chief Financial Management Policy Officer and Chief 

Financial Management Advisor to the Secretary and mission area 

heads. The Office provides leadership for all financial management, 

accounting, travel, Federal assistance, and strategic planning performance measurement activities within the Department. The Office is also responsible for the management and operation of the 

National Finance Center and the Departmental Working Capital 

Fund. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $6,080,000 for 

the Office of the Chief Financial Officer. 

OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR CIVIL RIGHTS

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $893,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 898,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 898,000 

The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights provides 

oversight of civil rights and related functions. This includes coordination of the administration of civil rights laws and regulations for 

employees of the Department of Agriculture and participants in 

programs of the Department, and ensuring compliance with civil 

rights laws. 
12 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $898,000 for the 

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights. 

OFFICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $21,400,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 24,236,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 24,236,000 

The Office of Civil Rights provides overall leadership responsibility for all department-wide civil rights activities. These activities 

include employment opportunity as well as program nondiscrimination policy development, analysis, coordination, and compliance. 

The Office is responsible for providing leadership in facilitating the 

fair and equitable treatment of USDA employees, and for monitoring program activities to ensure that all USDA programs are delivered in a nondiscriminatory manner. The Office’s outreach functions provide leadership, coordination, facilitation, and expertise to 

internal and external partners to ensure equal and timely access 

to USDA programs for all constituents, with emphasis on the underserved, through information sharing, technical assistance, and 

training. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $24,236,000 for 

the Office of Civil Rights. Included in this amount is $2,471,000 for 

payments to the General Services Administration for rent and for 

payments to the Department of Homeland Security for building security activities, which was previously funded through the Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and Rental Payments account. 

AGRICULTURE BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $233,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 64,825,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 64,844,000 

Department headquarters presently operates in a two-building, 

Government-owned complex in downtown Washington, DC, the 

George Washington Carver Center in Beltsville, Maryland, and in 

leased buildings in the metropolitan Washington, DC, area. Under 

an arrangement with the General Services Administration, USDA 

operates, maintains, and repairs these facilities, in lieu of rental 

payments. For the last several years the Department has implemented a strategic space plan to locate staff more efficiently, renovate its buildings, and eliminate safety hazards, particularly in 

the Agriculture South Building. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $64,844,000 for 

Agriculture Buildings and Facilities. The recommendation includes 

General Services Administration rental payments and Department 

of Homeland Security security payments within each respective 

agency, per the budget request. 
13 

The following table reflects the Committee’s specific recommendations for this account as compared to the fiscal year 2014 

and budget request levels: 

[In thousands of dollars] 

2014 enacted 2015 budget 

request 

Committee recommendation 

Rental Payments ........................................................................................ 164,470 ........................ ........................

Building Operations ................................................................................... 54,730 64,825 64,844 

DHS Building Security ................................................................................ 13,800 ........................ ........................

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $3,592,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 3,600,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 3,600,000 

Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Department has the responsibility to meet the same 

standards regarding the storage and disposition of hazardous materials as private businesses. The Department is required to contain, 

cleanup, monitor, and inspect for hazardous materials in areas 

under the Department’s jurisdiction. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,600,000 for 

Hazardous Materials Management. 

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $89,902,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 97,240,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 97,240,000 

The Office of Inspector General [OIG] was established October 

12, 1978, by the Inspector General Act of 1978 (Public Law 95– 

452). This act expanded and provided specific authorities for the activities of OIG which had previously been carried out under the 

general authorities of the Secretary of Agriculture. 

The Office is administered by an inspector general who reports 

directly to the Secretary of Agriculture. Functions and responsibilities of this Office include direction and control of audit and investigative activities within the Department, formulation of audit and 

investigative policies and procedures regarding Department programs and operations, and analysis and coordination of programrelated audit and investigation activities performed by other Department agencies. 

The activities of this Office are designed to assure compliance 

with existing laws, policies, regulations, and programs of the Department’s agencies, and to provide appropriate officials with the 

means for prompt corrective action where deviations have occurred. 

The scope of audit and investigative activities is large and includes 

administrative, program, and criminal matters. These activities are 

coordinated, when appropriate, with various audit and investigative agencies of the executive and legislative branches of the Government. 
14 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $97,240,000 for 

the Office of Inspector General. Included in this amount is 

$5,198,000 for payments to the General Services Administration for 

rent and for payments to the Department of Homeland Security for 

building security activities, which was previously funded through 

the Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and Rental Payments account. In addition, the recommendation includes funding for OIG to 

address violations of section 26 of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 

2156) and to coordinate with State and local law enforcement personnel in this effort. 

MIDAS.—The Committee is concerned that, despite having invested more funding than was originally envisioned for MIDAS, the 

system is not meeting the original goals and objectives of streamlining business processes and developing an effective long-term information technology system capable of seamless delivery of farm 

bill programs. Therefore, the Committee directs OIG to review the 

management oversight of MIDAS, including issues such as its current status, timeline, funding, performance, and security. The Committee requests regular updates on the status of this review. 

OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $41,202,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 47,567,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 47,567,000 

The Office of the General Counsel provides all legal advice, counsel, and services to the Secretary and to all agencies, offices, and 

corporations of the Department. The Office represents the Department in administrative proceedings; nonlitigation debt collection 

proceedings; State water rights adjudications; proceedings before 

the Environmental Protection Agency, Interstate Commerce Commission, Federal Maritime Administration, and International Trade 

Commission; and, in conjunction with the Department of Justice, in 

judicial proceedings and litigation. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $47,567,000 for 

the Office of the General Counsel. Included in this amount is 

$2,191,000 for payments to the General Services Administration for 

rent and for payments to the Department of Homeland Security for 

building security activities, which was previously funded through 

the Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and Rental Payments account. 

OFFICE OF ETHICS

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $3,440,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 3,867,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 3,867,000 

The Office of Ethics is the centralized and consolidated office implementing USDA’s ethics program throughout the Department. 

The Office provides ethics services to all employees at the Department concerning advice, training, and guidance about compliance 
15 

with conflict of interest and impartiality rules. This includes complying with the requirements of the Stop Trading on Congressional 

Knowledge Act, Public Law 112–105 (the STOCK Act), and the Office of Government Ethics regulatory requirements (5 CFR parts 

2634 through 2641). 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,867,000 for 

the Office of Ethics. 

OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY FOR RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND

ECONOMICS

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $893,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 898,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 898,000 

The Office of the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and 

Economics provides direction and coordination in carrying out the 

laws enacted by the Congress for food and agricultural research, 

education, extension, and economic and statistical information. The 

Office has oversight and management responsibilities for the Agricultural Research Service; National Institute of Food and Agriculture; Economic Research Service; and National Agricultural Statistics Service. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $898,000 for the 

Office of the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics. 

Healthy Water Resources.—The Department is encouraged to explore technology that meets the requirements of the National Organic Program and that can control weeds and pests while maintaining healthy water resources. 

ECONOMIC RESEARCH SERVICE

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $78,058,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 83,446,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 85,373,000 

The Economic Research Service [ERS] provides economic and 

other social science research and analysis for public and private decisions on agriculture, food, the environment, and rural America. 

The information that ERS produces is for use by the general public 

and to help the executive and legislative branches develop, administer, and evaluate agricultural and rural policies and programs. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $85,373,000 for 

the Economic Research Service. Included in this amount is 

$7,727,000 for payments to the General Services Administration for 

rent and for payments to the Department of Homeland Security for 

building security activities, which was previously funded through 

the Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and Rental Payments account. 
16 

Organic Data Analysis.—The Committee encourages ERS to continue all ongoing efforts relating to organic data analysis. 

NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS SERVICE

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $161,206,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 178,999,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 178,154,000 

The National Agricultural Statistics Service [NASS] administers 

the Department’s program of collecting and publishing current national, State, and county agricultural statistics. These statistics 

provide accurate and timely projections of current agricultural production and measures of the economic and environmental welfare 

of the agricultural sector which are essential for making effective 

policy, production, and marketing decisions. NASS also furnishes 

statistical services to other USDA and Federal agencies in support 

of their missions, and provides consulting, technical assistance, and 

training to developing countries. 

NASS is also responsible for administration of the Census of Agriculture, which is taken every 5 years and provides comprehensive 

data on the agricultural economy including: data on the number of 

farms, land use, production expenses, farm product values, value of 

land and buildings, farm size and characteristics of farm operators, 

market value of agricultural production sold, acreage of major 

crops, inventory of livestock and poultry, and farm irrigation practices. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $178,154,000 for 

the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Included in this 

amount is $48,044,000 for the Census of Agriculture and 

$9,202,000 for payments to the General Services Administration for 

rent and for payments to the Department of Homeland Security for 

building security activities, which was previously funded through 

the Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and Rental Payments account. The Committee recommendation includes requested funding 

for the pollinator health initiative, restoration of the fruit and vegetable in-season reports, restoration of the chemical use survey, and 

does not include the proposed suspension of reports proposed in the 

budget. 

Chemical Use Data Series.—The Committee believes that the 

Chemical Use Data Series provides timely, valuable information on 

fertilizer and chemical use data and major field crops and selected 

specialty crops. The Committee encourages the National Agricultural Statistics Service to continue funding the collection and analysis of chemical use data as well as practices such as integrated 

pest management. The Committee also provides funding, as requested in the budget, for National Agricultural Statistics Service 

to resume collecting Fruit Chemical Use data and Vegetable Chemical Use data in alternating years. 
17 

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $1,122,482,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 1,104,403,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 1,139,673,000 

The Agricultural Research Service [ARS] is responsible for conducting basic, applied, and developmental research through its 

major program areas of New Products/Product Quality/Value 

Added; Livestock/Crop Production; Food Safety; Livestock/Crop Protection; Human Nutrition; and Environmental Stewardship. The 

research applies to a wide range of goals; commodities; natural resources; fields of science; and geographic, climatic, and environmental conditions. 

ARS is also responsible for the Abraham Lincoln National Agricultural Library which provides agricultural information and library services through traditional library functions and modern 

electronic dissemination to agencies of the USDA, public and private organizations, and individuals. 

As the USDA’s in-house agricultural research unit, ARS has 

major responsibilities for conducting and leading the national agricultural research effort. It provides initiative and leadership in five 

areas: research on broad regional and national problems, research 

to support Federal action and regulatory agencies, expertise to 

meet national emergencies, research support for international programs, and scientific resources to the executive branch and Congress. 

The mission of ARS research is to develop and transfer solutions 

to agricultural problems of high national priority and provide information access and dissemination to ensure high-quality, safe food 

and other agricultural products; assess the nutritional needs of 

Americans; sustain a competitive agricultural economy; enhance 

the natural resource base and the environment; and provide economic opportunities for rural citizens, communities, and society as 

a whole. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,139,673,000 

for salaries and expenses of the Agricultural Research Service. Included in this amount is $4,671,000 for payments to the General 

Services Administration for rent and for payments to the Department of Homeland Security for building security activities, which 

was previously funded through the Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and Rental Payments account. The Committee does not concur with the President’s budget request regarding the termination 

of research programs or closure of six research locations. The Committee expects extramural research to be funded at no less than 

the fiscal year 2014 levels. 

Aerial Application Research.—The Committee recognizes the importance of ARS Aerial Application Technology Program. The program conducts innovative research making aerial applications more 

efficient, effective and precise. Research for aerial application 

serves the public good as a vital tool for the future, as agriculture 
18 

strives to meet the food, fiber, and bio-energy demands of a growing population. 

Agroforestry.—Agroforestry can provide on-farm financial and environmental benefits while also addressing the regional and national-scale issues of clean water, wildlife habitat, and hypoxia. 

Agroforesters manage trees with crops, livestock, and pasture to 

combine the best of both agriculture and forestry. Recognizing the 

importance of agroforestry to farm practices and the environment, 

the Committee recommendation includes no less than the fiscal 

year 2014 level to develop integrated strategies to manage multifunctional agricultural landscapes that combine trees with agricultural and horticultural crops, forages and grazing livestock for optimal economic, environmental, and natural resources benefits. 

Classical Plant Breeding.—The Committee is aware of the need 

to enhance classical plant breeding, and encourages ARS to invest 

in research to improve genetic resources and cultivars for the benefit of U.S. producers, seed companies, processors and consumers. 

This research should focus on breeding improved germplasm and 

varieties with higher yields, improved disease and pest resistance 

and resilience to weather extremes. Additionally, methods and tools 

should be developed to enable classical breeders to choose better 

breeding parents and speed up variety development. 

Coffee Berry Borer.—The Committee is aware of the threat that 

the coffee berry borer poses to the existence of the coffee industry, 

and believes that ARS should focus research into methods to control and eradicate the pest. 

Emerging Cereal Rust Diseases.—The Committee is aware that 

emerging cereal rust diseases are a threat to domestic and world 

food supplies. Therefore, the Department should continue to dedicate funding to speed efforts to combat cereal rust disease, including development of Ug99-resistant wheat varieties. 

Forage Production Systems.—The Committee recommendation includes no less than the fiscal year 2014 level to develop management practices that improve the production efficiency of grazing operations in temperate pastures. 

Forest Products.—The Committee recognizes the important role 

of the forests products sector to the U.S. economy. The need to create new and improved value-added products and renewable energy 

from our Nation’s wood supply is critical to the sustainability of the 

national economy. The Committee recommendation includes 

$3,050,000 to support research on wood quality improvement and 

improvement in forest products evaluation standards and valuation 

techniques. ARS shall conduct this research in consultation with 

the Forest Products Laboratory. 

Human Nutrition Research.—The Committee remains concerned 

about the high rates of obesity in this country, and believes that 

research into human nutrition is important to help prevent childhood obesity and the medical issues obesity brings. The Committee 

recommendation includes no less than the fiscal year 2014 level to 

expand research regarding the growth, health promotion, and disease prevention of the developing child. 

Nutrition Research and Aging.—The Committee is aware that research into nutrition can benefit aging Americans by keeping them 

active longer, delaying or reducing the effects of chronic illnesses 
19 

and obesity, and reducing healthcare costs for such diseases. The 

Committee supports the investment in human nutrition research, 

especially as it affects the aging population, and encourages ARS 

to continue support for nutrition research and existing centers. 

Organic Production Survey.—In 2008, NASS conducted the first 

ever comprehensive Organic Production Survey as a follow-on survey to the 2007 Census of Agriculture. Published in February 2010, 

the survey has provided information vital to the organic sector’s 

growth. The Committee believes the Organic Production Survey 

should be conducted on a regular basis to properly assess the characteristics, trends, and changes in the sector. The Committee provided $2,250,000 in fiscal year 2014 for this purpose and expects 

USDA to conduct the Organic Production Survey as a comprehensive follow-on survey to the 2012 Census of Agriculture. 

Plant Science.—The Committee supports infrastructure investments in support of high priority research in plant science, particularly programs that would develop small grain varieties, such as 

wheat and barley, that have improved end use quality, higher disease and insect resistance, and increased abiotic stress tolerance. 

Pollinator Research.—The Committee is aware that pollinators 

are responsible for the production of one-third of the Nation’s food 

supply, but the number of managed honeybee colonies in the 

United States has dropped in half since 1940. Because of the importance of pollinators in the production of the Nation’s food supply 

and their impact on the stability of our agricultural economy, the 

Committee recommendation includes an increase of $4,000,000 for 

pollinator health, as requested in the budget. 

Pulse Health Initiative.—The Committee continues to recognize 

the need to investigate the ability of pulse crops—dry beans, dry 

peas, lentils, and chickpeas—to provide solutions to critical health 

issues including but not limited to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular 

disease, and cancer; and to increase the consumption of pulse crops 

by improving their functionality in baked goods and end use as a 

food and food ingredient through the study of milling, extrusion, 

extraction, and cooking properties. The Committee also recognizes 

the potential to improve the sustainability of agricultural rotations 

and reduce green house gas emissions by improving the nitrogen 

fixing abilities of pulse crops. The Committee recommends ARS 

provide adequate funding to establish the Pulse Health Initiative. 

Research Facilities.—The Committee encourages ARS to work cooperatively with universities to better utilize available state-of-theart laboratory space to effectively address important agricultural 

research issues. The Committee directs ARS to study ways in 

which the Federal labs could be better utilized, in cooperation with 

universities, to explore new scientific opportunities that benefit the 

Nation’s food and agriculture system, and to submit a report with 

recommendations to the Committee by January 30, 2015. The report should include information on the current utilization of ARS 

facilities by universities and other cooperators, as well as the extent in which ARS is housed in cooperator facilities. 

Research Priorities and Objectives.—The Committee believes that 

ARS university partners play a major role in achieving ARS research priorities and objectives. The Committee further believes 

that ARS must ensure limited research dollars are maximized and 
20 

administrative costs are reduced to the fullest extent possible, and 

expects ARS to operate within historical administrative cost parameters. 

Sclerotinia.—The Committee is aware of the economic importance of controlling sclerotinia, which affects sunflowers, soybeans, 

canola, edible beans, peas, and lentils and encourages ARS to continue both core research and cooperative projects of the National 

Sclerotinia Initiative. 

Shellfish Research.—The Committee directs the Agricultural Research Service to continue to partner with research institutions on 

research to improve shellfish survival and growth rates and to classify and preserve natural genetic variation. 

Sustainable Water Use Research.—The Committee recognizes the 

ongoing regional groundwater problems in the Lower Mississippi 

River Basin. The Committee recommendation includes no less than 

the fiscal year 2014 level for ARS to continue research on conservation practices and the incorporation of technology in farm management in order to quantify management impacts on water quality 

and quantity. 

Technology Transfer and Innovation.—The Committee encourages the Agricultural Research Service to utilize existing Agricultural Technology Innovation Partnerships to establish a pilot program to provide regional collaborations, technology transfer and 

commercialization, and innovative venture development training. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

Section 7511(f)(2) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 

2008 amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 

1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971) by establishing an agency to be known as the 

National Institute of Food and Agriculture [NIFA]. The Secretary 

transferred to the Director of NIFA, effective October 1, 2009, all 

authorities administered by the Administrator of the Cooperative 

State, Research, Education and Extension Service. The mission is 

to work with university partners and customers to advance research, extension, and higher education in the food and agricultural sciences and related environmental and human sciences to 

benefit people, communities, and the Nation. 

RESEARCH AND EDUCATION ACTIVITIES

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $772,559,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 837,747,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 787,545,000 

Research and Education programs administered by NIFA are 

USDA’s principal entre ́e to the university system of the United 

States for the purpose of conducting agricultural research and education programs as authorized by the Hatch Act of 1887, as amended (7 U.S.C. 361a–361i); the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry 

Act of 1962, as amended (16 U.S.C. 582a et seq.); the Competitive, 

Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act, as amended (7 U.S.C. 

450i); the National Agricultural, Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as amended (7 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.); the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 

note); the Agricultural Research, Extension and Education Reform 
21 

Act of 1998 (Public Law 105–185), as amended; the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 (Public Law 101–624); 

the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Public Law 

107–171); and the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 

(Public Law 110–246). Through these authorities, USDA participates with State and other cooperators to encourage and assist the 

State institutions in the conduct of agricultural research and education through the State Agricultural Experiment Stations of the 

50 States and the territories; by approved Schools of Forestry; the 

1890 Land-Grant Institutions and Tuskegee University and West 

Virginia State University; 1994 Land-Grant Institutions; by Colleges of Veterinary Medicine; and other eligible institutions. The 

appropriated funds provide Federal support for research and education programs at these institutions. 

The research and education programs participate in a nationwide 

system of agricultural research program planning and coordination 

among the State institutions, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and 

the agricultural industry of America. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $787,545,000 for 

research and education activities of the National Institute of Food 

and Agriculture. Included in this amount is $5,960,000 for payments to the General Services Administration for rent and for payments to the Department of Homeland Security for building security activities, which was previously funded through the Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and Rental Payments account. 

The following table summarizes the Committee’s recommendations for research and education activities: 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE—RESEARCH AND EDUCATION ACTIVITIES 

[Dollars in thousands] 

Program/Activity Authorization Committee 

recommendation 

Hatch Act ............................................................................................ 7 U.S.C. 361a-i ............................... $243,701 

McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act .......................................... 16 U.S.C. 582a through a-7 ........... 33,961 

Research at 1890 Institutions (Evans-Allen Program) ...................... 7 U.S.C. 3222 .................................. 52,485 

Payments to the 1994 Institutions ..................................................... 534(a)(1) of Public Law 103–382 .. 3,439 

Education Grants for 1890 Institutions .............................................. 7 U.S.C. 3152(b) ............................. 19,336 

Education Grants for Hispanic-Serving Institutions ........................... 7 U.S.C. 3241 .................................. 9,219 

Education Grants for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving 

Institutions.

7 U.S.C. 3156 .................................. 3,194 

Research Grants for 1994 Institutions ............................................... 7 U.S.C. 301 note ........................... 1,801 

Capacity Building for Non Land-Grant Colleges of Agriculture ......... 7 U.S.C. 3319i ................................. 4,500 

Resident Instruction and Distance Education Grants for Insular 

Areas.

7 U.S.C. 3222b-2, 3362, and 3363 1,800 

Agriculture and Food Research Initiative ........................................... 7 U.S.C. 450i(b) .............................. 325,000 

Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment ................................................. 7 U.S.C. 3151a ................................ 4,790 

Continuing Animal Health and Disease Research Program ............... 7 U.S.C. 3195 .................................. 4,000 

Supplemental and Alternative Crops .................................................. 7 U.S.C. 3319d ................................ 825 

Critical Agricultural Materials Act ...................................................... 7 U.S.C. 178 et seq. ....................... 1,081 

Multicultural Scholars, Graduate Fellowship and Institutions Challenge Grants.7 U.S.C. 3152(b) ............................. 9,000 

Secondary and 2-year Post-Secondary Education .............................. 7 U.S.C. 3152(j) .............................. 900 

Aquaculture Centers ............................................................................ 7 U.S.C. 3322 .................................. 4,000 

Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education .............................. 7 U.S.C. 5811, 5812, 5831, and 

5832.

22,667 

Farm Business Management .............................................................. 7 U.S.C. 5925f ................................ 1,450 
22 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE—RESEARCH AND EDUCATION ACTIVITIES— 

Continued 

[Dollars in thousands] 

Program/Activity Authorization Committee 

recommendation 

Sun Grant Program ............................................................................. 7 U.S.C. 8114 .................................. 2,500 

Improved Pest Control: 

Minor Crop Pest Management (IR–4) ........................................ 7 U.S.C. 450i(c) .............................. 11,913 

Alfalfa Forage and Research Program ...................................... 7 U.S.C. 5925 .................................. 1,350 

Special Research Grants: 7 U.S.C. 450i(c).

Global Change/UV Monitoring .................................................... .......................................................... 1,405 

Potato Research ......................................................................... .......................................................... 1,350 

Aquaculture Research ................................................................ .......................................................... 1,350 

Total, Special Research Grants ........................................ .......................................................... 4,105 

Necessary Expenses of Research and Education Activities: 

Grants Management System ...................................................... .......................................................... 7,830 

Federal Administration—Other Necessary Expenses for Research and Education Activities........................................................... 12,698 

Total, Necessary Expenses ................................................ .......................................................... 20,528 

Total, Research and Education Activities ......................... .......................................................... 787,545 

Agriculture and Food Research Initiative.—The Committee recommendation includes $325,000,000 for the Agriculture and Food 

Research Initiative [AFRI]. 

Section 7406 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 

specifies priority areas within the Agriculture and Food Research 

Initiative [AFRI], including an emphasis on conventional (classical) 

plant and animal breeding. The Committee strongly concurs with 

the intent of this section, and requests a report from the agency as 

to its plans for implementing this important conventional/classical 

plant and animal breeding requirement. The Committee also encourages the agency to specifically focus on the development of public cultivars and breeds as part of the general classical breeding research program. 

Agricultural Research Enhancement Awards.—The Committee 

remains determined to see that quality research and enhanced 

human resources development in the agricultural and related 

sciences be a nationwide commitment. Therefore, the Committee 

directs that not less than 15 percent of the competitive research 

grant funds be used for USDA’s agricultural research enhancement 

awards program, including USDA–EPSCoR. The Committee recognizes that funding for EPSCoR has increased as a result of the 

growth in AFRI funding over the past several years. 

Agricultural Research Priorities.—The Committee recognizes that 

there are many research priorities that competitive funding may be 

used to address, including addressing challenges related to the 

commercialization of biological conversion of biomass to fish and 

animal feed; improving the digestibility, nutritional value, and efficiency of the use of corn, soybean meal, cereal grains and grain byproducts for the poultry and food animal production industries; addressing pollinator health and colony collapse disorder research; 

and, controlling the Macadamia Felted Coccid. The Committee encourages NIFA to support research into these priorities. 
23 

Alfalfa and Forage Research.—The Committee notes that research into alfalfa seed and alfalfa forage systems holds the potential to increase yields, increase milk production, and improve genetics. The Committee recommendation includes $1,350,000 to support 

research into the improvement of yields, water conservation, creation of new uses, and the development of new storage and harvest 

systems. 

Aquaculture Disease Research.—The Committee encourages 

USDA to support aquaculture disease and vaccine research, including research on coldwater aquaculture vaccines. There is currently 

no national facility for pathogen testing. Research into finfish vaccines and pathogens has the potential to accelerate the growth of 

sustainable U.S. aquaculture, reduce the trade deficit attributable 

to imported seafood, and reduce the pressure on overfished species. 

Aquaculture Research.—The Committee recognizes the importance of the domestic aquaculture industry to the U.S. economy. 

The Committee recommendation includes $1,350,000 for aquaculture research to address issues related to genetics, disease, systems, and economics. 

Cereal Crop Research.—Research on cereal crops has historically 

been conducted by USDA and public universities, and the Committee recognizes the importance of continuing investment in cereal crop research. The Committee strongly encourages USDA to 

provide funding for cereal crop research in the areas of genetic and 

genomic research, plant pest research, and improved production 

systems. 

Cranberry and Blueberry Research.—The Committee encourages 

the NIFA to continue working with research institutions to develop 

resilient cranberry and blueberry breeds and establish effective and 

environmentally sound pest management technologies. 

Food and Agriculture Service Learning Program.—The Committee recognizes the importance of programs that will teach students about basic nutrition while providing them with a variety of 

experiences and learning opportunities through working in school 

gardens. The Committee encourages NIFA to work with FNS and 

build on the efforts of the farm to school programs and the Committee supports expanded national service opportunities. 

Herbicide Resistance.—Herbicide resistant weeds are a major 

threat to food, feed, and fiber production in the United States and 

the problem is expected to continue to increase in size and scope. 

Current funding for research and extension is woefully inadequate. 

The Committee is concerned that the lack of research based information significantly delays developing effective management strategies to address the herbicide resistance problem. The Committee 

encourages NIFA, in conjunction with ARS and land-grant institutions, to conduct research that will more comprehensively address 

herbicide resistance. Research may include: identification of herbicide resistant weed populations or those most likely to develop resistance, characterization of mechanisms of resistance, and development of innovative weed management strategies to overcome current resistance problems and delay or prevent future ones. In addition, effective and widespread dissemination of results to farmers, 

foresters, and rights of way land managers through extension and 

outreach will be critical to the success of this endeavor. 
24 

Lowbush Blueberries.—The Committee directs NIFA to work 

with research institutions to develop and refine predictive models 

and monitoring technologies for native and invasive pests for incorporation into integrated pest management programs for naturally 

seeded, native berry crops to increase the margin of food safety and 

product quality. 

Nanotechnology in Plants for Drought Resistance.—The Committee believes that research in developing drought resistance 

crops is an essential safeguard against wide-spread droughts domestically and internationally. The Committee encourages the Department to partner with organizations and academic institutions, 

particularly using nanotechnology, to develop research options and 

studies that will help foster drought resistance discoveries. 

Regional Research Priorities.—The Committee encourages NIFA 

to consider providing funding within AFRI to assist with State and 

regional research priorities, with USDA oversight and review. 

Seafood.—The Committee encourages USDA, in partnership with 

universities with established domestic shrimp farming programs, to 

support the development of a domestic industry that will help ensure the safety and quality of the Nation’s seafood supply, promote 

environmentally sustainable aquaculture, create new opportunities 

for U.S. agriculture, and forge new markets for U.S. grain and oilseed products and technology services. 

Specialty Crop Research Initiative.—The Committee emphasizes 

the important role of the Specialty Crop Research Initiative in addressing the critical needs of the specialty crop industry through 

research and extension activities, and encourages NIFA to 

prioritize proposals for and enhance its overall commitment to 

identifying and addressing threats to pollinators from pests and 

diseases. 

Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education.—As proposed 

in the budget request, the Committee recommendation includes the 

consolidation of research, education and extension activities in the 

Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education [SARE] program. 

All three activities authorized in Subtitle B of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 are vital to the success of the SARE program, and the Committee directs the Department to ensure that each activity remain intact in the future. 

Zoonotic Disease Research.—Federal and State animal health officials have made eradicating livestock diseases with significant 

wildlife reservoirs a national animal health priority. This need is 

reflected in the Agricultural Act of 2014 which made the research 

and development of surveillance methods, vaccines, vaccination delivery systems or diagnostic tests a priority research area under 

the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act particularly for bovine brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis. The Committee recognizes the need for this research and encourages the 

agency to make competitive grants available to study improved 

management tools for zoonotic livestock diseases with significant 

wildlife reservoirs. 
25 

HISPANIC-SERVING AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

ENDOWMENT FUND

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. ........................... 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... $10,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 10,000,000 

Section 7129 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, 

provides for the establishment of an endowment fund for the Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities [HSACU]. The 

Hispanic/Latino community is the fastest-growing sector of the 

American population. This investment in the Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities is needed to ensure institutions 

can effectively compete for NIFA competitive grants. 

On the termination of each fiscal year, the Secretary shall withdraw the income from the endowment fund for the fiscal year, and 

after making adjustments for the cost of administering the endowment fund, shall distribute the adjusted income as follows: 60 percent of the adjusted income shall be distributed among the Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities on a pro rata 

basis based on the Hispanic enrollment count of each institution; 

and 40 percent shall be distributed in equal shares to the HispanicServing Agricultural Colleges and Universities. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $10,000,000 for 

the Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities Endowment Fund. 

NATIVE AMERICAN INSTITUTIONS ENDOWMENT FUND

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $11,880,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 11,880,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 11,880,000 

The Native American Institutions Endowment Fund authorized 

by Public Law 103–382, the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act, provides an endowment for the 1994 land-grant institutions (34 tribally controlled colleges). This program will enhance 

educational opportunity for Native Americans by building educational capacity at these institutions in the areas of student recruitment and retention, curricula development, faculty preparation, instruction delivery systems, and scientific instrumentation 

for teaching. Income funds are also available for facility renovation, 

repair, construction, and maintenance. On the termination of each 

fiscal year, the Secretary shall withdraw the income from the endowment fund for the fiscal year, and after making adjustments for 

the cost of administering the endowment fund, distribute the adjusted income as follows: 60 percent of the adjusted income from 

these funds shall be distributed among the 1994 land-grant institutions on a pro rata basis, the proportionate share being based on 

the Indian student count; and 40 percent of the adjusted income 

shall be distributed in equal shares to the 1994 land-grant institutions. 
26 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $11,880,000 for 

the Native American Institutions Endowment Fund. 

EXTENSION ACTIVITIES

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $469,191,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 468,968,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 472,686,000 

Cooperative extension work was established by the Smith-Lever 

Act of May 8, 1914, as amended. The Department of Agriculture is 

authorized to provide, through the land-grant colleges, cooperative 

extension work that consists of the development of practical applications of research knowledge and the giving of instruction and 

practical demonstrations of existing or improved practices or technologies in agriculture and related subjects, and to encourage the 

application of such information by demonstrations, publications, 

through 4–H clubs, and other means to persons not in attendance 

or resident at the colleges. 

To fulfill the requirements of the Smith-Lever Act, State and 

county extension offices in each State, the District of Columbia, 

Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the 

Northern Marianas, and Micronesia conduct educational programs 

to improve American agriculture and strengthen the Nation’s families and communities. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $472,686,000 for 

extension activities of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. 

The following table summarizes the Committee’s recommendations for extension activities: 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE—EXTENSION ACTIVITIES 

[Dollars in thousands] 

Program/Activity Authorization Committee 

recommendation 

Smith-Lever Act, Section 3(b) and (c) and Cooperative Extension ... 7 U.S.C. 343(b) and (c) and 208(c) 

of Public Law 93–471.

$300,000 

Extension Services at 1890 Institutions ............................................. 7 U.S.C. 3221 .................................. 43,920 

Extension Services at 1994 Institutions ............................................. 7 U.S.C. 343(b)(3) ........................... 4,446 

Facility Improvements at 1890 Institutions ....................................... 7 U.S.C. 3222b ................................ 19,730 

Renewable Resources Extension Act. .................................................. 16 U.S.C. 1671 et seq. ................... 4,060 

Rural Health and Safety Education Programs ................................... 7 U.S.C. 2662(i) .............................. 1,500 

Food and Animal Residue Avoidance Database Program .................. 7 U.S.C. 7642 .................................. 1,250 

Women and Minorities in STEM Fields ............................................... 7 U.S.C. 5925 .................................. 400 

Food Safety Outreach Program ........................................................... 7 U.S.C. 7625 .................................. 2,500 

Smith-LeverAct, Section 3(d): 

Food and Nutrition Education .................................................... 7 U.S.C. 343(d) ............................... 67,934 

Farm Safety and Youth Farm Safety Education Programs ....... 7 U.S.C. 343(d) ............................... 4,610 

New Technologies for Agricultural Extension ............................. 7 U.S.C. 343(d) ............................... 1,550 

Children, Youth, and Families at Risk ...................................... 7 U.S.C. 343(d) ............................... 8,395 

Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program ........................ 7 U.S.C. 343(d) ............................... 3,039 

Total, Section 3(d) ................................................................. .......................................................... 85,528 

Necessary Expenses of Research and Education Activities: 

Agriculture in the K–12 Classroom ........................................... .......................................................... 552 
27 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE—EXTENSION ACTIVITIES—Continued 

[Dollars in thousands] 

Program/Activity Authorization Committee 

recommendation 

Federal Administration—Other Necessary Expenses for Research and Education Activities........................................................... 8,800 

Total, Necessary Expenses ................................................ .......................................................... 9,352 

Total, Extension Activities ................................................. .......................................................... 472,686 

INTEGRATED ACTIVITIES

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $35,317,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 28,821,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 32,217,000 

Section 406, as amended, of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 authorizes an integrated 

research, education, and extension competitive grants program. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $32,217,000 for 

integrated activities of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. 

The following table summarizes the Committee’s recommendations for integrated activities: 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE—INTEGRATED ACTIVITIES 

[Dollars in thousands] 

Program/Activity Authorization Committee 

recommendation 

Water Quality Program .............................................................................. 7 U.S.C. 7626 ........................... $4,500 

Methyl Bromide Transition Program .......................................................... 7 U.S.C. 7626 ........................... 1,996 

Organic Transition Program ...................................................................... 7 U.S.C. 7626 ........................... 4,000 

Regional Rural Development Centers ....................................................... 7 U.S.C. 450i(c) ........................ 998 

Food and Agriculture Defense Initiative 1 ................................................. 7 U.S.C. 3351 ........................... 3,580 

Crop Protection/Pest Management ............................................................ 7 U.S.C. 7626, 7 U.S.C. 450i(c), 

and 7 U.S.C. 343(d).

17,143 

Total, Integrated Activities .......................................................... ................................................... 32,217 

1 Funding for the National Animal Health Laboratory Network within this line item is transferred to APHIS. 

Potato Research.—To minimize the application of pesticides and 

to maximize the yield and quality of harvested potatoes, the Committee directs the Secretary to support pest management programs 

in potato growing States. Such programs help scientists track potential pest outbreaks and provide growers and industry professionals with current information on specific and timely treatments. 

Additionally, the programs help identify serious diseases, such as 

late blight disease, in their early stages, allowing for preventive 

measure to be put into place quickly to avoid crop losses. 
28 

OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY FOR MARKETING AND

REGULATORY PROGRAMS

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $893,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 898,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 898,000 

The Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory 

Programs provides direction and coordination in carrying out laws 

with respect to the Department’s marketing, grading, and standardization activities related to grain; competitive marketing practices of livestock, marketing orders, and various programs; veterinary services; and plant protection and quarantine. The Office has 

oversight and management responsibilities for the Animal and 

Plant Health Inspection Service; Agricultural Marketing Service; 

and Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $898,000 for the 

Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. 

ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $821,721,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 834,341,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 872,414,000 

The Secretary of Agriculture established the Animal and Plant 

Health Inspection Service [APHIS] on April 2, 1972, under the authority of reorganization plan No. 2 of 1953, and other authorities. 

The major objectives of APHIS are to protect the animal and plant 

resources of the Nation from diseases and pests. These objectives 

are carried out under the major areas of activity, as follows: 

Safeguarding and Emergency Preparedness/Response.—The 

agency monitors plant and animal health worldwide, and sets import polices to prevent the introduction of foreign plant and animal 

pests and diseases. Domestically, the agency works cooperatively to 

conduct plant and animal health monitoring programs, pursue 

eradication, or limit the spread of the threat. The agency also conducts diagnostic laboratory activities that support disease prevention, detection, control, and eradication programs. In addition, the 

agency protects agriculture from detrimental animal predators, and 

through its regulatory structure helps advance genetic research 

while protecting against the release of harmful organisms. 

Safe Trade and International Technical Assistance.—The agency 

helps resolve technical trade issues to ensure the smooth and safe 

movement of agricultural commodities into and out of the United 

States. The agency negotiates animal and plant health certification 

requirements and assists U.S. exporters meet foreign regulatory 

demands. In addition, the agency assists developing countries in 

improving their safeguarding systems, to protect the United States 

from emerging plant and animal pests and diseases. 

Animal Care.—The agency conducts regulatory activities that ensure the humane care and treatment of animals and horses as the 
29 

Animal Welfare and Horse Protection Acts require. These activities 

include inspection of certain establishments that handle animals 

intended for research, exhibition, and as pets, and monitoring certain horse shows. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $872,414,000 for 

salaries and expenses of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection 

Service. Included in this amount is $42,567,000 for payments to the 

General Services Administration for rent and for payments to the 

Department of Homeland Security for building security activities, 

which was previously funded through the Agriculture Buildings 

and Facilities and Rental Payments account. 

The following table reflects the Committee’s specific recommendations for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service: 

ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Fiscal year 2014 

enacted 

Fiscal year 2015 

budget request 

Committee 

recommendation 

Safeguarding and International Technical Assistance: 

Animal Health Technical Services .............................................. 35,339 37,889 35,401 

Aquatic Animal Health ................................................................ 2,253 2,253 2,274 

Avian Health ............................................................................... 52,340 50,223 52,529 

Cattle Health ............................................................................... 92,500 92,500 93,032 

Equine, Cervid and Small Ruminant Health .............................. 19,500 19,500 19,617 

National Veterinary Stockpile ...................................................... 3,722 3,722 3,723 

Swine Health ............................................................................... 22,250 22,250 24,353 

Veterinary Biologics .................................................................... 16,417 16,417 16,523 

Veterinary Diagnostics ................................................................ 31,540 31,540 25,025 

National Animal Health Laboratory Network 1 ............................ .......................... .......................... 10,000 

Zoonotic Disease Management ................................................... 9,523 9,523 9,567 

Subtotal, Animal Health ......................................................... 285,384 285,817 292,044 

Agricultural Quarantine Inspection (Appropriated) .................... 26,900 26,900 27,234 

Cotton Pests ................................................................................ 12,720 9,055 11,575 

Field Crop & Rangeland Ecosystems Pests ............................... 8,826 8,826 8,883 

Pest Detection ............................................................................. 27,446 27,446 27,587 

Plant Protection Methods Development ...................................... 24,549 20,549 20,686 

Specialty Crop Pests ................................................................... 151,500 137,393 152,667 

Tree & Wood Pests ...................................................................... 54,000 45,392 54,304 

Subtotal, Plant Health ............................................................ 305,941 275,561 302,936 

Wildlife Damage Management .................................................... 87,428 87,428 90,027 

Wildlife Services Methods Development ..................................... 18,856 18,856 19,014 

Subtotal, Wildlife Services ..................................................... 106,284 106,284 109,041 

Animal & Plant Health Regulatory Enforcement ........................ 16,224 16,224 16,362 

Biotechnology Regulatory Services ............................................. 18,135 18,135 19,223 

Subtotal, Regulatory Services ................................................ 34,359 34,359 35,585 

Contingency Fund ....................................................................... 470 470 485 

Emergency Preparedness & Response ........................................ 16,966 16,966 17,055 

Subtotal, Emergency Management ......................................... 17,436 17,436 17,540 
30 

ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE—Continued 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Fiscal year 2014 

enacted 

Fiscal year 2015 

budget request 

Committee 

recommendation 

Subtotal, Safeguarding and Emergency Preparedness/Response ................................................................................ 749,404 719,457 757,146 

Safe Trade and International Technical Assistance: 

Agriculture Import/Export ............................................................ 14,099 14,099 14,189 

Overseas Technical & Trade Operations .................................... 20,114 20,114 20,188 

Subtotal, Safe Trade .............................................................. 34,213 34,213 34,377 

Animal Welfare: 

Animal Welfare ............................................................................ 28,010 28,010 28,222 

Horse Protection .......................................................................... 697 697 705 

Subtotal, Animal Welfare ....................................................... 28,707 28,707 28,927 

Agency Management: 

APHIS Information Technology Infrastructure ............................. 4,251 4,251 4,251 

Physical/Operational Security ..................................................... 5,146 5,146 5,146 

GSA rent and DHS security payments ........................................ .......................... 42,567 42,567 

Subtotal, Agency Management ............................................... 9,397 51,964 51,964 

Total, Direct Appropriation ..................................................... 821,721 834,341 872,414 

1 This incorporates funding previously provided separately to NIFA and APHIS. 

Agricultural Quarantine Inspection.—The Committee recognizes 

that prevention of infestations of pests and diseases is much more 

cost effective than subsequent control or eradication. This is an important Federal responsibility and the Committee provides 

$27,234,000 for the agricultural quarantine inspections (AQI) function, including pre-departure and interline inspections. 

In April 2014, the Department proposed new user fee regulations 

and overtime reimbursements for certain AQI services provided at 

U.S. ports. The current fee structure has been in place since fiscal 

year 2010 and does not fully reflect the cost of providing AQI services. The Committee supports the Department’s intent to update 

user fees to comply with the requirements set forth in the Food, 

Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990. Furthermore, 

the Committee notes that imported fruits and vegetables comprise 

a growing percentage of the produce available to consumers. Timely 

inspection at U.S. Ports is critical given the highly perishable nature of these commodities. Upon implementation of the new fee 

structure, the Committee encourages the Department to work 

closely with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to ensure that resources are made available to facilitate the timely processing of 

fruits and vegetable shipments. 

Animal Disease Traceability.—The Committee provides 

$13,000,000 to continue support for implementation of the new animal disease traceability system. 

APHIS Cargo Release.—The Committee recommends that APHIS 

continue to work with the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection [CBP] in order to facilitate the release 

of cargo at commercial import facilities by ensuring that CBP officials earn Cargo Release Authority certification for those species 
31 

and groups of organisms listed in the Cargo Release Authority 

Plan. Such coordination will allow CBP officials to release cargo authorized by the Cargo Release Authority Plan while allowing 

APHIS entomologists, plant pathologists, and botanists to make release decisions upon discovery of those reportable organisms that 

may pose a threat to the Nation’s agricultural security. APHIS is 

directed to report to the Committee regarding ongoing interagency 

coordination efforts, as well as specific steps planned for the fiscal 

year to improve release decisionmaking processes for import agriculture cargo. 

Asian Long-Horned Beetle.—The Committee recognizes that the 

forest products industry and family forest owners are under great 

threat from a variety of invasive forest pests. It is essential that 

APHIS carry out a comprehensive program to counter the spread 

of invasive species and completely eradicate the Asian long-horned 

beetle, which was detected in a new location in Long Island, New 

York, in 2013. The Secretary is directed to report to the Committee 

on Appropriations regarding the steps being taken to eradicate 

Asian long-horned beetles in northeast forests. 

Chronic Wasting Disease.—The national deer farming industry is 

adapting to a 2012 interim final rule that established a national, 

voluntary herd certification program [HCP] that provides uniform 

herd certification standards and will support the domestic and 

international marketability of U.S. cervid herds. The Committee 

believes the industry requires funding support to ensure that the 

newly implemented chronic wasting disease HCP is successful. 

Therefore, APHIS should spend no less than $3,000,000 for cervid 

health activities. Within the funds provided, APHIS should give 

consideration to indemnity payments if warranted. 

Committee Directives.—In complying with the Committee’s directives, the Committee expects APHIS not to redirect support for programs and activities without prior notification to and approval by 

the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations in accordance 

with the reprogramming procedures specified in the act. Unless 

otherwise directed, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 

shall implement appropriations by programs, projects, and activities as specified by the Appropriations Committees of both Houses 

of Congress. Unspecified reductions necessary to carry out the provisions of this act are to be implemented in accordance with the 

definitions contained in the program, project, and activity section 

of this report. 

Eradication of Invasive Pests.—The Committee expects APHIS, 

through its Tree and Wood Pests, Specialty Crop Pests, Animal 

Health, and Wildlife Services programs to continue to work to support solutions to control and eradicate destructive invasive species 

affecting U.S. agriculture and the environment. 

Honey Bee Pests.—The Committee remains concerned with declining bee populations and the tragic implications for pollination 

of U.S. agriculture. The Committee directs the agency to continue 

priority work with other Federal and State agencies and the public 

to manage, suppress, and eradicate varroa mites, small hive beetles, and other pests and diseases contributing to colony collapse 

disorder. 
32 

Invasive Annual Grasses.—The Secretary is encouraged to consider targeted herbicide treatments of invasive annual grasses and 

restoration efforts to compliment juniper control efforts on greater 

sage-grouse habitat on private rangelands. 

National Animal Health Laboratory Network [NAHLN].—Funding for the NAHLN shall be administered through APHIS in consultation with the NAHLN Coordinating Council. NAHLN funding 

was previously administered through the Veterinary Diagnostics 

program. 

PED Virus.—Since the first positive test case in April 2013, 

farms in 30 States have tested positive for the porcine epidemic diarrhea [PED] virus and millions of small pigs have died as a result. 

The Committee provides additional funding for the Swine Health 

program in support of increased biosecurity and herd management 

efforts and encourages the Department to continue development of 

a coordinated response strategy with industry stakeholders. The 

Committee also encourages the Secretary to utilize contingency 

funding from the Commodity Credit Corporation for surveillance of 

the PED virus. 

Peer-Reviewed Accreditation.—The Committee recognizes the diversity of individuals and establishments regulated under APHIS’ 

animal welfare programs and the commensurate diversity of violations of the animal protection statutes which APHIS is charged 

with enforcing. The Committee expects APHIS to continue to 

prioritize its inspection resources and frequency of inspections to 

better address higher risk individuals and institutions. The Committee also encourages APHIS to recognize the merits of zoos and 

aquariums receiving peer-reviewed accreditation from a commissioned organization that heeds rigorous publicly available standards, utilizes notable experts in the field to conduct comprehensive 

inspection and review, and provides opportunity for public input. 

The Committee encourages APHIS to continue its collaborations 

with these peer-reviewed accredited zoos and aquariums on critical 

initiatives such as: foreign animal disease surveillance; all-hazards 

preparedness and response; and animal welfare symposia. 

Sudden Oak Death Syndrome.—The Committee remains interested in efforts to manage P. ramorum while minimizing regulatory 

burden on nurseries and at the same time preventing disruption to 

the interstate movement of plant materials and commercial trade. 

The Committee expects APHIS to use an appropriate portion of the 

funding for specialty crop pests to expeditiously implement the revised Federal order governing the de-regulation of lower risk nurseries and the shipment of plant materials from quarantined and 

regulated counties and also minimize the number of nurseries required to pre-notify officials in States receiving shipments of higher-risk nursery stock. The Committee further expects APHIS to 

continue efforts to partner with the regulated states and the nursery industry to develop and implement Best Management Practices 

[BMPs] for mitigating P. ramorum during the effective period of 

the order. 

Wildlife Damage Management.—APHIS is responsible for providing Federal leadership in managing problems caused by wildlife. 

The Committee provides $90,027,000 for wildlife damage control to 
33 

maintain priority initiatives, including preventing the transport of 

invasive snakes and other harmful species. 

The Committee maintains support for assistance to aquaculture 

producers to help mitigate wildlife depredation, particularly as it 

pertains to fish-eating birds. The Committee encourages USDA to 

continue providing tools and resources to cooperators and assisting 

aquaculture producers in the removal of cormorant roosts if applicable. 

The Committee is concerned with the persistent rabies threat to 

humans, livestock, and domesticated animals. Approximately 6,000 

to 8,000 rabid animals are reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention annually, with more than 90 percent of cases 

occurring in wildlife. Oral rabies vaccinations have helped establish 

barriers to isolate impacted areas, increase rabies immunity in 

wildlife, and prevent spreading to new areas of the United States. 

The Committee provides $26,000,000 for the National Rabies Management Program to fortify existing barriers and advance prevention and eradication efforts. 

Wildlife Services Education and Training.—The Committee is 

aware of the wide range of hazardous procedures and materials utilized by APHIS personnel in the conduct of daily duties. In addition, a recent comprehensive study noted the critical need to provide standardized safety training, certification, and database management for tracking, to ensure the safest working environment 

possible. As such, the Committee directs APHIS to deliver a training program focused on those areas of greatest concern such as pyrotechnics, firearms, hazardous materials, immobilization and euthanasia drugs, pesticides, animal care and handling, land vehicles, 

watercraft, and zoonotic diseases. 

Wildlife Services Methods Development.—The Committee appreciates the important work done by the National Wildlife Research 

Center and its affiliated field locations to resolve problems caused 

by the interaction of wild animals and society. The Committee provides $19,014,000 to ensure continued development of technical 

and scientific information on wildlife damage management. 

BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $3,175,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 3,175,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 3,175,000 

The APHIS appropriation for ‘‘Buildings and Facilities’’ funds 

major nonrecurring construction projects in support of specific program activities and recurring construction, alterations, preventive 

maintenance, and repairs of existing APHIS facilities. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommendation includes an appropriation of 

$3,175,000 for buildings and facilities of the Animal and Plant 

Health Inspection Service. This funding is necessary to allow 

APHIS to maintain existing facilities, and perform critically needed 

repairs to and replacements of building components, such as heating, ventilation and air-conditioning on a prioritized basis at 

APHIS facilities. The Committee notes that due to the environmentally sensitive nature of many APHIS facilities, closure of a fa-
34 

cility could result if APHIS is unable to complete the required repairs. 

AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE

MARKETING SERVICES

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $79,914,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 82,963,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 81,634,000 

The Agricultural Marketing Service [AMS] was established by 

the Secretary of Agriculture on April 2, 1972. AMS carries out programs authorized by more than 50 different statutory authorities, 

the primary ones being the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 

U.S.C. 1621–1627, 1635–1638); the U.S. Cotton Standards Act (7 

U.S.C. 51–65); the Cotton Statistics and Estimates Act (7 U.S.C. 

471–476); the Tobacco Inspection Act (7 U.S.C. 511–511q); the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (7 U.S.C. 499a–499t); the 

Egg Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 1031–1056); and section 32 

of the Act of 1935 (Public Law 74–320, 7 U.S.C. 612c). 

Programs administered by this agency include the market news 

services, standardization, grading, classing, shell egg surveillance 

services, transportation services, wholesale farmers and alternative 

market development, grant payments to States for marketing activities, the Federal administration of marketing agreements and 

orders, commodity purchases, Perishable Agricultural Commodities 

Act, the Plant Variety Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 2321 et seq.), and 

market protection and promotion activities. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $81,634,000 for 

Marketing Services of the Agricultural Marketing Service. Included 

in this amount is $1,277,000 for payments to the General Services 

Administration for rent and for payments to the Department of 

Homeland Security for building security activities, which was previously funded through the Agriculture Buildings and Facilities 

and Rental Payments account. 

Organic Data Collection.—The Committee encourages the Department to collect price data on organic commodities and other 

data relevant to the marketing of organic agricultural products. 

LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Limitation, 2014 ..................................................................................... $60,435,000 

Budget limitation, 2015 ......................................................................... 60,709,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 60,709,000 

The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 (Public Law 97– 

35) initiated a system of user fees for the cost of grading and 

classing cotton, and tobacco. These activities, authorized under the 

U.S. Cotton Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 51 et seq.), the Tobacco Inspection Act (7 U.S.C. 511 et seq.), and other provisions of law are 

designed to facilitate commerce and protect participants in the industry. 
35 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends a limitation of $60,709,000 on administrative expenses of the Agricultural Marketing Service. 

FUNDS FOR STRENGTHENING MARKETS, INCOME, AND SUPPLY

(SECTION 32)

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $20,056,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 20,317,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 20,317,000 

Under section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935, (7 U.S.C. 612c), 

an amount equal to 30 percent of customs receipts collected during 

each preceding calendar year and unused balances are available for 

encouraging the domestic consumption and exportation of agricultural commodities. An amount equal to 30 percent of receipts collected on fishery products is transferred to the Department of Commerce. Additional transfers to the child nutrition programs of the 

Food and Nutrition Service have been provided in recent appropriations Acts. 

The following table reflects the status of this fund for fiscal years 

2014–2015: 

ESTIMATED TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE AND BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD—FISCAL YEARS 2014– 

2015 

Fiscal year 2014 

enacted 

Fiscal year 2015 

budget 

Fiscal year 2015 

estimate 

Appropriation (30 percent of Customs Receipts) .......................... $9,211,182,712 $9,714,922,892 $9,714,922,892 

Less Transfers: 

Food and Nutrition Service ................................................... ¥8,011,568,806 ¥8,299,922,892 ¥8,299,922,892 

Commerce Department ......................................................... ¥130,144,436 ¥131,000,000 ¥131,000,000 

Total, Transfers ................................................................ ¥8,141,713,242 ¥8,430,922,892 ¥8,430,922,892 

Prior Year Appropriation Available, Start of Year ......................... 313,530,530 119,000,000 119,000,000 

Prior Year Collections and Recoveries ........................................... ............................ ............................ ............................

Unavailable for Obligations (recoveries and offsetting collections) ......................................................................................... ............................ ............................ ............................

Transfer of Prior Year Funds to FNS (F&V) ................................... ¥117,000,000 ¥119,000,000 ¥119,000,000 

Budget Authority, Farm Bill .................................................. 1,266,000,000 1,284,000,000 1,284,000,000 

Rescission of Current Year Funds ........................................ ¥189,000,000 ¥203,000,000 ¥121,000,000 

Appropriations Temporarily Reduced—Sequestration 1 ........ ¥79,703,000 ............................ ¥81,906,000 

Unavailable for Obligations (Fruit and Veg transfer to 

FNS) .................................................................................. ¥119,000,000 ¥122,000,000 ¥122,000,000 

Budget Authority, Appropriations Act .......................... 878,297,000 959,000,000 959,000,000 

Less Obligations: 

Child Nutrition Programs (Entitlement Commodities) .......... 465,000,000 465,000,000 465,000,000 

State Option Contract ........................................................... 5,000,000 5,000,000 5,000,000 

Removal of Defective Commodities ...................................... 2,500,000 2,500,000 2,500,000 

Emergency Surplus Removal ................................................ 196,900,000 ............................ ............................

Small Business Support ....................................................... ............................ 500,000 500,000 

Disaster Relief ...................................................................... 5,000,000 5,000,000 5,000,000 

Additional Fruits, Vegetables, and Nuts Purchases ............. 29,100,000 206,000,000 206,000,000 

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program ..................................... 41,000,000 40,000,000 40,000,000 

Estimated Future Needs ....................................................... 79,119,000 179,973,000 179,973,000 

Total, Commodity Procurement ........................................ 823,619,000 903,973,000 903,973,000 
36 

ESTIMATED TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE AND BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD—FISCAL YEARS 2014– 

2015—Continued 

Fiscal year 2014 

enacted 

Fiscal year 2015 

budget 

Fiscal year 2015 

estimate 

Administrative Funds: 

Commodity Purchase Support ............................................... 34,622,000 34,710,000 34,710,000 

Marketing Agreements and Orders ....................................... 20,056,000 20,317,000 20,317,000 

Total, Administrative Funds ............................................. 54,678,000 55,027,000 55,027,000 

Total Obligations .............................................................. 878,297,000 959,000,000 959,000,000 

Unobligated Balance, End of Year ................................................ ............................ ............................ ............................

Unavailable for Obligations (Fruit and Veg transfer to FNS) ....... 119,000,000 122,000,000 122,000,000 

Balances, Collections and Recoveries Not Available .................... ............................ ............................ ............................

Total End of Year Balances ............................................. 119,000,000 122,000,000 122,000,000 

1 The Budget Control Act of 2011 as amended by the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 reduced all non-defense mandatory accounts 

by 7.2 percent in 2014 and 7.3 percent in 2015. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends a transfer from section 32 funds of 

$20,317,000 for the formulation and administration of marketing 

agreements and orders. 

Section 32 Authorities.—Under the authority described in clause 

3 of 7 U.S.C. 612c, the Secretary is able to direct funds from the 

section 32 account to increase the purchasing power of producers. 

This practice has been used on various occasions to provide direct 

assistance to producers when market forces or natural conditions 

adversely affect the financial condition of farmers and ranchers. 

The Committee notes the importance of the ability of the Secretary 

to utilize this authority, but believes that communication between 

the Department and the Congress should be improved when this 

practice is used. Therefore, the Committee directs the Secretary to 

provide notification to the Appropriations Committee in advance of 

any public announcement or release of section 32 funds under the 

specific authorities cited above. 

PAYMENTS TO STATES AND POSSESSIONS

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $1,363,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 1,235,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 1,363,000 

The Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program [FSMIP] is 

authorized by section 204(b) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 

1946 and is also funded from appropriations. Matching grants are 

awarded on a competitive basis to State marketing agencies to 

identify and test market alternative farm commodities, determine 

methods of providing more reliable market information, and develop better commodity grading standards. This program has made 

possible many types of projects, such as electronic marketing and 

agricultural product diversification. Current projects are focused on 

the improvement of marketing efficiency and effectiveness, and 

seeking new outlets for existing farm produced commodities. The 

legislation grants the U.S. Department of Agriculture authority to 

establish cooperative agreements with State departments of agriculture or similar State agencies to improve the efficiency of the 
37 

agricultural marketing chain. The States perform the work or contract it to others, and must contribute at least one-half of the cost 

of the projects. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,363,000 for 

Payments to States and Possessions for Federal-State marketing 

projects and activities. 

GRAIN INSPECTION, PACKERS AND STOCKYARDS ADMINISTRATION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $40,261,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 44,017,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 44,017,000 

The Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration 

[GIPSA] was established pursuant to the Secretary’s 1994 reorganization. Grain inspection and weighing programs are carried out 

under the U.S. Grain Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 71 et seq.) and other 

programs under the authority of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 

1946, including the inspection and grading of rice and grain-related 

products; conducting official weighing and grain inspection activities; and grading dry beans and peas, and processed grain products. Under the Packers and Stockyards Act (7 U.S.C. 181 et seq.), 

assurance of the financial integrity of the livestock, meat, and poultry markets is provided. The Administration monitors competition 

in order to protect producers, consumers, and industry from deceptive and fraudulent practices which affect meat and poultry prices. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $44,017,000 for 

salaries and expenses of the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration. Included in this amount is $2,787,000 for 

payments to the General Services Administration for rent and for 

payments to the Department of Homeland Security for building security activities, which was previously funded through the Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and Rental Payments account. 

LIMITATION ON INSPECTION AND WEIGHING SERVICES EXPENSES

Limitation, 2014 ..................................................................................... $50,000,000 

Budget limitation, 2015 ......................................................................... 50,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 50,000,000 

The agency provides an official grain inspection and weighing 

system under the U.S. Grain Standards Act [USGSA], and official 

inspection of rice and grain-related products under the Agricultural 

Marketing Act [AMA] of 1946. The USGSA was amended in 1981 

to require the collection of user fees to fund the costs associated 

with the operation, supervision, and administration of Federal 

grain inspection and weighing activities. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends a limitation of $50,000,000 on inspection and weighing services expenses. 
38 

OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY FOR FOOD SAFETY

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $811,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 816,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 816,000 

The Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety provides direction and coordination in carrying out the laws enacted by the Congress with respect to the Department’s inspection of meat, poultry, 

and processed egg products. The Office has oversight and management responsibilities for the Food Safety and Inspection Service. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $816,000 for the 

Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety. 

FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $1,010,689,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 1,001,402,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 1,022,770,000 

The major objectives of the Food Safety and Inspection Service 

are to assure that meat and poultry products are wholesome, unadulterated, and properly labeled and packaged, as required by the 

Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) and the Poultry 

Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 451 et seq.); and to provide continuous in-plant inspection to egg processing plants under the Egg 

Products Inspection Act. 

The Food Safety and Inspection Service was established on June 

17, 1981, by Secretary’s Memorandum No. 1000–1, issued pursuant 

to Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1953. 

The inspection program of the Food Safety and Inspection Service provides in-plant inspection of all domestic plants preparing 

meat, poultry or egg products for sale or distribution; reviews foreign inspection systems and establishments that prepare meat or 

poultry products for export to the United States; and provides technical and financial assistance to States which maintain meat and 

poultry inspection programs. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,022,770,000 

for the Food Safety and Inspection Service [FSIS]. Included in this 

amount is $10,913,000 for payments to the General Services Administration for rent and for payments to the Department of Homeland Security for building security activities, which was previously 

funded through the Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and Rental 

Payments account. The Committee finds the implementation schedule set forth by FSIS for revised inspections processes unrealistically rapid and provides additional funds to accomplish this transition in a more feasible manner. 

Humane Slaughter.—The Committee directs FSIS to continue to 

provide annual reports to the Committee on the implementation of 

objective scoring methods undertaken by FSIS to enforce the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act. 

The Committee also directs FSIS to ensure that personnel hired 

with funding previously provided specifically for Humane Methods 
39 

of Slaughter Act enforcement focus their attention on overseeing 

compliance with humane handling rules for live animals as they 

arrive and are offloaded and handled in pens, chutes, and stunning 

areas. 

Inspections.—The Committee is disappointed in the Department’s 

failure to issue a final rule within the timeframe set forth in section 12106 of Public Law 113–79. The Committee directs the Department to meet its statutory obligation by promulgating final 

regulations expeditiously and meeting the implementation deadline 

for all domestic and imported inspection no later than 1 year after 

the enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014. 

Water Conservation.—The Committee supports the Agency’s efforts to encourage innovation by poultry slaughter establishments, 

particularly with regard to hand rinsing facilities. Allowing wash 

stations the capability of being immediately activated and deactivated in a hands-free manner substantially reduces a facility’s 

water consumption. In order to encourage water conservation, energy savings and a reduction in cross-contamination, the Committee directs the Agency to pursue implementation of this innovation. 

The following table represents the Committee’s specific recommendations for the Food Safety and Inspection Service as compared to the fiscal year 2014 and budget request levels: 

FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE SALARIES AND EXPENSES 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Fiscal year 2014 enacted Fiscal year 2015 

budget request 

Committee recommendation 

Food safety inspection: 

Federal .............................................................................................. 893,740 885,569 905,037 

State .................................................................................................. 62,734 60,905 62,805 

International ...................................................................................... 15,883 16,589 16,589 

Codex Alimentarius ........................................................................... 3,752 3,759 3,759 

PHDCIS .............................................................................................. 34,580 34,580 34,580 

Total .............................................................................................. 1,010,689 1,001,402 1,022,770 

OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY FOR FARM AND FOREIGN

AGRICULTURAL SERVICES

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $893,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 898,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 898,000 

The Office of the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services provides direction and coordination in carrying out 

the laws enacted by the Congress with respect to the Department’s 

international affairs (except for foreign economic development), 

commodity programs, farm loans, disaster assistance, crop insurance, and some conservation and energy programs. The Office has 

oversight and management responsibilities for the Farm Service 

Agency (including the Commodity Credit Corporation), Risk Management Agency, and the Foreign Agricultural Service. 
40 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $898,000 for the 

Office of the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural 

Services. 

FARM SERVICE AGENCY

The Farm Service Agency [FSA] was established October 3, 1994, 

pursuant to the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of 

Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994, Public Law 103–354. The 

FSA administers a variety of activities, such as the commodity 

price support and production adjustment programs financed by the 

Commodity Credit Corporation; the Conservation Reserve Program 

[CRP]; the Emergency Conservation Program; the Commodity Operation Programs including the warehouse examination function; 

farm ownership, farm operating, emergency disaster, and other 

loan programs; and the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program [NAP], which provides crop loss protection for growers of 

many crops for which crop insurance is not available. In addition, 

FSA currently provides certain administrative support services to 

the Foreign Agricultural Service [FAS] and to the Risk Management Agency [RMA]. 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

[In thousands of dollars] 

Appropriations Transfers from 

program accounts 

Total, FSA, 

salaries and 

expenses 

Appropriations, 2014 ........................................................................... 1,777,926 310,087 1,488,013 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................ 1,139,323 309,880 1,449,203 

Committee recommendation ................................................................ 1,182,544 309,880 1,492,424 

The account Salaries and Expenses, Farm Service Agency, funds 

the administrative expenses of program administration and other 

functions assigned to FSA. The funds consist of appropriations and 

transfers from the CCC export credit guarantees, Food for Peace 

loans, and Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund program accounts, 

and miscellaneous advances from other sources. All administrative 

funds used by FSA are consolidated into one account. The consolidation provides clarity and better management and control of 

funds, and facilitates accounting, fiscal, and budgetary work by 

eliminating the necessity for making individual allocations and allotments and maintaining and recording obligations and expenditures under numerous separate accounts. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,492,424,000 

for salaries and expenses of the Farm Service Agency, including a 

direct appropriation of $1,182,544,000. Included in this amount is 

$27,142,000 for payments to the General Services Administration 

for rent and for payments to the Department of Homeland Security 

for building security activities, which was previously funded 

through the Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and Rental Payments account. 
41 

Continuous Conservation Reserve Program.—The Secretary is 

strongly encouraged to, within the total acreage made available for 

enrollment in the conservation reserve program and without reducing the periodic availability of general signup, enroll, to the maximum extent practicable, acreage for activities included in the 

State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement practice or other similar administratively established wetland and habitat practices that benefit priority fish and wildlife species identified in State, regional, 

and national conservation initiatives with a priority for initiatives 

that provide large blocks of cover ideal for wildlife nesting. 

County Staff.—The Committee does not agree with the budget 

proposal to reduce 815 non-Federal staff and provides sufficient 

funding to maintain acceptable staffing levels. 

Emergency Forestry Conservation Reserve Program.—The Committee directs the Department to expeditiously carry out its contractual obligations on all contracts and agreements entered into 

by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1231A of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831a). The Committee expects the 

authorized review process for outstanding 2013 EFCRP payments 

to remain consistent with the review process for 2012 and prior 

year CRP payments. 

Farm to Fleet.—The Committee is concerned that the Department has given inconsistent indications of whether algae-derived 

fuel qualifies for Commodity Credit Corporation support under the 

Farm to Fleet initiative. The Committee is aware that USDA is in 

the process of clarifying algae’s eligibility for this program and believes defining algae as an eligible commodity would be consistent 

with the Department’s treatment of algae under other programs. 

The Committee encourages the Department to make this determination expeditiously and apply it consistently across each agency 

that has a role in implementing the Farm to Fleet initiative. 

MIDAS.—The Committee recommendation includes $32,500,000 

for Modernize and Innovate the Delivery of Agricultural Systems 

[MIDAS]. Since fiscal year 2009, the Committee has provided over 

$360,000,000 for MIDAS and has supported the overall goal of stabilizing and updating the agency’s outdated information technology 

[IT] systems. The Committee is concerned that despite this investment, MIDAS is not meeting the original goals and objectives of 

streamlining business processes and developing an effective longterm IT system that will ensure seamless delivery of new farm bill 

programs. The Committee is also concerned that implementation of 

the new farm bill will not be done through MIDAS but through 

outdated systems that have proven unreliable. In addition, in 2008, 

2011, and 2013 GAO raised major concerns about the viability of 

MIDAS citing unrealistic schedules as well as poor management 

practices. 

While the Committee remains dedicated to ensuring FSA has reliable and functioning IT systems, without a clear path forward, 

the Committee cannot justify providing the full budget request for 

this project. 

The Committee understands that USDA is currently engaged in 

a comprehensive assessment of MIDAS and plans to rebase funding 

requirements, scope, and schedule. The Committee finds an overall 

lack of communication unacceptable and directs the Secretary, by 
42 

June 20, 2014, to provide detailed information on future funding 

requirements and a schedule for full implementation of a system 

capable of implementing all farm programs. 

National Agriculture Imagery Program.—The Committee recommends that funding shall be allocated to purchase imagery products to meet programmatic requirements. 

Office Closures.—The Committee does not agree with the budget 

proposal to close 250 Farm Service Agency county offices. The Committee cannot be expected to agree to close offices when the location of those offices are unknown. The Committee is concerned that 

in light of the recently passed farm bill, the Department does not 

have a clear understanding of where or how the county office workload will be impacted. The Department is directed to conduct a 

thorough workload analysis to assess how new farm bill programs 

will impact current and future work in county offices. The Department is further directed to work with a third-party entity, such as 

the National Academy of Public Administration, to determine a 

clear path forward to ensure the agency continues to provide the 

highest level of customer service. The Committee directs the Department to provide quarterly reports on the status of the workload 

analysis. 

STATE MEDIATION GRANTS

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $3,782,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 3,404,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 3,404,000 

This program is authorized under title V of the Agricultural 

Credit Act of 1987 (7 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.). Originally designed to 

address agricultural credit disputes, the program was expanded by 

the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture 

Reorganization Act of 1994 (Public Law 103–354) to include other 

agricultural issues such as wetland determinations, conservation 

compliance, rural water loan programs, grazing on National Forest 

System lands, and pesticides. Grants are made to States whose mediation programs have been certified by the FSA. Grants will be 

solely for operation and administration of the State’s agricultural 

mediation program. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,404,000 for 

State Mediation Grants. 

GRASSROOTS SOURCE WATER PROTECTION PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $5,526,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... ........................... 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 6,500,000 

This program is intended to assist in the protection of groundwater through State rural water associations. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $6,500,000 for 

Grassroots Source Water Protection. 
43 

DAIRY INDEMNITY PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $500,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 500,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 500,000 

Under the program, the Department makes indemnification payments to dairy farmers and manufacturers of dairy products who, 

through no fault of their own, suffer income losses because they are 

directed to remove their milk from commercial markets due to contamination of their products by registered pesticides. The program 

also authorizes indemnity payments to dairy farmers for losses resulting from the removal of cows or dairy products from the market 

due to nuclear radiation or fallout. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of such sums as 

may be necessary, estimated in fiscal year 2015 to be $500,000, for 

indemnity payments to dairy farmers. 

AGRICULTURAL CREDIT INSURANCE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT

The Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund Program Account is 

used to provide direct and guaranteed farm ownership, farm operating, conservation, Indian highly fractioned land, and emergency 

loans to individuals, as well as the following types of loans to associations: irrigation and drainage, grazing, Indian tribe land acquisition, and boll weevil eradication. 

FSA is also authorized to provide financial assistance to borrowers by guaranteeing loans made by private lenders having a 

contract of guarantee from FSA as approved by the Secretary of 

Agriculture and to establish Beginning Farmer and Rancher Individual Development grant accounts. 

The following programs are financed through this fund: 

Boll Weevil Eradication Loans.—Made to assist foundations in financing the operations of the boll weevil eradication programs provided to farmers. 

Credit Sales of Acquired Property.—Property is sold out of inventory and is made available to an eligible buyer by providing FSA 

loans. 

Emergency Loans.—Made to producers to aid recovery from production and physical losses due to drought, flooding, other natural 

disasters, or quarantine. The loans may be used to: restore or replace essential property; pay all or part of production costs associated with the disaster year; pay essential family living expenses; 

reorganize the farming operation; and refinance certain debts. 

Farm Operating Loans.—Provide short-to-intermediate term production or chattel credit to farmers who cannot obtain credit elsewhere, to improve their farm and home operations, and to develop 

or maintain a reasonable standard of living. The term of the loan 

varies from 1 to 7 years. 

Farm Ownership Loans.—Made to borrowers who cannot obtain 

credit elsewhere to restructure their debts, improve or purchase 

farms, refinance nonfarm enterprises which supplement but do not 

supplant farm income, or make additions to farms. Loans are made 

for 40 years or less. 
44 

Indian Tribe Land Acquisition Loans.—Made to any Indian tribe 

recognized by the Secretary of the Interior or tribal corporation established pursuant to the Indian Reorganization Act (Public Law 

93–638) which does not have adequate uncommitted funds to acquire lands or interest in lands within the tribe’s reservation or 

Alaskan Indian community, as determined by the Secretary of the 

Interior, for use of the tribe or the corporation or the members 

thereof. 

Indian Highly Fractionated Land Loans.—Made to Indian tribal 

members to purchase highly fractionated lands, as authorized by 

the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends a total loan level of $6,402,114,000 

for programs within the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund Program Account. 

The following table reflects the program levels for farm credit 

programs administered by the Farm Service Agency recommended 

by the Committee, as compared to the fiscal year 2014 and the 

budget request levels: 

AGRICULTURAL CREDIT PROGRAMS—LOAN LEVELS 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Fiscal year 2014 

enacted 

Fiscal year 2015 

budget 

Committee 

recommendation 

Farm ownership: 

Direct ........................................................................................... 575,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 

Guaranteed .................................................................................. 2,000,000 2,000,000 2,000,000 

Farm Operating: 

Direct ........................................................................................... 1,195,620 1,252,004 1,252,004 

Guaranteed unsubsidized ........................................................... 1,500,000 1,393,443 1,393,443 

Emergency Loans ................................................................................. 34,658 34,667 34,667 

Indian Tribe Land Acquisition ............................................................. 2,000 2,000 2,000 

Conservation Loans: 

Guaranteed .................................................................................. 150,000 150,000 150,000 

Indian Highly Fractionated Land Loans .............................................. 10,000 10,000 10,000 

Boll Weevil Eradication ........................................................................ 60,000 60,000 60,000 

The Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 established the program 

account. Appropriations to this account are used to cover the lifetime subsidy costs associated with the direct loans obligated and 

loan guarantees committed, as well as for administrative expenses. 

The following table reflects the cost of programs under credit reform: 

[In thousands of dollars] 

2014 enacted 2015 budget Committee recommendation 

Farm Ownership: 

Direct ........................................................................................... 4,428 .......................... ..........................

Farm Operating: 

Direct ........................................................................................... 65,520 63,101 63,101 

Guaranteed unsubsidized ........................................................... 18,300 14,770 14,770 

Emergency Loans ................................................................................. 1,698 856 856 

Indian Highly Fractionated Land Loans .............................................. 68 .......................... ..........................

Individual Development Account Grants ............................................. .......................... 2,500 2,500 
45 

RISK MANAGEMENT AGENCY

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $71,496,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 76,779,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 76,779,000 

The Risk Management Agency performs administrative functions 

relative to the Federal crop insurance program that is authorized 

by the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508), as amended by 

the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 [ARPA], Public Law 

106–224, and the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113–79). 

ARPA authorized significant changes in the crop insurance program. This act provides higher government subsidies for producer 

premiums to make coverage more affordable; expands research and 

development for new insurance products and under-served areas 

through contracts with the private sector; and tightens compliance. 

Functional areas of risk management are: research and development; insurance services; and compliance, whose functions include 

policy formulation and procedures and regulations development. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $76,779,000 for 

the Risk Management Agency. Included in this amount is 

$3,333,000 for payments to the General Services Administration for 

rent and for payments to the Department of Homeland Security for 

building security activities, which was previously funded through 

the Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and Rental Payments account. 

The Committee recognizes that there are many research priorities that competitive funding may be used to address, including 

the feasibility of insurance programs to cover business interruption 

due to integrator bankruptcy and catastrophic loss in the poultry 

industry. The Committee encourages RMA to support research into 

these priorities. 

Price Elections.—The Committee encourages RMA to pool data 

from as many sources as possible, including guaranteed contracts 

as well as data from industry and extension agents, to demonstrate 

compliance with the Agriculture Act of 2014. In addition, RMA is 

encouraged to make use of the data from the NASS 2014 Organic 

Production and Price Survey to publish remaining organic price 

elections as quickly as possible. 

CORPORATIONS 

FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE CORPORATION FUND

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $9,502,944,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 8,668,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 8,668,000,000 

The Federal Crop Insurance Act, as amended by the Federal 

Crop Insurance Reform Act of 1994, authorizes the payment of expenses which may include indemnity payments, loss adjustment, 

delivery expenses, program-related research and development, 

startup costs for implementing this legislation such as studies, pilot 

projects, data processing improvements, public outreach, and related tasks and functions. 
46 

All program costs, except for Federal salaries and expenses, are 

mandatory expenditures subject to appropriation. 

Producers of insurable crops are eligible to receive a basic level 

of protection against catastrophic losses, which cover 50 percent of 

the normal yield at 55 percent of the expected price. The only cost 

to the producer is an administrative fee of $300 per crop per county. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of such sums as 

may be necessary, estimated to be $8,668,000,000 in fiscal year 

2015 for the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund. 

COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION FUND

The Commodity Credit Corporation [CCC] is a wholly owned 

Government corporation created in 1933 to stabilize, support, and 

protect farm income and prices; to help maintain balanced and adequate supplies of agricultural commodities, including products, 

foods, feeds, and fibers; and to help in the orderly distribution of 

these commodities. CCC was originally incorporated under a Delaware charter and was reincorporated June 30, 1948, as a Federal 

corporation within the Department of Agriculture by the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act, approved June 29, 1948 (15 

U.S.C. 714). 

The Commodity Credit Corporation engages in buying, selling, 

lending, and other activities with respect to agricultural commodities, their products, food, feed, and fibers. Its purposes include stabilizing, supporting, and protecting farm income and prices; maintaining the balance and adequate supplies of selected commodities; 

and facilitating the orderly distribution of such commodities. In addition, the Corporation makes available materials and facilities required in connection with the storage and distribution of such commodities. The Corporation also disburses funds for sharing of costs 

with producers for the establishment of approved conservation 

practices on environmentally sensitive land and subsequent rental 

payments for such land for the duration of Conservation Reserve 

Program contracts. 

Corporation activities are primarily governed by the following 

statutes: the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act (Public 

Law 80–806), as amended; the Agricultural Act of 1949 (Public Law 

81–439), as amended (1949 Act); the Agricultural Adjustment Act 

of 1938 (Public Law 75–430), as amended (the 1938 Act); the Food 

Security Act of 1985 (Public Law 99–198), as amended (1985 Act); 

the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110– 

246); and the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113–79). 

Management of the Corporation is vested in a board of directors, 

subject to the general supervision and direction of the Secretary of 

Agriculture, who is an ex officio director and chairman of the 

board. The board consists of seven members, in addition to the Secretary, who are appointed by the President of the United States 

with the advice and consent of the Senate. Officers of the Corporation are designated according to their positions in the Department 

of Agriculture. 
47 

The activities of the Corporation are carried out mainly by the 

personnel and through the facilities of the Farm Service Agency 

[FSA] and the Farm Service Agency State and county committees. 

The Foreign Agricultural Service, the General Sales Manager, 

other agencies and offices of the Department, and commercial 

agents are also used to carry out certain aspects of the Corporation’s activities. 

Under Public Law 87–155 (15 U.S.C. 713a–11, 713a–12), annual 

appropriations are authorized for each fiscal year, commencing 

with fiscal year 1961. These appropriations are to reimburse the 

Corporation for net realized losses. 

REIMBURSEMENT FOR NET REALIZED LOSSES

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $12,538,880,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 9,067,281,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 9,067,281,000 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of such sums as 

may be necessary, estimated in fiscal year 2015 to be 

$9,067,281,000, for the payment to reimburse the Commodity Credit Corporation for net realized losses. 

HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT

Limitation, 2014 ..................................................................................... $5,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 5,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 5,000,000 

The Commodity Credit Corporation’s [CCC] hazardous waste 

management program is intended to ensure compliance with the 

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.) and the Resource Conservation 

and Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.). The CCC funds operations and maintenance costs as well as site investigation and 

cleanup expenses. Investigative and cleanup costs associated with 

the management of CCC hazardous waste are also paid from 

USDA’s hazardous waste management appropriation. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends a limitation of $5,000,000 for the 

Commodity Credit Corporation’s hazardous waste management 

program. 
(48) 

TITLE II 

CONSERVATION PROGRAMS 

OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY FOR NATURAL RESOURCES AND

ENVIRONMENT

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $893,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 898,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 898,000 

The Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment provides direction and coordination in carrying out the 

laws enacted by the Congress with respect to natural resources and 

the environment. The Office has oversight and management responsibilities for the Natural Resources Conservation Service and 

the Forest Service. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $898,000 for the 

Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment. 

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE

The Natural Resources Conservation Service [NRCS] was established pursuant to Public Law 103–354, the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6962). The NRCS 

works with conservation districts, watershed groups, and Federal 

and State agencies to bring about physical adjustments in land use 

that will conserve soil and water resources, provide for agricultural 

production on a sustained basis, and reduce flood damage and sedimentation. 

CONSERVATION OPERATIONS

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $812,939,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 814,772,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 849,295,000 

Conservation operations are authorized by Public Law 74–46 (16 

U.S.C. 590a–590f). Activities include: 

Conservation Technical Assistance provides assistance to district 

cooperators and other land users in the planning and application 

of conservation treatments to control erosion and improve the 

quantity and quality of soil resources, improve and conserve water, 

enhance fish and wildlife habitat, conserve energy, improve woodland, pasture and range conditions, and reduce upstream flooding; 

all to protect and enhance the natural resource base. 

Resource appraisal and program development ensures that programs administered by the Secretary of Agriculture for the con-
49 

servation of soil, water, and related resources shall respond to the 

Nation’s long-term needs. 

Plant Materials Centers assemble, test, and encourage increased 

use of plant species which show promise for use in the treatment 

of conservation problem areas. 

Snow Survey and Water Forecasting provides estimates of annual water availability from high mountain snow packs and relates 

to summer stream flow in the Western States and Alaska. Information is used by agriculture, industry, and cities in estimating future 

water supplies. 

Soil Surveys inventory the Nation’s basic soil resources and determine land capabilities and conservation treatment needs. Soil 

survey publications include interpretations useful to cooperators, 

other Federal agencies, State, and local organizations. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $849,295,000 for 

Conservation Operations. Included in this amount is $28,614,000 

for payments to the General Services Administration for rent and 

for payments to the Department of Homeland Security for building 

security activities, which was previously funded through the Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and Rental Payments account. 

Acre-for-acre Wetlands Mitigation.—The Secretary is encouraged 

to use mitigation with the conversion of a natural wetland and 

equivalent wetlands functions at a ratio not to exceed a ratio of 1- 

to-1 acreage. 

Cover Crops.—The Committee recognizes the importance of conservation technical assistance and encourages NRCS to maximize 

the staff available to provide land users direct assistance in planning and implantation techniques to promote soil health including 

the adoption of cover crops. 

Herbicide Resistance.—The Committee is concerned that pigweed 

has seriously endangered conservation tillage and has increased 

herbicide costs by more than 70 percent for some crops. In an effort 

to address herbicide-resistant weeds and associated environmental 

concerns, agricultural advisors and producers have become increasingly more aggressive with conservation planning and practice implementation to solve this issue. The Committee directs NRCS to 

ensure agency staff, partners, and producers are aware of new and 

interim conservation practice standards and conservation activity 

plans to address herbicide-resistant weeds, such as pigweed, and 

that financial assistance through certain conservation programs is 

available to assist producers in their efforts to control these weeds. 

Honey Bee Health.—The Committee understands that NRCS 

through the EQIP, provided $3,000,000 in technical and financial 

assistance for farmers and ranchers to help improve honey bee 

health through better conservation practices. Access to good forage 

is an ongoing challenge for commercial beekeepers, and the Committee supports continuing and expanding this technical and financial assistance program, and recommends that a significant portion 

of the funds should be devoted to facilitating training by expert researchers and beekeepers of NRCS officials and agents in pollinator 

conservation practices. 
50 

Invasive Species.—The Committee reiterates its concern for the 

need to address threats posed by invasive plant species and the 

need to protect, restore and enhance native plants, including those 

that are endangered or threatened. The Committee encourages the 

Secretary to increase support for native plant conservation efforts 

throughout the Department and urges the Secretary to work closely with the Department of the Interior to better integrate and coordinate the plant conservation efforts of both Departments. 

WATERSHED REHABILITATION PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $12,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... ........................... 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. ........................... 

The watershed rehabilitation program account provides for technical and financial assistance to carry out rehabilitation of structural measures, in accordance with section 14 of the Watershed 

Protection and Flood Prevention Act, approved August 4, 1954 (16 

U.S.C. 1012, U.S.C. 1001, et seq.), as amended by section 313 of 

Public Law 106–472, November 9, 2000, and by section 2803 of 

Public Law 110–246. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee does not recommend an appropriation for the 

Watershed Rehabilitation Program. 
(51) 

TITLE III 

RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS 

The Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (Public Law 103–354) abolished 

the Farmers Home Administration, Rural Development Administration, and Rural Electrification Administration and replaced 

those agencies with the Rural Housing and Community Development Service, (currently, the Rural Housing Service), Rural Business and Cooperative Development Service (currently, the Rural 

Business—Cooperative Service), and Rural Utilities Service and 

placed them under the oversight of the Under Secretary for Rural 

Economic and Community Development, (currently, Rural Development). These agencies deliver a variety of programs through a network of State and field offices. 

OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $893,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 898,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 898,000 

The Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development provides direction and coordination in carrying out laws with respect 

to the Department’s rural economic and community development 

activities. The Office has oversight and management responsibilities for the Rural Housing Service, Rural Business—Cooperative 

Service, and the Rural Utilities Service. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $898,000 for the 

Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development. 

Broadband.—High speed broadband and high-bandwidth telecommunications capabilities are essential for economic competitiveness and quality of life for rural America. The Secretary is encouraged to promote development and demonstrate innovative 

connectivity solutions such as providing high-speed Internet via optical laser beams in free space, which help connect rural America 

without broadband infrastructure costs and where wireless coverage does not exist. 

RURAL DEVELOPMENT SALARIES AND EXPENSES 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Fiscal year— 

Committee 

2014 recommendation 

appropriation 

2015 budget 

request 

Appropriation ........................................................................................ 203,424 225,101 228,898 
52 

RURAL DEVELOPMENT SALARIES AND EXPENSES—Continued 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Fiscal year— Committee 2014 recommendation appropriation 

2015 budget 

request 

Transfer from: 

Rural Housing Insurance Fund Loan Program Account ............. 415,100 397,296 415,100 

Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Program Account ....................................................................................... 34,478 33,000 34,478 

Rural Development Loan Program Account ................................ 4,439 4,249 4,439 

Total, Rural Development salaries and expenses .................. 662,441 659,646 682,915 

These funds are used to administer the loan and grant programs 

of the Rural Utilities Service, the Rural Housing Service, and the 

Rural Business—Cooperative Service, including reviewing applications, making and collecting loans and providing technical assistance and guidance to borrowers; and to assist in extending other 

Federal programs to people in rural areas. 

Under credit reform, administrative costs associated with loan 

programs are appropriated to the program accounts. Appropriations to the salaries and expenses account will be for costs associated with grant programs. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends $682,915,000 for salaries and expenses of Rural Development. Included in this amount is 

$20,777,000 for payments to the General Services Administration 

for rent and for payments to the Department of Homeland Security 

for building security activities, which was previously funded 

through the Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and Rental Payments account. 

New Hires.—The Committee notes the abundance of staffing vacancies at Rural Development and remains concerned about its impacts on program delivery and the integrity of the Agency’s portfolio. The Secretary is directed to focus any new hiring efforts on 

staffing to support portfolio management and to redress imbalances 

that might have developed among States’ workforce needs. The 

Committee does not include funding for the Rural Corps pilot. 

RURAL HOUSING SERVICE

The Rural Housing Service [RHS] was established under the 

Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994, dated October 13, 1994. 

RURAL HOUSING INSURANCE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT

Appropriations, 2014 (budget authority) ............................................. $462,404,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 (budget authority) ........................................... 453,380,000 

Committee recommendation (budget authority) ................................. 511,036,000 

This fund was established in 1965 (Public Law 89–117) pursuant 

to section 517 of title V of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 

517(d)), as amended. This fund may be used to insure or guarantee 

rural housing loans for single-family homes, rental and cooperative 

housing, farm labor housing, and rural housing sites. Rural hous-
53 

ing loans are made to construct, improve, alter, repair, or replace 

dwellings and essential farm service buildings that are modest in 

size, design, and cost. Rental housing insured loans are made to individuals, corporations, associations, trusts, or partnerships to provide low-cost rental housing and related facilities in rural areas. 

These loans are repayable in terms up to 30 years. Loan programs 

are limited to rural areas, which include towns, villages, and other 

places of not more than 10,000 population, which are not part of 

an urban area. Loans may also be made in areas with a population 

in excess of 10,000, but less than 20,000, if the area is not included 

in a standard metropolitan statistical area and has a serious lack 

of mortgage credit for low- and moderate-income borrowers. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $511,036,000 for 

the Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account [RHIF]. 

The Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (Public Law 101–508) established the RHIF program account. Appropriations to this account will be used to cover the lifetime subsidy costs associated 

with the direct loans obligated and loan guarantees committed in 

2014, as well as for administrative expenses. The following table 

presents the loan subsidy levels as compared to the 2014 levels and 

the 2015 budget request: 

RURAL HOUSING INSURANCE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Fiscal year 2014 

appropriation 

2015 budget 

request 

Committee 

recommendation 

Loan Levels: 

Single-Family Housing (sec. 502): 

Direct .................................................................................. 900,000 360,000 900,000 

Guaranteed ......................................................................... 24,000,000 24,000,000 24,000,000 

Housing repair (sec. 504) ........................................................... 26,280 26,279 26,279 

Direct rental housing (sec. 515) ................................................ 28,432 28,432 28,432 

Guaranteed rental housing (sec. 538) ....................................... 150,000 150,000 150,000 

Site development loans (sec. 524) ............................................. 5,000 5,000 5,000 

Credit sales of acquired property ............................................... 10,000 10,000 10,000 

Self help land development loans (sec. 523) ............................ 5,000 .......................... 5,000 

Farm labor housing loans (sec. 514) ......................................... 23,855 23,854 23,854 

Total, loan levels .................................................................... 25,156,903 24,611,902 25,148,565 

Loan Subsidies and Grants: 

Single-Family Housing (sec. 502): 

Direct .................................................................................. 24,480 26,568 66,420 

Housing repair (sec. 504) ........................................................... 2,176 3,687 3,687 

Direct rental housing (sec. 515) ................................................ 6,656 9,812 9,812 

Farm labor housing loans (sec. 514) ......................................... 5,656 7,681 7,681 

Farm labor housing grants (sec. 516) ....................................... 8,336 8,336 8,336 

Total, loan subsidies and grants ........................................... 47,304 56,084 95,936 

Administrative expenses ...................................................................... 415,100 397,296 415,100 

Total, loan subsidies and administrative expenses .............. 462,404 453,380 511,036 

Coordinated Environmental Reviews in Indian Country.—Tribes 

face challenges with differing environmental review requirements 

when resources are leveraged from a variety of Federal housing 
54 

and infrastructure programs. The Committee believes substantial 

efficiencies and cost-savings could be achieved by creating a coordinated project environmental review process. The Committee directs 

the Secretary to work with HUD, who is leading the initiative, and 

other agencies to investigate opportunities to design a coordinated 

environmental review process for tribal housing and related infrastructure development. 

RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $1,110,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 1,088,500,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 1,093,500,000 

Rental assistance is authorized under section 521(a)(2) of the 

Housing Act of 1949, as amended (42 U.S.C. 1490a). The objective 

of the program is to reduce rents paid by low-income families living 

in Rural Housing Service financed rental projects and farm labor 

housing projects. Under this program, low-income tenants will contribute the higher of: (1) 30 percent of monthly adjusted income; (2) 

10 percent of monthly income; or (3) designated housing payments 

from a welfare agency. 

Payments from the fund are made to the project owner for the 

difference between the tenant’s payment and the approved rental 

rate established for the unit. 

The program is administered in tandem with the Rural Housing 

Service section 515 rural rental housing program and the farm 

labor loan and grant programs. Priority is given to existing projects 

for units occupied by rent over-burdened low-income families and 

projects experiencing financial difficulties beyond the control of the 

owner. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,093,500,000 

for the Rental Assistance Program. 

Rental Assistance.—The Committee includes statutory language 

requiring rental assistance to be held in 514/516 projects for a minimum period of time. Rental assistance contracts are funded for 1- 

year durations and shall not be renewed within a 12-month period. 

The Committee is concerned with the potential impacts on very 

low-income tenants with the proposed minimum rent requirement, 

particularly as it pertains to the absence of criteria for hardship exemptions as noted in the budget request. Furthermore, proposals 

for selective renewal authority and partial year funding lack sufficient justification in meeting the goal of setting the rental assistance program on a more fiscally sustainable path. While the Committee is encouraged by the Department’s efforts to reform the 

rental assistance program, the Secretary shall continue to pursue 

options that increase program efficiency while maintaining protection for very low-income rural households. 

MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING REVITALIZATION PROGRAM ACCOUNT

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $32,575,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 28,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 28,000,000 
55 

The Rural Housing Voucher Program was authorized under the 

Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1940r) to assist very low income 

families and individuals who reside in rental housing in rural 

areas. Housing vouchers may be provided to residents of rental 

housing projects financed by section 515 loans that have been prepaid after September 30, 2005. Voucher amounts reflect the difference between comparable market rents and tenant-paid rent 

prior to loan prepayment. Vouchers allow tenants to remain in existing projects or move to other rental housing. 

The Multi-family Housing Revitalization Program includes funding for housing vouchers and a demonstration program for the 

preservation and revitalization of affordable multi-family housing 

projects. Rural Development’s multi-family housing portfolio faces 

dual pressures for loan prepayments and repair/rehabilitation 

stemming from inadequate reserves resulting in deferred property 

maintenance. 

Provision of affordable rental housing can be accomplished more 

economically by revitalizing existing housing stock rather than 

funding new construction. The Multi-family Housing Revitalization 

Program includes revitalization tools for maintenance of existing 

units and vouchers to protect tenants in those projects that prepay. 

Flexibility is provided to allow Rural Development to utilize funding to meet the most urgent local needs for tenant protection and 

project revitalization. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $28,000,000 for 

the Multi-family Housing Revitalization Program, including 

$8,000,000 for vouchers and $20,000,000 for a housing preservation 

demonstration program. 

MUTUAL AND SELF-HELP HOUSING GRANTS

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $25,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 10,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 25,000,000 

The Mutual and Self-Help Housing Grants Program is authorized by title V of the Housing Act of 1949. Grants are made to local 

organizations to promote the development of mutual or self-help 

programs under which groups of usually 6 to 10 families build their 

own homes by mutually exchanging labor. Funds may be used to 

pay the cost of construction supervisors who work with families in 

the construction of their homes and for administrative expenses of 

the organizations providing the self-help assistance. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $25,000,000 for 

Mutual and Self-Help Housing Grants. 

RURAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE GRANTS

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $32,239,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 25,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 32,239,000 
56 

The Rural Housing Assistance Grants Program consolidates 

funding for rural housing grant programs. This consolidation of 

housing grant funding provides greater flexibility to tailor financial 

assistance to applicant needs. 

Very Low-Income Housing Repair Grants.—The Very Low-Income 

Housing Repair Grants Program is authorized under section 504 of 

title V of the Housing Act of 1949. The rural housing repair grant 

program is carried out by making grants to very low-income families to make necessary repairs to their homes in order to make 

such dwellings safe and sanitary, and remove hazards to the health 

of the occupants, their families, or the community. 

These grants may be made to cover the cost of improvements or 

additions, such as repairing roofs, providing toilet facilities, providing a convenient and sanitary water supply, supplying screens, 

repairing or providing structural supports or making similar repairs, additions, or improvements, including all preliminary and installation costs in obtaining central water and sewer service. A 

grant can be made in combination with a section 504 very low-income housing repair loan. 

No assistance can be extended to any one individual in the form of a loan, grant, or combined loans and grants in excess of $27,500, 

and grant assistance is limited to persons, or families headed by 

persons who are 62 years of age or older. 

Supervisory and Technical Assistance Grants.—Supervisory and 

technical assistance grants are made to public and private nonprofit organizations for packaging loan applications for housing assistance under sections 502, 504, 514/516, 515, and 533 of the 

Housing Act of 1949. The assistance is directed to very low-income 

families in underserved areas where at least 20 percent of the population is below the poverty level and at least 10 percent or more 

of the population resides in substandard housing. In fiscal year 

1994 a Homebuyer Education Program was implemented under 

this authority. This program provides low-income individuals and 

families education and counseling on obtaining and/or maintaining 

occupancy of adequate housing and supervised credit assistance to 

become successful homeowners. 

Compensation for Construction Defects.—Compensation for construction defects provides funds for grants to eligible section 502 

borrowers to correct structural defects, or to pay claims of owners 

arising from such defects on a newly constructed dwelling purchased with RHS financial assistance. Claims are not paid until 

provisions under the builder’s warranty have been fully pursued. 

Requests for compensation for construction defects must be made 

by the owner of the property within 18 months after the date financial assistance was granted. 

Rural Housing Preservation Grants.—Rural housing preservation 

grants (section 533) of the Housing and Urban-Rural Recovery Act 

of 1983 (42 U.S.C. 1490m) authorizes the Rural Housing Service to 

administer a program of home repair directed at low- and very lowincome people. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $32,239,000 for 

the Rural Housing Assistance Grants Program. 
57 

The following table compares the grant program levels recommended by the Committee to the fiscal year 2014 levels and the 

budget request: 

RURAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE GRANTS 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Fiscal year— Committee 

recommendation 2014 level 2015 request 

Very low-income housing repair grants .............................................. 28,701 25,000 28,701 

Housing preservation grants ............................................................... 3,538 .......................... 3,538

Total ........................................................................................ 32,239 25,000 32,239 

The Committee recommends that the Rural Housing Service 

prioritize funding for communities with unique weather patterns in 

need of replacing antiquated heating systems with more efficient 

technologies. 

RURAL COMMUNITY FACILITIES PROGRAM ACCOUNT

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $32,520,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 21,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 32,330,000 

Community facility loans were created by the Rural Development 

Act of 1972 (7 U.S.C. 1926 et seq.) to finance a variety of rural 

community facilities. Loans are made to organizations, including 

certain Indian tribes and corporations not operated for profit and 

public and quasi-public agencies, to construct, enlarge, extend, or 

otherwise improve community facilities providing essential services 

to rural residents. Such facilities include those providing or supporting overall community development, such as fire and rescue 

services, healthcare, transportation, traffic control, and community, 

social, cultural, and recreational benefits. Loans are made for facilities which primarily serve rural residents of open country and 

rural towns and villages of not more than 20,000 people. 

Healthcare and fire and rescue facilities are the priorities of the 

program and receive the majority of available funds. 

The Community Facility Grant Program authorized in the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (Public Law 

104–127), is used in conjunction with the existing direct and guaranteed loan programs for the development of community facilities, 

such as hospitals, fire stations, and community centers. Grants are 

targeted to the lowest income communities. Communities that have 

lower population and income levels receive a higher cost-share contribution through these grants, to a maximum contribution of 75 

percent of the cost of developing the facility. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $32,330,000 for 

the Rural Community Facilities Program Account. 

The following table provides the Committee’s recommendations, 

as compared to the fiscal year 2014 and budget request levels: 
58 

RURAL COMMUNITY FACILITIES PROGRAM ACCOUNT 

[Loan levels and budget authority in thousands of dollars] 

Fiscal year 2014 

appropriation 

2015 budget 

request 

Committee recommendations 

Loan levels: 

Community facilities direct loans .............................................. 2,200,000 2,200,000 2,200,000 

Community facilities guaranteed loans ..................................... 59,543 .......................... 75,000 

Total loan levels ..................................................................... 2,259,543 2,200,000 2,275,000 

Budget authority: 

Community facilities guaranteed loans ..................................... 3,775 .......................... 3,585 

Community facilities grants ....................................................... 13,000 17,000 13,000 

Economic initiative grants .......................................................... 5,778 .......................... 5,778 

Rural community development initiative .................................... 5,967 .......................... 5,967 

Tribal college grants ................................................................... 4,000 4,000 4,000 

Total budget authority ............................................................ 32,520 21,000 32,330 

Day Care Facilities.—The Committee directs the Secretary to increase efforts to provide assistance for day care facilities through 

the Community Facilities program. Availability of proper day care 

facilities is limited in rural areas, making it difficult for many parents to work and sometimes resulting in children receiving substandard care. 

RURAL BUSINESS—COOPERATIVE SERVICE

The Rural Business—Cooperative Service [RBS] was established 

by Public Law 103–354, Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994, dated October 

13, 1994. Its programs were previously administered by the Rural 

Development Administration, the Rural Electrification Administration, and the Agricultural Cooperative Service. 

RURAL BUSINESS PROGRAM ACCOUNT

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $96,539,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 30,190,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 78,527,000 

The Rural Business and Industry Loan Program was created by 

the Rural Development Act of 1972, and finances a variety of rural 

industrial development loans. Loans are made for rural industrialization and rural community facilities under Rural Development 

Act amendments to the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 

Act (7 U.S.C. 1932 et seq.) authorities. Business and industrial 

loans are made to public, private, or cooperative organizations organized for profit, to certain Indian tribes, or to individuals for the 

purpose of improving, developing or financing business, industry, 

and employment or improving the economic and environmental climate in rural areas. Such purposes include financing business and 

industrial acquisition, construction, enlargement, repair or modernization, financing the purchase and development of land, easements, rights-of-way, buildings, payment of startup costs, and supplying working capital. 

Rural business development grants were authorized by the Agricultural Act of 2014 and can be made to governmental and nonprofit entities, and Indian tribes. Up to 10 percent of appropriated 
59 

funds may be used to: identify and analyze business opportunities; 

identify, train, and provide technical assistance to existing or prospective rural entrepreneurs and managers; assist in the establishment of new rural businesses and the maintenance of existing businesses; conduct economic development planning, coordination and 

leadership development; and establish centers for training, technology, and trade. The balance of appropriated funding may be 

used for projects that support the development of business enterprises that finance or facilitate: the development of small and 

emerging private business enterprise; the establishment, expansion, and operation of rural distance learning networks; the development of rural learning programs; and the provision of technical 

assistance and training to rural communities for the purpose of improving passenger transportation. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $78,527,000 for 

the Rural Business Program Account. 

The following table provides the Committee’s recommendations, 

as compared to the fiscal year 2014 and budget request levels: 

RURAL BUSINESS PROGRAM ACCOUNT 

[Loan levels and budget authority in thousands of dollars] 

Fiscal year 2014 

appropriation 

2015 budget 

request 

Committee 

recommendations 

Loan levels: 

Business and industry guaranteed loans loan levels ................ 958,097 590,802 958,102 

Budget authority: 

Business and industry guaranteed loans .................................. 66,971 30,190 48,959 

Business enterprise grants ......................................................... 24,318 .......................... ..........................

Business opportunity grants ....................................................... 2,250 .......................... ..........................

Rural business development grants ........................................... .......................... .......................... 26,568 

Delta Regional Authority grants ................................................. 3,000 .......................... 3,000 

Total budget authority ............................................................ 96,539 30,190 78,527 

Rural Business Program Account.—The Committee recommends 

$500,000 for transportation technical assistance. 

The Committee directs that of the $4,000,000 recommended for 

grants to benefit Federally Recognized Native American Tribes, 

$250,000 shall be used to implement an American Indian and Alaska Native passenger transportation development and assistance 

initiative. 

INTERMEDIARY RELENDING PROGRAM FUND

[In thousands of dollars] 

Fiscal year— Committee 

recommendation 2014 level 2015 request 

Estimated loan level ............................................................................ 18,889 10,013 18,889 

Direct loan subsidy .............................................................................. 4,082 3,084 5,818 

Administrative expenses ...................................................................... 4,439 4,249 4,439 

Total, loan subsidies and administrative expenses .............. 8,521 7,333 10,257 
60 

The rural development (intermediary relending) loan program 

was originally authorized by the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 

(Public Law 88–452). The making of rural development loans by 

the Department of Agriculture was reauthorized by Public Law 

113–79, the Agricultural Act of 2014. 

Loans are made to intermediary borrowers (small investment 

groups) who in turn will reloan the funds to rural businesses, community development corporations, private nonprofit organizations, 

public agencies, et cetera, for the purpose of improving business, 

industry, community facilities, and employment opportunities and 

diversification of the economy in rural areas. 

The Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 established the program 

account. Appropriations to this account will be used to cover the 

lifetime subsidy costs associated with the direct loans obligated in 

2015, as well as for administrative expenses. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $10,257,000 for 

the Intermediary Relending Program Fund. 

RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT

[In thousands of dollars] 

Estimated loan level 

Fiscal year 2014 level ........................................................................................................................................ 33,077 

Fiscal year 2015 request ................................................................................................................................... 59,456 

Committee recommendation .............................................................................................................................. 33,077 

The Rural Economic Development Loans program was established by the Reconciliation Act of December 1987 (Public Law 

100–203), which amended the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (Act 

of May 20, 1936), by establishing a new section 313. This section 

of the Rural Electrification Act (7 U.S.C. 901) established a cushion 

of credits payment program and created the rural economic development subaccount. The Administrator of RUS is authorized under 

the act to utilize funds in this program to provide zero interest 

loans to electric and telecommunications borrowers for the purpose 

of promoting rural economic development and job creation projects, 

including funding for feasibility studies, startup costs, and other 

reasonable expenses for the purpose of fostering rural economic development. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Committee recommends a loan program level of $33,077,000, 

to be funded from earnings on the Cushion of Credit and fees on 

guaranteed underwriting loans made pursuant to section 313A of 

the Rural Electrification Act of 1936. 

RURAL COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $26,050,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 16,087,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 26,050,000 

Rural cooperative development grants are authorized under section 310B(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, 
61 

as amended. Grants are made to fund the establishment and operation of centers for rural cooperative development with their primary purpose being the improvement of economic conditions in 

rural areas. Grants may be made to nonprofit institutions or institutions of higher education. Grants may be used to pay up to 75 

percent of the cost of the project and associated administrative 

costs. The applicant must contribute at least 25 percent from nonFederal sources, except 1994 institutions, which only need to provide 5 percent. Grants are competitive and are awarded based on 

specific selection criteria. 

Cooperative research agreements are authorized by 7 U.S.C. 

2204b. The funds are used for cooperative research agreements, 

primarily with colleges and universities, on critical operational, organizational, and structural issues facing cooperatives. 

Cooperative agreements are authorized under 7 U.S.C. 2201 to 

any qualified State departments of agriculture, university, and 

other State entity to conduct research that will strengthen and enhance the operations of agricultural marketing cooperatives in 

rural areas. 

The Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas [ATTRA] 

program was first authorized by the Food Security Act of 1985. The 

program provides information and technical assistance to agricultural producers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices that are 

environmentally friendly and lower production costs. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $26,050,000 for 

Rural Cooperative Development Grants. 

Of the funds recommended, $2,250,000 is for the Appropriate 

Technology Transfer for Rural Areas program. 

The Committee has included language in the bill that not more 

than $3,000,000 shall be made available to cooperatives or associations of cooperatives whose primary focus is to provide assistance 

to small, minority producers. 

Value Added.—The Committee recommends $15,000,000 for 

value-added agricultural product market development grants. 

RURAL MICROENTERPRISE INVESTMENT PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. ........................... 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... $3,290,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. ........................... 

This program, authorized by section 379E of the Consolidated 

Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1981 et seq.), provides 

loans and grants to intermediaries that assist micro-entrepreneurs. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommendation does not include funding for the 

Rural Microenterprise Investment Program. 

RURAL ENERGY FOR AMERICA PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $3,500,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 10,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 1,350,000 
62 

The Rural Energy for America Program is authorized under section 9007 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 

(7 U.S.C. 8107). This program may fund energy audits, direct 

loans, loan guarantees, and grants to farmers, ranchers, and small 

rural businesses for the purchase of renewable energy systems and 

for energy efficiency improvements. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,350,000 for 

the Rural Energy for America Program. 

The following table provides the Committee’s recommendation as 

compared to the fiscal year 2014 and budget request levels: 

RURAL ENERGY FOR AMERICA PROGRAM 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Fiscal year 2014 

level 2015 request Committee recommendation 

Estimated loan level .................................................................................. 12,760 47,259 12,760 

Guaranteed loan subsidy ........................................................................... 3,500 5,000 1,350 

Grants ........................................................................................................ ........................ 5,000 ........................

Biogas System Deployment.—The Committee encourages Rural 

Development to support biogas system deployment with financial 

and technical assistance from existing energy programs, including 

the Rural Energy for America Program [REAP], the Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels, and the Biorefinery Assistance Program. 

REAP.—The Committee recognizes the opportunity for agricultural operations to conserve energy and pioneer the next generation of American energy. To the greatest extent possible, the Department shall prioritize projects proposed by agricultural producers. 

RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE

The Rural Utilities Service [RUS] was established under the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (Public Law 103–354), October 13, 1994. 

RUS administers the electric and telephone programs of the former 

Rural Electrification Administration and the water and waste programs of the former Rural Development Administration. 

RURAL WATER AND WASTE DISPOSAL PROGRAM ACCOUNT

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $462,371,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 304,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 463,230,000 

The water and waste disposal program is authorized by sections 

306, 306A, 309A, 306C, 306D, 306E, and 310B of the Consolidated 

Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1921 et seq., as amended). This program makes loans for water and waste development 

costs. Development loans are made to associations, including corporations operating on a nonprofit basis, municipalities and similar 

organizations, generally designated as public or quasi-public agencies, that propose projects for the development, storage, treatment, 
63 

purification, and distribution of domestic water or the collection, 

treatment, or disposal of waste in rural areas. Such grants may not 

exceed 75 percent of the development cost of the projects and can 

supplement other funds borrowed or furnished by applicants to pay 

development costs. 

The solid waste grant program is authorized under section 

310B(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. 

Grants are made to public bodies and private nonprofit organizations to provide technical assistance to local and regional governments for the purpose of reducing or eliminating pollution of water 

resources and for improving the planning and management of solid 

waste disposal facilities. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $463,230,000 for 

the Rural Water and Waste Disposal Program Account. 

The Committee recommends $66,500,000 for water and waste 

disposal systems grants for Native Americans, including Native 

Alaskans, the Colonias, and residents of Hawaiian Home Lands. 

The Committee recognizes the special needs and problems for delivery of basic services to these populations. In addition, the Committee makes up to $15,919,000 available for the circuit rider program. 

The following table provides the Committee’s recommendations, 

as compared to the fiscal year 2014 and budget request levels: 

RURAL WATER AND WASTE DISPOSAL PROGRAM ACCOUNT 

[Loan levels and budget authority in thousands of dollars] 

Fiscal year 2014 

appropriation 

2015 budget 

request 

Committee recommendation 

Loan levels: 

Water and waste disposal direct loans ............................... 1,200,000 1,200,000 1,200,000 

Direct loans authorized by Public Law 83–566 ................... 40,000 ............................ ............................

Water and waste disposal guaranteed loans ...................... 50,000 ............................ 50,000 

Total loan levels ............................................................... 1,290,000 1,200,000 1,250,000 

Budget authority: 

Water and waste disposal guaranteed loans ...................... 355 ............................ 295 

Water and waste disposal grants ........................................ 345,523 246,800 345,523 

Solid waste management grants ......................................... 4,000 4,000 4,000 

Water well systems grants ................................................... 993 ............................ 993 

Colonias and AK/HI/Native American grants ........................ 66,500 36,480 66,500 

Water and waste water revolving funds .............................. 1,000 ............................ 1,000 

High energy cost grants ....................................................... 10,000 ............................ 10,000 

Circuit rider ........................................................................... 15,000 7,600 15,919 

Technical assistance grants ................................................. 19,000 9,120 19,000 

Total, budget authority ..................................................... 462,371 304,000 463,230 

RURAL ELECTRIFICATION AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS LOANS PROGRAM

ACCOUNT

The Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.) provides the statutory authority for the electric and telecommunications programs. 
64 

The Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (Public Law 101–508) established the program account. An appropriation to this account 

will be used to cover the lifetime subsidy costs associated with the 

direct loans obligated and loan guarantees committed in fiscal year 

2015, as well as for administrative expenses. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee is very concerned about the potential impacts of 

a proposed rule issued by Rural Development on February 4, 2014. 

The stated goal of the rule is to consolidate environmental procedures of the Rural Utilities Service, Rural Business-Cooperative 

Service, and Rural Housing Service. However, in its present form 

the rule would dramatically increase USDA workload, and place 

undue burdens on RUS and its electric borrowers without commensurate benefit. Before issuing a final rule, the Committee directs 

Rural Development to report to the Committee on additional personnel requirements, obstacles to RUS program delivery and impacts on borrowers. Furthermore, additional loan processing fees 

proposed in the President’s Budget are not appropriate at this 

time. 

The following table reflects the Committee’s recommendation for 

the Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Loans Program 

Account, the loan subsidy and administrative expenses, as compared to the fiscal year 2014 and budget request levels: 

RURAL ELECTRIFICATION AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Fiscal year— Committee 

recommendation 2014 level 2015 request 

Loan authorizations: 

Electric: 

Direct FFB .......................................................................... 5,000,000 5,000,000 5,000,000 

Guaranteed underwriting ................................................... 500,000 .......................... 500,000 

Subtotal ......................................................................... 5,500,000 5,000,000 5,500,000 

Telecommunications .................................................................... 690,000 690,000 690,000 

Total loan authorization ......................................................... 6,190,000 5,690,000 6,190,000 

Administrative expenses ...................................................................... 34,478 33,000 34,478 

DISTANCE LEARNING, TELEMEDICINE, AND BROADBAND PROGRAM 

LOANS AND GRANTS 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Fiscal year— Committee recommendation 2014 level 2015 request 

Loan and grant levels: 

Distance learning and Telemedicine Program: 

Grants ................................................................................ 24,323 24,950 24,323 
65 

DISTANCE LEARNING, TELEMEDICINE, AND BROADBAND PROGRAM 

LOANS AND GRANTS—Continued 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Fiscal year— Committee recommendation 2014 level 2015 request 

Broadband program: 

Treasury rate loans ..................................................................... 34,430 44,238 34,430 

Treasury rate loans budget authority ......................................... 4,500 8,268 6,435 

Grants ......................................................................................... 10,372 20,372 10,372 

Total DLT and Broadband Program level ............................... 69,125 89,560 69,125 

Total DLT and Broadband Budget authority .......................... 39,195 53,590 41,130 

The Distance Learning, Telemedicine, and Broadband Program is 

authorized by the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act 

of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 950aaa et seq.), as amended by the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (Public Law 104– 

127). This program provides incentives to improve the quality of 

phone services, to provide access to advanced telecommunications 

services and computer networks, and to improve rural opportunities. 

This program provides the facilities and equipment to link rural 

education and medical facilities with more urban centers and other 

facilities providing rural residents access to better healthcare 

through technology and increasing educational opportunities for 

rural students. These funds are available for loans and grants. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $41,130,000 for 

the Distance Learning, Telemedicine, and Broadband Program. 

Funds recommended for the RUS broadband program are intended 

to promote broadband availability in those areas where there is not 

otherwise a business case for private investment in a broadband 

network. The Committee encourages RUS to focus expenditures on 

projects that bring broadband service to currently unserved households. 

The Committee is concerned about the longstanding, unmet 

health needs in the Mississippi River Delta. The Committee recommendation includes $3,000,000 to address critical healthcare 

needs in the region, as authorized by section 379G of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. 

Broadband Grants.—Of the funds recommended, $10,372,000 in 

grants shall be made available to support broadband transmission 

and local dial-up Internet services for rural areas. 
(66) 

TITLE IV 

DOMESTIC FOOD PROGRAMS 

OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY FOR FOOD, NUTRITION AND

CONSUMER SERVICES

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $811,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 816,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 816,000 

The Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services provides direction and coordination in carrying out 

the laws enacted by the Congress with respect to the Department’s 

nutrition assistance activities. The Office has oversight and management responsibilities for the Food and Nutrition Service. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $816,000 for the 

Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer 

Services. 

FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE

The Food and Nutrition Service represents an organizational effort to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in this country. Nutrition assistance programs provide access to a nutritionally adequate 

diet for families and persons with low incomes and encourage better eating patterns among the Nation’s children. These programs 

include: 

Child Nutrition Programs.—The National School Lunch and 

School Breakfast, Summer Food Service, and Child and Adult Care 

Food programs provide funding to the States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Guam for use in serving nutritious lunches and breakfasts to children attending schools of high 

school grades and under, to children of preschool age in child care 

centers, and to children in other institutions in order to improve 

the health and well-being of the Nation’s children, and broaden the 

markets for agricultural food commodities. Through the Special 

Milk Program, assistance is provided to the States for making reimbursement payments to eligible schools and child care institutions which institute or expand milk service in order to increase 

the consumption of fluid milk by children. Funds for this program 

are provided by direct appropriation and transfer from section 32. 

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, 

and Children [WIC].—This program safeguards the health of pregnant, postpartum, and breast-feeding women, infants, and children 

up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk because of inadequate nutrition and income by providing supplemental foods. The delivery of 

supplemental foods may be done through health clinics, vouchers 
67 

redeemable at retail food stores, or other approved methods which 

a cooperating State health agency may select. Funds for this program are provided by direct appropriation. 

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.—This program 

seeks to improve nutritional standards of needy persons and families. Assistance is provided to eligible households to enable them to 

obtain a better diet by increasing their food purchasing capability, 

usually by furnishing benefits in the form of electronic access to 

funds. The program also includes Nutrition Assistance to Puerto 

Rico. 

The program also includes the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, which provides nutritious agricultural commodities to low-income persons living on or near Indian reservations 

who choose not to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. 

Commodity Assistance Program [CAP].—This program provides 

funding for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program [CSFP], 

the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, Disaster Assistance, Pacific Island Assistance, and administrative expenses for TEFAP. 

CSFP provides supplemental foods to infants and children up to 

age 6, and to pregnant, postpartum, and breast-feeding women 

with low incomes, and who reside in approved project areas. In addition, this program operates commodity distribution projects directed at low-income elderly persons. 

TEFAP provides commodities and grant funds to State agencies 

to assist in the cost of storage and distribution of donated commodities. 

Nutritious agricultural commodities are provided to residents of 

the Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands. Cash 

assistance is provided to distributing agencies to assist them in 

meeting administrative expenses incurred. It also provides funding 

for use in non-presidentially declared disasters, and for FNS’ administrative costs in connection with relief for all disasters. Funds 

for this program are provided by direct appropriation. 

Nutrition Programs Administration.—Most salaries and Federal 

operating expenses of the Food and Nutrition Service are funded 

from this account. Also included is the Center for Nutrition Policy 

and Promotion [CNPP] which oversees improvements in and revisions to the food guidance systems, and serves as the focal point 

for advancing and coordinating nutrition promotion and education 

policy to improve the health of all Americans. 

CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $19,287,957,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 20,537,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 20,497,000,000 

The Child Nutrition Programs, authorized by the Richard B. 

Russell National School Lunch Act (Public Law 79–396) and the 

Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (Public Law 89–642), provide Federal 

assistance to State agencies in the form of cash and commodities 

for use in preparing and serving nutritious meals to children while 

they are attending school, residing in service institutions, or participating in other organized activities away from home. The purpose of these programs is to help maintain the health and proper 
68 

physical development of America’s children. Milk is provided to 

children either free or at a low cost, depending on their family income level. FNS provides cash subsidies to States for administering 

the programs and directly administers the program in the States 

which choose not to do so. Grants are also made for nutritional 

training and surveys and for State administrative expenses. Under 

current law, most of these payments are made on the basis of reimbursement rates established by law and applied to lunches and 

breakfasts actually served by the States. The reimbursement rates 

are adjusted annually to reflect changes in the Consumer Price 

Index for food away from home. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends $20,497,000,000 for the Child Nutrition Programs. 

The Committee’s recommendation provides for the following annual rates for the child nutrition programs. 

TOTAL OBLIGATIONAL AUTHORITY 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Child nutrition programs 2015 budget Committee 

recommendation 

School Lunch Program ........................................................................................................ 11,369,079 11,369,079 

School Breakfast Program .................................................................................................. 3,904,967 3,904,967 

Child and Adult Care Food Program .................................................................................. 3,149,700 3,149,700 

Summer Food Service Program ........................................................................................... 492,738 492,738 

Special Milk Program .......................................................................................................... 10,350 10,350 

State Administrative Expenses ........................................................................................... 264,016 264,016 

Commodity Procurement ..................................................................................................... 1,199,797 1,199,797 

Team Nutrition/HUSSC/CMS ................................................................................................ 17,004 17,004 

Food Safety Education ........................................................................................................ 2,718 2,718 

Coordinated Review ............................................................................................................ 10,000 10,000 

Computer Support ............................................................................................................... 11,250 11,250 

CACFP Training and Technical Assistance ......................................................................... 8,137 8,137 

CNP Studies and Evaluation .............................................................................................. 20,079 20,079 

Farm to School Team .......................................................................................................... 2,261 2,261 

Payment Accuracy ............................................................................................................... 9,904 9,904 

School Meal Equipment Grants .......................................................................................... 35,000 25,000 

Summer EBT Demonstration ............................................................................................... 30,000 ..........................

The Committee expects FNS to utilize the National Food Service 

Management Institute to carry out the food safety education program. 

School Meals.—The Committee recognizes that some schools anticipate difficulties in complying with the 100 percent whole grain 

requirement that is set to go in effect in July 2014. The Committee 

directs the Department to consult with individual school districts 

that express concern and to work with both schools and relevant 

industry stakeholders. 

Summer Food Service Program [SFSP].—The Committee recognizes the importance of SFSP to promote year-round child nutrition. The Committee encourages FNS to work with nonprofit national youth mentoring organizations in administering this program. When working with these organizations, FNS should consider organizations with national headquarters that already provide services to the community and have well defined management 

practices. 
69 

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, 

AND CHILDREN [WIC]

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $6,715,841,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 6,823,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 6,623,000,000 

The special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, 

and children [WIC] is authorized by section 17 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. Its purpose is to safeguard the health of pregnant, 

breast-feeding and postpartum women and infants, and children up 

to age 5 who are at nutritional risk because of inadequate nutrition 

and inadequate income. 

The WIC program food packages are designed to provide foods 

which studies have demonstrated are lacking in the diets of the 

WIC program target population. The authorized supplemental 

foods are iron-fortified breakfast cereal, fruit or vegetable juice 

which contains vitamin C, dry beans, peas, and peanut butter. 

There are three general types of delivery systems for WIC foods: 

(1) retail purchase in which participants obtain supplemental foods 

through retail stores; (2) home delivery systems in which food is 

delivered to the participant’s home; and (3) direct distribution systems in which participants pick up food from a distribution outlet. 

The food is free of charge to all participants. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $6,623,000,000 

for the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, 

and Children [WIC]. 

The Committee recommendation fully funds estimated WIC participation in fiscal year 2015. The Committee recommendation includes $60,000,000 for breastfeeding support initiatives, 

$14,000,000 for infrastructure, and $30,000,000 for management 

information systems. 

Income Eligibility.—The Food and Nutrition Service is to submit, 

within 30 days, a report to the subcommittee on the policies, procedures, training and technical assistance it has provided to State 

WIC programs on income eligibility determination and verification 

since the release of the February 2013 Government Accountability 

Office report ‘‘WIC Program: Improved Oversight of Income Eligibility Determination Needed.’’ The report is to include data from 

the USDA’s regional offices on the extent to which all State WIC 

programs have complied with the use of a standard set of income 

eligibility and verification criteria. 

WIC Food Package.—The Committee understands the Department is working with the Institute of Medicine to make recommendations for the fish species to include in the WIC food packages that scientific evidence shows to be low in mercury and in 

other respects nutritious, including wild salmon, for pregnant, 

postpartum and breastfeeding women. The Committee requests a 

report, within 120 days of enactment of this act, on this effort. 
70 

SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $82,169,945,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 84,256,387,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 82,251,387,000 

The Food Stamp Program was reauthorized through fiscal year 

2012 and renamed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program 

[SNAP] in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. The 

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program attempts to alleviate 

hunger and malnutrition among low-income persons by increasing 

their food purchasing power. Eligible households receive SNAP 

benefits with which they can purchase food through regular retail 

stores. 

Other programs funded through SNAP include Nutrition Assistance to Puerto Rico and American Samoa, the Food Distribution 

Program on Indian Reservations, the Emergency Food Assistance 

Program, and the Community Food Projects program. 

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is currently in 

operation in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, and Guam. Participating households receive food benefits, 

the value of which is determined by household size and income. 

The cost of the benefits is paid by the Federal Government. As required by law, the Food and Nutrition Service annually revises 

household benefit allotments to reflect changes in the cost of the 

thrifty food plan. 

Administrative Costs.—All direct and indirect administrative 

costs incurred for certification of households, issuance of benefits, 

quality control, outreach, and fair hearing efforts are shared by the 

Federal Government and the States on a 50–50 basis. 

State Antifraud Activities.—Under the provisions of the Food and 

Nutrition Act of 2008, States are eligible to be reimbursed for 50 

percent of the costs of their fraud investigations and prosecutions. 

States are required to implement an employment and training 

program for the purpose of assisting members of households participating in SNAP in gaining skills, training, or experience that 

will increase their ability to obtain regular employment. The Department of Agriculture has implemented a grant program to 

States to assist them in providing employment and training services. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $82,251,387,000 

for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Of the amount 

recommended, $3,000,000,000 is made available as a contingency 

reserve. 

Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.—The Committee encourages the Secretary to continue the purchase of bison 

from producer-owned and Native American owned cooperatives for 

the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations. Although 

funding is not provided specifically for bison purchase, historically 

these purchases have been important for the Native American population both economically and nutritionally. 
71 

COMMODITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $269,701,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 275,701,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 275,701,000 

The Commodity Assistance Program includes funding for the 

Commodity Supplemental Food Program and funding to pay expenses associated with the storage and distribution of commodities 

through The Emergency Food Assistance Program. 

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program [CSFP].—Authorized by section 4(a) of the Agricultural and Consumer Protection 

Act of 1973 (7 U.S.C. 612c note), as amended in 1981 by Public 

Law 97–98, this program provides supplemental food to infants and 

children up to age 6, and to pregnant, post partum, and breastfeeding women who have low incomes, and reside in approved 

project areas. In addition, the program operates commodity distribution projects directed at low-income elderly persons 60 years 

of age or older. 

The foods for CSFP are provided by the Department of Agriculture for distribution through State agencies. The authorized 

commodities include: iron-fortified infant formula, rice cereal, 

cheese, canned juice, evaporated milk and/or nonfat dry milk, 

canned vegetables or fruits, canned meat or poultry, egg mix, dehydrated potatoes, farina, and peanut butter and dry beans. Elderly 

participants may receive all commodities except iron-fortified infant 

formula and rice cereal. 

The Emergency Food Assistance Program [TEFAP].—Authorized 

by the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7501 et 

seq.), as amended, the program provides nutrition assistance to 

low-income people through prepared meals served on site and 

through the distribution of commodities to low-income households 

for home consumption. The commodities are provided by USDA to 

State agencies for distribution through State-established networks. 

State agencies make the commodities available to local organizations, such as soup kitchens, food pantries, food banks, and community action agencies, for their use in providing nutrition assistance 

to those in need. 

Funds are administered by FNS through grants to State agencies 

which operate commodity distribution programs. Allocation of the 

funds to States is based on a formula which considers the States’ 

unemployment rate and the number of persons with income below 

the poverty level. 

Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program.—The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program [FMNP] provides WIC or WIC-eligible participants 

with coupons to purchase fresh, nutritious, unprepared foods, such 

as fruits and vegetables, from farmers’ markets. This benefits both 

participants and local farmers by increasing the awareness and use 

of farmers’ markets by low-income households. 

Pacific Island and Disaster Assistance.—This program provides 

funding for assistance to the nuclear-affected islands in the form of 

commodities and administrative funds. It also provides funding for 

use in non-presidentially declared disasters and for FNS’ administrative costs in connection with relief for all disasters. 
72 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $275,701,000 for 

the Commodity Assistance Program. The Committee continues to 

encourage the Department to distribute Commodity Assistance Program funds equitably among the States, based on an assessment 

of the needs and priorities of each State and the State’s preference 

to receive commodity allocations through each of the programs 

funded under this account. 

Commodity Supplemental Food Program.—The Committee recommends $208,682,000 for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. This amount fully funds participation in fiscal year 2015. 

The Committee is aware that there are additional States that have 

approved applications to participate in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, and encourages USDA to work to provide 

sufficient funding for these States in future budget requests. 

Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program.—The Committee is aware 

that the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program provides fresh fruits 

and vegetables to low-income mothers and children, benefiting not 

only WIC participants, but local farmers as well. Therefore, the 

Committee recommends $16,548,000 for the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and directs the Secretary to obligate these funds 

within 45 days. 

The Emergency Food Assistance Program.—The Agricultural Act 

of 2014 provides $324,000,000 for TEFAP commodities to be purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funds. 

The Committee recommendation includes $49,401,000 for TEFAP 

transportation, storage, and program integrity. In addition, the 

Committee recommendation grants the Secretary authority to 

transfer up to an additional 10 percent from TEFAP commodities 

for this purpose. 

The Committee encourages the Secretary to identify opportunities for increasing the supply of TEFAP commodities in the coming 

fiscal year through bonus and specialty crop purchases. The Department shall make available to the States domestically produced 

catfish fillets for distribution to local agencies. 

NUTRITION PROGRAMS ADMINISTRATION

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $141,348,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 155,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 155,000,000 

The Nutrition Programs Administration appropriation provides 

for most of the Federal operating expenses of the Food and Nutrition Service, which includes the Child Nutrition Programs; Special 

Milk Program; Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for 

Women, Infants, and Children [WIC]; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Nutrition Assistance for Puerto Rico; the Commodity Assistance Program, including the Commodity Supplemental Food Program and the Emergency Food Assistance Program; and Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and Pacific Island 

and Disaster Assistance. 

The major objective of Nutrition Programs Administration is to 

efficiently and effectively carry out the nutrition assistance programs mandated by law. This is to be accomplished by the fol-
73 

lowing: (1) giving clear and consistent guidance and supervision to 

State agencies and other cooperators; (2) assisting the States and 

other cooperators by providing program, managerial, financial, and 

other advice and expertise; (3) measuring, reviewing, and analyzing 

the progress being made toward achieving program objectives; and 

(4) carrying out regular staff support functions. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $155,000,000 for 

Nutrition Programs Administration. Included in this amount is 

$12,999,000 for payments to the General Services Administration 

for rent and for payments to the Department of Homeland Security 

for building security activities, which was previously funded 

through the Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and Rental Payments account. 
(74) 

TITLE V 

FOREIGN ASSISTANCE AND RELATED PROGRAMS 

FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICE

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

[In thousands of dollars] 

Appropriations Transfers from 

loan accounts Total 

Appropriations, 2014 ........................................................................... 177,863 6,394 184,257 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................ 182,563 6,394 188,957 

Committee recommendation ................................................................ 182,797 6,394 189,191 

The Foreign Agricultural Service [FAS] was established March 

10, 1953, by Secretary’s Memorandum No. 1320, supplement 1. 

Public Law 83–690, approved August 28, 1954, transferred the agricultural attache ́s from the Department of State to the Foreign Agricultural Service. 

The mission of FAS overseas is to represent U.S. agricultural interests, to promote export of domestic farm products, improve world 

trade conditions, and report on agricultural production and trade 

in foreign countries. FAS staff are stationed at 98 offices around 

the world where they provide expertise in agricultural economics 

and marketing, as well as provide attache ́ services. 

FAS carries out several export assistance programs to counter 

the adverse effects of unfair trade practices by competitors on U.S. 

agricultural trade. The Export Enhancement Program uses CCCowned commodities as export bonuses to provide export enhancements to U.S. producers. The Market Access Program [MAP] conducts both generic and brand-identified promotional programs in 

conjunction with nonprofit agricultural associations and private 

firms financed through reimbursable CCC payments. 

The General Sales Manager was established pursuant to section 

5(f) of the charter of the Commodity Credit Corporation and 15 

U.S.C. 714–714p. The funds allocated to the General Sales Manager are used for conducting the following programs: (1) CCC Export Credit Guarantee Program (GSM–102), including facilities financing guarantees; (2) Food for Peace; (3) section 416b Overseas 

Donations Program; (4) Market Access Program; and (5) programs 

authorized by the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act including barter, export sales of most CCC-owned commodities, export payments, and other programs as assigned to encourage and 

enhance the export of U.S. agricultural commodities. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends $189,191,000 for the Foreign Agricultural Service, including a direct appropriation of $182,797,000. 
75 

Included in this amount is $1,140,000 for payments to the General 

Services Administration for rent and for payments to the Department of Homeland Security for building security activities, which 

was previously funded through the Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and Rental Payments account. While the Committee has a 

history of supporting USDA reconstruction and stabilization activities, the Committee expects appropriated funds to be used for established FAS trade promotion, trade policy, trade capacity building, and food security efforts. 

Borlaug Fellows Program.—The Committee recommendation includes $1,500,000 for the Borlaug International Agricultural 

Science and Technology Fellows Program. This program provides 

training for international scientists and policymakers from selected 

developing countries. The fellows work closely with U.S. specialists 

in their fields of expertise and apply that knowledge in their home 

countries. The Committee recognizes the importance of this program in helping developing countries strengthen their agricultural 

practices and food security. 

Cochran Fellowship Program.—The Committee recommendation 

includes $5,300,000 for the Cochran Fellowship Program. The Committee encourages the Secretary to continue to provide additional 

support for the program through the Commodity Credit Corporation Emerging Markets Program. 

Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program.—The Committee expects the FAS to fund the Foreign Market Development 

Cooperator Program. 

Market Access Program.—The Committee continues the full mandatory funding for the Market Access Program and expects the Department to administer the program as authorized in 7 U.S.C. 

5623, without changing the eligibility requirements for participation of cooperative organizations, small businesses, trade associations, and other entities. 

FOOD FOR PEACE TITLE I DIRECT CREDIT AND FOOD FOR PROGRESS

PROGRAM ACCOUNT

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $2,735,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 2,528,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 2,528,000 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,528,000 for 

administrative expenses to continue servicing existing Food for 

Peace title I agreements. 

FOOD FOR PEACE TITLE II GRANTS

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $1,466,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 1,400,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 1,466,000,000 

Commodities Supplied in Connection With Dispositions Abroad 

(Title II) (7 U.S.C. 1721–1726).—Commodities are supplied without 

cost through foreign governments to combat malnutrition and to 

meet famine and other emergency requirements. Commodities are 

also supplied for nonemergencies through public and private agencies, including intergovernmental organizations. The Commodity 
76 

Credit Corporation pays ocean freight on shipments under this 

title, and may also pay overland transportation costs to a landlocked country, as well as internal distribution costs in emergency 

situations. The funds appropriated for title II are made available 

to private voluntary organizations and cooperatives to assist these 

organizations in meeting administrative and related costs. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,466,000,000 

for Food for Peace title II grants. 

MC GOVERN-DOLE INTERNATIONAL FOOD FOR EDUCATION AND CHILD

NUTRITION PROGRAM GRANTS

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $185,126,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 185,126,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 185,126,000 

The McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child 

Nutrition Program helps support education, child development, and 

food security for some of the world’s poorest children. The program 

provides for donations of U.S. agricultural products, as well as financial and technical assistance, for school feeding and maternal 

and child nutrition projects in low-income, food-deficit countries 

that are committed to universal education. Commodities made 

available for donation through agreements with private voluntary 

organizations, cooperatives, intergovernmental organizations, and 

foreign governments may be donated for direct feeding or for local 

sale to generate proceeds to support school feeding and nutrition 

projects. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $185,126,000 for 

the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program. 

COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION EXPORT LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT 

(EXPORT CREDIT PROGRAMS AND GSM–102) 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Guaranteed loan 

levels 

Administrative 

expenses 

Appropriations, 2014 .......................................................................................................... 5,500,000 6,748 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................................................... 5,500,000 6,748 

Committee recommendation ............................................................................................... 5,500,000 6,748 

In 1980, the Commodity Credit Corporation [CCC] instituted the 

Export Credit Guarantee Program (GSM–102) under its charter authority. With this program, CCC guarantees, for a fee, payments 

due U.S. exporters under deferred payment sales contracts (up to 

36 months) for defaults due to commercial as well as noncommercial risks. The risk to CCC extends from the date of export to the 

end of the deferred payment period covered in the export sales contract and covers only that portion of the payments agreed to in the 

assurance agreement. Operation of this program is based on criteria which will assure that it is used only where it is determined 
77 

that it will develop new market opportunities and maintain and expand existing world markets for U.S. agricultural commodities. The 

program encourages U.S. financial institutions to provide financing 

to those areas where the institutions would be unwilling to provide 

financing in the absence of the CCC guarantees. CCC also provides 

facilities financing guarantees. 

The Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 establishes the program 

account. The subsidy costs of the CCC export guarantee programs 

are exempt from the requirement of advance appropriations of 

budget authority according to section 504(c)(2) of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990, Public Law 101–508. Appropriations to this 

account will be used for administrative expenses. 
(78) 

TITLE VI 

RELATED AGENCY AND FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION 

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION

The Food and Drug Administration [FDA] is a scientific regulatory agency whose mission is to promote and protect the public 

health and safety of Americans. FDA’s work is a blend of science 

and law. The Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 

2007 [FDAAA] (Public Law 110–85) reaffirmed the responsibilities 

of the FDA: to ensure safe and effective products reach the market 

in a timely way, and to monitor products for continued safety while 

they are in use. In addition, FDA is entrusted with two critical 

functions in the Nation’s war on terrorism: preventing willful contamination of all regulated products, including food, and improving 

the availability of medications to prevent or treat injuries caused 

by biological, chemical, radiological, or nuclear agents. 

The FDA Foods program has the primary responsibility for assuring that the food supply, quality of foods, food ingredients and 

dietary supplements are safe, sanitary, nutritious, wholesome, and 

honestly labeled, and that cosmetic products are safe and properly 

labeled. The variety and complexity of the food supply has grown 

dramatically while new and more complex safety issues, such as 

emerging microbial pathogens, natural toxins, and technological innovations in production and processing, have developed. This program plays a major role in keeping the United States food supply 

among the safest in the world. 

In January 2011, the Food Safety Modernization Act was signed 

into law. This law enables FDA to better protect public health by 

strengthening the food safety system. It enables FDA to focus more 

on preventing food safety and feed problems rather than relying 

primarily on reacting to problems after they occur. The law also 

provides FDA with new enforcement authorities designed to 

achieve higher rates of compliance with prevention- and risk-based 

food and feed safety standards and to better respond to and contain 

problems when they do occur. The law also gives FDA important 

new tools to hold imported food and feed to the same standards as 

domestic food and feed and directs FDA to build an integrated national food safety system in partnership with State and local authorities. 

The FDA Drugs programs are comprised of four separate areas, 

Human Drugs, Animal Drugs, Medical Devices and Biologics. FDA 

is responsible for the lifecycle of products, including premarket review and postmarket surveillance of human and animal drugs, 

medical devices and biological products to ensure their safety and 

effectiveness. For Human Drugs this includes assuring that all 
79 

drug products used for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of 

disease are safe and effective. Additional procedures include the review of investigational new drug applications; evaluation of market 

applications for new and generic drugs, labeling and composition of 

prescription and over-the-counter drugs; monitoring the quality and 

safety of products manufactured in, or imported into, the United 

States; and, regulating the advertising and promotion of prescription drugs. The Animal Drugs and Feeds Program ensures only 

safe and effective veterinary drugs, intended for the treatment and/ 

or prevention of diseases in animals and the improved production 

of food-producing animals, are approved for marketing. 

The FDA Biologics program assures that blood and blood products, blood test kits, vaccines, and therapeutics are pure, potent, 

safe, effective, and properly labeled. The program inspects blood 

banks and blood processors, licenses and inspects firms collecting 

human source plasma, evaluates and licenses biologics manufacturing firms and products; lot releases licensed products; and monitors adverse events associated with vaccine immunization, blood 

products, and other biologics. 

The FDA Devices and Radiological program ensures the safety 

and effectiveness of medical devices and eliminates unnecessary 

human exposure to manmade radiation from medical, occupational, 

and consumer products. In addition, the program enforces quality 

standards under the Mammography Quality Standards Act (Public 

Law 108–365). Medical devices include thousands of products from 

thermometers and contact lenses to heart pacemakers, hearing 

aids, and MRIs. Radiological products include items such as microwave ovens and video display terminals. 

FDA’s National Center for Toxicological Research in Jefferson, 

Arkansas, serves as a specialized resource, conducting peer-review 

scientific research that provides the basis for FDA to make sound 

science-based regulatory decisions through its premarket review 

and postmarket surveillance. The research is designed to define 

and understand the biological mechanisms of action underlying the 

toxicity of products and lead to developing methods to improve assessment of human exposure, susceptibility and risk of those products regulated by FDA. 

In 2009, Congress granted FDA new authority to regulate the 

manufacture, distribution, and marketing of tobacco products. FDA 

exercises this responsibility by protecting the public health from 

the health effects of tobacco, setting scientific standards and standards for tobacco product review, conducting compliance activities to 

enforce its authority over tobacco, and conducting public education 

and outreach about the health effects of tobacco products. 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

[In thousands of dollars] 

Appropriation User fees Total 

Appropriations, 2014 ....................................................................................... 2,551,905 1,825,965 4,377,870 

Budget estimate, 2015 .................................................................................... 2,575,383 2,161,827 4,737,210 

Committee recommendation ............................................................................ 2,588,536 1,902,324 4,490,860 
80 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,588,536,000 

for FDA salaries and expenses. The Committee also recommends 

$798,000,000 in Prescription Drug User Fee Act user fee collections; $128,282,000 in Medical Device User Fee and Modernization 

Act user fee collections; $22,464,000 in Animal Drug User Fee Act 

user fee collections; $6,944,000 in Animal Generic Drug User Fee 

Act user fee collections; $566,000,000 in Tobacco Product user fee 

collections; $312,116,000 in Generic Drug User Fee Act user fee collections; $21,014,000 in Biosimilar User Fee Act user fee collections; $5,300,000 in Voluntary Qualified Importer Program collections; $1,434,000 in food and feed recall collections; $6,414,000 in 

food reinspection collections; $19,705,000 in Mammography Quality 

Standards Act fee collections; and $13,651,000 in export and certification fees, as assumed in the President’s budget. The Committee 

recommendation includes bill language which prohibits FDA from 

developing, establishing, or operating any program of user fees authorized by 31 U.S.C. 9701. 

The Committee recommendation does not include proposed user 

fees for food facility registration and inspection, food import, food 

contact substance notification, cosmetics, and international courier 

imports. None of these user fee proposals have been authorized by 

Congress. The Committee will continue to monitor any action by 

the appropriate authorizing Committees regarding these proposed 

user fees. 

For direct appropriations, the Committee recommendation is consistent with the budget request, including fully funding the amount 

requested for implementation of the Food Safety Modernization 

Act. In addition, the Committee recommendation includes a 

$4,000,000 increase for the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System. 

The Committee expects FDA to continue all projects, activities, 

laboratories, and programs as included in fiscal year 2014 unless 

otherwise specified. 

The following table reflects the Committee’s recommendations, as 

compared to the fiscal year 2014 and budget request levels: 

FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION SALARIES AND EXPENSES 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Fiscal year— Committee 

recommendation 2014 enacted 2015 request 

Centers and related field activities: 

Foods ........................................................................................... 882,817 903,403 903,403 

Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition [CFSAN] ..... 266,408 279,994 279,994 

Field Activities ................................................................... 616,409 623,409 623,409 

Human Drugs .............................................................................. 466,374 479,678 484,223 

Center for Drug Evaluation and Research [CDER] ........... 339,838 347,513 347,873 

Field Activities ................................................................... 126,536 132,165 136,350 

Biologics ...................................................................................... 210,928 209,754 209,754 

Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research [CBER] ..... 170,744 169,890 169,890 

Field Activities ................................................................... 40,184 39,864 39,864 

Animal Drugs .............................................................................. 141,566 144,577 148,577 

Center for Veterinary Medicine [CVM] ............................... 87,846 90,505 94,505 

Field Activities ................................................................... 53,720 54,072 54,072 

Medical and radiological devices ............................................... 320,825 317,937 317,937 
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FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION SALARIES AND EXPENSES—Continued 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Fiscal year— Committee 

recommendation 2014 enacted 2015 request 

Center for Devices and Radiological Health ..................... 240,345 238,308 238,308 

Field Activities ................................................................... 80,480 79,629 79,629 

National Center for Toxicological Research ................................ 62,494 58,998 63,331 

Other Activities .................................................................................... 172,107 175,360 175,635 

Rent and related activities .................................................................. 132,718 116,340 116,340 

Rental Payments to GSA ...................................................................... 162,076 169,336 169,336 

Total, FDA salaries and expenses, new budget authority ..... 2,551,905 2,575,383 2,588,536 

Abuse Deterrent Drug Development.—The Committee urges FDA 

to make faster progress on setting and applying appropriate regulatory incentives and expectations regarding abuse-deterrent 

opioids. This includes finalizing the January 2013 draft guidance 

on evaluation and labeling of abuse-deterrent opioids and publishing draft guidance on the assessment of generic versions of such 

products. The draft guidance on generics should include a discussion of whether and in what circumstances human abuse liability 

studies will be needed, and if so, how applicants can ensure that 

such studies are acceptable for review by FDA. The Committee further urges FDA to include, where appropriate, descriptions of studies of a product’s abuse-deterrent properties when a sponsor has 

not yet established a claim of abuse deterrence. 

Antibiotics.—The Commissioner is urged to devise a strategy to 

help ensure the use of medically important antibiotics in food animals for disease prevention, as defined in guidance for Industry 

No. 213, that is judicious and appropriate. Additionally, the Commissioner is directed to finalize a Veterinary Feed Directive rule 

prior to April 1, 2015, and is encouraged to include provisions that 

provide adequate assurance that licensed veterinarians will be familiar with the animals and premises where they are kept when 

prescribing medically important antibiotics for use in food animals. 

Artificial Pancreas.—The Committee commends the FDA for taking critical steps in advancing artificial pancreas systems, including its recent approval of the threshold suspend system. The Committee encourages the FDA to continue collaboration with key 

stakeholders to ensure that artificial pancreas systems are further 

developed, tested and approved, ensuring timely access to safe and 

effective systems for patients with type I diabetes. 

Compounding Guidance Documents.—The Committee notes that 

the Food and Drug Administration has begun implementing the 

Compounding Quality Act by releasing guidances and working to 

appoint members to the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee. The Committee is concerned that the Food and Drug Administration is not meeting with any stakeholders before publicly 

releasing further guidance for public comment. The Committee directs the Food and Drug Administration to meet with stakeholders 

to help inform the implementation of the Compounding Quality Act 

to ensure continued access to safe compounded drugs for which 

there is a clinical need. 
82 

Comprehensive Device Review Assessment.—FDA is directed to 

participate in a comprehensive assessment of the process for the review of device applications conducted by an independent entity capable of performing technical analysis, management assessment, 

and program evaluation for the device review program. In consultation with FDA and industry, the assessment should include, but is 

not limited to, an identification of process improvements and best 

practices for conducting predictable, efficient, and consistent premarket reviews that meet regulatory review standards; analysis of 

elements of the review process to facilitate a more efficient process; 

assessment of FDA methods and controls for collecting and reporting information on premarket review process resource use and performance; assessment of the effectiveness of FDA’s Reviewer Training Program implementation; and recommendations for ongoing 

periodic assessments and any additional, more detailed or focused 

program assessments. Following this assessment, FDA is directed 

to report to the Committee, within 120 days of the enactment of 

this act, on the findings of the assessment and the agency’s plan 

to incorporate those findings and recommendations, as appropriate, 

into its management of the premarket review program. 

Counterfeit Products.—The Committee recommendation includes 

an increase of $4,820,000 to provide FDA with additional resources 

to investigate counterfeit drugs both within the United States and 

internationally. These funds will be used to complete undercover 

purchases of suspected counterfeit products for testing; to remove 

counterfeit products from the market; and to prosecute criminal actors. The Committee believes that the growing marketplace for 

counterfeit drugs available on the Internet is particularly concerning, and these funds will allow FDA to enhance its cybercrime 

program, which will ultimately allow FDA to seek appropriate 

criminal fines and forfeitures, and to protect the public health. 

Fixed Dose Combination Drugs.—The Committee applauds the 

agency’s issuance of draft guidance to promote the development of 

fixed combination drug products for critical diseases like cancer, 

HIV, global diseases like malaria and tuberculosis, and against 

health threats like drug-resistant infections. The Committee encourages the FDA to finalize the guidance by the end of this calendar year to facilitate development of new treatments against serious and life-threatening diseases. 

Food Safety Modernization Act.—The Committee notes that FDA 

has stated its intent to re-propose certain sections of the Food Safety Modernization Act proposed rules for produce safety and preventive controls for human food and animal food because significant 

changes are warranted. The Committee is concerned that the agency only intends to address discrete portions of these proposed rules. 

FDA is reminded that the activities covered by the proposed rules 

are complex and interrelated and that the concerns raised by the 

rules are broader than the handful of items FDA has announced 

that it will address. The agency shall ensure that all Food Safety 

Modernization Act regulations are science-based, risk-based, and 

flexible, taking into account the different risks posed by different 

commodities. For example, the secondary market for spent grains 

and byproduct from human food manufacturing and agricultural 

practices is an important part of the supply chain for agricultural 
83 

producers that reduces waste and produces safe, cost effective animal feed. FDA should reconsider how its proposed preventive controls for animal food rule will affect this relationship and the environment. Additionally, FDA should take into account the diversity 

of many integrated livestock and poultry feeding arrangements, 

and aquaculture feeding arrangements, when promulgating the 

final rule. 

Further, FDA is directed to ensure that the public has an opportunity to review and comment on all preventive controls for human 

food requirements, accompanied by an economic analysis, including 

such elements as supplier verification, environmental monitoring, 

and verification testing of products in the form of a proposed rule, 

not an interim final or final rule. FDA should allow flexibility in 

the location and frequency of verification testing. The Committee 

strongly encourages the agency to re-propose the produce safety 

and preventive controls for human and animal food rules in their 

entirety so stakeholders may comment on the agency’s proposals as 

a whole. 

Food Safety Outreach and Technical Assistance.—As FDA implements the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act 

[FSMA], it is critical that the agency work with USDA to perform 

outreach and technical assistance to farmers and small businesses 

to help them understand FSMA requirements and resources available to help with FSMA compliance as rules are developed and implemented. The Committee recommendation includes $2,500,000 

for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to conduct extension activities related to FSMA, as requested in the budget. 

Global Drug Supply Chain.—FDA is directed to ensure that adequate resources are dedicated to the Office Global Regulatory Operations and Policy and the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research 

to advance the agency’s strategic priority of strengthening the safety and integrity of the global drug supply chain. In order to advance this initiative, resources should be dedicated to FDA’s international leadership to combat threats to global health and the global drug supply chain from counterfeit medicines; promote regulatory convergence and the harmonization of international standards that will strengthen global drug supply chain security; and 

build upon and achieve key goals as articulated in FDA’s reports 

on Global Engagement and the Pathway to Global Product Safety 

and Quality. As part of this effort, funding and personnel should 

be dedicated to advance the success of key efforts, including the 

FDA-championed Global Road Map on Medical Product Quality and 

Supply Chain Integrity under the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Regulatory Harmonization Steering Committee which will require FDA’s continued leadership to ensure its success and tangible 

outcomes. In addition, adequate resources should be dedicated to 

FDA’s work to improve policy, international cooperation, and enforcement collaboration related to the Internet and the unprecedented growth in illegal drug sales via the Internet, including the 

online trade of counterfeit, adulterated, misbranded, and unapproved drugs. 

Import Shipments.—The Commissioner is encouraged to ensure 

that sufficient FDA personnel are available to clear shipments expeditiously at the time of their arrival at the port of entry, includ-
84 

ing outside normal working hours and on holidays. The Commissioner is further encouraged to work to develop a process by which 

shipments from highly compliant importers may be released with 

minimal administrative disruption. Recognizing that FDA has a responsibility to ensure legitimate trade is cleared rapidly and that 

compliant shipments are not unduly detained, FDA is directed to 

provide two reports to the Committees on Appropriations, the first 

6 months after the enactment of this act, and the second in 6 additional months. These reports shall provide information on the number of shipments being identified for FDA examination as a percentage of all shipments subject to FDA regulatory review and the 

number of violative products detained as a percentage of those 

being held. 

Inclusion in Clinical Trials.—Research has shown that gender 

differences, as well as differences based on age, race, or other factors, may contribute to differences in the safety and efficacy of 

drugs, biologics, and devices. The Committee directs FDA to encourages diverse participation, including women, racial and ethnic 

minorities, and the elderly, to help assure that clinical trials are 

representative of those individuals who ultimately will use these 

medical products, and that the products will be safe and effective 

for people in these demographic subgroups. The Committee urges 

the FDA to issue the Action Plan required by section 907 of the 

Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act and provide a timeline for implementation of the actions FDA will take, in 

cooperation with industry stakeholders, to ensure that women, minorities, and others are appropriately represented in clinical research, that meaningful subgroup analyses of clinical trials are conducted, and that subgroup specific clinical trial results are made 

publically available in an accessible and timely manner. 

Mammography Quality Standards Act.—The Committee recommendation includes full funding as requested for implementation of the Mammography Quality Standards Act. This program 

sets national quality standards for mammography facilities, equipment, personnel and operating procedures, and has improved the 

quality of mammography and made mammograms a more reliable 

tool to detect breast cancers. 

Nanotechnology.—The Committee recognizes the increased capabilities that FDA has developed to study environment, health, and 

safety of nanomaterials within FDA’s Jefferson Laboratory Campus, including the National Center for Toxicological Research, and 

its consolidated headquarters at White Oak, Maryland. The Committee expects FDA to continue to support collaborative research 

with universities and industry on the toxicology of nanotechnology 

products and processes in accordance with the National Nanotechnology Initiative Environment, Health, and Safety Research Strategy as updated in October 2011. 

Office of Cosmetics and Colors.—The Committee recommendation 

includes not less than $11,700,000 for cosmetics activities, including not less than $7,200,000 for the Office of Colors and Cosmetics 

[OCAC]. Funding provided for OCAC is for direct support of the operation, staffing, compliance, research and international activities 

performed by this office. The Committee notes that every year since 

fiscal year 2012, it has requested that OCAC respond to a citizen 
85 

petition setting safety levels for trace amount of lead in cosmetics. 

The Committee is disappointed that OCAC has not responded to 

these requests and urges OCAC to make this a priority. Therefore, 

the Committee directs the Office of Colors and Cosmetics to respond to the petition by March 15, 2015. Additionally, in light of 

China’s importance to U.S.-based manufacturers and consumers, 

the Committee directs FDA establish a bilateral technical dialogue 

with Chinese regulators. The Committee directs FDA to promote 

international regulatory harmonization and trade in cosmetic products by supporting international trade negotiations on cosmetics in 

bilateral and multilateral trade agreements. 

Oversight Activities.—The Committee notes that over the past 5 

years FDA’s responsibilities have grown significantly and resources 

available to the agency have increased more than 60 percent. The 

Committee is concerned that oversight of FDA has not kept pace 

with the growth in the agency’s regulatory authority or funding. 

Therefore, the Committee recommendation includes $1,500,000 for 

the HHS Office of Inspector General specifically for oversight of 

FDA activities. The funding provided under this appropriation is in 

addition to FDA oversight activities supported within the Inspector 

General’s regular appropriation. The Committee instructs the Inspector General to submit a plan, within 60 days of the enactment 

of this act, on the additional oversight activities planned with this 

funding. 

Pediatric Device Consortia Grants.—The Committee is pleased 

that the nine FDA-funded Pediatric Device Consortia have assisted 

in advancing the development of 324 proposed pediatric medical devices since its inception in 2009, as well as promoting job-growth 

in the healthcare sector, and as such, continues to support this critical effort. The program funds consortia to assist innovators in developing medical and surgical devices designed for the unique 

needs of children, needs that often go unmet by devices currently 

available on the market. However, the Committee remains concerned that children’s medical devices continue to lag behind those 

manufactured for adults and directs the FDA to fund the program 

at the levels authorized by the Food and Drug Safety and Innovation Act of 2012 (Public Law 112–144). 

Prescription Drug Inserts.—The Committee is aware that FDA is 

considering regulatory changes that could eliminate printed professional inserts for prescription drugs. A July 2013 GAO report on 

the topic concluded that while there were potential public health 

benefits associated with electronic drug labeling, relying exclusively 

on electronic labeling could disadvantage physicians, pharmacists, 

other healthcare providers, and ultimately patients, potentially adversely impacting public health. Therefore, the Committee directs 

FDA to ensure that any proposed regulation regarding electronic 

inserts of drug labeling does not come in lieu of paper inserts. 

Seafood Advisory.—The Committee is concerned that after many 

years, the FDA has not published an updated advice on seafood 

consumption for pregnant women, mothers and children. The Committee directs the FDA to publish final advice to pregnant women 

on seafood consumption in conjunction with all applicable parties 

as directed in House Report 112–101 and Senate Report 112–73 by 

June 30, 2014. 
86 

Seafood Economic Integrity.—The Committee recognizes the importance of seafood to a healthy diet, but is concerned that the 

FDA does not focus sufficient attention on economic integrity 

issues, particularly with respect to mislabeling of species, weights, 

and treatment. The Committee encourages the FDA to work with 

States and the Department of Commerce to more aggressively combat fraud in parts of the seafood industry. 

Shellfish Embargo.—As a result of a dispute over sanitation protocols, the European Union imposed a retaliatory ban on U.S. shellfish in July 2010, depriving U.S. shellfish growers of a lucrative 

market. The Committee is concerned that, in nearly 4 years, a resolution has not been achieved. The Committee recommends that the 

FDA continue its ongoing consultation with the U.S. Trade Representative [USTR] to address the issue as expeditiously as possible. The FDA is also directed to provide a report to the Committee on this issue within 100 days. 

Special Protocol Assessment.—The Committee is aware that 

questions have arisen in connection with the rescission of a Special 

Protocol Assessment [SPA] Agreement. While FDA can rescind a 

SPA agreement reached under section 505(b)(5)(C) of the Food, 

Drug, and Cosmetic Act if certain requirements are met, the Committee expects that FDA should be accountable for continued diligence in in identifying issues that bear on a SPA agreement and 

in notifying the sponsor of such issues within a reasonable period 

of time after FDA becomes aware. To ensure clarity over the standard to rescind a SPA agreement, the Committee encourages FDA 

to revise and re-issue, after public comment, its existing guidance 

regarding SPA agreements, including the statutory standards associated with the rescission of such agreements. 

Sunscreen Labeling Regulations.—The Committee is pleased that 

FDA finalized regulations establishing significant new labeling and 

testing requirements for products marketed under FDA’s monograph for over-the-counter sunscreen drug products. The Committee directs the FDA to finalize its proposed rule limiting the 

maximum Sun Protection Factor [SPF] to ‘‘50’’ or ‘‘50∂’’ and issue 

a proposed rule to establish testing and labeling standards for sunscreen sprays. 

User Fees.—The Committee notes that the restoration in fiscal 

year 2014 of user fees sequestered in fiscal year 2013 was to be 

used by FDA to mitigate the impact of the sequester on the user 

fee programs. This includes the hiring of new staff, and FDA initiatives supported by PDUFA user fees, including the regulatory 

science activities as outlined in sections IX, X, and XI of the 

PDUFA Reauthorization Performance Goals and Procedures Fiscal 

Years 2013 Through 2017. The Committee requests that FDA provide a detailed financial summary for the restored fiscal year 2013 

PDUFA user fees; identify funding spent to date; and a detailed 

plan for the allocation of the remaining funds. Specifically, the 

Committee requests that FDA identify and report to the Committee 

an itemized accounting of any and all funds expended for each of 

the regulatory science activities as outlined in sections IX, X, and 

XI of the PDUFA V Performance Goals and provide a plan for how 

the PDUFA user fees will be allocated for each such activity 

through fiscal year 2017. 
87 

White Oak Consolidation.—The Commissioner is directed to identify in FDA’s fiscal year 2016 budget justification the funding level 

that is necessary to complete Phase II and Phase III of the White 

Oak Consolidation. Additionally, the Committee expects FDA to 

provide a justification and spending plan in subsequent budget requests for completion of both Phase II and Phase III of the White 

Oak Consolidation. 

BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $8,788,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 8,788,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 8,788,000 

FDA maintains offices and staff in 49 States and in the District 

of Columbia and Puerto Rico, including field laboratories and specialized facilities, as well as the National Center for Toxicological 

Research complex. Repairs, modifications, improvements, and construction to FDA headquarters and field facilities must be made to 

preserve the properties, ensure employee safety, meet changing 

program requirements, and permit the agency to keep its laboratory methods up to date. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $8,788,000 for 

FDA buildings and facilities. This funding shall be used to upgrade 

FDA facilities and laboratories which are currently below public 

safety standards and incapable of performing agency requirements. 

INDEPENDENT AGENCY 

FARM CREDIT ADMINISTRATION

LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2014 ............................................................................. $62,600,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ........................................................................... 65,100,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 65,100,000 

The Farm Credit Administration [FCA] is the independent agency in the executive branch of the Government responsible for the 

examination and regulation of the banks, associations, and other 

institutions of the Farm Credit System. 

Activities of the Farm Credit Administration include the planning and execution of examinations of Farm Credit System institutions and the preparation of examination reports. FCA also promulgates regulations, establishes standards, enforces rules and regulations, and approves certain actions of the institutions. 

The administration and the institutions under its jurisdiction 

now operate under authorities contained in the Farm Credit Act of 

1971, Public Law 92–181, effective December 10, 1971. Public Law 

99–205, effective December 23, 1985, restructured FCA and gave 

the agency regulatory authorities and enforcement powers. 

The act provides for the farmer-owned cooperative system to 

make sound, adequate, and constructive credit available to farmers 

and ranchers and their cooperatives, rural residences, and associations and other entities upon which farming operations are depend-
88 

ent, and to modernize existing farm credit law to meet current and 

future rural credit needs. 

The Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 authorized the formation of 

the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation [FAMC] to operate 

a secondary market for agricultural and rural housing mortgages. 

The Farm Credit Administration, under section 8.11 of the Farm 

Credit Act of 1971, as amended, is assigned the responsibility of 

regulating this entity and assuring its safe and sound operation. 

Expenses of the Farm Credit Administration are paid by assessments collected from the Farm Credit System institutions and by 

assessments to the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Committee recommends a limitation of $65,100,000 on administrative expenses of the Farm Credit Administration. 

Annual Report.—The Committee recognizes the importance of 

the Farm Credit System in agricultural finance, including lending 

to beginning farmers and ranchers and to farmers and ranchers 

utilizing local and regional food markets. The Committee encourages the Farm Credit Administration to provide to the Committee 

an annual report with data and analysis of the operations and 

achievements of the Farm Credit System in providing financial and 

other forms of support for farms and ranches serving emerging 

local and regional food markets, including but not limited to beginning farmers and ranchers. 
(89) 

TITLE VII 

GENERAL PROVISIONS 

The Committee recommends the following provisions: 

Section 701. This section makes funds available for the purchase, 

replacement, and hire of passenger motor vehicles. 

Section 702. This section gives the Secretary of Agriculture authority to transfer unobligated balances to the Working Capital 

Fund and clarifies longstanding practices associated with the Fund. 

Section 703. This section limits the funding provided in the bill 

to 1 year, unless otherwise specified. 

Section 704. This section limits negotiated indirect costs on cooperative agreements between the Department of Agriculture and 

nonprofit organizations to 10 percent. 

Section 705. This section makes appropriations to the Department of Agriculture for the cost of direct guaranteed loans available until expended to disburse obligations for certain Rural Development programs. 

Section 706. This section prohibits the purchase of new information technology equipment in excess of $25,000 without the prior 

approval of the Chief Information Officer. 

Section 707. This section makes funds for certain conservation 

programs available until expended to disburse certain obligations 

made in the current fiscal year. 

Section 708. This section makes certain former Rural Utilities 

Service borrowers eligible for the Rural Economic Development 

loan and grant program. 

Section 709. This section includes language regarding a limitation of funds. 

Section 710. This section provides funds for Rural Development 

and the Farm Service Agency information technology expenses. 

Section 711. This section includes language regarding reconstituted infant formula. 

Section 712. This section includes language regarding first-class 

travel. 

Section 713. This section includes language regarding the Commodity Credit Corporation. 

Section 714. This section limits the amount of funding available 

to reimburse the Commodity Credit Corporation for the release of 

commodities under the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust. 

Section 715. This section makes funds available for the expenses 

and activities of certain advisory committees, panels, commissions, 

and task forces at the Department of Agriculture. 

Section 716. This section includes language regarding the limitation on direct costs for grants awarded by the National Institute of 

Food and Agriculture. 

Section 717. This section includes language regarding loan levels. 
90 

Section 718. This section includes language regarding the availability of funds for certain Department of Agriculture programs. 

Section 719. This section includes language regarding the availability of funds for certain Department of Agriculture programs. 

Section 720. This section prohibits the use of funds for user fee 

proposals that fail to provide sufficient budget impact information. 

Section 721. This section prohibits the reprogramming of funds for programs, projects, or activities in excess of $500,000 or 10 percent, whichever is less without the prior notification of the Committee on Appropriations. 

Section 722. This section includes language for the establishment 

of a fee under the business and industry loan program. 

Section 723. This section prohibits the Department of Agriculture 

and the Department of Health and Human Services from transmitting questions or responses as a result of the appropriations hearing process to non-Department employees. 

Section 724. This section includes language regarding prepackaged news. 

Section 725. This section requires Department of Agriculture 

agencies to provide reimbursement to other Department of Agriculture agencies for employees detailed for longer than 30 days. 

Section 726. This section provides funding for the Geographically 

Disadvantaged Farmers Program. 

Section 727. This section provides funding to carry out a program 

for hardwood trees. 

Section 728. This section includes language regarding spending 

plans. 

Section 729. This section includes language regarding the guaranteed single family housing program. 

Section 730. This section includes language regarding the Water 

Bank Program. 

Section 731. This section includes language regarding conferences. 

Section 732. This section includes language regarding the Department of Health and Human Services. 

Section 733. This section includes language regarding Rural Economic Area Partnership Zones. 

Section 734. This section includes language regarding the Emergency Community Water Assistance Grant Program. 

Section 735. This section includes language regarding the Food 

Safety and Inspection Service. 

Section 736. This section includes language regarding housing 

programs. 

Section 737. This section includes language regarding nonrecurring expenses. 

Section 738. This section includes language regarding emergency 

spending. 

Section 739. This section includes language regarding milk marketing orders. 

Section 740. This section includes language regarding official portraits. 

Section 741. This section includes language regarding rural housing loans. 

Section 742. This section includes language regarding travel. 
91 

Section 743. This section includes a rescission of funds. 
(92) 

PROGRAM, PROJECT, AND ACTIVITY 

During fiscal year 2015, for purposes of the Balanced Budget and 

Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Public Law 99–177) or the 

Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Reaffirmation Act 

of 1987 (Public Law 100–119), the following information provides 

the definition of the term ‘‘program, project, and activity’’ for departments and agencies under the jurisdiction of the Agriculture, 

Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related 

Agencies Subcommittee. The term ‘‘program, project, and activity’’ 

shall include the most specific level of budget items identified in 

the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015, and the accompanying Senate Report. 

If a sequestration order is necessary, in implementing the Presidential order, departments and agencies shall apply any percentage 

reduction required for fiscal year 2015 pursuant to the provisions 

of Public Law 99–177 or Public Law 100–119 to all items specified 

in the explanatory notes submitted to the Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate in support of the fiscal year 2015 

budget estimates, as amended, for such departments and agencies, 

as modified by congressional action, and in addition: 

For the Agricultural Research Service the definition shall include 

specific research locations as identified in the explanatory notes. 

For the Natural Resources Conservation Service the definition 

shall include individual flood prevention projects as identified in 

the explanatory notes and individual operational watershed 

projects as summarized in the notes. 

For the Farm Service Agency the definition shall include individual, regional, State, district, and county offices. 

COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 7, RULE XVI OF THE 

STANDING RULES OF THE SENATE 

Paragraph 7 of rule XVI requires that Committee reports accompanying general appropriations bills identify each recommended 

amendment which proposes an item of appropriation which is not 

made to carry out the provisions of an existing law, a treaty stipulation, or an act or resolution previously passed by the Senate during that session. 

The Committee is filing an original bill, which is not covered 

under this rule, but reports this information in the spirit of full disclosure. 

The Committee recommends funding for the following programs 

or activities which currently lack authorization for fiscal year 2015: 

Multi-family Housing Revitalization Program 
93 

COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 7(c), RULE XXVI OF THE 

STANDING RULES OF THE SENATE 

Pursuant to paragraph 7(c) of rule XXVI, on May 22, 2014, the 

Committee ordered favorably reported en bloc a bill (H.R. 4486) 

making appropriations for military construction, the Department of 

Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending 

September 30, 2015, and for other purposes, with an amendment 

in the nature of a substitute and an original bill making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending 

September 30, 2015, and for other purposes, provided, that the bills 

be subject to amendment (or further amendment) and that the bills 

be consistent with the subcommittee allocations, by a recorded vote 

of 30–0, a quorum being present. The vote was as follows: 

Yeas Nays 

Chairwoman Mikulski 

Mr. Leahy 

Mr. Harkin 

Mrs. Murray 

Mrs. Feinstein 

Mr. Durbin 

Mr. Johnson 

Ms. Landrieu 

Mr. Reed 

Mr. Pryor 

Mr. Tester 

Mr. Udall 

Mrs. Shaheen 

Mr. Merkley 

Mr. Begich 

Mr. Coons 

Mr. Shelby 

Mr. Cochran 

Mr. McConnell 

Mr. Alexander 

Ms. Collins 

Ms. Murkowski 

Mr. Graham 

Mr. Kirk 

Mr. Coats 

Mr. Blunt 

Mr. Moran 

Mr. Hoeven 

Mr. Johanns 

Mr. Boozman 

COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 12, RULE XXVI OF THE 

STANDING RULES OF THE SENATE 

Paragraph 12 of rule XXVI requires that Committee reports on 

a bill or joint resolution repealing or amending any statute or part 

of any statute include ‘‘(a) the text of the statute or part thereof 

which is proposed to be repealed; and (b) a comparative print of 
94 

that part of the bill or joint resolution making the amendment and 

of the statute or part thereof proposed to be amended, showing by 

stricken-through type and italics, parallel columns, or other appropriate typographical devices the omissions and insertions which 

would be made by the bill or joint resolution if enacted in the form 

recommended by the committee.’’ 

The Committee bill as recommended contains no such provisions. 

BUDGETARY IMPACT OF BILL 

PREPARED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE PURSUANT TO SEC. 

308(a), PUBLIC LAW 93–344, AS AMENDED 

[In millions of dollars] 

Budget authority Outlays 

Committee 

allocation 

Amount 

in bill 

Committee 

allocation 

Amount 

in bill 

Comparison of amounts in the bill with the subcommittee 

allocation for 2015: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural 

Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies: 

Mandatory .................................................................... 114,937 114,937 107,310 1 107,310 

Discretionary ................................................................ 20,575 20,675 21,833 1 21,649 

Security ............................................................... ...................... ...................... ...................... NA 

Nonsecurity ......................................................... 20,575 20,675 ...................... NA 

Projections of outlays associated with the recommendation: 

2015 ............................................................................. ...................... ...................... ...................... 2 114,734 

2016 ............................................................................. ...................... ...................... ...................... 4,627 

2017 ............................................................................. ...................... ...................... ...................... 1,048 

2018 ............................................................................. ...................... ...................... ...................... 403 

2019 and future years ................................................ ...................... ...................... ...................... 349 

Financial assistance to State and local governments for 

2015 ................................................................................. NA 38,923 NA 32,858 

1 Includes outlays from prior-year budget authority. 

2 Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority. 

NA: Not applicable. 

Consistent with the funding recommended in the bill for disaster funding and in accordance with section 251(b)(2)(D) of the BBEDCA, the 

Committee anticipates that the Budget Committee will file a revised section 302(a) allocation for the Committee on Appropriations reflecting 

an upward adjustment of $100,000,000 in budget authority plus associated outlays. 
95 

COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL 

FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Item 2014 appropriation Budget estimate Committee recommendation 

Senate Committee recommendation 

compared with (∂ or ¥) 

2014 

appropriation Budget estimate 

TITLE I—AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS 

Production, Processing, and Marketing 

Office of the Secretary 

Office of the Secretary ......................................................................................................................................................... 5,051 5,086 5,086 ∂35 ..........................Office of Tribal Relations ..................................................................................................................................................... 498 502 502 ∂4 ..........................Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Coordination ................................................................................................. 1,496 1,507 1,507 ∂11 ..........................Office of Advocacy and Outreach ........................................................................................................................................ 1,209 1,217 1,217 ∂8 ..........................Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration .......................................................................................................... 804 809 809 ∂5 ..........................Departmental Administration ............................................................................................................................................... 22,786 25,661 25,311 ∂2,525 ¥350 Office of the Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations ........................................................................................... 3,869 3,897 3,897 ∂28 ..........................Office of Communications .................................................................................................................................................... 8,065 8,137 8,137 ∂72 ..........................

Total, Office of the Secretary ................................................................................................................................. 43,778 46,816 46,466 ∂2,688 ¥350 

Executive Operations: 

Office of the Chief Economist ..................................................................................................................................... 16,777 16,854 16,854 ∂77 ..........................National Appeals Division ........................................................................................................................................... 12,841 13,430 13,430 ∂589 ..........................Office of Budget and Program Analysis ..................................................................................................................... 9,064 10,292 9,305 ∂241 ¥987 

Subtotal, Executive Operations ............................................................................................................................... 38,682 40,576 39,589 ∂907 ¥987 

Office of the Chief Information Officer ................................................................................................................................ 44,031 45,199 45,199 ∂1,168 ..........................Office of the Chief Financial Officer ................................................................................................................................... 6,213 6,080 6,080 ¥133 ..........................Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights ............................................................................................................... 893 898 898 ∂5 ..........................Office of Civil Rights ........................................................................................................................................................... 21,400 24,236 24,236 ∂2,836 ..........................Agriculture buildings and facilities and rental payments .................................................................................................. (233,000 ) (64,825 ) (64,844 ) (¥168,156 ) (∂19 ) 

Payments to GSA ......................................................................................................................................................... 164,470 .......................... .......................... ¥164,470 ..........................Department of Homeland Security .............................................................................................................................. 13,800 .......................... .......................... ¥13,800 ..........................Building operations and maintenance ........................................................................................................................ 54,730 64,825 64,844 ∂10,114 ∂19 
96 

COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL 

FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015—Continued 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Item 2014 appropriation Budget estimate Committee recommendation 

Senate Committee recommendation 

compared with (∂ or ¥) 

2014 

appropriation Budget estimate 

Hazardous materials management ...................................................................................................................................... 3,592 3,600 3,600 ∂8 ..........................Office of Inspector General .................................................................................................................................................. 89,902 97,240 97,240 ∂7,338 ..........................Office of the General Counsel .............................................................................................................................................. 41,202 47,567 47,567 ∂6,365 ..........................Office of Ethics .................................................................................................................................................................... 3,440 3,867 3,867 ∂427 ..........................

Total, Departmental Administration ....................................................................................................................... 526,133 380,904 379,586 ¥146,547 ¥1,318 

Office of the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics ............................................................................ 893 898 898 ∂5 ..........................Economic Research Service .................................................................................................................................................. 78,058 83,446 85,373 ∂7,315 ∂1,927 National Agricultural Statistics Service ............................................................................................................................... 161,206 178,999 178,154 ∂16,948 ¥845 

Census of Agriculture .................................................................................................................................................. (44,545 ) (48,044 ) (48,044 ) (∂3,499 ) ..........................

Agricultural Research Service: 

Salaries and expenses ................................................................................................................................................ 1,122,482 1,104,403 1,139,673 ∂17,191 ∂35,270 

National Institute of Food and Agriculture: 

Research and education activities ............................................................................................................................. 772,559 837,747 787,545 ∂14,986 ¥50,202 Native American Institutions Endowment Fund .......................................................................................................... (11,880 ) (11,880 ) (11,880 ) .......................... ..........................Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities Endowment Fund .............................................................. .......................... (10,000 ) (10,000 ) (∂10,000 ) ..........................Extension activities ..................................................................................................................................................... 469,191 468,968 472,686 ∂3,495 ∂3,718 Integrated activities .................................................................................................................................................... 35,317 28,821 32,217 ¥3,100 ∂3,396 

Total, National Institute of Food and Agriculture .................................................................................................. 1,277,067 1,335,536 1,292,448 ∂15,381 ¥43,088 

Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs ............................................................................. 893 898 898 ∂5 ..........................Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service: 

Salaries and expenses ................................................................................................................................................ 821,721 834,341 872,414 ∂50,693 ∂38,073 Buildings and facilities ............................................................................................................................................... 3,175 3,175 3,175 .......................... ..........................
97 

Total, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service ............................................................................................... 824,896 837,516 875,589 ∂50,693 ∂38,073 

Agricultural Marketing Service: 

Marketing Services ...................................................................................................................................................... 79,914 82,963 81,634 ∂1,720 ¥1,329 

Standardization activities (user fees) NA .......................................................................................................... (64,000 ) (64,000 ) .......................... (¥64,000 ) (¥64,000 ) 

(Limitation on administrative expenses, from fees collected) ................................................................................... (60,435 ) (60,709 ) (60,709 ) (∂274 ) ..........................Funds for strengthening markets, income, and supply (Section 32): 

Permanent, Section 32 ....................................................................................................................................... 1,107,000 1,122,000 1,122,000 ∂15,000 ..........................

Marketing agreements and orders (transfer from section 32) ................................................................ (20,056 ) (20,317 ) (20,317 ) (∂261 ) ..........................

Payments to States and Possessions ......................................................................................................................... 1,363 1,235 1,363 .......................... ∂128 

Total, Agricultural Marketing Service program ...................................................................................................... 1,248,712 1,266,907 1,265,706 ∂16,994 ¥1,201 

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration: 

Salaries and expenses ................................................................................................................................................ 40,261 44,017 44,017 ∂3,756 ..........................Limitation on inspection and weighing services ........................................................................................................ (50,000 ) (50,000 ) (50,000 ) .......................... ..........................

Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety ..................................................................................................................... 811 816 816 ∂5 ..........................Food Safety and Inspection Service ..................................................................................................................................... 1,010,689 1,001,402 1,022,770 ∂12,081 ∂21,368 

Lab accreditation fees ................................................................................................................................................ (1,000 ) (1,000 ) (1,000 ) .......................... ..........................

Total, Production, Processing, and Marketing ........................................................................................................ 6,231,666 6,175,033 6,225,219 ¥6,447 ∂50,186 

Farm Assistance Programs 

Office of the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services ........................................................................ 893 898 898 ∂5 ..........................Farm Service Agency: 

Salaries and expenses ................................................................................................................................................ 1,177,926 1,139,323 1,182,544 ∂4,618 ∂43,221 (Transfer from Food for Peace (Public Law 480)) ...................................................................................................... (2,735 ) (2,528 ) (2,528 ) (¥207 ) ..........................(Transfer from export loans) ....................................................................................................................................... (354 ) (354 ) (354 ) .......................... ..........................(Transfer from ACIF) .................................................................................................................................................... (306,998 ) (306,998 ) (306,998 ) .......................... ..........................

Subtotal, transfers from program accounts ........................................................................................................... (310,087 ) (309,880 ) (309,880 ) (¥207 ) ..........................Total, Salaries and expenses .................................................................................................................................. (1,488,013 ) (1,449,203 ) (1,492,424 ) (∂4,411 ) (∂43,221 ) 

State mediation grants ............................................................................................................................................... 3,782 3,404 3,404 ¥378 ..........................Grassroots source water protection program .............................................................................................................. 5,526 .......................... 6,500 ∂974 ∂6,500 
98 

COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL 

FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015—Continued 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Item 2014 appropriation Budget estimate Committee recommendation 

Senate Committee recommendation 

compared with (∂ or ¥) 

2014 

appropriation Budget estimate 

Dairy indemnity program ............................................................................................................................................. 250 .......................... 500 ∂250 ∂500 

Subtotal, Farm Service Agency ............................................................................................................................... 1,187,484 1,142,727 1,192,948 ∂5,464 ∂50,221 

Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund [ACIF] Program Account: 

Loan authorizations: 

Farm ownership loans: 

Direct ................................................................................................................................................ (575,000 ) (1,500,000 ) (1,500,000 ) (∂925,000 ) ..........................Guaranteed ....................................................................................................................................... (2,000,000 ) (2,000,000 ) (2,000,000 ) .......................... ..........................

Subtotal ........................................................................................................................................ (2,575,000 ) (3,500,000 ) (3,500,000 ) (∂925,000 ) ..........................

Farm operating loans: 

Direct ................................................................................................................................................ (1,195,620 ) (1,252,004 ) (1,252,004 ) (∂56,384 ) ..........................Unsubsidized guaranteed ................................................................................................................. (1,500,000 ) (1,393,443 ) (1,393,443 ) (¥106,557 ) ..........................

Subtotal ........................................................................................................................................ (2,695,620 ) (2,645,447 ) (2,645,447 ) (¥50,173 ) ..........................

Emergency loans ....................................................................................................................................... (34,658 ) (34,667 ) (34,667 ) (∂9 ) ..........................Indian tribe land acquisition loans .......................................................................................................... (2,000 ) (2,000 ) (2,000 ) .......................... ..........................Conservation loans: 

Guaranteed ....................................................................................................................................... (150,000 ) (150,000 ) (150,000 ) .......................... ..........................

Indian highly fractionated land loans ...................................................................................................... (10,000 ) (10,000 ) (10,000 ) .......................... ..........................Boll weevil eradication loans .................................................................................................................... (60,000 ) (60,000 ) (60,000 ) .......................... ..........................

Total, Loan authorizations .................................................................................................................... (5,527,278 ) (6,402,114 ) (6,402,114 ) (∂874,836 ) ..........................

Loan subsidies: 

Farm ownership loans: 

Direct ................................................................................................................................................ 4,428 .......................... .......................... ¥4,428 ..........................
99 

Farm operating loans: 

Direct ................................................................................................................................................ 65,520 63,101 63,101 ¥2,419 ..........................Unsubsidized guaranteed ................................................................................................................. 18,300 14,770 14,770 ¥3,530 ..........................

Subtotal ........................................................................................................................................ 83,820 77,871 77,871 ¥5,949 ..........................

Emergency Loans ....................................................................................................................................... 1,698 856 856 ¥842 ..........................Indian highly fractionated land loans ...................................................................................................... 68 .......................... .......................... ¥68 ..........................Individual development account grants ................................................................................................... .......................... 2,500 2,500 ∂2,500 ..........................

Total, Loan subsidies ............................................................................................................................ 90,014 81,227 81,227 ¥8,787 ..........................

ACIF administrative expenses: 

Salaries and expense (transfer to FSA) .................................................................................................... 306,998 306,998 306,998 .......................... ..........................Administrative expenses ............................................................................................................................ 7,721 7,920 7,920 ∂199 ..........................

Total, ACIF expenses ............................................................................................................................. 314,719 314,918 314,918 ∂199 ..........................Total, Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund ............................................................................................ 404,733 396,145 396,145 ¥8,588 ..........................

(Loan authorization) ..................................................................................................................... (5,527,278 ) (6,402,114 ) (6,402,114 ) (∂874,836 ) ..........................

Total, Farm Service Agency .................................................................................................................. 1,592,217 1,538,872 1,589,093 ¥3,124 ∂50,221 

Risk Management Agency; Administrative and operating expenses ................................................................................... 71,496 76,779 76,779 ∂5,283 ..........................

Total, Farm Assistance Programs ........................................................................................................................... 1,664,606 1,616,549 1,666,770 ∂2,164 ∂50,221 

Corporations 

Federal Crop Insurance Corporation: 

Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund .................................................................................................................. 9,502,944 8,668,000 8,668,000 ¥834,944 ..........................

Commodity Credit Corporation Fund: 

Reimbursement for net realized losses ...................................................................................................................... 12,538,880 9,067,281 9,067,281 ¥3,471,599 ..........................Hazardous waste management (limitation on expenses) ........................................................................................... (5,000 ) (5,000 ) (5,000 ) .......................... ..........................

Total, Corporations .................................................................................................................................................. 22,041,824 17,735,281 17,735,281 ¥4,306,543 ..........................Total, Title I, Agricultural Programs ....................................................................................................................... 29,938,096 25,526,863 25,627,270 ¥4,310,826 ∂100,407 

(By transfer) ................................................................................................................................................... (330,143 ) (330,197 ) (330,197 ) (∂54 ) ..........................(Loan authorization) ....................................................................................................................................... (5,527,278 ) (6,402,114 ) (6,402,114 ) (∂874,836 ) ..........................
100 

COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL 

FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015—Continued 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Item 2014 appropriation Budget estimate Committee recommendation 

Senate Committee recommendation 

compared with (∂ or ¥) 

2014 

appropriation Budget estimate 

(Limitation on administrative expenses) ....................................................................................................... (115,435 ) (115,709 ) (115,709 ) (∂274 ) ..........................

TITLE II—CONSERVATION PROGRAMS 

Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment ............................................................................. 893 898 898 ∂5 ..........................Natural Resources Conservation Service: 

Conservation operations .............................................................................................................................................. 812,939 814,772 849,295 ∂36,356 ∂34,523 

Farm Security and Rural Investment program (transfer authority) .................................................................. .......................... (732,819 ) .......................... .......................... (¥732,819 ) 

Total, Public Lands Conservation operations ................................................................................................ 812,939 1,547,591 849,295 ∂36,356 ¥698,296 

Watershed rehabilitation program .............................................................................................................................. 12,000 .......................... .......................... ¥12,000 ..........................

Total, Natural Resources Conservation Service ...................................................................................................... 824,939 814,772 849,295 ∂24,356 ∂34,523 Total, Title II, Conservation Programs .................................................................................................................... 825,832 815,670 850,193 ∂24,361 ∂34,523 

TITLE III—RURAL DEVELOPMENT 

Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development ......................................................................................................... 893 898 898 ∂5 ..........................Rural Development: 

Rural development expenses: 

Salaries and expenses ....................................................................................................................................... 203,424 225,101 228,898 ∂25,474 ∂3,797 (Transfer from RHIF) .......................................................................................................................................... (415,100 ) (397,296 ) (415,100 ) .......................... (∂17,804 ) (Transfer from RDLFP) ........................................................................................................................................ (4,439 ) (4,249 ) (4,439 ) .......................... (∂190 ) (Transfer from Healthy Foods, HNI) ................................................................................................................... .......................... (750 ) .......................... .......................... (¥750 ) (Transfer from RETLP) ........................................................................................................................................ (34,478 ) (33,000 ) (34,478 ) .......................... (∂1,478 ) 

Subtotal, Transfers from program accounts ................................................................................................. (454,017 ) (435,295 ) (454,017 ) .......................... (∂18,722 ) 
101 

Total, Rural development expenses ............................................................................................................... (657,441 ) (660,396 ) (682,915 ) (∂25,474 ) (∂22,519 ) 

Rural Housing Service: 

Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account: 

Loan authorizations: 

Single family direct (Sec. 502) ................................................................................................................. (900,000 ) (360,000 ) (900,000 ) .......................... (∂540,000 ) 

Unsubsidized guaranteed ................................................................................................................. (24,000,000 ) (24,000,000 ) (24,000,000 ) .......................... ..........................

Subtotal, Single family ................................................................................................................ (24,900,000 ) (24,360,000 ) (24,900,000 ) .......................... (∂540,000 ) 

Housing repair (Sec. 504) ......................................................................................................................... (26,280 ) (26,279 ) (26,279 ) (¥1 ) ..........................Rental housing (Sec. 515) ........................................................................................................................ (28,432 ) (28,432 ) (28,432 ) .......................... ..........................Multifamily housing guarantees (Sec. 538) ............................................................................................. (150,000 ) (150,000 ) (150,000 ) .......................... ..........................Site development loans (Sec. 524) ........................................................................................................... (5,000 ) (5,000 ) (5,000 ) .......................... ..........................Single family housing credit sales ........................................................................................................... (10,000 ) (10,000 ) (10,000 ) .......................... ..........................Self-help housing land develop. (Sec. 523) ............................................................................................. (5,000 ) .......................... (5,000 ) .......................... (∂5,000 ) Farm Labor Housing (Sec. 514) ................................................................................................................ (23,855 ) (23,854 ) (23,854 ) (¥1 ) ..........................

Total, Loan authorizations .................................................................................................................... (25,148,567 ) (24,603,565 ) (25,148,565 ) (¥2 ) (∂545,000 ) 

Loan subsidies: 

Single family direct (Sec. 502) ................................................................................................................. 24,480 26,568 66,420 ∂41,940 ∂39,852 Housing repair (Sec. 504) ......................................................................................................................... 2,176 3,687 3,687 ∂1,511 ..........................Rental housing (Sec. 515) ........................................................................................................................ 6,656 9,812 9,812 ∂3,156 ..........................Farm labor housing (Sec. 514) ................................................................................................................. 5,656 7,681 7,681 ∂2,025 ..........................

Total, Loan subsidies ............................................................................................................................ 38,968 47,748 87,600 ∂48,632 ∂39,852 

Farm labor housing grants ................................................................................................................................ 8,336 8,336 8,336 .......................... ..........................RHIF administrative expenses (transfer to RD) ................................................................................................. 415,100 397,296 415,100 .......................... ∂17,804 

Total, Rural Housing Insurance Fund program ............................................................................................. 462,404 453,380 511,036 ∂48,632 ∂57,656 

(Loan authorization) .............................................................................................................................. (25,148,567 ) (24,603,565 ) (25,148,565 ) (¥2 ) (∂545,000 ) 

Rental assistance program: 

Rental assistance (Sec. 521) ............................................................................................................................. 1,110,000 1,088,500 1,093,500 ¥16,500 ∂5,000 

Multi-Family Housing Revitalization Program Account: 

Rural housing voucher program ................................................................................................................................. 12,575 8,000 8,000 ¥4,575 ..........................
102 

COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL 

FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015—Continued 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Item 2014 appropriation Budget estimate Committee recommendation 

Senate Committee recommendation 

compared with (∂ or ¥) 

2014 

appropriation Budget estimate 

Multi-family housing revitalization program .............................................................................................................. 20,000 20,000 20,000 .......................... ..........................

Total, Multi-family housing revitalization .............................................................................................................. 32,575 28,000 28,000 ¥4,575 ..........................

Mutual and self-help housing grants ......................................................................................................................... 25,000 10,000 25,000 .......................... ∂15,000 Rural housing assistance grants ................................................................................................................................ 32,239 25,000 32,239 .......................... ∂7,239 Rural community facilities program account: 

Loan authorizations: 

Community facility: 

Direct ................................................................................................................................................ (2,200,000 ) (2,200,000 ) (2,200,000 ) .......................... ..........................Guaranteed ....................................................................................................................................... (59,543 ) .......................... (75,000 ) (∂15,457 ) (∂75,000 ) 

Total, Loan authorizations ........................................................................................................... (2,259,543 ) (2,200,000 ) (2,275,000 ) (∂15,457 ) (∂75,000 ) 

Loan subsidies and grants: 

Community facility: 

Guaranteed ....................................................................................................................................... 3,775 .......................... 3,585 ¥190 ∂3,585 Grants ............................................................................................................................................... 13,000 17,000 13,000 .......................... ¥4,000 

Rural community development initiative .................................................................................................. 5,967 .......................... 5,967 .......................... ∂5,967 Economic impact initiative grants ............................................................................................................ 5,778 .......................... 5,778 .......................... ∂5,778 Tribal college grants ................................................................................................................................. 4,000 4,000 4,000 .......................... ..........................

Total, RCFP Loan subsidies and grants ............................................................................................... 32,520 21,000 32,330 ¥190 ∂11,330 Subtotal, grants and payments ............................................................................................................ 89,759 56,000 89,569 ¥190 ∂33,569 Total, Rural Housing Service ................................................................................................................ 1,694,738 1,625,880 1,722,105 ∂27,367 ∂96,225 

(Loan authorization) ..................................................................................................................... (27,408,110 ) (26,803,565 ) (27,423,565 ) (∂15,455 ) (∂620,000 ) 
103 

Rural Business—Cooperative Service: 

Rural Business Program Account: 

(Guaranteed business and industry loans) ....................................................................................................... (958,097 ) (590,802 ) (958,102 ) (∂5 ) (∂367,300 ) Loan subsidies and grants: 

Guaranteed business and industry subsidy ............................................................................................. 66,971 30,190 48,959 ¥18,012 ∂18,769 

Rural business enterprise ................................................................................................................ 24,318 .......................... .......................... ¥24,318 ..........................Rural business opportunity .............................................................................................................. 2,250 .......................... .......................... ¥2,250 ..........................Rural business development ............................................................................................................ .......................... .......................... 26,568 ∂26,568 ∂26,568 Delta regional authority ................................................................................................................... 3,000 .......................... 3,000 .......................... ∂3,000 

Total, RBP loan subsidies and grants ........................................................................................ 96,539 30,190 78,527 ¥18,012 ∂48,337 

Rural Business and Cooperative Grants ..................................................................................................................... .......................... 57,500 .......................... .......................... ¥57,500 Intermediary Relending Program Fund: 

(Loan authorization) ........................................................................................................................................... (18,889 ) (10,013 ) (18,889 ) .......................... (∂8,876 ) Loan subsidy ...................................................................................................................................................... 4,082 3,084 5,818 ∂1,736 ∂2,734 Administrative expenses (transfer to RD) .......................................................................................................... 4,439 4,249 4,439 .......................... ∂190 

Total, Rural Development Loan Fund ............................................................................................................ 8,521 64,833 10,257 ∂1,736 ¥54,576 

Rural Economic Development Loans Program Account: 

(Loan authorization) ........................................................................................................................................... (33,077 ) (59,456 ) (33,077 ) .......................... (¥26,379 ) Limit cushion of credit interest spending ......................................................................................................... (172,000 ) (155,000 ) (158,000 ) (¥14,000 ) (∂3,000 ) 

(Rescission) ............................................................................................................................................... ¥172,000 ¥155,000 ¥158,000 ∂14,000 ¥3,000 

Rural Cooperative Development Grants: 

Cooperative development ................................................................................................................................... 5,800 .......................... 5,800 .......................... ∂5,800 Appropriate technology transfer for rural areas ................................................................................................ 2,250 2,087 2,250 .......................... ∂163 Grants to assist minority producers .................................................................................................................. 3,000 3,000 3,000 .......................... ..........................Value-added agricultural product market development .................................................................................... 15,000 11,000 15,000 .......................... ∂4,000 

Total, Rural Cooperative development grants ............................................................................................... 26,050 16,087 26,050 .......................... ∂9,963 

Rural Microenterprise Investment Program Account: 

(Loan authorization) ........................................................................................................................................... .......................... (25,683 ) .......................... .......................... (¥25,683 ) Loan subsidies and grants ................................................................................................................................ .......................... 3,290 .......................... .......................... ¥3,290 

Total, Rural Microenterprise Investment ....................................................................................................... .......................... 3,290 .......................... .......................... ¥3,290 

Rural Business Investment Program Account: 

(Loan authorization) ........................................................................................................................................... .......................... (39,254 ) .......................... .......................... (¥39,254 ) 
104 

COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL 

FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015—Continued 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Item 2014 appropriation Budget estimate Committee recommendation 

Senate Committee recommendation 

compared with (∂ or ¥) 

2014 

appropriation Budget estimate 

Loan subsidy ...................................................................................................................................................... .......................... 4,000 .......................... .......................... ¥4,000 Grants ................................................................................................................................................................. .......................... 2,000 .......................... .......................... ¥2,000 

Total, Rural Business Investment Program ................................................................................................... .......................... 6,000 .......................... .......................... ¥6,000 

Rural Energy for America Program: 

(Loan authorization) ........................................................................................................................................... (12,760 ) (47,259 ) (12,760 ) .......................... (¥34,499 ) Loan subsidy ...................................................................................................................................................... 3,500 5,000 1,350 ¥2,150 ¥3,650 Grants ................................................................................................................................................................. .......................... 5,000 .......................... .......................... ¥5,000 

Total, Rural Energy for America Program ..................................................................................................... 3,500 10,000 1,350 ¥2,150 ¥8,650 

Healthy Foods, Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative: 

Grants ................................................................................................................................................................. .......................... 12,250 .......................... .......................... ¥12,250 Administrative expenses (transfer to RD) .......................................................................................................... .......................... 750 .......................... .......................... ¥750 

Total, Healthy Foods, Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative ................................................................................ .......................... 13,000 .......................... .......................... ¥13,000 Total, Rural Business—Cooperative Service ................................................................................................. ¥37,390 ¥11,600 ¥41,816 ¥4,426 ¥30,216 

(Loan authorization) .............................................................................................................................. (1,022,823 ) (772,467 ) (1,022,828 ) (∂5 ) (∂250,361 ) 

Rural Utilities Service: 

Rural Water and Waste Disposal Program Account: 

Loan authorizations: 

Direct ......................................................................................................................................................... (1,200,000 ) (1,200,000 ) (1,200,000 ) .......................... ..........................Guaranteed ................................................................................................................................................ (50,000 ) .......................... (50,000 ) .......................... (∂50,000 ) Direct loans authorized by Public Law 83–566 ....................................................................................... (40,000 ) .......................... .......................... (¥40,000 ) ..........................

Total, Loan authorization ...................................................................................................................... 1,290,000 1,200,000 1,250,000 ¥40,000 ∂50,000 
105 

Loan subsidies and grants: 

Guaranteed subsidy ................................................................................................................................... 355 .......................... 295 ¥60 ∂295 Water and Waste Revolving Fund ............................................................................................................. 1,000 .......................... 1,000 .......................... ∂1,000 Water well system grants ......................................................................................................................... 993 .......................... 993 .......................... ∂993 Colonias and AK/HI grants ........................................................................................................................ 66,500 36,480 66,500 .......................... ∂30,020 Water and waste technical assistance ..................................................................................................... 19,000 9,120 19,000 .......................... ∂9,880 Circuit rider program ................................................................................................................................ 15,000 7,600 15,919 ∂919 ∂8,319 Solid waste management grants .............................................................................................................. 4,000 4,000 4,000 .......................... ..........................High energy cost grants ............................................................................................................................ 10,000 .......................... 10,000 .......................... ∂10,000 Water and waste disposal grants ............................................................................................................. 345,523 246,800 345,523 .......................... ∂98,723 

Total, Loan subsidies and grants ........................................................................................................ 462,371 304,000 463,230 ∂859 ∂159,230 

Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Loans Program Account: 

Loan authorizations: 

Electric: 

Direct, 5 percent .............................................................................................................................. .......................... .......................... .......................... .......................... ..........................Direct, FFB ........................................................................................................................................ (5,000,000 ) (5,000,000 ) (5,000,000 ) .......................... ..........................Guaranteed underwriting .................................................................................................................. (500,000 ) .......................... (500,000 ) .......................... (∂500,000 ) 

Subtotal, Electric ......................................................................................................................... (5,500,000 ) (5,000,000 ) (5,500,000 ) .......................... (∂500,000 ) 

Telecommunications: 

Direct, Treasury rate ......................................................................................................................... (690,000 ) (345,000 ) (690,000 ) .......................... (∂345,000 ) 

Total, Loan authorizations ........................................................................................................... (6,190,000 ) (5,345,000 ) (6,190,000 ) .......................... (∂845,000 ) 

RETLP administrative expenses (transfer to RD) .............................................................................................. 34,478 33,000 34,478 .......................... ∂1,478 

Total, Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Loans Program Account ............................................ 34,478 33,000 34,478 .......................... ∂1,478 

(Loan authorization) .............................................................................................................................. (6,190,000 ) (5,345,000 ) (6,190,000 ) .......................... (∂845,000 ) 

Distance Learning, Telemedicine, and Broadband Program: 

Loan authorizations: 

Broadband telecommunications ................................................................................................................ (34,483 ) (44,238 ) (34,430 ) (¥53 ) (¥9,808 ) 

Total, Loan authorizations .................................................................................................................... (34,483 ) (44,238 ) (34,430 ) (¥53 ) (¥9,808 ) 

Loan subsidies and grants: 

Distance learning and telemedicine: 

Grants ............................................................................................................................................... 24,323 24,950 24,323 .......................... ¥627 
106 

COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL 

FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015—Continued 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Item 2014 appropriation Budget estimate Committee recommendation 

Senate Committee recommendation 

compared with (∂ or ¥) 

2014 

appropriation Budget estimate 

Broadband telecommunications: 

Direct ................................................................................................................................................ 4,500 8,268 6,435 ∂1,935 ¥1,833 Grants ............................................................................................................................................... 10,372 20,372 10,372 .......................... ¥10,000 

Total, Loan subsidies and grants ............................................................................................... 39,195 53,590 41,130 ∂1,935 ¥12,460 Total, Rural Utilities Service ........................................................................................................ 536,044 390,590 538,838 ∂2,794 ∂148,248 

(Loan authorization) ............................................................................................................ (7,514,483 ) (6,589,238 ) (7,474,430 ) (¥40,053 ) (∂885,192 ) 

Total, Title III, Rural Development Programs .............................................................................. 2,397,709 2,230,869 2,448,923 ∂51,214 ∂218,054 

(By transfer) ........................................................................................................................ (454,017 ) (435,295 ) (454,017 ) .......................... (∂18,722 ) (Loan authorization) ............................................................................................................ (35,945,416 ) (34,165,270 ) (35,920,823 ) (¥24,593 ) (∂1,755,553 ) 

TITLE IV—DOMESTIC FOOD PROGRAMS 

Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services ........................................................................ 811 816 816 ∂5 ..........................Food and Nutrition Service: 

Child nutrition programs ............................................................................................................................................. 19,262,957 20,472,000 20,472,000 ∂1,209,043 ..........................

School breakfast program equipment grants .................................................................................................... 25,000 35,000 25,000 .......................... ¥10,000 Demonstration projects ...................................................................................................................................... .......................... 30,000 .......................... .......................... ¥30,000 

Total, Child nutrition programs ..................................................................................................................... 19,287,957 20,537,000 20,497,000 ∂1,209,043 ¥40,000 

Special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC) ................................................... 6,715,841 6,823,000 6,623,000 ¥92,841 ¥200,000 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: 

(Food stamp program) ....................................................................................................................................... 79,168,947 79,250,389 79,250,389 ∂81,442 ..........................

Reserve ...................................................................................................................................................... 3,000,000 5,000,000 3,000,000 .......................... ¥2,000,000 FDPIR nutrition education services ........................................................................................................... 998 998 998 .......................... ..........................National food consumption survey ............................................................................................................ .......................... 5,000 .......................... .......................... ¥5,000 
107 

Fiscal year 2016 (first quarter) ................................................................................................................ .......................... 21,064,097 .......................... .......................... ¥21,064,097 

Total, Food stamp program .................................................................................................................. 82,169,945 105,320,484 82,251,387 ∂81,442 ¥23,069,097 

Fiscal year 2015 .......................................................................................................................... (82,169,945 ) (84,256,387 ) (82,251,387 ) (∂81,442 ) (¥2,005,000 ) 

Commodity Assistance Program: 

Commodity supplemental food program ............................................................................................................ 202,682 208,682 208,682 ∂6,000 ..........................

(By transfer) .............................................................................................................................................. .......................... .......................... (2,800 ) (∂2,800 ) (∂2,800 ) 

Farmers market nutrition program .................................................................................................................... 16,548 16,548 16,548 .......................... ..........................Emergency food assistance program ................................................................................................................. 49,401 49,401 49,401 .......................... ..........................Pacific island and disaster assistance ............................................................................................................. 1,070 1,070 1,070 .......................... ..........................

Total, Commodity assistance program .......................................................................................................... 269,701 275,701 275,701 ∂6,000 ..........................

Nutrition programs administration ............................................................................................................................. 141,348 155,000 155,000 ∂13,652 ..........................

(Transfer out) ..................................................................................................................................................... .......................... .......................... (¥2,800 ) (¥2,800 ) (¥2,800 ) 

Total, Food and Nutrition Service .................................................................................................................. 108,584,792 133,111,185 109,802,088 ∂1,217,296 ¥23,309,097 

Fiscal year 2015 ................................................................................................................................... (108,584,792 ) (112,047,088 ) (109,802,088 ) (∂1,217,296 ) (¥2,245,000 ) 

Total, Title IV, Domestic Food Programs ....................................................................................................... 108,585,603 133,112,001 109,802,904 ∂1,217,301 ¥23,309,097 

Fiscal year 2015 ................................................................................................................................... (108,584,792 ) (112,047,088 ) (109,802,088 ) (∂1,217,296 ) (¥2,245,000 ) 

TITLE V—FOREIGN ASSISTANCE AND 

RELATED PROGRAMS 

Foreign Agricultural Service 

Salaries and expenses ......................................................................................................................................................... 177,863 182,563 182,797 ∂4,934 ∂234 

(Transfer from export loans) ....................................................................................................................................... (6,394 ) (6,394 ) (6,394 ) .......................... ..........................

Total, Salaries and expenses .................................................................................................................................. 184,257 188,957 189,191 ∂4,934 ∂234 

Food for Peace Title I Direct Credit and Food for Progress Program Account, administrative expenses: 

Farm Service Agency, Salaries and expenses (transfer to FSA) ................................................................................ 2,735 2,528 2,528 ¥207 ..........................Unobligated balances (rescission) .............................................................................................................................. .......................... ¥13,000 ¥13,000 ¥13,000 ..........................

Food for Peace Title II Grants: 

Expenses ...................................................................................................................................................................... 1,466,000 1,400,000 1,466,000 .......................... ∂66,000 
108 

COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL 

FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015—Continued 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Item 2014 appropriation Budget estimate Committee recommendation 

Senate Committee recommendation 

compared with (∂ or ¥) 

2014 

appropriation Budget estimate 

Commodity Credit Corporation Export Loans Program Account (administrative expenses): 

Salaries and expenses (Export Loans): 

General Sales Manager (transfer to FAS) .......................................................................................................... 6,394 6,394 6,394 .......................... ..........................Farm Service Agency S&E (transfer to FSA) ...................................................................................................... 354 354 354 .......................... ..........................

Total, CCC Export Loans Program Account ................................................................................................... 6,748 6,748 6,748 .......................... ..........................

McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition program grants ..................................................... 185,126 185,126 185,126 .......................... ..........................

Total, Title V, Foreign Assistance and Related Programs ..................................................................................... 1,838,472 1,763,965 1,830,199 ¥8,273 ∂66,234 

(By transfer) ................................................................................................................................................... (6,394 ) (6,394 ) (6,394 ) .......................... ..........................

TITLE VI—RELATED AGENCIES AND 

FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION 

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 

Food and Drug Administration 

Salaries and expenses, direct appropriation ....................................................................................................................... 2,551,905 2,575,383 2,588,536 ∂36,631 ∂13,153 

Prescription drug user fees ......................................................................................................................................... (760,000 ) (798,000 ) (798,000 ) (∂38,000 ) ..........................Medical device user fees ............................................................................................................................................ (114,833 ) (128,282 ) (128,282 ) (∂13,449 ) ..........................Human generic drug user fees ................................................................................................................................... (305,996 ) (312,116 ) (312,116 ) (∂6,120 ) ..........................Biosimilar biological products user fees .................................................................................................................... (20,716 ) (21,014 ) (21,014 ) (∂298 ) ..........................Animal drug user fees ................................................................................................................................................ (23,600 ) (22,464 ) (22,464 ) (¥1,136 ) ..........................Animal generic drug user fees ................................................................................................................................... (7,328 ) (6,944 ) (6,944 ) (¥384 ) ..........................Tobacco product user fees .......................................................................................................................................... (534,000 ) (566,000 ) (566,000 ) (∂32,000 ) ..........................Food and feed recall user fees ................................................................................................................................... (12,925 ) .......................... .......................... (¥12,925 ) ..........................Food Reinspection fees ............................................................................................................................................... (15,367 ) .......................... .......................... (¥15,367 ) ..........................

Subtotal (including user fees) ................................................................................................................................ (4,346,670 ) (4,430,203 ) (4,443,356 ) (∂96,686 ) (∂13,153 ) 
109 

Mammography user fees ............................................................................................................................................. (19,318 ) (19,705 ) (19,705 ) (∂387 ) ..........................Export and color certification user fees ..................................................................................................................... (12,447 ) (13,651 ) (13,651 ) (∂1,204 ) ..........................Food and feed recall user fees ................................................................................................................................... .......................... (1,434 ) (1,434 ) (∂1,434 ) ..........................Food reinspection fees ................................................................................................................................................ .......................... (6,414 ) (6,414 ) (∂6,414 ) ..........................Voluntary qualified importer program fees ................................................................................................................. .......................... (5,300 ) (5,300 ) (∂5,300 ) ..........................Pharmacy compounding fees (CBO estimate) ............................................................................................................ .......................... (1,000 ) (1,000 ) (∂1,000 ) ..........................

Subtotal, FDA (with user fees) ............................................................................................................................... (4,378,435 ) (4,477,707 ) (4,490,860 ) (∂112,425 ) (∂13,153 ) 

FDA new user fees (Leg. proposals): 

Food facility registration and inspection user fees ........................................................................................... .......................... (60,120 ) .......................... .......................... (¥60,120 ) Food import user fees ........................................................................................................................................ .......................... (169,021 ) .......................... .......................... (¥169,021 ) International courier user fees ........................................................................................................................... .......................... (5,807 ) .......................... .......................... (¥5,807 ) Cosmetic user fees ............................................................................................................................................. .......................... (19,457 ) .......................... .......................... (¥19,457 ) Food contact substance notification user fees ................................................................................................. .......................... (5,098 ) .......................... .......................... (¥5,098 ) 

Subtotal, FDA new user fees (Leg Proposals) ............................................................................................... .......................... (259,503 ) .......................... .......................... (¥259,503 ) 

Buildings and facilities ........................................................................................................................................................ 8,788 8,788 8,788 .......................... ..........................

Total, FDA (w/user fees, including proposals) ....................................................................................................... (4,387,223 ) (4,745,998 ) (4,499,648 ) (∂112,425 ) (¥246,350 ) Total, FDA (w/enacted user fees only) ................................................................................................................... (4,387,223 ) (4,486,495 ) (4,499,648 ) (∂112,425 ) (∂13,153 ) Total, FDA (excluding user fees) ............................................................................................................................ 2,560,693 2,584,171 2,597,324 ∂36,631 ∂13,153 

INDEPENDENT AGENCIES 

Farm Credit Administration (limitation on administrative expenses) ................................................................................. (62,600 ) (65,100 ) (65,100 ) (∂2,500 ) ..........................

Total, Title VI, Related Agencies and Food and Drug Administration ................................................................... 2,560,693 2,584,171 2,597,324 ∂36,631 ∂13,153 

TITLE VII—GENERAL PROVISIONS 

Limit dam rehab (Sec. 718(1)) ............................................................................................................................................ ¥153,000 .......................... .......................... ∂153,000 ..........................

(rescission) .................................................................................................................................................................. .......................... ¥153,000 ¥142,000 ¥142,000 ∂11,000 

Limit environmental quality incentives program (Sec. 718(2)) .......................................................................................... ¥272,000 ¥250,000 ¥136,000 ∂136,000 ∂114,000 Limit fruit and vegetable program (Sec. 719) .................................................................................................................... ¥119,000 ¥122,000 ¥122,000 ¥3,000 ..........................Section 32 (rescission) (Sec. 719) ....................................................................................................................................... ¥189,000 ¥203,000 ¥121,000 ∂68,000 ∂82,000 Resource conservation and development (rescission) (Sec. 727) ....................................................................................... ¥2,017 .......................... .......................... ∂2,017 ..........................Geographic disadvantaged farmers (Sec. 728) ................................................................................................................... 1,996 .......................... 1,996 .......................... ∂1,996 Hardwood trees (Reforestation Pilot Program) (Sec. 729) .................................................................................................. 600 .......................... 600 .......................... ∂600 Agriculture buildings and facilities and rental payments (rescission) (Sec. 731) ............................................................ ¥30,000 .......................... .......................... ∂30,000 ..........................Rural Housing Service (rescission) (Sec. 733) .................................................................................................................... ¥1,314 .......................... .......................... ∂1,314 ..........................
110 

COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL 

FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015—Continued 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Item 2014 appropriation Budget estimate Committee recommendation 

Senate Committee recommendation 

compared with (∂ or ¥) 

2014 

appropriation Budget estimate 

Section 9005 Bioenergy program (rescission) (Sec. 734) ................................................................................................... ¥8,000 .......................... .......................... ∂8,000 ..........................Water Bank program (Sec. 739) .......................................................................................................................................... 4,000 .......................... 4,000 .......................... ∂4,000 Section 9003 Biorefinery program (rescission) (Sec. 741) .................................................................................................. ¥40,694 .......................... .......................... ∂40,694 ..........................Hunger Commission (Sec. 743) ........................................................................................................................................... 1,000 .......................... .......................... ¥1,000 ..........................FDA user fees (Sec. 747) ..................................................................................................................................................... 79,000 .......................... .......................... ¥79,000 ..........................Citrus greening [APHIS] (Sec. 748) ..................................................................................................................................... 20,000 .......................... .......................... ¥20,000 ..........................Southwest Border Regional Commission ............................................................................................................................. .......................... 2,000 .......................... .......................... ¥2,000 Emergency livestock assistance program (rescission) ........................................................................................................ .......................... ¥125,000 ¥125,000 ¥125,000 ..........................Emergency watershed protection program (disaster relief category) .................................................................................. .......................... .......................... 85,000 ∂85,000 ∂85,000 Emergency forestry restoration program (disaster relief category) ..................................................................................... .......................... .......................... 15,000 ∂15,000 ∂15,000 Emergency watershed protection program ........................................................................................................................... .......................... .......................... 24,978 ∂24,978 ∂24,978 Emergency conservation program ........................................................................................................................................ .......................... .......................... 11,755 ∂11,755 ∂11,755 

Total, Title VII, General provisions ......................................................................................................................... ¥708,429 ¥851,000 ¥502,671 ∂205,758 ∂348,329 Grand total .............................................................................................................................................................. 145,437,976 165,182,539 142,654,142 ¥2,783,834 ¥22,528,397 

Appropriations fiscal year 2015 .................................................................................................................... (145,881,001 ) (144,767,442 ) (143,113,142 ) (¥2,767,859 ) (¥1,654,300 ) Disaster relief category .................................................................................................................................. .......................... .......................... (100,000 ) (∂100,000 ) (∂100,000 ) Rescissions .................................................................................................................................................... (¥443,025 ) (¥649,000 ) (¥559,000 ) (¥115,975 ) (∂90,000 ) Advance appropriations, fiscal year 2016 .................................................................................................... .......................... (21,064,097 ) .......................... .......................... (¥21,064,097 ) 

(By transfer) ............................................................................................................................................................ (790,554 ) (771,886 ) (793,408 ) (∂2,854 ) (∂21,522 ) (Loan authorization) ................................................................................................................................................ (41,472,694 ) (40,567,384 ) (42,322,937 ) (∂850,243 ) (∂1,755,553 ) (Limitation on administrative expenses) ................................................................................................................ (178,035 ) (180,809 ) (180,809 ) (∂2,774 ) ..........................

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