A bill to reauthorize and amend the National Sea Grant College Program Act, and for other purposes.

Bill: 114-s-764
Sponsor: full_name: Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]
Introduced: 2015-03-17
Policy area: Agriculture and Food
Subjects: Abortion

Administrative law and regulatory procedures

Advisory bodies

Agricultural practices and innovations

Agricultural research

Aquaculture

Aquatic ecology

Business records

Congressional committees

Congressional officers and employees

Congressional oversight

Consumer affairs

Department of Agriculture

Department of Commerce

Education programs funding

Executive agency funding and structure

Family planning and birth control

Federal preemption

Food industry and services

Food supply, safety, and labeling

Genetics

Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management

Government studies and investigations

Great Lakes

Health facilities and institutions

Health programs administration and funding

Higher education

Marine and coastal resources, fisheries

Marine and inland water transportation

Research administration and funding

Science and engineering education

Seafood

Sex and reproductive health

Small business

Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations

State and local government operations

Student aid and college costs

Women's health
Latest action: action_date: 2016-07-29
text: Became Public Law No: 114-216.

Summaries:
action_date: 2015-03-17
action_desc: Introduced in Senate
text: <p><b>National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2015 </b></p> <p> This bill amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to reauthorize through FY2021 the National Sea Grant College Program.</p> <p>The bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to award Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowships. Currently, NOAA has discretion in awarding such fellowships. These fellowships support the placement of graduate students in fields related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources in positions with the executive and legislative branches.</p> <p>NOAA must prioritize placement of marine policy fellows placed in the legislative branch in: (1) offices or committees of Congress that have jurisdiction over NOAA; and (2) offices of Members of Congress that have a demonstrated interest in ocean, coastal, or Great Lakes resources. NOAA must attempt to ensure that placements are equitably distributed among political parties. </p> <p> NOAA must establish priorities for the use of donations given for the National Sea Grant College Program. </p> <p> The bill authorizes through FY2020 grants for university research on: (1) the biology, prevention, and control of aquatic nonnative species; (2) oyster diseases, oyster restoration, and oyster-related human health risks; (3) the biology, prevention, and forecasting of harmful algal blooms; and (4) sustainable aquaculture techniques and technologies. The bill also authorizes through FY2020 grants for: (1) fishery extension activities conducted by sea grant colleges or sea grant institutes to enhance existing core program funding, and (2) priority issues identified in the National Sea Grant College Program's strategic plan.</p>

action_date: 2015-07-23
action_desc: Reported to Senate with amendment(s)
text: <p><b>National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2015 </b></p> <p>This bill amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to reauthorize through FY2021 the National Sea Grant College Program.</p> <p>(Sec. 3) The bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to award Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowships. Currently, NOAA has discretion in awarding such fellowships. These fellowships support the placement of graduate students in fields related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources in positions with the executive and legislative branches.</p> <p>NOAA must prioritize placement of marine policy fellows placed in the legislative branch in: (1) offices or committees of Congress that have jurisdiction over NOAA; and (2) offices of Members of Congress that have a demonstrated interest in ocean, coastal, or Great Lakes resources. NOAA must attempt to ensure that placements are equitably distributed among political parties.</p> <p>(Sec. 4) NOAA must establish priorities for the use of donations given for the National Sea Grant Program. The National Sea Grant College Program must make recommendations for the optimal use of the donations.</p> <p>(Sec. 5) The bill repeals a reporting requirement on the coordination of oceans and coastal research activities by NOAA and the National Science Foundation.</p> <p>(Sec. 6) The bill reduces the frequency of reports required by the National Sea Grant Advisory Board on the National Sea Grant College Program by requiring reports every three years rather than every two years.</p> <p>(Sec. 7) The bill specifies that the financial assistance provided by the National Sea Grant College Program includes assistance for research, education, extension, training, technology transfer, and public service. </p> <p>(Sec. 8) Within two years of a fellow successfully completing the Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship, federal agencies may appoint a fellow who has earned a graduate or post-graduate degree in a field related to ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources or policy from an accredited institution of higher education.</p> <p>(Sec. 9) The bill authorizes through FY2020 grants for university research on: (1) the biology, prevention, and control of aquatic nonnative species; (2) oyster diseases, oyster restoration, and oyster-related human health risks; (3) the biology, prevention, and forecasting of harmful algal blooms; and (4) sustainable aquaculture techniques and technologies. The bill also authorizes through FY2020 grants for: (1) fishery extension activities conducted by sea grant colleges or sea grant institutes to enhance existing core program funding; and (2) priority issues identified in the National Sea Grant Program's strategic plan.</p>

action_date: 2015-07-28
action_desc: Passed Senate amended
text: <p>(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the Senate on July 23, 2015. The summary of that version is repeated here.) </p> <p><strong>National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2015</strong></p> <p>This bill amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to reauthorize through FY2021 the National Sea Grant College Program. </p> <p>(Sec. 3) The bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to award Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowships. Currently, NOAA has discretion in awarding such fellowships. These fellowships support the placement of graduate students in fields related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources in positions with the executive and legislative branches. </p> <p>NOAA shall prioritize placement of marine policy fellows placed in the legislative branch in: (1) offices or committees of Congress that have jurisdiction over NOAA; and (2) offices of Members of Congress that have a demonstrated interest in ocean, coastal, or Great Lakes resources. NOAA shall attempt to ensure that placements are equitably distributed among political parties. </p> <p>(Sec. 4) NOAA must establish priorities for the use of donations given for the National Sea Grant Program. The National Sea Grant College Program must make recommendations for the optimal use of the donations.</p> <p> (Sec. 5) The bill repeals a reporting requirement on the coordination of oceans and coastal research activities by NOAA and the National Science Foundation. </p> <p>(Sec. 6) The bill reduces the frequency of reports required by the National Sea Grant Advisory Board on the National Sea Grant College Program by requiring reports every three years rather than every two years. </p> <p>(Sec. 7) The bill specifies that the financial assistance provided by the National Sea Grant College Program includes assistance for research, education, extension, training, technology transfer, and public service. </p> <p>(Sec. 8) Within two years of a fellow successfully completing the Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship, federal agencies may appoint a fellow who has earned a graduate or post-graduate degree in a field related to ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources or policy from an accredited institution of higher education. </p> <p>(Sec. 9) The bill authorizes through FY2020 grants for university research on: (1) the biology, prevention, and control of aquatic nonnative species; (2) oyster diseases, oyster restoration, and oyster-related human health risks; (3) the biology, prevention, and forecasting of harmful algal blooms; and (4) sustainable aquaculture techniques and technologies. The bill also authorizes through FY2020 grants for: (1) fishery extension activities conducted by sea grant colleges or sea grant institutes to enhance existing core program funding; and (2) priority issues identified in the National Sea Grant Program's strategic plan. </p>

action_date: 2015-09-18
action_desc: Passed House amended
text: <p><b>Defund Planned Parenthood Act of 2015</b></p> <p>(Sec. 3) This bill prohibits, for a one-year period, the availability of federal funds for any purpose to Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc., or any of its affiliates or clinics, unless they certify that the affiliates and clinics will not perform, and will not provide any funds to any other entity that performs, an abortion during such period.</p> <p>The restriction will not apply in cases of rape or incest or where a physical condition endangers a woman's life unless an abortion is performed.</p> <p>The Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture must seek repayment of federal assistance received by Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc., or any affiliate or clinic, if it violates the terms of the certification required by this Act.</p> <p>(Sec. 4) Additional funding for community health centers is provided for the one-year period described above.</p>

action_date: 2016-07-07
action_desc: Senate agreed to House amendment with amendment
text: <p>This bill amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to establish a national mandatory bioengineered food disclosure standard. (Bioengineered food is commonly referred to as a genetically modified organism or GMO food.) </p> <p>(Sec. 1) Bioengineered food is food that that has been genetically modified in a way that could not be obtained through conventional breeding or found in nature. </p> <p>The standard applies to any claim in a disclosure a food bears indicating that the food is bioengineered and to any food subject to the labeling requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). </p> <p>It applies to foods subject to labeling requirements under the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, or the Egg Products Inspection Act if: (1) the most predominant ingredient would independently be subject to the FFDCA labeling requirements; or (2) the most predominant ingredient is broth, stock, water, or a similar solution and the second-most predominant ingredient would independently be subject to the FFDCA labeling requirements. </p> <p>Within two years of enactment of this bill, USDA must establish: (1) a national mandatory bioengineered food disclosure standard for any bioengineered food and any food that may be bioengineered, and (2) requirements and procedures to carry out the standard. </p> <p> Regulations prescribing the labeling of bioengineered food must: </p> <ul> <li> prohibit a food derived from an animal from being considered bioengineered solely because the animal consumed feed produced from, containing, or consisting of a bioengineered substance; </li> <li> determine the amounts of a bioengineered substance that may be present for a food to be bioengineered; </li> <li> establish a process for requesting and granting a USDA determination regarding other factors and conditions under which a food is considered bioengineered; </li> <li> require the form of disclosure to be a text, symbol, or electronic or digital link (excluding Internet website Uniform Resource Locators not embedded in the link) with the disclosure option to be selected by the food manufacturer; and </li> <li> provide alternative reasonable disclosure options for food contained in small or very small packages. </li> </ul> <p>For small food manufacturers, the regulations must provide: (1) an implementation date that is no earlier than one year after the implementation date of the regulations; and (2) additional on-package disclosure options to be selected by the manufacturer that consist of: a telephone number with language indicating that it provides access to additional information, and an Internet website maintained by the manufacturer.</p> <p>The regulations must exclude: (1) food served in a restaurant or similar retail food establishment, and (2) very small food manufacturers. </p> <p>A bioengineered food that has successfully completed the pre-market federal regulatory review process shall not be treated as safer than, or not as safe as, a non-bioengineered counterpart solely because the food is bioengineered or produced or developed with bioengineering. </p> <p>USDA must: (1) conduct a study to identify potential technological challenges that may impact whether consumers would have access to the bioengineering disclosure through electronic or digital disclosure methods, and (2) provide additional disclosure options if it determines that consumers will not have sufficient access to disclosures through electronic or digital methods. </p> <p>USDA must ensure that specified on-package language accompanies electronic or digital link disclosures and telephone number disclosures. </p> <p>USDA must also ensure that an electronic or digital link disclosure: </p> <ul> <li> provides access to the disclosure located in a consistent and conspicuous manner on the first product information page that appears, excluding marketing and promotional information; </li> <li>may not collect, analyze, or sell personally identifiable information about consumers or their devices unless the information is necessary to carry out the bill and is deleted immediately after it is used;</li> <li> includes a telephone number that provides access to the disclosure; and </li> <li> is of sufficient size to be easily and effectively scanned or read by a digital device. </li> </ul> <p>The bill prohibits states or political subdivisions of states from establishing or continuing requirements for labeling or disclosure of bioengineered or genetically engineered food that are not identical to the mandatory disclosure standard established by this bill. </p> <p>This bill prohibits a person from knowingly failing to make a disclosure required by the standard. Each person subject to the mandatory disclosure requirement must maintain records necessary to establish compliance and provide the records to USDA upon request. USDA may conduct examinations and audits related to compliance, subject to requirements for notice, a public hearing, and the publication of the results. USDA may not recall any food on the basis of whether the food includes the disclosure. </p> <p>A food may not include claims related to the absence of bioengineering solely based on whether or not a disclosure is required by the standard. A certification under the national organic program is sufficient to make a claim regarding the absence of bioengineering in a food. </p>

action_date: 2016-07-29
action_desc: Public Law
text: <p>(This measure has not been amended since the Senate agreed to the House amendment with an amendment on July 7, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.)</p> <p>This bill amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to establish a national mandatory bioengineered food disclosure standard. (Bioengineered food is commonly referred to as a genetically modified organism or GMO food.) </p> <p>(Sec. 1) Bioengineered food is food that that has been genetically modified in a way that could not be obtained through conventional breeding or found in nature. </p> <p>The standard applies to any claim in a disclosure a food bears indicating that the food is bioengineered and to any food subject to the labeling requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). </p> <p>It applies to foods subject to labeling requirements under the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, or the Egg Products Inspection Act if: (1) the most predominant ingredient would independently be subject to the FFDCA labeling requirements; or (2) the most predominant ingredient is broth, stock, water, or a similar solution and the second-most predominant ingredient would independently be subject to the FFDCA labeling requirements. </p> <p>Within two years of enactment of this bill, USDA must establish: (1) a national mandatory bioengineered food disclosure standard for any bioengineered food and any food that may be bioengineered, and (2) requirements and procedures to carry out the standard. </p> <p>Regulations prescribing the labeling of bioengineered food must: </p> <ul> <li>prohibit a food derived from an animal from being considered bioengineered solely because the animal consumed feed produced from, containing, or consisting of a bioengineered substance; </li> <li>determine the amounts of a bioengineered substance that may be present for a food to be bioengineered; </li> <li>establish a process for requesting and granting a USDA determination regarding other factors and conditions under which a food is considered bioengineered; </li> <li>require the form of disclosure to be a text, symbol, or electronic or digital link (excluding Internet website Uniform Resource Locators not embedded in the link) with the disclosure option to be selected by the food manufacturer; and</li> <li>provide alternative reasonable disclosure options for food contained in small or very small packages. </li> </ul> <p>For small food manufacturers, the regulations must provide: (1) an implementation date that is no earlier than one year after the implementation date of the regulations; and (2) additional on-package disclosure options to be selected by the manufacturer that consist of: a telephone number with language indicating that it provides access to additional information, and an Internet website maintained by the manufacturer. </p> <p>The regulations must exclude: (1) food served in a restaurant or similar retail food establishment, and (2) very small food manufacturers. </p> <p>A bioengineered food that has successfully completed the pre-market federal regulatory review process shall not be treated as safer than, or not as safe as, a non-bioengineered counterpart solely because the food is bioengineered or produced or developed with bioengineering. </p> <p>USDA must: (1) conduct a study to identify potential technological challenges that may impact whether consumers would have access to the bioengineering disclosure through electronic or digital disclosure methods, and (2) provide additional disclosure options if it determines that consumers will not have sufficient access to disclosures through electronic or digital methods. </p> <p>USDA must ensure that specified on-package language accompanies electronic or digital link disclosures and telephone number disclosures. </p> <p>USDA must also ensure that an electronic or digital link disclosure: </p> <ul> <li>provides access to the disclosure located in a consistent and conspicuous manner on the first product information page that appears, excluding marketing and promotional information; </li> <li>may not collect, analyze, or sell personally identifiable information about consumers or their devices unless the information is necessary to carry out the bill and is deleted immediately after it is used;</li> <li>includes a telephone number that provides access to the disclosure; and</li> <li>is of sufficient size to be easily and effectively scanned or read by a digital device. </li> </ul> <p>The bill prohibits states or political subdivisions of states from establishing or continuing requirements for labeling or disclosure of bioengineered or genetically engineered food that are not identical to the mandatory disclosure standard established by this bill. </p> <p>This bill prohibits a person from knowingly failing to make a disclosure required by the standard. Each person subject to the mandatory disclosure requirement must maintain records necessary to establish compliance and provide the records to USDA upon request. USDA may conduct examinations and audits related to compliance, subject to requirements for notice, a public hearing, and the publication of the results. USDA may not recall any food on the basis of whether the food includes the disclosure. </p> <p>A food may not include claims related to the absence of bioengineering solely based on whether or not a disclosure is required by the standard. A certification under the national organic program is sufficient to make a claim regarding the absence of bioengineering in a food. </p>

tv_txt: II 114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 764 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 17, 2015 Mr. Wicker (for himself, Mr. Schatz , Mr. Sullivan , and Ms. Cantwell ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation A BILL To reauthorize and amend the National Sea Grant College Program Act, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2015 . 2. References to the National Sea Grant College Program Act Except as otherwise expressly provided, wherever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1121 et seq. ). 3. Modification of Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship (a) In general Section 208(b) ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ) is amended by striking may and inserting shall . (b) Placements in Congress Such section is further amended— (1) in the first sentence, by striking The Secretary and inserting the following: (1) In general The Secretary ; and (2) in paragraph (1), as designated by paragraph (1), in the second sentence, by striking A fellowship and inserting the following: (2) Placement priorities (A) In general In each year in which the Secretary awards a legislative fellowship under this subsection, when considering the placement of fellows, the Secretary shall prioritize placement of fellows in the following: (i) Positions in offices of, or with members on, committees of Congress that have jurisdiction over the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (ii) Positions in offices of members of Congress that have a demonstrated interest in ocean, coastal, or Great Lakes resources. (B) Equitable distribution In placing fellows in offices described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall ensure, to the maximum degree practicable, that placements are equitably distributed among the political parties. (3) Duration A fellowship . (c) Effective date The amendments made by subsection (b) shall apply with respect to the first calendar year beginning after the date of enactment of this Act. (d) Sense of Congress concerning Federal hiring of former fellows It is the sense of Congress that in recognition of the competitive nature of the fellowship under section 208(b) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ), and of the exceptional qualifications of fellowship awardees, the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, should encourage participating Federal agencies to consider opportunities for fellowship awardees at the conclusion of their fellowship for workforce positions appropriate for their education and experience. 4. Modification of authority of Secretary of Commerce to accept donations for National Sea Grant College Program (a) In general Section 204(c)(4)(E) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(E) ) is amended to read as follows: (E) accept donations of money and, notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, of voluntary and uncompensated services; . (b) Priorities The Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, shall establish priorities for the use of donations accepted under section 204(c)(4)(E) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(E) ), and shall consider among those priorities the possibility of expanding the Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship's placement of additional fellows in relevant legislative offices under section 208(b) of that Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ), in accordance with the recommendations under subsection (c) of this section. (c) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Sea Grant College Program, in consultation with the National Sea Grant Advisory Board and the Sea Grant Association, shall— (1) develop recommendations for the optimal use of any donations accepted under section 204(c)(4)(E) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(E) ); and (2) submit to Congress a report on the recommendations developed under paragraph (1). (d) Construction Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or otherwise affect any other amounts available for marine policy fellowships under section 208(b) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ), including amounts— (1) accepted under section 204(c)(4)(F) of that Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(F) ); or (2) appropriated under section 212 of that Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1131 ). 5. Repeal of requirement for report on coordination of oceans and coastal research activities Section 9 of the National Sea Grant College Program Act Amendments of 2002 ( 33 U.S.C. 857–20 ) is repealed. 6. Reduction in frequency required for National Sea Grant Advisory Board report Section 209(b)(2) ( 33 U.S.C. 1128(b)(2) ) is amended— (1) in the heading, by striking Biennial and inserting Periodic ; and (2) in the first sentence, by striking The Board shall report to the Congress every two years and inserting Not less frequently than once every 3 years, the Board shall submit to Congress a report . 7. Modification of elements of National Sea Grant College Program Section 204(b) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(b) ) is amended, in the matter before paragraph (1), by inserting for research, education, extension, training, technology transfer, and public service after financial assistance . 8. Authorization of appropriations for National Sea Grant College Program (a) In general Section 212(a) ( 33 U.S.C. 1131(a) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in subparagraph (E), by striking and at the end; (B) in subparagraph (F), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (G) $72,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; (H) $75,600,000 for fiscal year 2016; (I) $79,380,000 for fiscal year 2017; (J) $83,350,000 for fiscal year 2018; (K) $87,520,000 for fiscal year 2019; (L) $91,900,000 for fiscal year 2020; and (M) $96,500,000 for fiscal year 2021. ; (2) in the heading for paragraph (2), by inserting for fiscal years 2009 through 2014 after Priority activities ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (3) Priority activities for fiscal years 2015 through 2020 In addition to the amounts authorized under paragraph (1), there is authorized to be appropriated $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2020 for competitive grants for the following: (A) University research on the biology, prevention, and control of aquatic nonnative species. (B) University research on oyster diseases, oyster restoration, and oyster-related human health risks. (C) University research on the biology, prevention, and forecasting of harmful algal blooms. (D) University research, education, training, and extension services and activities focused on coastal resilience and U.S. working waterfronts and other regional or national priority issues identified in the strategic plan under section 204(c)(1). (E) University research on sustainable aquaculture techniques and technologies. (F) Fishery extension activities conducted by sea grant colleges or sea grant institutes to enhance, and not supplant, existing core program funding. . (b) Modification of limitations on amounts for administration Paragraph (1) of section 212(b) ( 33 U.S.C. 1131(b) ) is amended to read as follows: (1) Administration (A) In general There may not be used for administration of programs under this title in a fiscal year more than 5.5 percent of the lesser of— (i) the amount authorized to be appropriated under this title for the fiscal year; or (ii) the amount appropriated under this title for the fiscal year. (B) Critical staffing requirements (i) In general The Director shall use the authority under subchapter VI of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, to meet any critical staffing requirement while carrying out the activities authorized in this title. (ii) Exception from cap For purposes of subparagraph (A), any costs incurred as a result of an exercise of authority as described in clause (i) shall not be considered an amount used for administration of programs under this title in a fiscal year. . (c) Allocation of funding (1) In general Section 204(d)(3) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(d)(3) ) is amended— (A) in the matter before subparagraph (A), by striking With respect to sea grant colleges and sea grant institutes and inserting With respect to sea grant colleges, sea grant institutes, sea grant programs, and sea grant projects ; and (B) in subparagraph (B), in the matter before clause (i), by striking funding among sea grant colleges and sea grant institutes and inserting funding among sea grant colleges, sea grant institutes, sea grant programs, and sea grant projects . (2) Repeal of requirements concerning distribution of excess amounts Section 212 ( 33 U.S.C. 1131 ) is amended— (A) by striking subsection (c); and (B) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively. 9. Technical corrections The National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1121 et seq. ) is amended— (1) in section 204(d)(3)(B) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(d)(3)(B) ), by moving clause (vi) two ems to the right; and (2) in section 209(b)(2) ( 33 U.S.C. 1128(b)(2) ), as amended by section 6, in the third sentence, by striking The Secretary shall and inserting the following: (3) Availability of resources of Department of Commerce The Secretary shall .

tv_txt: IC 114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 764 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES July 29, 2015 Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources AN ACT To reauthorize and amend the National Sea Grant College Program Act, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2015 . 2. References to the National Sea Grant College Program Act Except as otherwise expressly provided, wherever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1121 et seq. ). 3. Modification of Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship (a) In general Section 208(b) ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ) is amended by striking may and inserting shall . (b) Placements in Congress Such section is further amended— (1) in the first sentence, by striking The Secretary and inserting the following: (1) In general The Secretary ; and (2) in paragraph (1), as designated by paragraph (1), in the second sentence, by striking A fellowship and inserting the following: (2) Placement priorities (A) In general In each year in which the Secretary awards a legislative fellowship under this subsection, when considering the placement of fellows, the Secretary shall prioritize placement of fellows in the following: (i) Positions in offices of, or with members on, committees of Congress that have jurisdiction over the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (ii) Positions in offices of members of Congress that have a demonstrated interest in ocean, coastal, or Great Lakes resources. (B) Equitable distribution In placing fellows in offices described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall ensure, to the maximum degree practicable, that placements are equitably distributed among the political parties. (3) Duration A fellowship . (c) Effective date The amendments made by subsection (b) shall apply with respect to the first calendar year beginning after the date of enactment of this Act. (d) Sense of Congress concerning Federal hiring of former fellows It is the sense of Congress that in recognition of the competitive nature of the fellowship under section 208(b) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ), and of the exceptional qualifications of fellowship awardees, the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, should encourage participating Federal agencies to consider opportunities for fellowship awardees at the conclusion of their fellowship for workforce positions appropriate for their education and experience. 4. Modification of authority of Secretary of Commerce to accept donations for National Sea Grant College Program (a) In general Section 204(c)(4)(E) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(E) ) is amended to read as follows: (E) accept donations of money and, notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, of voluntary and uncompensated services; . (b) Priorities The Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, shall establish priorities for the use of donations accepted under section 204(c)(4)(E) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(E) ), and shall consider among those priorities the possibility of expanding the Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship's placement of additional fellows in relevant legislative offices under section 208(b) of that Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ), in accordance with the recommendations under subsection (c) of this section. (c) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Sea Grant College Program, in consultation with the National Sea Grant Advisory Board and the Sea Grant Association, shall— (1) develop recommendations for the optimal use of any donations accepted under section 204(c)(4)(E) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(E) ); and (2) submit to Congress a report on the recommendations developed under paragraph (1). (d) Construction Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or otherwise affect any other amounts available for marine policy fellowships under section 208(b) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ), including amounts— (1) accepted under section 204(c)(4)(F) of that Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(F) ); or (2) appropriated under section 212 of that Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1131 ). 5. Repeal of requirement for report on coordination of oceans and coastal research activities Section 9 of the National Sea Grant College Program Act Amendments of 2002 ( 33 U.S.C. 857–20 ) is repealed. 6. Reduction in frequency required for National Sea Grant Advisory Board report Section 209(b)(2) ( 33 U.S.C. 1128(b)(2) ) is amended— (1) in the heading, by striking Biennial and inserting Periodic ; and (2) in the first sentence, by striking The Board shall report to the Congress every two years and inserting Not less frequently than once every 3 years, the Board shall submit to Congress a report . 7. Modification of elements of National Sea Grant College Program Section 204(b) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(b) ) is amended, in the matter before paragraph (1), by inserting for research, education, extension, training, technology transfer, and public service after financial assistance . 8. Direct hire authority; Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship (a) In general During fiscal year 2016 and thereafter, the head of any Federal agency may appoint, without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, other than sections 3303 and 3328 of that title, a qualified candidate described in subsection (b) directly to a position with the Federal agency for which the candidate meets Office of Personnel Management qualification standards. (b) Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Subsection (a) applies with respect to a former recipient of a Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship under section 208(b) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ) who— (1) earned a graduate or post-graduate degree in a field related to ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources or policy from an accredited institution of higher education; and (2) successfully fulfilled the requirements of the fellowship within the executive or legislative branch of the United States Government. (c) Limitation The direct hire authority under this section shall be exercised with respect to a specific qualified candidate not later than 2 years after the date that the candidate completed the fellowship. 9. Authorization of appropriations for National Sea Grant College Program (a) In general Section 212(a) ( 33 U.S.C. 1131(a) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in subparagraph (E), by striking and at the end; (B) in subparagraph (F), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (G) $72,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; (H) $75,600,000 for fiscal year 2016; (I) $79,380,000 for fiscal year 2017; (J) $83,350,000 for fiscal year 2018; (K) $87,520,000 for fiscal year 2019; (L) $91,900,000 for fiscal year 2020; and (M) $96,500,000 for fiscal year 2021. ; (2) in the heading for paragraph (2), by inserting for fiscal years 2009 through 2014 after Priority activities ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (3) Priority activities for fiscal years 2015 through 2020 In addition to the amounts authorized under paragraph (1), there is authorized to be appropriated $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2020 for competitive grants for the following: (A) University research on the biology, prevention, and control of aquatic nonnative species. (B) University research on oyster diseases, oyster restoration, and oyster-related human health risks. (C) University research on the biology, prevention, and forecasting of harmful algal blooms. (D) University research, education, training, and extension services and activities focused on coastal resilience and U.S. working waterfronts and other regional or national priority issues identified in the strategic plan under section 204(c)(1). (E) University research on sustainable aquaculture techniques and technologies. (F) Fishery extension activities conducted by sea grant colleges or sea grant institutes to enhance, and not supplant, existing core program funding. . (b) Modification of limitations on amounts for administration Paragraph (1) of section 212(b) ( 33 U.S.C. 1131(b) ) is amended to read as follows: (1) Administration (A) In general There may not be used for administration of programs under this title in a fiscal year more than 5.5 percent of the lesser of— (i) the amount authorized to be appropriated under this title for the fiscal year; or (ii) the amount appropriated under this title for the fiscal year. (B) Critical staffing requirements (i) In general The Director shall use the authority under subchapter VI of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, to meet any critical staffing requirement while carrying out the activities authorized in this title. (ii) Exception from cap For purposes of subparagraph (A), any costs incurred as a result of an exercise of authority as described in clause (i) shall not be considered an amount used for administration of programs under this title in a fiscal year. . (c) Allocation of funding (1) In general Section 204(d)(3) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(d)(3) ) is amended— (A) in the matter before subparagraph (A), by striking With respect to sea grant colleges and sea grant institutes and inserting With respect to sea grant colleges, sea grant institutes, sea grant programs, and sea grant projects ; and (B) in subparagraph (B), in the matter before clause (i), by striking funding among sea grant colleges and sea grant institutes and inserting funding among sea grant colleges, sea grant institutes, sea grant programs, and sea grant projects . (2) Repeal of requirements concerning distribution of excess amounts Section 212 ( 33 U.S.C. 1131 ) is amended— (A) by striking subsection (c); and (B) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively. 10. Technical corrections The National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1121 et seq. ) is amended— (1) in section 204(d)(3)(B) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(d)(3)(B) ), by moving clause (vi) two ems to the right; and (2) in section 209(b)(2) ( 33 U.S.C. 1128(b)(2) ), as amended by section 6, in the third sentence, by striking The Secretary shall and inserting the following: (3) Availability of resources of Department of Commerce The Secretary shall .

Passed the Senate July 28, 2015. Julie E. Adams, Secretary

tv_txt: 114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 764 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES AN ACT To reauthorize and amend the National Sea Grant College Program Act, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2015 . 2. References to the National Sea Grant College Program Act Except as otherwise expressly provided, wherever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1121 et seq. ). 3. Modification of Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship (a) In general Section 208(b) ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ) is amended by striking may and inserting shall . (b) Placements in Congress Such section is further amended— (1) in the first sentence, by striking The Secretary and inserting the following: (1) In general The Secretary ; and (2) in paragraph (1), as designated by paragraph (1), in the second sentence, by striking A fellowship and inserting the following: (2) Placement priorities (A) In general In each year in which the Secretary awards a legislative fellowship under this subsection, when considering the placement of fellows, the Secretary shall prioritize placement of fellows in the following: (i) Positions in offices of, or with members on, committees of Congress that have jurisdiction over the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (ii) Positions in offices of members of Congress that have a demonstrated interest in ocean, coastal, or Great Lakes resources. (B) Equitable distribution In placing fellows in offices described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall ensure, to the maximum degree practicable, that placements are equitably distributed among the political parties. (3) Duration A fellowship . (c) Effective date The amendments made by subsection (b) shall apply with respect to the first calendar year beginning after the date of enactment of this Act. (d) Sense of Congress concerning Federal hiring of former fellows It is the sense of Congress that in recognition of the competitive nature of the fellowship under section 208(b) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ), and of the exceptional qualifications of fellowship awardees, the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, should encourage participating Federal agencies to consider opportunities for fellowship awardees at the conclusion of their fellowship for workforce positions appropriate for their education and experience. 4. Modification of authority of Secretary of Commerce to accept donations for National Sea Grant College Program (a) In general Section 204(c)(4)(E) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(E) ) is amended to read as follows: (E) accept donations of money and, notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, of voluntary and uncompensated services; . (b) Priorities The Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, shall establish priorities for the use of donations accepted under section 204(c)(4)(E) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(E) ), and shall consider among those priorities the possibility of expanding the Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship's placement of additional fellows in relevant legislative offices under section 208(b) of that Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ), in accordance with the recommendations under subsection (c) of this section. (c) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Sea Grant College Program, in consultation with the National Sea Grant Advisory Board and the Sea Grant Association, shall— (1) develop recommendations for the optimal use of any donations accepted under section 204(c)(4)(E) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(E) ); and (2) submit to Congress a report on the recommendations developed under paragraph (1). (d) Construction Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or otherwise affect any other amounts available for marine policy fellowships under section 208(b) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ), including amounts— (1) accepted under section 204(c)(4)(F) of that Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(F) ); or (2) appropriated under section 212 of that Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1131 ). 5. Repeal of requirement for report on coordination of oceans and coastal research activities Section 9 of the National Sea Grant College Program Act Amendments of 2002 ( 33 U.S.C. 857–20 ) is repealed. 6. Reduction in frequency required for National Sea Grant Advisory Board report Section 209(b)(2) ( 33 U.S.C. 1128(b)(2) ) is amended— (1) in the heading, by striking Biennial and inserting Periodic ; and (2) in the first sentence, by striking The Board shall report to the Congress every two years and inserting Not less frequently than once every 3 years, the Board shall submit to Congress a report . 7. Modification of elements of National Sea Grant College Program Section 204(b) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(b) ) is amended, in the matter before paragraph (1), by inserting for research, education, extension, training, technology transfer, and public service after financial assistance . 8. Direct hire authority; Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship (a) In general During fiscal year 2016 and thereafter, the head of any Federal agency may appoint, without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, other than sections 3303 and 3328 of that title, a qualified candidate described in subsection (b) directly to a position with the Federal agency for which the candidate meets Office of Personnel Management qualification standards. (b) Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Subsection (a) applies with respect to a former recipient of a Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship under section 208(b) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ) who— (1) earned a graduate or post-graduate degree in a field related to ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources or policy from an accredited institution of higher education; and (2) successfully fulfilled the requirements of the fellowship within the executive or legislative branch of the United States Government. (c) Limitation The direct hire authority under this section shall be exercised with respect to a specific qualified candidate not later than 2 years after the date that the candidate completed the fellowship. 9. Authorization of appropriations for National Sea Grant College Program (a) In general Section 212(a) ( 33 U.S.C. 1131(a) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in subparagraph (E), by striking and at the end; (B) in subparagraph (F), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (G) $72,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; (H) $75,600,000 for fiscal year 2016; (I) $79,380,000 for fiscal year 2017; (J) $83,350,000 for fiscal year 2018; (K) $87,520,000 for fiscal year 2019; (L) $91,900,000 for fiscal year 2020; and (M) $96,500,000 for fiscal year 2021. ; (2) in the heading for paragraph (2), by inserting for fiscal years 2009 through 2014 after Priority activities ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (3) Priority activities for fiscal years 2015 through 2020 In addition to the amounts authorized under paragraph (1), there is authorized to be appropriated $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2020 for competitive grants for the following: (A) University research on the biology, prevention, and control of aquatic nonnative species. (B) University research on oyster diseases, oyster restoration, and oyster-related human health risks. (C) University research on the biology, prevention, and forecasting of harmful algal blooms. (D) University research, education, training, and extension services and activities focused on coastal resilience and U.S. working waterfronts and other regional or national priority issues identified in the strategic plan under section 204(c)(1). (E) University research on sustainable aquaculture techniques and technologies. (F) Fishery extension activities conducted by sea grant colleges or sea grant institutes to enhance, and not supplant, existing core program funding. . (b) Modification of limitations on amounts for administration Paragraph (1) of section 212(b) ( 33 U.S.C. 1131(b) ) is amended to read as follows: (1) Administration (A) In general There may not be used for administration of programs under this title in a fiscal year more than 5.5 percent of the lesser of— (i) the amount authorized to be appropriated under this title for the fiscal year; or (ii) the amount appropriated under this title for the fiscal year. (B) Critical staffing requirements (i) In general The Director shall use the authority under subchapter VI of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, to meet any critical staffing requirement while carrying out the activities authorized in this title. (ii) Exception from cap For purposes of subparagraph (A), any costs incurred as a result of an exercise of authority as described in clause (i) shall not be considered an amount used for administration of programs under this title in a fiscal year. . (c) Allocation of funding (1) In general Section 204(d)(3) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(d)(3) ) is amended— (A) in the matter before subparagraph (A), by striking With respect to sea grant colleges and sea grant institutes and inserting With respect to sea grant colleges, sea grant institutes, sea grant programs, and sea grant projects ; and (B) in subparagraph (B), in the matter before clause (i), by striking funding among sea grant colleges and sea grant institutes and inserting funding among sea grant colleges, sea grant institutes, sea grant programs, and sea grant projects . (2) Repeal of requirements concerning distribution of excess amounts Section 212 ( 33 U.S.C. 1131 ) is amended— (A) by striking subsection (c); and (B) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively. 10. Technical corrections The National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1121 et seq. ) is amended— (1) in section 204(d)(3)(B) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(d)(3)(B) ), by moving clause (vi) two ems to the right; and (2) in section 209(b)(2) ( 33 U.S.C. 1128(b)(2) ), as amended by section 6, in the third sentence, by striking The Secretary shall and inserting the following: (3) Availability of resources of Department of Commerce The Secretary shall .

Passed the Senate July 28, 2015. Secretary

tv_txt: II Calendar No. 161 114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 764 [Report No. 114–90] IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 17, 2015 Mr. Wicker (for himself, Mr. Schatz , Mr. Sullivan , and Ms. Cantwell ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation July 23, 2015 Reported by Mr. Thune , with an amendment Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic A BILL To reauthorize and amend the National Sea Grant College Program Act, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2015 . 2. References to the National Sea Grant College Program Act Except as otherwise expressly provided, wherever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1121 et seq. ). 3. Modification of Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship (a) In general Section 208(b) ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ) is amended by striking may and inserting shall . (b) Placements in Congress Such section is further amended— (1) in the first sentence, by striking The Secretary and inserting the following: (1) In general The Secretary ; and (2) in paragraph (1), as designated by paragraph (1), in the second sentence, by striking A fellowship and inserting the following: (2) Placement priorities (A) In general In each year in which the Secretary awards a legislative fellowship under this subsection, when considering the placement of fellows, the Secretary shall prioritize placement of fellows in the following: (i) Positions in offices of, or with members on, committees of Congress that have jurisdiction over the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (ii) Positions in offices of members of Congress that have a demonstrated interest in ocean, coastal, or Great Lakes resources. (B) Equitable distribution In placing fellows in offices described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall ensure, to the maximum degree practicable, that placements are equitably distributed among the political parties. (3) Duration A fellowship . (c) Effective date The amendments made by subsection (b) shall apply with respect to the first calendar year beginning after the date of enactment of this Act. (d) Sense of Congress concerning Federal hiring of former fellows It is the sense of Congress that in recognition of the competitive nature of the fellowship under section 208(b) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ), and of the exceptional qualifications of fellowship awardees, the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, should encourage participating Federal agencies to consider opportunities for fellowship awardees at the conclusion of their fellowship for workforce positions appropriate for their education and experience. 4. Modification of authority of Secretary of Commerce to accept donations for National Sea Grant College Program (a) In general Section 204(c)(4)(E) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(E) ) is amended to read as follows: (E) accept donations of money and, notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, of voluntary and uncompensated services; . (b) Priorities The Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, shall establish priorities for the use of donations accepted under section 204(c)(4)(E) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(E) ), and shall consider among those priorities the possibility of expanding the Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship's placement of additional fellows in relevant legislative offices under section 208(b) of that Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ), in accordance with the recommendations under subsection (c) of this section. (c) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Sea Grant College Program, in consultation with the National Sea Grant Advisory Board and the Sea Grant Association, shall— (1) develop recommendations for the optimal use of any donations accepted under section 204(c)(4)(E) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(E) ); and (2) submit to Congress a report on the recommendations developed under paragraph (1). (d) Construction Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or otherwise affect any other amounts available for marine policy fellowships under section 208(b) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ), including amounts— (1) accepted under section 204(c)(4)(F) of that Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(F) ); or (2) appropriated under section 212 of that Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1131 ). 5. Repeal of requirement for report on coordination of oceans and coastal research activities Section 9 of the National Sea Grant College Program Act Amendments of 2002 ( 33 U.S.C. 857–20 ) is repealed. 6. Reduction in frequency required for National Sea Grant Advisory Board report Section 209(b)(2) ( 33 U.S.C. 1128(b)(2) ) is amended— (1) in the heading, by striking Biennial and inserting Periodic ; and (2) in the first sentence, by striking The Board shall report to the Congress every two years and inserting Not less frequently than once every 3 years, the Board shall submit to Congress a report . 7. Modification of elements of National Sea Grant College Program Section 204(b) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(b) ) is amended, in the matter before paragraph (1), by inserting for research, education, extension, training, technology transfer, and public service after financial assistance . 8. Authorization of appropriations for National Sea Grant College Program (a) In general Section 212(a) ( 33 U.S.C. 1131(a) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in subparagraph (E), by striking and at the end; (B) in subparagraph (F), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (G) $72,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; (H) $75,600,000 for fiscal year 2016; (I) $79,380,000 for fiscal year 2017; (J) $83,350,000 for fiscal year 2018; (K) $87,520,000 for fiscal year 2019; (L) $91,900,000 for fiscal year 2020; and (M) $96,500,000 for fiscal year 2021. ; (2) in the heading for paragraph (2), by inserting for fiscal years 2009 through 2014 after Priority activities ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (3) Priority activities for fiscal years 2015 through 2020 In addition to the amounts authorized under paragraph (1), there is authorized to be appropriated $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2020 for competitive grants for the following: (A) University research on the biology, prevention, and control of aquatic nonnative species. (B) University research on oyster diseases, oyster restoration, and oyster-related human health risks. (C) University research on the biology, prevention, and forecasting of harmful algal blooms. (D) University research, education, training, and extension services and activities focused on coastal resilience and U.S. working waterfronts and other regional or national priority issues identified in the strategic plan under section 204(c)(1). (E) University research on sustainable aquaculture techniques and technologies. (F) Fishery extension activities conducted by sea grant colleges or sea grant institutes to enhance, and not supplant, existing core program funding. . (b) Modification of limitations on amounts for administration Paragraph (1) of section 212(b) ( 33 U.S.C. 1131(b) ) is amended to read as follows: (1) Administration (A) In general There may not be used for administration of programs under this title in a fiscal year more than 5.5 percent of the lesser of— (i) the amount authorized to be appropriated under this title for the fiscal year; or (ii) the amount appropriated under this title for the fiscal year. (B) Critical staffing requirements (i) In general The Director shall use the authority under subchapter VI of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, to meet any critical staffing requirement while carrying out the activities authorized in this title. (ii) Exception from cap For purposes of subparagraph (A), any costs incurred as a result of an exercise of authority as described in clause (i) shall not be considered an amount used for administration of programs under this title in a fiscal year. . (c) Allocation of funding (1) In general Section 204(d)(3) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(d)(3) ) is amended— (A) in the matter before subparagraph (A), by striking With respect to sea grant colleges and sea grant institutes and inserting With respect to sea grant colleges, sea grant institutes, sea grant programs, and sea grant projects ; and (B) in subparagraph (B), in the matter before clause (i), by striking funding among sea grant colleges and sea grant institutes and inserting funding among sea grant colleges, sea grant institutes, sea grant programs, and sea grant projects . (2) Repeal of requirements concerning distribution of excess amounts Section 212 ( 33 U.S.C. 1131 ) is amended— (A) by striking subsection (c); and (B) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively. 9. Technical corrections The National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1121 et seq. ) is amended— (1) in section 204(d)(3)(B) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(d)(3)(B) ), by moving clause (vi) two ems to the right; and (2) in section 209(b)(2) ( 33 U.S.C. 1128(b)(2) ), as amended by section 6, in the third sentence, by striking The Secretary shall and inserting the following: (3) Availability of resources of Department of Commerce The Secretary shall .

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2015 . 2. References to the National Sea Grant College Program Act Except as otherwise expressly provided, wherever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1121 et seq. ). 3. Modification of Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship (a) In general Section 208(b) ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ) is amended by striking may and inserting shall . (b) Placements in Congress Such section is further amended— (1) in the first sentence, by striking The Secretary and inserting the following: (1) In general The Secretary ; and (2) in paragraph (1), as designated by paragraph (1), in the second sentence, by striking A fellowship and inserting the following: (2) Placement priorities (A) In general In each year in which the Secretary awards a legislative fellowship under this subsection, when considering the placement of fellows, the Secretary shall prioritize placement of fellows in the following: (i) Positions in offices of, or with members on, committees of Congress that have jurisdiction over the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (ii) Positions in offices of members of Congress that have a demonstrated interest in ocean, coastal, or Great Lakes resources. (B) Equitable distribution In placing fellows in offices described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall ensure, to the maximum degree practicable, that placements are equitably distributed among the political parties. (3) Duration A fellowship . (c) Effective date The amendments made by subsection (b) shall apply with respect to the first calendar year beginning after the date of enactment of this Act. (d) Sense of Congress concerning Federal hiring of former fellows It is the sense of Congress that in recognition of the competitive nature of the fellowship under section 208(b) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ), and of the exceptional qualifications of fellowship awardees, the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, should encourage participating Federal agencies to consider opportunities for fellowship awardees at the conclusion of their fellowship for workforce positions appropriate for their education and experience. 4. Modification of authority of Secretary of Commerce to accept donations for National Sea Grant College Program (a) In general Section 204(c)(4)(E) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(E) ) is amended to read as follows: (E) accept donations of money and, notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, of voluntary and uncompensated services; . (b) Priorities The Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, shall establish priorities for the use of donations accepted under section 204(c)(4)(E) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(E) ), and shall consider among those priorities the possibility of expanding the Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship's placement of additional fellows in relevant legislative offices under section 208(b) of that Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ), in accordance with the recommendations under subsection (c) of this section. (c) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Sea Grant College Program, in consultation with the National Sea Grant Advisory Board and the Sea Grant Association, shall— (1) develop recommendations for the optimal use of any donations accepted under section 204(c)(4)(E) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(E) ); and (2) submit to Congress a report on the recommendations developed under paragraph (1). (d) Construction Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or otherwise affect any other amounts available for marine policy fellowships under section 208(b) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ), including amounts— (1) accepted under section 204(c)(4)(F) of that Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(F) ); or (2) appropriated under section 212 of that Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1131 ). 5. Repeal of requirement for report on coordination of oceans and coastal research activities Section 9 of the National Sea Grant College Program Act Amendments of 2002 ( 33 U.S.C. 857–20 ) is repealed. 6. Reduction in frequency required for National Sea Grant Advisory Board report Section 209(b)(2) ( 33 U.S.C. 1128(b)(2) ) is amended— (1) in the heading, by striking Biennial and inserting Periodic ; and (2) in the first sentence, by striking The Board shall report to the Congress every two years and inserting Not less frequently than once every 3 years, the Board shall submit to Congress a report . 7. Modification of elements of National Sea Grant College Program Section 204(b) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(b) ) is amended, in the matter before paragraph (1), by inserting for research, education, extension, training, technology transfer, and public service after financial assistance . 8. Direct hire authority; Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship (a) In general During fiscal year 2016 and thereafter, the head of any Federal agency may appoint, without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, other than sections 3303 and 3328 of that title, a qualified candidate described in subsection (b) directly to a position with the Federal agency for which the candidate meets Office of Personnel Management qualification standards. (b) Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Subsection (a) applies with respect to a former recipient of a Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship under section 208(b) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ) who— (1) earned a graduate or post-graduate degree in a field related to ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources or policy from an accredited institution of higher education; and (2) successfully fulfilled the requirements of the fellowship within the executive or legislative branch of the United States Government. (c) Limitation The direct hire authority under this section shall be exercised with respect to a specific qualified candidate not later than 2 years after the date that the candidate completed the fellowship. 9. Authorization of appropriations for National Sea Grant College Program (a) In general Section 212(a) ( 33 U.S.C. 1131(a) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in subparagraph (E), by striking and at the end; (B) in subparagraph (F), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (G) $72,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; (H) $75,600,000 for fiscal year 2016; (I) $79,380,000 for fiscal year 2017; (J) $83,350,000 for fiscal year 2018; (K) $87,520,000 for fiscal year 2019; (L) $91,900,000 for fiscal year 2020; and (M) $96,500,000 for fiscal year 2021. ; (2) in the heading for paragraph (2), by inserting for fiscal years 2009 through 2014 after Priority activities ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (3) Priority activities for fiscal years 2015 through 2020 In addition to the amounts authorized under paragraph (1), there is authorized to be appropriated $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2020 for competitive grants for the following: (A) University research on the biology, prevention, and control of aquatic nonnative species. (B) University research on oyster diseases, oyster restoration, and oyster-related human health risks. (C) University research on the biology, prevention, and forecasting of harmful algal blooms. (D) University research, education, training, and extension services and activities focused on coastal resilience and U.S. working waterfronts and other regional or national priority issues identified in the strategic plan under section 204(c)(1). (E) University research on sustainable aquaculture techniques and technologies. (F) Fishery extension activities conducted by sea grant colleges or sea grant institutes to enhance, and not supplant, existing core program funding. . (b) Modification of limitations on amounts for administration Paragraph (1) of section 212(b) ( 33 U.S.C. 1131(b) ) is amended to read as follows: (1) Administration (A) In general There may not be used for administration of programs under this title in a fiscal year more than 5.5 percent of the lesser of— (i) the amount authorized to be appropriated under this title for the fiscal year; or (ii) the amount appropriated under this title for the fiscal year. (B) Critical staffing requirements (i) In general The Director shall use the authority under subchapter VI of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, to meet any critical staffing requirement while carrying out the activities authorized in this title. (ii) Exception from cap For purposes of subparagraph (A), any costs incurred as a result of an exercise of authority as described in clause (i) shall not be considered an amount used for administration of programs under this title in a fiscal year. . (c) Allocation of funding (1) In general Section 204(d)(3) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(d)(3) ) is amended— (A) in the matter before subparagraph (A), by striking With respect to sea grant colleges and sea grant institutes and inserting With respect to sea grant colleges, sea grant institutes, sea grant programs, and sea grant projects ; and (B) in subparagraph (B), in the matter before clause (i), by striking funding among sea grant colleges and sea grant institutes and inserting funding among sea grant colleges, sea grant institutes, sea grant programs, and sea grant projects . (2) Repeal of requirements concerning distribution of excess amounts Section 212 ( 33 U.S.C. 1131 ) is amended— (A) by striking subsection (c); and (B) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively. 10. Technical corrections The National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1121 et seq. ) is amended— (1) in section 204(d)(3)(B) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(d)(3)(B) ), by moving clause (vi) two ems to the right; and (2) in section 209(b)(2) ( 33 U.S.C. 1128(b)(2) ), as amended by section 6, in the third sentence, by striking The Secretary shall and inserting the following: (3) Availability of resources of Department of Commerce The Secretary shall .

July 23, 2015 Reported with an amendment

tv_txt: 114th CONGRESS 1st Session In the House of Representatives, U. S., September 18, 2015 AMENDMENT:

That the bill from the Senate (S. 764) entitled An Act to reauthorize and amend the National Sea Grant College Program Act, and for other purposes. , do pass with the following Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert: 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Defund Planned Parenthood Act of 2015 . 2. Findings Congress finds the following: (1) State and county health departments, community health centers, hospitals, physicians offices, and other entities currently provide, and will continue to provide, health services to women. Such health services include relevant diagnostic laboratory and radiology services, well-child care, prenatal and postpartum care, immunization, family planning services (including contraception), cervical and breast cancer screenings and referrals, and sexually transmitted disease testing. (2) Many such entities provide services to all persons, regardless of the person’s ability to pay, and provide services in medically underserved areas and to medically underserved populations. (3) All funds that are no longer available to Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. and its affiliates and clinics pursuant to this Act will continue to be made available to other eligible entities to provide women’s health care services. (4) Funds authorized to be appropriated, and appropriated, by section 4 are offset by the funding limitation under section 3(a). 3. Moratorium on Federal funding to Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc (a) In general For the one-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, subject to subsection (b), no funds authorized or appropriated by Federal law may be made available for any purpose to Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc., or any affiliate or clinic of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc., unless such entities certify that Planned Parenthood Federation of America affiliates and clinics will not perform, and will not provide any funds to any other entity that performs, an abortion during such period. (b) Exception Subsection (a) shall not apply to an abortion— (1) if the pregnancy is the result of an act of rape or incest; or (2) in the case where a woman suffers from a physical disorder, physical injury, or physical illness that would, as certified by a physician, place the woman in danger of death unless an abortion is performed, including a life-endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself. (c) Repayment The Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Agriculture shall seek repayment of any Federal assistance received by Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc., or any affiliate or clinic of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc., if it violates the terms of the certification required by subsection (a) during the period specified in subsection (a). 4. Funding for community health center program (a) In general There is authorized to be appropriated, and appropriated, $235,000,000 for the community health center program under section 330 of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 254b ), in addition to any other funds made available to such program, for the period for which the funding limitation under section 3(a) applies. (b) Limitation None of the funds authorized or appropriated pursuant to subsection (a) may be expended for an abortion other than as described in section 3(b). 5. Rule of construction Nothing in this Act shall be construed to reduce overall Federal funding available in support of women’s health.

Karen L. Haas Clerk.

tv_txt: 114th CONGRESS 2D Session S. 764 In the Senate of the United States, July 7, 2016. Senate Amendment to House Amendment:

That the Senate agree to the amendment of the House of Representatives to the text of the bill (S. 764) entitled “An Act to reauthorize and amend the National Sea Grant College Program Act, and for other purposes.”, do pass with the following In lieu of the matter proposed to be inserted, insert the following: 1. National bioengineered food disclosure standard The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 ( 7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following: E National bioengineered food disclosure standard 291. Definitions In this subtitle: (1) Bioengineering The term bioengineering , and any similar term, as determined by the Secretary, with respect to a food, refers to a food— (A) that contains genetic material that has been modified through in vitro recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) techniques; and (B) for which the modification could not otherwise be obtained through conventional breeding or found in nature. (2) Food The term food means a food (as defined in section 201 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 321 )) that is intended for human consumption. (3) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. 292. Applicability (a) In general This subtitle shall apply to any claim in a disclosure that a food bears that indicates that the food is a bioengineered food. (b) Application of definition The definition of the term bioengineering under section 291 shall not affect any other definition, program, rule, or regulation of the Federal Government. (c) Application to foods This subtitle shall apply only to a food subject to— (1) the labeling requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 301 et seq. ); or (2) the labeling requirements under the Federal Meat Inspection Act ( 21 U.S.C. 601 et seq. ), the Poultry Products Inspection Act ( 21 U.S.C. 451 et seq. ), or the Egg Products Inspection Act ( 21 U.S.C. 1031 et seq. ) only if— (A) the most predominant ingredient of the food would independently be subject to the labeling requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 301 et seq. ); or (B) (i) the most predominant ingredient of the food is broth, stock, water, or a similar solution; and (ii) the second-most predominant ingredient of the food would independently be subject to the labeling requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 301 et seq. ). 293. Establishment of national bioengineered food disclosure standard (a) Establishment of mandatory standard Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this subtitle, the Secretary shall— (1) establish a national mandatory bioengineered food disclosure standard with respect to any bioengineered food and any food that may be bioengineered; and (2) establish such requirements and procedures as the Secretary determines necessary to carry out the standard. (b) Regulations (1) In general A food may bear a disclosure that the food is bioengineered only in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary in accordance with this subtitle. (2) Requirements A regulation promulgated by the Secretary in carrying out this subtitle shall— (A) prohibit a food derived from an animal to be considered a bioengineered food solely because the animal consumed feed produced from, containing, or consisting of a bioengineered substance; (B) determine the amounts of a bioengineered substance that may be present in food, as appropriate, in order for the food to be a bioengineered food; (C) establish a process for requesting and granting a determination by the Secretary regarding other factors and conditions under which a food is considered a bioengineered food; (D) in accordance with subsection (d), require that the form of a food disclosure under this section be a text, symbol, or electronic or digital link, but excluding Internet website Uniform Resource Locators not embedded in the link, with the disclosure option to be selected by the food manufacturer; (E) provide alternative reasonable disclosure options for food contained in small or very small packages; (F) in the case of small food manufacturers, provide— (i) an implementation date that is not earlier than 1 year after the implementation date for regulations promulgated in accordance with this section; and (ii) on-package disclosure options, in addition to those available under subparagraph (D), to be selected by the small food manufacturer, that consist of— (I) a telephone number accompanied by appropriate language to indicate that the phone number provides access to additional information; and (II) an Internet website maintained by the small food manufacturer in a manner consistent with subsection (d), as appropriate; and (G) exclude— (i) food served in a restaurant or similar retail food establishment; and (ii) very small food manufacturers. (3) Safety For the purpose of regulations promulgated and food disclosures made pursuant to paragraph (2), a bioengineered food that has successfully completed the pre-market Federal regulatory review process shall not be treated as safer than, or not as safe as, a non-bioengineered counterpart of the food solely because the food is bioengineered or produced or developed with the use of bioengineering. (c) Study of electronic or digital link disclosure (1) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this subtitle, the Secretary shall conduct a study to identify potential technological challenges that may impact whether consumers would have access to the bioengineering disclosure through electronic or digital disclosure methods. (2) Public comments In conducting the study under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall solicit and consider comments from the public. (3) Factors The study conducted under paragraph (1) shall consider whether consumer access to the bioengineering disclosure through electronic or digital disclosure methods under this subtitle would be affected by the following factors: (A) The availability of wireless Internet or cellular networks. (B) The availability of landline telephones in stores. (C) Challenges facing small retailers and rural retailers. (D) The efforts that retailers and other entities have taken to address potential technology and infrastructure challenges. (E) The costs and benefits of installing in retail stores electronic or digital link scanners or other evolving technology that provide bioengineering disclosure information. (4) Additional disclosure options If the Secretary determines in the study conducted under paragraph (1) that consumers, while shopping, would not have sufficient access to the bioengineering disclosure through electronic or digital disclosure methods, the Secretary, after consultation with food retailers and manufacturers, shall provide additional and comparable options to access the bioengineering disclosure. (d) Disclosure In promulgating regulations under this section, the Secretary shall ensure that— (1) on-package language accompanies— (A) the electronic or digital link disclosure, indicating that the electronic or digital link will provide access to an Internet website or other landing page by stating only Scan here for more food information , or equivalent language that only reflects technological changes; or (B) any telephone number disclosure, indicating that the telephone number will provide access to additional information by stating only Call for more food information. ; (2) the electronic or digital link will provide access to the bioengineering disclosure located, in a consistent and conspicuous manner, on the first product information page that appears for the product on a mobile device, Internet website, or other landing page, which shall exclude marketing and promotional information; (3) (A) the electronic or digital link disclosure may not collect, analyze, or sell any personally identifiable information about consumers or the devices of consumers; but (B) if information described in subparagraph (A) must be collected to carry out the purposes of this subtitle, that information shall be deleted immediately and not used for any other purpose; (4) the electronic or digital link disclosure also includes a telephone number that provides access to the bioengineering disclosure; and (5) the electronic or digital link disclosure is of sufficient size to be easily and effectively scanned or read by a digital device. (e) State food labeling standards Notwithstanding section 295, no State or political subdivision of a State may directly or indirectly establish under any authority or continue in effect as to any food in interstate commerce any requirement relating to the labeling or disclosure of whether a food is bioengineered or was developed or produced using bioengineering for a food that is the subject of the national bioengineered food disclosure standard under this section that is not identical to the mandatory disclosure requirement under that standard. (f) Consistency with certain laws The Secretary shall consider establishing consistency between— (1) the national bioengineered food disclosure standard established under this section; and (2) the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq. ) and any rules or regulations implementing that Act. (g) Enforcement (1) Prohibited act It shall be a prohibited act for a person to knowingly fail to make a disclosure as required under this section. (2) Recordkeeping Each person subject to the mandatory disclosure requirement under this section shall maintain, and make available to the Secretary, on request, such records as the Secretary determines to be customary or reasonable in the food industry, by regulation, to establish compliance with this section. (3) Examination and audit (A) In general The Secretary may conduct an examination, audit, or similar activity with respect to any records required under paragraph (2). (B) Notice and hearing A person subject to an examination, audit, or similar activity under subparagraph (A) shall be provided notice and opportunity for a hearing on the results of any examination, audit, or similar activity. (C) Audit results After the notice and opportunity for a hearing under subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall make public the summary of any examination, audit, or similar activity under subparagraph (A). (4) Recall authority The Secretary shall have no authority to recall any food subject to this subtitle on the basis of whether the food bears a disclosure that the food is bioengineered. 294. Savings provisions (a) Trade This subtitle shall be applied in a manner consistent with United States obligations under international agreements. (b) Other authorities Nothing in this subtitle— (1) affects the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services or creates any rights or obligations for any person under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 301 et seq. ); or (2) affects the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury or creates any rights or obligations for any person under the Federal Alcohol Administration Act ( 27 U.S.C. 201 et seq. ). (c) Other A food may not be considered to be not bioengineered , non-GMO , or any other similar claim describing the absence of bioengineering in the food solely because the food is not required to bear a disclosure that the food is bioengineered under this subtitle. F Labeling of certain food 295. Federal preemption (a) Definition of food In this subtitle, the term food has the meaning given the term in section 201 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 321 ). (b) Federal preemption No State or a political subdivision of a State may directly or indirectly establish under any authority or continue in effect as to any food or seed in interstate commerce any requirement relating to the labeling of whether a food (including food served in a restaurant or similar establishment) or seed is genetically engineered (which shall include such other similar terms as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture) or was developed or produced using genetic engineering, including any requirement for claims that a food or seed is or contains an ingredient that was developed or produced using genetic engineering. 296. Exclusion from Federal preemption Nothing in this subtitle, subtitle E, or any regulation, rule, or requirement promulgated in accordance with this subtitle or subtitle E shall be construed to preempt any remedy created by a State or Federal statutory or common law right. . 2. Organically produced food In the case of a food certified under the national organic program established under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq. ), the certification shall be considered sufficient to make a claim regarding the absence of bioengineering in the food, such as not bioengineered , non-GMO , or another similar claim.

Secretary

tv_txt: One Hundred Fourteenth Congress of the United States of America 2d Session Begun and held at the City of Washington on Monday, the fourth day of January, two thousand and sixteen S. 764 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES AN ACT To reauthorize and amend the National Sea Grant College Program Act, and for other purposes.

1. National bioengineered food disclosure standard The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 ( 7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following: E National bioengineered food disclosure standard 291. Definitions In this subtitle: (1) Bioengineering The term bioengineering , and any similar term, as determined by the Secretary, with respect to a food, refers to a food— (A) that contains genetic material that has been modified through in vitro recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) techniques; and (B) for which the modification could not otherwise be obtained through conventional breeding or found in nature. (2) Food The term food means a food (as defined in section 201 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 321 )) that is intended for human consumption. (3) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. 292. Applicability (a) In general This subtitle shall apply to any claim in a disclosure that a food bears that indicates that the food is a bioengineered food. (b) Application of definition The definition of the term bioengineering under section 291 shall not affect any other definition, program, rule, or regulation of the Federal Government. (c) Application to foods This subtitle shall apply only to a food subject to— (1) the labeling requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 301 et seq. ); or (2) the labeling requirements under the Federal Meat Inspection Act ( 21 U.S.C. 601 et seq. ), the Poultry Products Inspection Act ( 21 U.S.C. 451 et seq. ), or the Egg Products Inspection Act ( 21 U.S.C. 1031 et seq. ) only if— (A) the most predominant ingredient of the food would independently be subject to the labeling requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 301 et seq. ); or (B) (i) the most predominant ingredient of the food is broth, stock, water, or a similar solution; and (ii) the second-most predominant ingredient of the food would independently be subject to the labeling requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 301 et seq. ). 293. Establishment of national bioengineered food disclosure standard (a) Establishment of mandatory standard Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this subtitle, the Secretary shall— (1) establish a national mandatory bioengineered food disclosure standard with respect to any bioengineered food and any food that may be bioengineered; and (2) establish such requirements and procedures as the Secretary determines necessary to carry out the standard. (b) Regulations (1) In general A food may bear a disclosure that the food is bioengineered only in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary in accordance with this subtitle. (2) Requirements A regulation promulgated by the Secretary in carrying out this subtitle shall— (A) prohibit a food derived from an animal to be considered a bioengineered food solely because the animal consumed feed produced from, containing, or consisting of a bioengineered substance; (B) determine the amounts of a bioengineered substance that may be present in food, as appropriate, in order for the food to be a bioengineered food; (C) establish a process for requesting and granting a determination by the Secretary regarding other factors and conditions under which a food is considered a bioengineered food; (D) in accordance with subsection (d), require that the form of a food disclosure under this section be a text, symbol, or electronic or digital link, but excluding Internet website Uniform Resource Locators not embedded in the link, with the disclosure option to be selected by the food manufacturer; (E) provide alternative reasonable disclosure options for food contained in small or very small packages; (F) in the case of small food manufacturers, provide— (i) an implementation date that is not earlier than 1 year after the implementation date for regulations promulgated in accordance with this section; and (ii) on-package disclosure options, in addition to those available under subparagraph (D), to be selected by the small food manufacturer, that consist of— (I) a telephone number accompanied by appropriate language to indicate that the phone number provides access to additional information; and (II) an Internet website maintained by the small food manufacturer in a manner consistent with subsection (d), as appropriate; and (G) exclude— (i) food served in a restaurant or similar retail food establishment; and (ii) very small food manufacturers. (3) Safety For the purpose of regulations promulgated and food disclosures made pursuant to paragraph (2), a bioengineered food that has successfully completed the pre-market Federal regulatory review process shall not be treated as safer than, or not as safe as, a non-bioengineered counterpart of the food solely because the food is bioengineered or produced or developed with the use of bioengineering. (c) Study of electronic or digital link disclosure (1) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this subtitle, the Secretary shall conduct a study to identify potential technological challenges that may impact whether consumers would have access to the bioengineering disclosure through electronic or digital disclosure methods. (2) Public comments In conducting the study under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall solicit and consider comments from the public. (3) Factors The study conducted under paragraph (1) shall consider whether consumer access to the bioengineering disclosure through electronic or digital disclosure methods under this subtitle would be affected by the following factors: (A) The availability of wireless Internet or cellular networks. (B) The availability of landline telephones in stores. (C) Challenges facing small retailers and rural retailers. (D) The efforts that retailers and other entities have taken to address potential technology and infrastructure challenges. (E) The costs and benefits of installing in retail stores electronic or digital link scanners or other evolving technology that provide bioengineering disclosure information. (4) Additional disclosure options If the Secretary determines in the study conducted under paragraph (1) that consumers, while shopping, would not have sufficient access to the bioengineering disclosure through electronic or digital disclosure methods, the Secretary, after consultation with food retailers and manufacturers, shall provide additional and comparable options to access the bioengineering disclosure. (d) Disclosure In promulgating regulations under this section, the Secretary shall ensure that— (1) on-package language accompanies— (A) the electronic or digital link disclosure, indicating that the electronic or digital link will provide access to an Internet website or other landing page by stating only Scan here for more food information , or equivalent language that only reflects technological changes; or (B) any telephone number disclosure, indicating that the telephone number will provide access to additional information by stating only Call for more food information. ; (2) the electronic or digital link will provide access to the bioengineering disclosure located, in a consistent and conspicuous manner, on the first product information page that appears for the product on a mobile device, Internet website, or other landing page, which shall exclude marketing and promotional information; (3) (A) the electronic or digital link disclosure may not collect, analyze, or sell any personally identifiable information about consumers or the devices of consumers; but (B) if information described in subparagraph (A) must be collected to carry out the purposes of this subtitle, that information shall be deleted immediately and not used for any other purpose; (4) the electronic or digital link disclosure also includes a telephone number that provides access to the bioengineering disclosure; and (5) the electronic or digital link disclosure is of sufficient size to be easily and effectively scanned or read by a digital device. (e) State food labeling standards Notwithstanding section 295, no State or political subdivision of a State may directly or indirectly establish under any authority or continue in effect as to any food in interstate commerce any requirement relating to the labeling or disclosure of whether a food is bioengineered or was developed or produced using bioengineering for a food that is the subject of the national bioengineered food disclosure standard under this section that is not identical to the mandatory disclosure requirement under that standard. (f) Consistency with certain laws The Secretary shall consider establishing consistency between— (1) the national bioengineered food disclosure standard established under this section; and (2) the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq. ) and any rules or regulations implementing that Act. (g) Enforcement (1) Prohibited act It shall be a prohibited act for a person to knowingly fail to make a disclosure as required under this section. (2) Recordkeeping Each person subject to the mandatory disclosure requirement under this section shall maintain, and make available to the Secretary, on request, such records as the Secretary determines to be customary or reasonable in the food industry, by regulation, to establish compliance with this section. (3) Examination and audit (A) In general The Secretary may conduct an examination, audit, or similar activity with respect to any records required under paragraph (2). (B) Notice and hearing A person subject to an examination, audit, or similar activity under subparagraph (A) shall be provided notice and opportunity for a hearing on the results of any examination, audit, or similar activity. (C) Audit results After the notice and opportunity for a hearing under subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall make public the summary of any examination, audit, or similar activity under subparagraph (A). (4) Recall authority The Secretary shall have no authority to recall any food subject to this subtitle on the basis of whether the food bears a disclosure that the food is bioengineered. 294. Savings provisions (a) Trade This subtitle shall be applied in a manner consistent with United States obligations under international agreements. (b) Other authorities Nothing in this subtitle— (1) affects the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services or creates any rights or obligations for any person under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 301 et seq. ); or (2) affects the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury or creates any rights or obligations for any person under the Federal Alcohol Administration Act ( 27 U.S.C. 201 et seq. ). (c) Other A food may not be considered to be not bioengineered , non-GMO , or any other similar claim describing the absence of bioengineering in the food solely because the food is not required to bear a disclosure that the food is bioengineered under this subtitle. F Labeling of certain food 295. Federal preemption (a) Definition of food In this subtitle, the term food has the meaning given the term in section 201 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 321 ). (b) Federal preemption No State or a political subdivision of a State may directly or indirectly establish under any authority or continue in effect as to any food or seed in interstate commerce any requirement relating to the labeling of whether a food (including food served in a restaurant or similar establishment) or seed is genetically engineered (which shall include such other similar terms as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture) or was developed or produced using genetic engineering, including any requirement for claims that a food or seed is or contains an ingredient that was developed or produced using genetic engineering. 296. Exclusion from Federal preemption Nothing in this subtitle, subtitle E, or any regulation, rule, or requirement promulgated in accordance with this subtitle or subtitle E shall be construed to preempt any remedy created by a State or Federal statutory or common law right. . 2. Organically produced food In the case of a food certified under the national organic program established under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq. ), the certification shall be considered sufficient to make a claim regarding the absence of bioengineering in the food, such as not bioengineered , non-GMO , or another similar claim.

Speaker of the House of Representatives Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate