116 HRES 561 IH: Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrating the heritage and culture of Latinos in the United States and the immense contributions of Latinos to the United States.
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-09-18
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV116th CONGRESS1st SessionH. RES. 561IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESSeptember 18, 2019Mr. Cárdenas (for himself, Mr. Aguilar, Ms. Bass, Mr. Blumenauer, Ms. Bonamici, Mr. Brendan F. Boyle of Pennsylvania, Mr. Brown of Maryland, Ms. Brownley of California, Mrs. Bustos, Mr. Carbajal, Mr. Carson of Indiana, Ms. Castor of Florida, Mr. Castro of Texas, Mr. Cicilline, Ms. Judy Chu of California, Mr. Cisneros, Ms. Clark of Massachusetts, Ms. Clarke of New York, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Correa, Mr. Costa, Mr. Cuellar, Mr. Danny K. Davis of Illinois, Mrs. Davis of California, Ms. Dean, Ms. DeGette, Mrs. Demings, Mr. Deutch, Ms. Barragán, Mrs. Dingell, Mr. Engel, Ms. Escobar, Ms. Eshoo, Mr. Espaillat, Mr. Evans, Ms. Frankel, Mr. Gallego, Mr. Garamendi, Ms. Garcia of Texas, Mr. García of Illinois, Mr. Gomez, Mr. Gonzalez of Texas, Mr. Grijalva, Ms. Haaland, Mr. Harder of California, Mr. Higgins of New York, Mr. Himes, Mr. Horsford, Mr. Huffman, Ms. Jayapal, Mr. Jeffries, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Mr. Khanna, Mr. Kildee, Mr. Kilmer, Mr. Larsen of Washington, Mr. Langevin, Mrs. Lawrence, Mr. Lawson of Florida, Ms. Lee of California, Mr. Levin of California, Mr. Ted Lieu of California, Ms. Lofgren, Mr. Lowenthal, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Malinowski, Ms. Matsui, Ms. McCollum, Mr. McGovern, Mr. McNerney, Mr. Meeks, Ms. Meng, Ms. Moore, Ms. Mucarsel-Powell, Mr. Moulton, Mrs. Murphy of Florida, Mr. Nadler, Mrs. Napolitano, Mr. Neal, Ms. Norton, Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, Ms. Omar, Mr. Pallone, Mr. Panetta, Mr. Pascrell, Mr. Sean Patrick Maloney of New York, Mr. Peters, Mr. Perlmutter, Mr. Pocan, Ms. Porter, Mr. Raskin, Mr. Luján, Miss Rice of New York, Ms. Roybal-Allard, Mr. Ruiz, Mr. Sablan, Mr. San Nicolas, Ms. Sánchez, Mr. Sarbanes, Ms. Scanlon, Ms. Schakowsky, Mr. Scott of Virginia, Mr. David Scott of Georgia, Mr. Serrano, Ms. Sewell of Alabama, Mr. Sires, Mr. Smith of Washington, Mr. Soto, Ms. Speier, Mr. Swalwell of California, Mr. Suozzi, Mr. Takano, Mr. Thompson of California, Ms. Titus, Mrs. Torres of California, Ms. Torres Small of New Mexico, Mrs. Trahan, Mr. Vargas, Mr. Veasey, Mr. Vela, Ms. Velázquez, Mr. Yarmuth, Ms. Wasserman Schultz, Ms. Waters, Mrs. Watson Coleman, Mr. Foster, Ms. Houlahan, and Mr. Hastings) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and ReformRESOLUTIONRecognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrating the heritage and culture of Latinos in the United States and the immense contributions of Latinos to the United States.
Whereas from September 15, 2019, through October 15, 2019, the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month; Whereas the Bureau of the Census estimates the Hispanic population living in the continental United States at over 59,000,000, plus an additional 3,300,000 living in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, making Hispanic Americans 18 percent of the total population of the United States and the largest racial or ethnic minority group in the United States;
Whereas, in 2017, there were close to 1,000,000 or more Latino residents in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and in each of the States of Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington; Whereas between July 1, 2008, and July 1, 2018, Latinos grew the United States population by approximately 1,200,000 individuals, accounting for over 1/2 of the total population growth during that period;
Whereas, by 2065, the Latino population in the United States is projected to grow to 107,000,000, and the Latino population will comprise more than 24 percent of the total United States population; Whereas the Latino population in the United States is currently the third largest worldwide, exceeding the size of the population in every Latin American and Caribbean country except Mexico and Brazil;
Whereas, in 2018, there were more than 18,701,184 Latino children under the age of 18 in the United States, which represents approximately 1/3 of the total Latino population in the United States; Whereas more than 1 in 4 public school students in the United States are Latino, and the ratio of Latino students is expected to rise to nearly 30 percent by 2027;
Whereas 19 percent of all college students are Latino, making Latinos the second largest racial or ethnic minority group enrolled in higher education in the United States, including 2-year community colleges and 4-year colleges and universities; Whereas, from 1996 to 2016, the number of Hispanic students enrolled in schools, colleges, and universities in the United States doubled from 8.8 million to 17.9 million, and Hispanics now make up 22.7 percent of all people enrolled in school;
Whereas a record 12,700,000 Latinos voted in the 2016 Presidential election, representing a record 9.2 percent of the electorate in the United States; Whereas the number of eligible Latino voters is expected to rise to 40,000,000 by 2030, accounting for 40 percent of the growth in the eligible electorate in the United States by 2032;
Whereas each year approximately 800,000 Latino citizens turn 18 years old and become eligible to vote, a number that could grow to 1,000,000 per year, adding a potential 18 million new Latino voters by 2032; Whereas, in 2018, the annual purchasing power of Hispanic Americans was an estimated $1,700,000,000,000, which is an amount greater than the economy of all except 17 countries in the world;
Whereas there are more than 4,370,000 Hispanic-owned firms in the United States, supporting millions of employees nationwide and contributing more than $1,700,000,000 in revenue to the economy of the United States; Whereas Hispanic-owned businesses represent the fastest growing segment of small businesses in the United States, with Latino-owned businesses growing at more than 15 times the national rate;
Whereas, as of August 2018, more than 28,000,000 Latino workers represented 17 percent of the total civilian labor force of the United States, and the rate of Latino labor force participation is expected to grow to 20 percent by 2024, accounting for 1/5 of the total labor force as a result of the fastest population growth of all the race and ethnicity groups in the United States; Whereas with 66.1 percent labor force participation, Latinos have the highest labor force participation rate of any racial or ethnic group, resulting in the Latino labor force expanding 3 times as fast as the rest of the population;
Whereas, as of 2017, there were approximately 326,800 Latino elementary and middle school teachers, 77,033 Latino chief executives of businesses, 54,576 Latino lawyers, 73,372 Latino physicians and surgeons, and 15,895 Latino psychologists, who contribute to the United States through their professions; Whereas Hispanic Americans serve in all branches of the Armed Forces and have fought bravely in every war in the history of the United States;
Whereas, as of 2019, there are more than 200,000 Hispanic active duty servicemembers serving in the Armed Forces, accounting for a total of more than 1,200,000 Hispanics who have served our country, including 136,000 Latinas; Whereas, as of 2018, more than 399,000 Hispanics have served in post-September 11, 2001, overseas contingency operations, representing 12.1 percent of the total veteran population who have served post-9/11 in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan;
Whereas, as of August 2019, at least 688 United States military fatalities in Iraq and Afghanistan were Hispanic; Whereas an estimated 200,000 Hispanics were mobilized for World War I, and approximately 500,000 Hispanics served in World War II;
Whereas more than 80,000 Hispanics served in the Vietnam war, representing 5.5 percent of individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States in the conflict, even though Hispanics comprised only 4.5 percent of the population of the United States during the Vietnam war; Whereas approximately 148,000 Hispanic soldiers served in the Korean war, including the 65th Infantry Regiment of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, known as the Borinqueneers, the only active duty, segregated Latino military unit in United States history;
Whereas 60 Hispanic Americans have received the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force bestowed on an individual serving in the Armed Forces; Whereas Hispanic Americans are dedicated public servants, holding posts at the highest levels of the Government of the United States, including 1 seat on the Supreme Court of the United States, 4 seats in the Senate, and 36 seats in the House of Representatives; and
Whereas Hispanic Americans harbor a deep commitment to family and community, an enduring work ethic, and a perseverance to succeed and contribute to society: Now, therefore, be it That the House of Representatives—
(1)recognizes the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month;  (2)esteems the integral role of Latinos and the manifold heritage of Latinos in the economy, culture, and identity of the United States; and
(3)urges the people of the United States to observe Hispanic Heritage Month with appropriate programs and activities that celebrate the contributions of Latinos to the United States.


		III
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. CON. RES. 210
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED
		  STATES

			November 9, 2009
			Received

		CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
		Providing for a conditional adjournment of
		  the House of Representatives and a conditional recess or adjournment of the
		  Senate.

		That when the House adjourns on any
			 legislative day from Friday, November 6, 2009, through Tuesday, November 10,
			 2009, on a motion offered pursuant to this concurrent resolution by its
			 Majority Leader or his designee, it stand adjourned until 2 p.m. on Monday,
			 November 16, 2009, or until the time of any reassembly pursuant to section 2 of
			 this concurrent resolution, whichever occurs first; and that when the Senate
			 recesses or adjourns on any day from Friday, November 6, 2009, through Tuesday,
			 November 10, 2009, on a motion offered pursuant to this concurrent resolution
			 by its Majority Leader or his designee, it stand recessed or adjourned until
			 noon on Monday, November 16, 2009, or such other time on that day as may be
			 specified in the motion to recess or adjourn, or until the time of any
			 reassembly pursuant to section 2 of this concurrent resolution, whichever
			 occurs first.
		2.The Speaker of the House and the Majority
			 Leader of the Senate, or their respective designees, acting jointly after
			 consultation with the Minority Leader of the House and the Minority Leader of
			 the Senate, shall notify the Members of the House and the Senate, respectively,
			 to reassemble at such place and time as they may designate if, in their
			 opinion, the public interest shall warrant it.

			Passed the House of
			 Representatives November 6, 2009.
			Lorraine C. Miller,
			Clerk


116 SCON 47 IS: Recognizing that the climate crisis is disproportionately affecting the health, economic opportunity, and fundamental rights of children, expressing the sense of Congress that renewed leadership by the United States is needed to address the climate crisis, and recognizing the need of the United States to develop a national, comprehensive, and science-based climate recovery plan to phase out fossil fuel emissions, protect and enhance natural sequestration, and put the United States on a path toward stabilizing the climate system.
U.S. Senate
2020-09-23
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

III116th CONGRESS2d SessionS. CON. RES. 47IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESSeptember 23, 2020Mr. Merkley (for himself, Mr. Booker, Mr. Markey, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Van Hollen, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Heinrich, and Mr. Whitehouse) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Environment and Public WorksCONCURRENT RESOLUTIONRecognizing that the climate crisis is disproportionately affecting the health, economic opportunity, and fundamental rights of children, expressing the sense of Congress that renewed leadership by the United States is needed to address the climate crisis, and recognizing the need of the United States to develop a national, comprehensive, and science-based climate recovery plan to phase out fossil fuel emissions, protect and enhance natural sequestration, and put the United States on a path toward stabilizing the climate system.Whereas a stable climate system at the founding of the United States allowed human life and human civilization to flourish;Whereas the United States was founded on the deeply rooted principle of securing the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity;Whereas the Constitution of the United States protects the fundamental rights to life, liberty, property, and equal protection of the laws;Whereas a climate system capable of sustaining human life—(1)is fundamental to a free and ordered society; and(2)is preservative of fundamental rights, including the rights to life, liberty, property, personal security, family autonomy, bodily integrity, and the ability to learn, practice, and transmit cultural and religious traditions;Whereas the Federal Government sets the energy policy of the United States, which has resulted in a national energy system in which approximately 80 percent of the energy in the United States comes from fossil fuels;Whereas the national fossil fuel-based energy system has led to carbon dioxide emissions from the United States constituting more than ¼ of cumulative global carbon dioxide emissions;Whereas the United States is the largest producer of oil and gas in the world, due in substantial part to the Federal Government—(1)opening up Federal public land and water for fossil fuel extraction; and (2)actively supporting fossil fuel energy;Whereas there is an overwhelming scientific consensus that—(1)human-caused climate change is occurring; and (2)the rate of global heating and ocean acidification as of September 2020 is a result of the buildup of atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions, primarily carbon dioxide emissions, largely from the combustion of fossil fuels;Whereas atmospheric carbon dioxide levels of over 400 parts per million as of September 2020 have caused a dangerous planetary energy imbalance, equivalent to the quantity of energy of exploding more than 400,000 atomic bombs of the kind dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, per day, 365 days per year, across the planet;Whereas the latest climate science and real-world observations of that energy imbalance demonstrate that the approximately 1 degree Celsius of warming that has already occurred as a result of human-caused climate change is already dangerous and negatively affecting all aspects of society and the economy of the United States;Whereas the last time that atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide were over 400 parts per million—(1)the seas were 70 to 90 feet higher;(2)Greenland had no ice; and (3)coral reefs suffered a major extinction;Whereas similar conditions will result if the United States does not drastically reduce carbon dioxide emissions and naturally sequester excess concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide during the 21st century;Whereas climate change is a threat to national security, as climate change contributes to and exacerbates global instability and conflict;Whereas the generation of today’s children was born into a climate system made hazardous to their health and well-being because of human-caused climate change;Whereas children are uniquely vulnerable to human-caused climate change because of their developing bodies, higher exposure to air, food, and water per unit of body weight, unique behavior patterns, dependence on caregivers, and longevity on the planet;Whereas human-caused climate change is a public health emergency that is adversely impacting the physical and mental health of children through—(1)extreme weather events;(2)rising temperatures and increased heat exposure;(3)decreased air quality;(4)altered infectious disease patterns;(5)food and water insecurity; and(6)other effects;Whereas infant mortality increases 25 percent on extremely hot days, with the first 7 days of life representing a period of critical vulnerability;Whereas heat illness is a leading cause of death and illness in high school athletes, with nearly 10,000 episodes of heat illness occurring annually;Whereas 8.4 percent of children suffer from allergic rhinitis, and the ragweed pollen season in North America has grown 13 to 27 days longer since 1995 due to higher temperatures and greater atmospheric carbon dioxide levels;Whereas children exposed to wildfires suffer substantial—(1)eye symptoms; and (2)upper and lower respiratory symptoms that lead to increased rates of asthma-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits;Whereas extreme weather events can negatively impact the mental health of children due to—(1)family loss or separation;(2)school interruption;(3)scarcities of food, water, and shelter; and (4)public service outages;Whereas, without immediate steps to address human-caused climate change, the health effects of climate change on children will—(1)increase in severity and in terms of the number of children impacted; and (2)cost the United States billions of dollars per year by the end of the 21st century;Whereas children will largely shoulder the costs of human-caused climate change;Whereas further increases in global temperature will saddle children with an enormous, perhaps incalculable, cost burden, undermining their economic security and the economic security of the United States;Whereas children are deserving of special consideration and protection with respect to human-caused climate change;Whereas children on the frontlines of human-caused climate change across the United States and globally have risen up and called upon government leaders around the world to take concrete, science-based, and equitable action—(1)to address human-caused climate change; and (2)to ensure climate justice for their generation, future generations, and frontline and vulnerable communities, including communities of color, low-income communities, and indigenous peoples;Whereas global atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations must be reduced to below 350 parts per million by the end of the 21st century, with further reductions thereafter, to restore the energy balance of the planet, stabilize the climate system, and protect the ice sheets and oceans for posterity;Whereas existing and future adverse public health and other impacts and costs to children and the United States can be significantly mitigated if the United States acts promptly to reduce emissions from fossil fuels in the United States;Whereas numerous experts have concluded that there are multiple technically and economically feasible pathways to place all sectors of the economy of the United States on an emissions-reduction path consistent with returning global atmospheric carbon dioxide to 350 parts per million by 2100;Whereas producing energy in the United States with noncarbon-emitting sources will result in energy costs within the range of recent experience, ultimately saving consumers money and stabilizing the cost of energy, while increasing the number of jobs in the energy sector; andWhereas multiple Federal departments and agencies can exercise authority delegated by Congress to prevent and respond to climate change, including—(1)the Department of Energy;(2)the Department of the Interior; (3)the Department of Agriculture;(4)the Environmental Protection Agency;(5)the Department of Commerce; and (6)the Department of State: Now, therefore, be itThat it is the sense of Congress that—(1)renewed leadership by the United States is needed immediately to address the human-caused climate crisis that is disproportionately affecting the health, economic opportunity, and fundamental rights of the children of the United States; and(2)there is a human-caused climate crisis that—(A)has inspired children across the United States to organize and demand immediate government action to protect their fundamental rights from the perils of climate change; and(B)demands a national, comprehensive, science-based, and just climate recovery plan that—(i)is prepared by Federal departments and agencies pursuant to delegated authority over energy and climate policy; and(ii)to uphold the fundamental rights of children, puts the United States on a trajectory consistent with reducing global atmospheric carbon dioxide to below 350 parts per million by 2100.


110 HR 2364 IH: Local Food and Farm Support

U.S. House of Representatives
2007-05-17
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 2364
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			May 17, 2007
			Mr. Blumenauer (for
			 himself, Mrs. Boyda of Kansas,
			 Mr. Kagen,
			 Mrs. Gillibrand,
			 Mr. Rush, Mr. Payne, Ms.
			 Schakowsky, and Mr. Allen)
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Agriculture,
			 and in addition to the Committee on Education and Labor, for a period to be
			 subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such
			 provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee
			 concerned

		A BILL
		To promote expanded economic opportunities for farmers
		  and ranchers through local and regional markets, expand access to healthy food
		  in underserved communities, provide access to locally and regionally grown food
		  for schools, institutions, and consumers, and strengthen rural-urban linkages,
		  and for other purposes.

		1.Short title; table of
			 contents
			(a)Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited
			 as the Local Food and Farm Support
			 Act
			(b)Table of
			 contents

					Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
					Sec. 2. Grants to support value-added agricultural
				products.
					Sec. 3. Healthy food enterprise development
				program.
					Sec. 4. Direct farmer to consumer marketing assistance
				program.
					Sec. 5. WIC farmer’s market nutrition program.
					Sec. 6. Senior farmers’ market nutrition program.
					Sec. 7. Community food project competitive grants.
					Sec. 8. Authorization level for farm-to-cafeteria
				activities.
					Sec. 9. Purchases of locally produced foods.
					Sec. 10. School preference study.
					Sec. 11. Food stamp fruit and vegetable incentive
				program.
					Sec. 12. Independent evaluation of Department of Agriculture
				commodity purchase process.
					Sec. 13. Urban agriculture production program.

			2.Grants to support
			 value-added agricultural productsThe Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000
			 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note; Public Law 106–224) is amended by striking section 231 and
			 inserting the following new sections:

				231.Grants to
				support value-added agricultural products
					(a)DefinitionsIn
				this section:
						(1)Value-added
				agricultural product
							(A)In
				generalThe term value-added agricultural product
				means any agricultural commodity or product that—
								(i)(I)has undergone a change in
				physical state;
									(II)was produced in a manner that enhances
				the value of the agricultural commodity or product, as demonstrated through a
				business plan that shows the enhanced value, as determined by the Secretary;
				or
									(III)is physically segregated in a manner
				that results in the enhancement of the value of the agricultural commodity or
				product; and
									(ii)As a result of
				the change in physical state or the manner in which the agricultural commodity
				or product was produced or segregated—
									(I)the customer base
				for the agricultural commodity or product has been expanded; and
									(II)a greater portion
				of the revenue derived from the marketing, processing, or physical segregation
				of the agricultural commodity or product is available to the producer of the
				commodity or product.
									(B)InclusionThe
				term includes such farm- or ranch-based renewable energy conservation and
				generation projects as are ineligible for assistance under section 9006 of the
				Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 and are otherwise eligible for
				this program, as determined by the Secretary.
							(2)Mid-tier value
				chainThe term mid-tier value chain means supply
				networks that link independent producers with businesses and cooperatives that
				market value-added agricultural products in a manner that—
							(A)specifically
				targets and strengthens the profitability and competitiveness of mid-sized
				family farms, that are not larger than family farms, as defined in regulations
				pursuant to section 302 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development;
							(B)obtains agreement
				from the eligible agricultural producer group, farmer or rancher cooperative,
				or majority-controlled producer-based business venture engaged in the value
				chain in the method for price determination; and
							(C)adheres to clear
				and transparent social, environmental, economic, and consumer standards and
				equitable business practices throughout all parts of the supply network.
							(3)Socially
				disadvantaged farmerThe term
				socially disadvantaged farmer has the meaning given the term in
				section 355(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.
				2003 (e)).
						(b)Grant
				programFrom amounts made available to carry out this section,
				the Secretary shall award competitive grants—
						(1)to an eligible
				independent producer (as determined by the Secretary) of a value-added
				agricultural product to assist the producer—
							(A)in developing a
				business plan for viable marketing opportunities for the value-added
				agricultural product; or
							(B)in developing
				strategies that are intended to create marketing opportunities for the
				producer;
							(2)to an eligible
				agricultural producer group, farmer or rancher cooperative, or
				majority-controlled producer-based business venture (as determined by the
				Secretary) to assist the entity—
							(A)in developing a
				business plan for viable marketing opportunities in emerging markets for a
				value-added agricultural product; or
							(B)in developing
				strategies that are intended to create marketing opportunities in emerging
				markets for the value-added agricultural product; and
							(3)to
				nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and units of government to
				assist producers and groups eligible under paragraph (A) or (B) by—
							(A)providing training
				or technical assistance; or
							(B)conducting
				outreach on the availability of the program and application
				requirements.
							(c)Grant amounts
				and allocations
						(1)In
				generalExcept as provided in paragraph (2), the total amount
				provided under this section to a grant recipient shall not exceed
				$500,000.
						(2)Feasibility
				study grantsThe total amount provided under this section to a
				grant recipient for a feasibility study grant shall not exceed $100,000.
						(3)Majority-controlled
				producer-based business venturesThe amount of grants provided to
				majority-controlled producer-based business ventures under subsection (b)(2)
				for a fiscal year may not exceed 10 percent of the amount of funds that are
				used to make grants for the fiscal year under this section.
						(4)Farm and
				ranch-based renewable energyThe amount of grants provided for
				farm and ranch-based renewable energy conservation and generation for a fiscal
				year may not exceed 15 percent of the amount of funds that are used to make
				grants for the fiscal year under this section.
						(5)Mid-tier value
				chainsTo the maximum extent practicable, the amount of grants
				provided for mid-tier value chains for a fiscal year shall be not less than 15
				percent of the amount of funds that are used to make grants for the fiscal year
				under this section.
						(6)Socially
				disadvantaged farmers and ranchersTo the maximum extent practicable, the
				amount of grants provided for projects which include the significant
				participation of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers for a fiscal year
				shall be not less than 10 percent of the amount of funds that are used to make
				grants for the fiscal year under this section.
						(7)Training,
				technical assistance, and outreachThe amount of grants provided
				to nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and units of government
				under subsection (b)(3) for a fiscal year may not exceed 10 percent of the
				amount of funds that are used to make grants for the fiscal year under this
				section.
						(8)Small and
				individual producer grantsThe Secretary may provide for separate
				funding pools for proposals requesting less than $50,000 grants and for
				individual producer grants.
						(d)Grantee
				strategiesA recipient of a grant under this section shall use
				the grant—
						(1)to develop a
				business plan or perform a feasibility study to establish a viable marketing
				opportunity for a value-added agricultural product; or
						(2)to provide capital
				to establish alliances or business ventures that allow the producer of the
				value-added agricultural product to better compete in domestic or international
				markets.
						(e)Priority
						(1)In
				generalIn awarding grants the Secretary shall give the priority
				to projects that—
							(A)are 100 percent
				producer owned;
							(B)contribute to
				increasing the number and quality of self-employment opportunities in farming
				and ranching by increasing value-added opportunities for beginning farmers and
				ranchers, socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, and other operations
				that are not larger than family farms, as defined in regulations pursuant to
				section 302 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act;
							(C)help retain and
				enhance small and medium-sized farms and ranches and preserve productive farm
				and ranch lands;
							(D)conserve and
				enhance the quality of land, water, and energy resources, wildlife habitat, and
				other landscape values and amenities in rural areas; and
							(E)support new
				ventures that do not have well-established market or product development staffs
				and budgets.
							(2)Mid-tier value
				chain grantsIn awarding grants pursuant to subsection (b)(2),
				the Secretary shall give priority to projects that facilitate partnerships that
				may involve businesses, cooperatives, non-profit organizations, agencies, and
				educational institutions.
						(3)Regional
				balanceIn awarding grants the Secretary shall to the maximum
				extent practicable ensure that all States and regions are able to
				participate.
						(f)TermA
				grant under this section shall have a term that does not exceed three
				years.
					(g)Simplified
				applicationThe Secretary shall offer a simplified application
				form and process for project proposals requesting less than $50,000.
					(h)FundingNot
				later than 30 days after the date of enactment of the
				Local Food and Farm Support
				Act, on October 1, 2008, and on each October 1 thereafter through
				October 1, 2012, of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the
				Secretary shall make available to carry out this section $60,000,000. Such
				amounts shall remain available until expended.
					232.Family Farmer
				and Rancher Viability and Innovation Fund
					(a)EstablishmentThe
				Secretary shall establish a demonstration program to be known as the
				Family Farmer and Rancher Viability and Innovation Fund under
				which the Secretary shall make grants to groups of producers who operate not
				larger than family farms, as defined in regulations pursuant to section 302 of
				the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, for innovative strategies,
				other than marketing value-added agricultural products, that enhance viability,
				profitability, and competitiveness through joint efforts.
					(b)FundingOf
				the amounts made available under section 231(h) for each fiscal year, the
				Secretary shall use to carry out this section—
						(1)not less than $2
				million for fiscal year 2008;
						(2)not less than $3
				million for fiscal year 2009; and
						(3)not less than $10
				million for fiscal years 2010 through
				2012.
						.
		3.Healthy food
			 enterprise development programTitle II of the Specialty Crops
			 Competitiveness Act of 2004 (Public Law 108–465) is amended by adding at the
			 end the following:

				204.Healthy food
				enterprise development program
					(a)FindingsCongress
				makes the following findings:
						(1)The average distance fresh foods,
				especially fresh fruits and vegetables, travel from point of production to
				point of retail sale has increased over the past three decades to at least
				1,500 miles as referenced in a 2003 report from Iowa State University.
						(2)It is in the
				public interest that agricultural producers, including small and mid-sized
				family farms and ranches, socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, and
				beginning farmers and ranchers, have access to a local and regional processors
				and distributors to foster competitive markets and improve farm and ranch
				profitability.
						(3)Improving producer
				access to processing, distribution, and other marketing services can
				significantly enhance consumer access to affordable locally and
				regionally-produced foods.
						(4)Increasing the
				availability of locally and regionally-produced food is especially in important
				for improving food access in underserved communities.
						(5)Renewal of local
				and regional food systems will encourage the preservation of farm and ranch
				lands and spur natural resource and environmental improvements.
						(b)PurposeThe
				purpose of this section is to support farm and ranch income by significantly
				enhancing a producer’s share of the final retail product price through improved
				access to competitive processing and distribution systems which deliver
				affordable, locally and regionally produced foods to consumers, improve food
				access in underserved communities, and help save farm and ranch land and
				protect natural resources.
					(c)DefinitionsIn
				this section:
						(1)Beginning farmer
				or rancherThe term beginning farmer or rancher has
				the meaning given the term qualified beginning farmer or rancher
				in section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.
				1991(a)).
						(2)Eligible
				entityThe term eligible entity includes—
							(A)a small or
				midsized processor, distributor, wholesaler, or retail food outlet;
							(B)a group of
				producers operating as a legally recognized marketing alliance;
							(C)a producer-owned
				cooperative;
							(D)a nonprofit
				organization;
							(E)an economic
				development or community development corporation;
							(F)a unit of State or
				local government; and
							(G)an academic
				institution.
							(3)Indian
				tribeThe term Indian tribe has the meaning given
				the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance
				Act (25 U.S.C. 450b).
						(4)Locally or
				regionally produced foodThe term locally or regionally
				produced food means any agricultural product distributed within the
				locality or region in which the agricultural product is produced in a manner
				that ensures that—
							(A)typically convey
				information regarding the product origin, production practices, or other
				similar information which is a source of value to the end-use consumer;
							(B)the income of the
				producer is increased through maximization of the share of the retail food
				price retained by the producer;
							(C)consumers are
				provided with affordable agricultural products produced, processed, and
				distributed in the locality or region of the consumers; and
							(D)have traveled at least less than half of
				the current average distance of all food produced and consumed in the United
				States as determined by the Secretary
							(5)SecretaryThe
				term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture.
						(6)Socially
				disadvantaged farmer or rancherThe term socially
				disadvantaged farmer or rancher has the meaning given the term in
				section 355(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.
				2003(e)).
						(7)Underserved
				communityThe term underserved community includes
				any community that may have, as determined by the Secretary—
							(A)limited access to
				affordable, healthy foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, in grocery
				retail stores or farmer-to-consumer direct markets;
							(B)high incidences of
				diet-related diseases, including obesity;
							(C)high rates of
				hunger or food insecurity; or
							(D)severe or
				persistent poverty in urban or rural communities, including Indian tribal
				communities.
							(d)Grant
				program
						(1)EstablishmentThe
				Secretary, acting through the head of the market services branch of the
				Agricultural Marketing Service, shall establish a program under which the
				Secretary shall provide grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities to
				conduct enterprise feasibility studies (including studies of consumer
				preference), in accordance with the purpose of this section.
						(2)ApplicationTo
				be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection, an eligible entity shall
				submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and
				containing such information as the Secretary may require.
						(3)Coordination
				with other agenciesIn carrying out the program under this
				subsection, the Secretary shall coordinate, with respect to the development of
				the program and reviews of grant applications, with—
							(A)the Cooperative
				State Research, Education, and Extension Service; and
							(B)the Rural Business
				Cooperative Service.
							(4)PriorityIn
				providing grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to
				applications with proposed projects that—
							(A)convey food products produced, processed,
				distributed near to point of final retail purchase, with the total distance a
				food product travels to the point of retail purchase as a measure of product
				freshness and compliance with the purpose in subsection (b);
							(B)are from
				partnerships of 2 or more eligible entities;
							(C)include features
				effectively targeting participation by socially disadvantaged farmers or
				ranchers or beginning farmers or ranchers;
							(D)increase employment
				opportunities in underserved communities;
							(E)support small and mid-sized farm viability
				and increase farming opportunities; or
							(F)establish and
				maintain satisfactory environmental and labor standards, including worker
				protection.
							(5)Maximum
				amountThe amount of a grant provided under this subsection shall
				not exceed $250,000.
						(6)TermA
				grant provided under this subsection shall have a term of not more than 3
				years.
						(7)Reports
							(A)In
				generalEach eligible entity that receives a grant under this
				subsection shall submit to the Secretary an annual report describing the
				results and progress of each feasibility study to ensure sufficient progress is
				achieved with respect to the goals of the projects carried out by the eligible
				entity.
							(B)Public
				availabilityThe Secretary shall ensure that any information
				contained in a report under subparagraph (A) relating to consumer preference or
				producer availability is made available to the public.
							(8)FundingOn
				October 1, 2008, and on each October 1 thereafter through October 1, 2013, out
				of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the
				Treasury shall transfer to the Secretary to carry out this subsection
				$5,000,000, to remain available until expended.
						(e)Enterprise
				development loan program
						(1)EstablishmentThe
				Secretary, acting through the Agricultural Marketing Service, shall establish a
				program under which the Secretary shall provide loans and loan guarantees to
				eligible entities and individual producers for use in accordance with paragraph
				(6).
						(2)Coordination
				with other agenciesIn
				carrying out the program under this subsection, the Secretary shall coordinate,
				with respect to the development of the program, reviews of applications, and
				implementation with the Rural Business Cooperative Service.
						(3)ApplicationTo
				be eligible to receive a loan or loan guarantee under this subsection, an
				eligible entity or individual producer shall submit to the Secretary an
				application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as
				the Secretary may require.
						(4)Requirements
							(A)PriorityIn
				providing loans and loan guarantees under this subsection, the Secretary shall
				give priority to applications with proposed projects that—
								(i)convey food products produced, processed,
				distributed near to point of final retail purchase, with the total distance a
				food product travels to the point of retail purchase as a measure of product
				freshness and compliance with the purpose in subsection (b);
								(ii)are from
				partnerships of 2 or more eligible entities;
								(iii)include features effectively targeting
				participation by socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers or beginning
				farmers or ranchers;
								(iv)increase
				employment opportunities in underserved communities;
								(v)establish and
				maintain clear environmental and labor standards, including worker protection;
				or
								(vi)support small and mid-sized farm viability
				and increase farming opportunities.
								(B)LimitationThe
				Secretary shall ensure that no recipient of a loan or loan guarantee under this
				subsection holds, or significantly benefits from, more than 1 loan or guarantee
				for the term of the loan or guarantee.
							(5)Direct
				loans
							(A)In
				generalThe Secretary shall provide loans under this
				subsection—
								(i)on
				an annual and competitive basis;
								(ii)after conducting
				a review of applicable applications in accordance with subsection
				(c)(3);
								(iii)in a manner that
				is economically sound, as determined by the Secretary;
								(iv)that may be
				subordinated to loans made by local private lenders; and
								(v)in
				an amount equal to not more than $1,500,000, as adjusted to reflect changes for
				the 12-month period ending the preceding November 30 in the Consumer Price
				Index for All Urban Consumers published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of
				the Department of Labor.
								(B)Interest
				rateThe interest rate of a loan provided under this
				subsection—
								(i)shall be
				equivalent to the interest rate of securities of the United States Treasury of
				comparable maturity as of the date on which the loan is provided;
								(ii)may be offered as
				a variable rate to allow lower-interest payments until an eligible entity is
				able to pay higher-interest payments, subject to the condition that the total
				interest rate does not exceed the standard interest rate of the Department of
				the Treasury, as in existence on the date on which the loan is approved;
				and
								(iii)shall not
				change, in the aggregate, during the term of the loan.
								(C)RepaymentAn
				eligible entity or individual producer shall repay the Secretary an amount
				equal to the amount of the loan received by the eligible entity or individual
				producer (including interest) by not later than 15 years after the date on
				which the loan is provided.
							(D)Underserved
				communitiesThe Secretary shall defer repayment of a loan
				(including interest) provided to an eligible entity located in an underserved
				community for the 3-year period beginning on the date on which the loan is
				provided.
							(6)Loan
				guarantees
							(A)Rates
								(i)In
				generalExcept as provided in clauses (ii) and (iii), the rate of
				a loan guarantee provided under this subsection shall be not less than 80
				percent and not more than 90 percent.
								(ii)Certain
				recipientsThe rate of a loan guarantee provided under this
				subsection to an eligible entity that serves primarily a majority of socially
				disadvantaged farmers or ranchers or beginning farmers or ranchers, as
				determined by the Secretary, shall be not less than 95 percent.
								(iii)Certain
				projectsThe rate of a loan guarantee provided under this
				subsection for a project that, as determined by the Secretary, will result in
				increased employment in a low-income community, an economic empowerment zone,
				or such other similar area as the Secretary may designate, shall be not less
				than 95 percent.
								(B)Eligible
				lendersFor purposes of loan guarantees under this paragraph,
				eligible lender institutions include—
								(i)community
				development financial institutions;
								(ii)community
				development banks;
								(iii)credit
				unions;
								(iv)banks owned by
				Indian tribes; and
								(v)such other
				institutions as the Secretary may designate to ensure equitable access to loan
				guarantees—
									(I)in each State;
				and
									(II)to Indian tribal
				organizations.
									(C)Maximum
				amountThe amount of a loan guarnateed under this subsection
				shall not exceed $1,500,000, as adjusted to reflect changes for the 12-month
				period ending the preceding November 30 in the Consumer Price Index for All
				Urban Consumers published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department
				of Labor.
							(7)Use of
				fundsAn eligible entity or individual producer shall use funds
				provided pursuant to a loan or loan guarantee under this subsection to develop
				processing, distribution, and information infrastructure for locally or
				regionally produced food, in accordance with the purpose of this section,
				including through—
							(A)construction of
				new infrastructure;
							(B)rehabilitation of
				existing infrastructure;
							(C)activities to
				support the development of marketing networks and alliances;
							(D)development of
				information infrastructure, including websites;
							(E)purchases of
				equipment for processing, distribution, transportation, storage, and other
				related purposes; and
							(F)other activities,
				as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
							(8)FundingOn
				October 1, 2008, and on each October 1 thereafter through October 1, 2013, out
				of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the
				Treasury shall transfer to the Secretary to carry out this subsection
				$35,000,000, to remain available until expended, of which—
							(A)not less than
				$15,000,000 shall be used for each fiscal year to provide loans under paragraph
				(4); and
							(B)not less than
				$10,000,000 shall be used for each fiscal year to provide loan guarantees under
				paragraph (5).
							(f)Grant and loan
				program requirements
						(1)Technical
				assistance and outreach
							(A)In
				generalThe Secretary shall—
								(i)provide to the
				public information relating to the grant and loan programs under this section;
				and
								(ii)provide technical
				assistance to—
									(I)socially
				disadvantaged farmers or ranchers;
									(II)Indian tribal
				organizations;
									(III)low-income
				populations; and
									(IV)other underserved
				communities and producers.
									(B)Service
				providersIn carrying out subparagraph (A), the Secretary may
				enter into contracts, on a competitive basis, with entities that, as determined
				by the Secretary—
								(i)demonstrate
				experience in serving socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers and other
				underserved communities and producers;
								(ii)include, in the
				governance structure of the entity, 2 or more members representing the targeted
				communities served by the entity; and
								(iii)will share
				information developed or used by the entity with—
									(I)researchers;
									(II)practitioners;
				and
									(III)other interested
				parties.
									(C)FundingOn
				October 1, 2008, and on each October 1 thereafter through October 1, 2013, out
				of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the
				Treasury shall transfer to the Secretary to carry out this paragraph not less
				than $200,000 and not more than an amount equal to 5 percent of the funds
				required to carry out this program, to remain available until expended.
							(2)LimitationsFor
				purposes of the programs under this section, the Secretary—
							(A)shall not give
				preference to any entity based on an agricultural commodity produced or
				supported by the entity; and
							(B)shall encourage,
				to the maximum extent practicable, projects that use infrastructure efficiently
				for more than 1 agricultural product.
							(3)ReportNot
				less frequently than once each year, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a
				report that describes the programs (including the level of participation in
				each program) under this section, including information relating to—
							(A)projects carried
				out under this section;
							(B)characteristics of
				the agricultural producers and communities served by the projects;
							(C)the benefits of
				the projects;
							(D)data necessary to
				comply with—
								(i)section 2501A of
				the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279–1);
				or
								(ii)section
				8(b)(5)(B) of the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act (16 U.S.C.
				590h(b)(5)); and
								(E)outreach and
				technical assistance activities carried out by the Secretary under paragraph
				(1).
							.
		4.Direct farmer to
			 consumer marketing assistance programSection 6 of the Farmers-to-Consumers Direct
			 Marketing Act of 1976 (7 U.S.C. 3005) is amended to read as follows:

				6.Direct farmer to
				consumer marketing assistance program
					(a)FindingsThe
				Congress finds that—
						(1)agricultural
				direct farmer to consumer marketing activities, including farmers markets,
				roadside stands, community supported agriculture, internet, mail-order, and
				other similar direct order marketing activities significantly enhance the
				ability of agricultural producers to retain a greater share of their products’
				retail value;
						(2)direct
				farmer-to-consumer marketing activities are a crucial component of the current
				and future viability of small and mid-sized farms and ranches, and beginning
				and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers; and
						(3)agricultural
				direct marketing activities contribute to the health and well-being of
				consumers in rural, urban, and tribal communities by providing access to
				healthy, fresh, and affordable food.
						(b)EstablishmentThe Secretary shall carry out a program, to
				be known as the Direct to Consumer Marketing Assistance Program
				(referred to in this section as the Program), to make grants to
				eligible entities for projects to establish, expand, and promote farmers’
				markets, and other farmer to consumer direct marketing opportunities.
					(c)Program
				purposesThe purposes of the Program are—
						(1)to increase
				domestic consumption of agricultural commodities by improving and expanding, or
				assisting in the improvement and expansion of direct producer to consumer
				marketing opportunities;
						(2)to develop, or aid
				in the development of, new direct producer to consumer marketing
				opportunities;
						(3)to increase direct
				producer to consumer direct marketing opportunities in underserved areas by
				providing, to the maximum extent possible, not less than twenty-five percent of
				program grants to projects in areas determined underserved by the
				Secretary.
						(d)Eligible
				entitiesAn entity shall be eligible to receive a grant under the
				Program if the entity is—
						(1)two or more
				farmers and or farm vendors who sell their own products through a common
				channel of distribution;
						(2)producer networks
				and associations;
						(3)a local
				government;
						(4)a nonprofit
				corporation;
						(5)a public benefit
				corporation;
						(6)an economic
				development corporation;
						(7)a regional
				farmers’ market authority; or
						(8)such other entity
				as the Secretary may designate.
						(e)Eligible
				activitiesEligible direct farmer-to-consumer activities
				include—
						(1)farmers
				markets;
						(2)roadside
				stands;
						(3)community
				supported agriculture;
						(4)activities to
				support the use of EBT at farmers markets and, where feasible, other direct
				market enterprises;
						(5)pick your own
				operations;
						(6)internet and mail-order sales with eligible
				entities qualifying as producer networks and associations under this section
				limited to those engaged in emerging markets;
						(7)producer-run
				agritourism activities facilitating the direct sale of agricultural products;
				and
						(8)other similar
				ventures as determined by the Secretary.
						(f)LimitationsAn
				eligible entity may not use a grant or other assistance provided under this
				Program for the purchase, construction, or rehabilitation of a building or
				structure.
					(g)Criteria and
				guidelinesThe Secretary shall establish criteria and guidelines
				for the submission, evaluation, and funding of proposed projects under the
				Program.
					(h)FundingNot
				later than 30 days after the date of enactment of the
				Local Food and Farm Support
				Act, on October 1, 2008, and on each October 1 thereafter through
				October 1, 2012, of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the
				Secretary shall make available to carry out this subsection $25,000,000. Such
				funds shall remain available until
				expended.
					.
		5.WIC
			 farmer’s market nutrition programSection 17(m)(9)(A) of the Child Nutrition
			 Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786(m)(9)(A)) is amended—
			(1)in clause (i), by
			 striking 2009 and inserting 2013; and
			(2)by striking clause
			 (ii) and inserting the following:

					(ii)Mandatory
				fundingOf the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the
				Secretary shall make available to carry out this subsection $20,000,000 for
				fiscal year 2008, $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, $45,000,000 for fiscal year
				2010, $60,000,000 for fiscal year 2011, and not less than $75,000,000 for
				fiscal year 2012 and each fiscal year thereafter. Such funds shall remain
				available until
				expended.
					.
			6.Senior farmers’
			 market nutrition programSection 4402 of the Farm Security and Rural
			 Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3007) is amended—
			(1)in subsection (a)
			 by striking $5,000,000 and all that follows through
			 2007, and inserting $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2008,
			 $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2010, $60,000,000
			 for fiscal year 2011, and not less than $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2012 and
			 each fiscal year thereafter, and
			(2)in subsection
			 (b)—
				(A)in paragraph (2)
			 by striking and at the end,
				(B)in paragraph (3)
			 by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and,
			 and
				(C)by adding at the
			 end the following:

						(4)to promote the
				transition to organic and other environmentally beneficial food production
				systems.
						;
				and
				(3)by adding at the
			 end the following new subsection:

					(d)Eligible
				participants; benefits levelsThe regulations required by
				subsection (c)
						(1)shall allow for
				participation by farmers markets, and roadside stands, community supported
				agriculture programs; and
						(2)shall not limit
				the ability of State or regional programs to set benefit levels per individual
				senior.
						.
			7.Community food
			 project competitive grants
			(a)Authority to
			 provide assistanceSection 25(b) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7
			 U.S.C. 2034(b)) is amended—
				(1)in paragraph (1)
			 by striking From amounts made available to carry out this Act, the
			 Secretary may and inserting The Secretary shall;
			 and
				(2)by striking
			 paragraph (2) and inserting the following:

						(2)Funding
				amountsFrom amounts made available to carry out this Act, the
				Secretary shall use $60,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013 to
				make grants under this
				section.
						.
				(b)Preference for
			 certain projectsSection 25(d) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7
			 U.S.C. 2034(d)) is amended—
				(1)in paragraph (3)
			 by striking or at the end;
				(2)in paragraph (4)
			 by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or; and
				(3)by adding at the
			 end the following:

						(5)serve special
				project needs in areas of—
							(A)transportation and
				processing for expanding institutional and emergency food service demand for
				local food;
							(B)retail access to
				healthy foods in underserved markets;
							(C)integration of
				urban and metro-area food production in food projects; and
							(D)technical
				assistance for youth, socially disadvantaged individuals, and limited resource
				groups.
							.
				(c)Matching funds
			 requirementsSection 25(e)(1) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7
			 U.S.C. 2034(e)(1)) is amended by striking 50 and inserting
			 75.
			(d)Term of
			 grantSection 25(f)(2) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
			 2034(f)(2)) is amended by striking 3 and inserting
			 5.
			(e)FundingSection
			 25(h)(4) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2034(h)(4)) is amended—
				(1)by
			 striking fiscal years 2003 through 2007 and inserting
			 fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and
				(2)by striking
			 $200,000 and inserting $500,000.
				8.Authorization
			 level for farm-to-cafeteria activitiesSection 18 of the Richard B. Russell
			 National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1769) is amended in subsection (i)(2) by
			 striking such sums as are necessary and all that follows through
			 the period at the end and inserting to carry out this subsection
			 $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013..
		9.Purchases of
			 locally produced foods
			(a)In
			 generalThe Secretary
			 shall—
				(1)allow institutions
			 participating in the school lunch program under this Act, the Department of
			 Defense Farm to School Program and the programs established by the Child
			 Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773) to use geographic preferences in their
			 bidding and procurement programs to purchase, in addition to other food
			 purchases, locally produced foods for meal programs;
				(2)advise
			 institutions participating in a program described in paragraph (1) of the
			 policy described in that subparagraph and post information concerning the
			 policy on the website maintained by the Secretary;
				(3)in accordance with
			 requirements established by the Secretary, provide startup grants to not more
			 than 200 institutions to defray the initial costs of equipment, materials, and
			 storage facilities, and similar costs, incurred in carrying out the policy
			 described in paragraph (1);
				(4)report to Congress
			 annually concerning implementation of this section.
				(b)Clarification
			 regarding geographic preferencesNothing in this Act or any other
			 provision of law shall be construed to preempt, prohibit, or otherwise limit
			 the authority of institutions participating in the programs described in
			 subsection (a)(1) of this section  from using geographic preferences in their
			 bidding and procurement programs to purchase, in addition to other food
			 purchases, locally produced foods for meal programs.
			(c)Authorization of
			 appropriations
				(1)In
			 generalThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
			 section $400,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2012 to remain available
			 until expended.
				(2)LimitationNo
			 amounts may be made available to carry out this section unless specifically
			 provided by an appropriation Act.
				10.School
			 preference studyThe Secretary
			 of Agriculture shall carry out a study on the preferences of elementary and
			 secondary schools for commodity distribution, including the extent to which
			 such schools prefer commodity distribution to include fresh fruits and
			 vegetables, and submit to Congress a report on the results of the study. The
			 report shall include an analysis of the logistical issues that would impede
			 efforts to increase the extent to which commodity distribution to schools
			 includes fresh fruits and vegetables, and shall include recommendations for
			 improving the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables to schools.
		11.Food stamp fruit
			 and vegetable incentive program
			(a)EstablishmentThere is hereby established a demonstration
			 project within the Food Stamp Program to provide incentives for program
			 participants to purchase more fruits and vegetables. This demonstration project
			 shall be available to all States that submit to the Secretary a plan that meets
			 the requirements of this section. Approved projects that meet plan requirements
			 may operate within a State for a period of up to five years but not beyond
			 September 30, 2012.
			(b)State plan
			 requirementsState proposals to operate a fruit and vegetable
			 incentive demonstration project shall provide a description of the
			 following:
				(1)the incentive
			 mechanism that will be implemented and how it will be implemented;
				(2)the categories of
			 fruit and vegetable purchases to which the incentive will apply;
				(3)the plan to inform
			 food stamp consumers of the incentive and of the categories of fruits and
			 vegetables to which the incentive applies;
				(4)the nutrition
			 education activities that will be conducted to support the incentive;
				(5)the methodology to
			 be used to evaluate the impact of the incentive on the food purchases of food
			 stamp households when utilizing Food Stamp Program benefits;
				(6)the plan to meet
			 the following assurances:
					(A)that if project
			 incentives apply to fresh fruits and/or fresh vegetables, the incentive will be
			 operative in established farmers’ markets for food stamp consumers who purchase
			 fruits or vegetables in those venues;
					(B)that operation of
			 the demonstration project at the point of sale will not cause food stamp
			 consumers to be delayed or to be identified to the general public as Food Stamp
			 Program participants;
					(C)that food
			 retailers and farmers’ market vendors approved to accept food stamp purchases
			 have participated in the planning of the operation of the incentive mechanism
			 at point of purchase;
					(D)that no more than
			 25 percent of the federal funds expended by or pursuant to the State agency
			 plan will be utilized for administrative, educational and or evaluative
			 purposes; and
					(E)that the State
			 agency will provide quarterly reports on the administrative costs of the
			 project and annual reports on the impact of the project on food stamp purchases
			 of fruits and vegetables;
					(c)Plan
			 approvalThe Secretary shall approve State fruit and vegetable
			 incentive demonstration project proposals that adequately address the required
			 elements.
			(d)Incentive
			 mechanismA State submitting a proposed plan for the fruit and
			 vegetable demonstration project shall select one of the following incentive
			 mechanisms for implementation—
				(1)bonus payments,
			 not to exceed 10 percent of purchases of qualifying fruits and vegetables,
			 which will be credited to the electronic benefit account of the food stamp
			 consumer and may be used to make additional purchases; or
				(2)bonus vouchers, not
			 to exceed the value of 10 percent of purchases of qualifying fruits and
			 vegetables, which may be used to purchase additional fruits or
			 vegetables.
				(e)Categories of
			 fruits and vegetablesA State submitting a proposed plan for the
			 fruit and vegetable demonstration project shall apply the incentive mechanism
			 to one or more of the following food categories:
				(1)fresh
			 fruits;
				(2)fresh
			 vegetables;
				(3)canned
			 fruits;
				(4)canned
			 vegetables;
				(5)frozen
			 fruits;
				(6)frozen
			 vegetables;
				(7)dried
			 fruits;
				(8)dried
			 vegetables.
				A food
			 product that consists of one or more reconstituted or reprocessed fruits or
			 vegetables, or which consists of less than 100 percent fruit juice, may not be
			 included in a State’s plan of food products to which the incentive
			 applies.(f)Administrative
			 costsThe Secretary shall reimburse all State administrative
			 costs related to the operation and evaluation of a demonstration project. No
			 State administrative cost share may be required.
			(g)EvaluationOn
			 or before January 1, 2012, the Secretary shall report to Congress on the impact
			 of the incentives implemented by the States on total food purchases by food
			 stamp consumers.
			12.Independent
			 evaluation of Department of Agriculture commodity purchase process
			(a)Evaluation
			 requiredThe Secretary of Agriculture shall arrange to have
			 performed an independent evaluation of the commodity purchasing processes (and
			 the statutory and regulatory authority underlying such processes) used by the
			 Department of Agriculture to remove surplus commodities from the market and
			 support commodity prices and producer incomes, especially with regard to
			 activities under section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935 (7 U.S.C. 612c) and
			 the importance of increasing purchases of perishable specialty crops.
			(b)Submission of
			 resultsNot later than one year after the date of the enactment
			 of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to Congress a report on
			 the results of the evaluation.
			13.Urban
			 agriculture production program
			(a)Findings
				(1)Urban agriculture
			 production serves health, food security, economic and community development
			 goals.
				(2)Urban communities
			 at risk for obesity, Type II diabetes and other chronic diet related diseases
			 benefit from the access to fresh agricultural products and gardens where good
			 nutritional behavior and healthy food choices are modeled.
				(3)Community and
			 school gardens and other urban agriculture enterprises are entry points for new
			 food system workers and farmers who value healthy food choices.
				(b)PurposeTo
			 improve food security, address obesity, increase access to healthy food and
			 nutrition education in low income areas, grow the number of urban agricultural
			 enterprises, community and school gardens, and the services provided to
			 them.
			(c)EstablishmentThe
			 Secretary, acting through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and
			 in cooperation with Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service
			 (CSREES) and other agencies as appropriate, establish an Urban Agriculture
			 Production Program which will promote agricultural production capacity in
			 metropolitan counties.
			(d)AssistanceIn
			 carrying out this program, the Secretary shall—
				(1)provide urban
			 agriculture production grants, provide technical assistance and carry out
			 information and education programs to foster food production in towns and
			 cities; and
				(2)provide a priority
			 for projects seeking to direct fresh produce to food insecure communities and
			 neighborhoods surrounding production sites.
				(e)Funding
			 amountsFrom amounts made available to carry out this section the
			 Secretary shall use $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 to
			 make grants under this section.
			(f)Eligible
			 entitiesTo be eligible for a grant under subsection (b), a
			 private nonprofit entity, must—
				(1)have experience in
			 areas of—
					(A)planning,
			 constructing and maintaining public community or school gardens; and
					(B)nonprofit
			 entrepreneurial youth or job skills training in low-income communities;
					(2)demonstrate
			 competency to implement a project, provide fiscal accountability, collect data,
			 and prepare reports and other necessary documentation; and
				(3)demonstrate a
			 willingness to share information with researchers, practitioners, and other
			 interested parties.
				(g)Preference for
			 certain projectsIn selecting urban agriculture production
			 projects to receive assistance under subsection (b), the Secretary shall give a
			 preference to projects designed to—
				(1)develop and
			 strengthen linkages between urban producers, community-based organizations,
			 private businesses, schools and other public institutions and agencies;
				(2)operate in
			 underserved markets and low income neighborhoods; and
				(3)engage with youth,
			 the elderly, and immigrant communities.
				(h)Matching funds
			 requirements
				(1)RequirementsThe
			 Federal share of the cost of establishing or carrying out a community food
			 project that receives assistance under subsection (b) may not exceed 75 percent
			 of the cost of the project during the term of the grant.
				(2)CalculationIn
			 providing for the non-Federal share of the cost of carrying out a community
			 food project, the entity receiving the grant shall provide for the share
			 through a payment in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including facilities,
			 equipment, or services.
				(3)SourcesAn
			 entity may provide for the non-Federal share through State government, local
			 government, or private sources.
				(i)Term of
			 grant
				(1)Single
			 grantAn urban food project may be supported by only a single
			 grant under subsection (b).
				(2)TermThe
			 term of a grant under subsection (b) may not exceed 3 years.
				(j)Technical
			 assistance and related informationIn carrying out this section,
			 the Secretary may provide technical assistance regarding urban food projects,
			 processes, and development to any entity seeking the assistance.


IV
111th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 263
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

March 18, 2009
Mr. Tiberi submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

RESOLUTION
Expressing support for designation of the month of September as National Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month.

Whereas a brain aneurysm is an abnormal saccular or fusiform bulging of an artery within the brain;
Whereas it is estimated that 1 out of every 50 people within the United States will develop a brain aneurysm;
Whereas a brain aneurysm is most likely to occur in people between the ages of 35 and 60;
Whereas brain aneurysms are more likely to occur in women than in men by a 3-to-2 ratio;
Whereas brain aneurysms are more likely to occur in African-Americans than Whites by a 2-to-1 ratio;
Whereas various risk factors can contribute to the formation of a brain aneurysm: infection, tumors, traumatic head injury, drug use, smoking, hypertension, and a family history of brain aneurysms;
Whereas 6,000,000 people within the United States will develop a brain aneurysm which will not rupture;
Whereas an unruptured brain aneurysm can lead to fatigue, short-term memory problems, speech problems, loss of balance and coordination, and changes in behavior;
Whereas a brain aneurysm is often discovered when it ruptures and causes a subarachnoid hemorrhage;
Whereas a subarachnoid hemorrhage can lead to brain damage, hydrocephalus, stroke, and death;
Whereas annually over 30,000 people in the United States suffer ruptured brain aneurysms;
Whereas annually 3,000 to 4,500 people in the United States with ruptured brain aneurysms die before reaching the hospital;
Whereas a number of advancements have been made in recent years regarding the detection of aneurysms, among them the computerized tomography (CT) scan, the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test, and the cerebral arteriogram;
Whereas the month of September would be an appropriate month to designate as National Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month; and
Whereas various research studies are currently being conducted around the United States in order to better understand the nature of brain aneurysms and how to prevent and treat them: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives—
(1)supports the designation of National Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month; and
(2)continues to support research to prevent and treat brain aneurysms.


		I
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 1994
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			April 21, 2009
			Mr. Davis of Kentucky
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Armed
			 Services

		A BILL
		To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide equity
		  between active and reserve component members of the Armed Forces in the
		  computation of disability retired pay for members wounded in
		  action.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Citizen Soldier Equality Act of
			 2009.
		2.Equity in computation
			 of disability retired pay for reserve component members wounded in
			 actionSection 1208(b) of
			 title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new
			 sentence: However, in the case of such a member who is retired under
			 this chapter, or whose name is placed on the temporary disability retired list
			 under this chapter, because of a disability incurred after the date of the
			 enactment of this sentence for which the member is awarded the Purple Heart,
			 the member shall be credited, for the purposes of this chapter, with the number
			 of years of service that would be counted if computing the member’s years of
			 service under section 12732 of this title..


116 HR 4278 IH: Federal Jobs Guarantee Development Act of 2019
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-09-10
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I116th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 4278IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESSeptember 10, 2019Mrs. Watson Coleman (for herself, Ms. Omar, Mr. Khanna, Mr. Serrano, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Mr. Pallone, Ms. Norton, Mr. Payne, Ms. Kelly of Illinois, Ms. Lee of California, Mr. DeSaulnier, Mr. Pocan, Ms. Wilson of Florida, Ms. Jayapal, Ms. Barragán, Ms. Clarke of New York, Mr. Rush, Ms. Schakowsky, Ms. Tlaib, Mr. Evans, Mr. Cleaver, Mr. Cummings, and Mrs. Lawrence) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such
			 provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedA BILLTo require the Secretary of Labor to establish a pilot program to provide grants for job guarantee
			 programs.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Federal Jobs Guarantee Development Act of 2019. 2.Job guarantee pilot program (a)DefinitionsIn this section:
 (1)Eligible entityThe term eligible entity means an entity that— (A)is a political subdivision of a State, Tribal entity, or a combination of contiguous political subdivisions or Tribal entities;
 (B)has an unemployment rate that is not less than 150 percent of the national unemployment rate, as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (except in the case of Tribal entities which may submit their own employment data where no such Federal data is available for such entities) based on the most recent data available at the time the Secretary solicits applications for grants under this section; and
 (C)submits an application in accordance with subsection (d). (2)Job guarantee programThe term job guarantee program means a program that meets the requirements of subsection (c).
 (3)Rural areaThe term rural area means an area that is located outside of an urban area. (4)Tribal entityThe term Tribal entity means an Indian tribe or tribal organization as such terms are defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
 (5)Urban areaThe term urban area means an urbanized area (a region of 50,000 or more residents) and an urbanized cluster (and area encompassing between 2,500 and 50,000 residents), according to the Census Bureau’s urban-rural classification in the 2010 census.
 (6)SecretaryThe term Secretary  means the Secretary of Labor. (7)WIOA definitionsThe terms adult education and literacy activities, career planning, individual with a barrier to employment, in-demand industry sector or occupation, local board, recognized postsecondary credential, State board, supportive services, and workplace learning advisor have the meanings given such terms in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).
				(b)Establishment
 (1)In generalThe Secretary shall establish a pilot program to provide competitive grants to eligible entities to establish programs to ensure that any individual within the area served by the entity who applies for a job through the program will be provided with employment as provided for in this section.
 (2)TerminationFederal funding for a job guarantee program established under a grant under this section shall terminate on the earlier of—
 (A)the end of the 3-year period beginning on the date of the grant; or (B)the date of any revocation of the grantee as an eligible entity.
 (c)Job guarantee programsA job guarantee program meets the requirements of this subsection if the jobs provided under such program—
 (1)are available to all individuals who— (A)are 18 years of age or older; and
 (B)reside in the area served under the program at the time the area became an eligible entity; except that participants in the program may be disciplined, released, or suspended from further participation in jobs under this program if they are found to be negligent, or generally disruptive to the workplace involved under procedures established by the Secretary that provide for an opportunity for a review of such determinations;(2)are, with respect to individual participants, included as part of an established bargaining unit and covered by any applicable collective bargaining agreement in effect if similarly situated employees are part of such unit and represented by an exclusive bargaining representative;
 (3)are available for the duration of the pilot program; (4)provide a wage of not less than the greater of—
 (A)the hourly wage provided for under the provisions of S. 150 (116th Congress), if enacted, or the hourly wage otherwise required to be paid to employees in area to be served under the pilot program, whichever is greater;
 (B)the prevailing wage in the area involved for a similar job as required by chapter 67 of title 41, United States Code, and other related laws; or
 (C)the applicable wage under an applicable collective bargaining agreement as provided for under paragraph (2);
 (5)provide for coverage of the worker under a health insurance program that is comparable to that offered to Federal employees under the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program; and
 (6)provide at a minimum— (A)paid family leave consistent with the provisions of S. 463 (116th Congress) and applicable State law; and
 (B)paid sick leave consistent with the provision of S. 840 (116th Congress) and applicable State law. (d)Other usesFunds may be used to provide workers in a job guarantee program with—
 (1)supportive services, which can include transportation, child care, dependent care, housing, and needs-related payments, that are necessary to enable an individual to participate in activities authorized under this Act;
 (2)access to a workplace learning advisor to support the education, skill development, job training, career panning, and credentials required to progress toward career goals of such employees in order to meet employer requirements related to job openings and career advancements that support economic self-sufficiency;
 (3)adult education and literacy activities, including those provided by public libraries; (4)activities that assist justice involved individuals, formerly incarcerated individuals, and individuals with criminal records in reentering the workforce; and
 (5)financial literacy activities including those described in section 129(b)(2)(D) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
 (e)ApplicationsAn eligible entity seeking a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. Such application shall include—
 (1)a description of the geographic area and population that the entity intends to serve under the job guarantee program established under the grant, including the area unemployment rate, underemployment rate, unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities, poverty rate, housing vacancy rate, crime rate, household income, home-ownership rate, labor force participation rate, and educational attainment;
 (2)to extent practicable, a description of the jobs that will be offered under the job guarantee program, including—
 (A)a description of supports provided to individuals with disabilities and accommodations required under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.); and
 (B)a description of supports and procedures to ensure job access and opportunities for individuals with criminal records, including information on physical and programmatic accessibility, in accordance with section 188 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, if applicable, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, for individuals with disabilities;
 (3)the need in the area for jobs to be performed, including for jobs designated as a high-skill, high-wage or in-demand industry sector or occupation by the Secretary, State board, or local board;
 (4)a description of State, local, or philanthropic funding, including through coordination and in-kind or non-financial support, if any, that will be provided to assist in carrying out the job guarantee program;
 (5)an assurance that the eligible entity will establish— (A)a public internet website, in conjunction with the Secretary, to post all available jobs under the job guarantee program; and
 (B)a process for individuals to apply for such jobs; (6)a comprehensive plan to describe how the funding under the program will leverage existing or anticipated local, State, and Federal funding;
 (7)an assurance that necessary administrative data systems and information technology infrastructure are available, or will be available, to provide for full participation in the evaluation under subsection (k);
 (8)a description of how the eligible entity will comply with the requirements described in subsection (c)(6);
 (9)an assurance that the entity will enter into an allocation agreement with the Secretary under subsection (j)(2)(A); and
 (10)an assurance that energy and infrastructure jobs provided under the program will not exacerbate the impacts of climate change.
 (f)SelectionThe Secretary, after reviewing applications from eligible entities, shall award grants under this section to not more than 15 such eligible entities. In awarding such grants, the Secretary shall consider diversity in geographic location, urban-rural composition, and political entity, including the representation of Tribal entities.
			(g)Amount of grant
 (1)Establishment of fundThere is established in the Treasury of the United States a separate account to be known as the Job Guarantee Program Trust Fund (referred to in this section as the Fund), consisting of— (A)amounts deposited in the Fund under subsection (l); and
 (B)any interest earned on investment of amounts in the Fund. (2)Use of amountsThe Secretary shall use amounts in the Fund to make payments to grantees under grants under this section in accordance with paragraph (3).
				(3)Payments
 (A)In generalThe Secretary shall determine the annual amount of a grant under this section based on a formula to be developed by the Secretary.
 (B)PaymentsThe Secretary shall make payments to grantees under this section in a manner determined appropriate by the Secretary. The Secretary shall not make subsequent payments to a grantee after the initial payment until the grantee certifies to the Secretary that the grantee has expended, transferred, or obligated not less than 80 percent of the most recent payment made under this subsection.
 (h)LimitationsAn eligible entity may not use amounts received under a grant under this section to— (1)employ individuals who will replace, or lead to the displacement of, existing employees, positions, or individuals who would otherwise perform similar employment, or disrupt existing contracts and collective bargaining agreements, as defined in section 181(b) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (Public Law 113–128);
 (2)perform functions otherwise prohibited by Federal, State, or local laws; and (3)carry out other prohibited activities, as determined by the Secretary.
				(i)Federal provision of jobs in pilot sites
 (1)GuidanceNot later than 30 days after the date on which the Secretary awards the first grant under this section, the Secretary shall—
 (A)provide guidance to the heads of appropriate Federal agencies to notify such agencies of job guarantee programs established under such grants; and
 (B)request that such agencies notify the Secretary, within 30 days of the date on which the guidance is received under paragraph (1), of the number and types of jobs that such agency would make available through each of the programs.
 (2)Application of provisionsThe requirements of subsection (c) relating to wages and benefits provided to participants in jobs provided under job guarantee programs, and the limitations in subsection (h), shall apply to Federal agencies and jobs provided under this subsection, except that a Federal agency shall employ each individual under this subsection for up to three years.
 (3)Listing of jobs on websiteThe Secretary shall establish procedures to ensure that jobs identified under paragraph (1)(B) are listed on the appropriate public internet website as provided for under subsection (e)(5)(A).
 (4)ReimbursementAt the end of each fiscal year, the Secretary shall transfer from the Fund to each Federal agency that employs individuals under a job guarantee program under this section, an amount necessary to reimburse such agency for the full cost of employing each such individual during such fiscal year.
				(j)Training
 (1)In generalThe Secretary shall develop procedures to support up to 8 weeks of paid training (through privately or publicly funded training programs, such as those provided by the public workforce system) to participants in order to perform duties required by job guarantee programs under this section, including a new period of training, not to exceed 8 weeks, prior to commencing any new job under the program.
 (2)Specific populationsWith respect to certain populations with barriers to employment (as defined in section 3(24) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (Public Law 113–128)), the 8-week training period may include specific job-related training and counseling and other general skills training to prepare such individuals to reenter the workforce.
				(k)Priorities and audits
 (1)PrioritiesPrior to awarding the initial grants under this section, the Secretary shall issue a list of national job priorities relating to jobs that may be carried out under job guarantee programs, that shall include child care, care for seniors and individuals with disabilities, clean energy jobs, and sustainable infrastructure activities. The Secretary shall take State board and local board suggestions into consideration when issuing such list.
				(2)Audits
 (A)In generalThe Secretary, acting through the Inspector General of the Department of Labor, shall carry out annual audits of the use of grant funds provided to eligible entities under this section.
					(B)Allocation agreements and misuse of funds
 (i)Allocation agreementsAn eligible entity shall enter into an allocation agreement with the Secretary that shall provide that the Secretary shall recoup any amounts paid to the entity under a grant under this section if the results of an audit under subparagraph (A) include a finding that there was an intentional or reckless misuse of such funds by such entity.
 (ii)Loss of eligibilityAn eligible entity that is determined to have falsified or otherwise misstated data in any report submitted to the Secretary with the intent to deceive or mislead the Secretary shall be ineligible to receive additional funds under this section.
 (l)ReportsNot later than 90 days after the end of each calendar year for which an eligible entity obligates or expends any amounts made available under a grant under this section, the eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary a report that—
 (1)specifies the amount of grant funds obligated or expended for the preceding fiscal year; (2)specifies any purposes for which the funds were obligated or expended; and
 (3)includes any other information that the Secretary may require to more effectively administer the grant program under this section, including the indicators of performance under section 116(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3141(b)(2)(A)(i)), with the performance data disaggregated by race, ethnicity, sex, age, and membership in a population specified in section 3(24) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(24)).
 (m)EvaluationThe Chief Evaluation Officer at the Department of Labor shall provide for the conduct of an evaluation of the pilot program, using a rigorous design and evaluation methods to assess the implementation of the programs and their impact on—
 (1)overall employment, public-sector employment, and private-sector employment; (2)private sector employment, wages, and benefits;
 (3)poverty rate; (4)public assistance spending and other Federal spending in the area served by the program;
 (5)child health and educational outcomes; (6)health and well-being of those with mental, emotional, and behavioral health needs;
 (7)incarceration rates; (8)the environment, including air quality and water quality;
 (9)the indicators of performance as described in subsection (l)(3); and (10)other economic development and individual outcome indicators, as determined by the Secretary.
				(n)Expansion of work opportunity credit To include participants in job guarantee programs
 (1)In generalSubsection (d) of section 51 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended— (A)in paragraph (1)—
 (i)in subparagraph (I), by striking or at the end; (ii)in subparagraph (J), by striking the period at the end and inserting , or; and
 (iii)by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:  (K)a qualified participant in a job guarantee program.; and
 (B)by adding at the end the following new paragraph:  (16)Qualified participant in a job guarantee programThe term qualified participant in a job guarantee program means any individual who is certified by the designated local agency as having participated in a job guarantee program under section 2 of the Federal Jobs Guarantee Development Act of 2019 for not less than 3 months during the 6-month period ending on the hiring date..
 (2)Effective dateThe amendments made by this subsection shall apply to individuals who begin work for the employer after December 31, 2019.
 (o)AppropriationsFrom funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, there are appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.


114 HR 5734 IH: Veterans Transplant Coverage Act of 2016
U.S. House of Representatives
2016-07-12
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I114th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 5734IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJuly 12, 2016Mr. Carter of Texas (for himself, Mr. Ruppersberger, Mr. Jones, Mr. Williams, Mr. Neugebauer, Mr. Rooney of Florida, Ms. Kaptur, Mr. Ryan of Ohio, Mr. Hurd of Texas, Mr. Farenthold, Mr. Calvert, Mr. Joyce, Mr. Olson, Mr. Poe of Texas, Mr. Rouzer, Mr. Young of Iowa, Mr. Cuellar, Mr. Aderholt, Mr. Cook, Mr. Gibson, Mr. Webster of Florida, Mr. Crenshaw, Mr. Franks of Arizona, Mr. Jody B. Hice of Georgia, Mr. Thornberry, Ms. Stefanik, Mr. King of Iowa, Mr. Lamborn, Mr. Coffman, Mr. Zinke, Mr. Amodei, Mr. Bishop of Georgia, Mrs. Ellmers of North Carolina, Mrs. Black, Mr. Sensenbrenner, Mr. Young of Alaska, Mr. Culberson, Mr. Long, Ms. Granger, Mr. Marino, Mr. Forbes, Mr. Sam Johnson of Texas, Mr. Yoho, Mr. LaMalfa, Mr. Womack, Mr. Flores, Mr. Hanna, Mr. Kilmer, Mr. Gohmert, Mr. Smith of Texas, Mr. Cole, Mr. Diaz-Balart, Mr. Harris, Mr. DesJarlais, Mr. McCaul, Mr. Babin, Mr. Garrett, Mr. MacArthur, and Mr. Weber of Texas) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' AffairsA BILLTo amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide
			 for an operation on a live donor for purposes of conducting a transplant
			 procedure for a veteran, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Veterans Transplant Coverage Act of 2016. 2.Authorization to provide for operations on live donors for purposes of conducting transplant procedures for veterans (a)In generalSubchapter VIII of chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

					1788.Transplant procedures with live donors and related services
 (a)In generalIn a case in which a veteran is eligible for a transplant procedure from the Department, the Secretary may provide for an operation on a live donor to carry out such procedure for such veteran, notwithstanding that the live donor may not be eligible for health care from the Department.
 (b)Other servicesThe Secretary shall furnish to a live donor any care or services before and after conducting the transplant procedure under subsection (a) that may be required in connection with such procedure.
 (c)Use of Department or non-Department facilitiesThe Secretary may provide for the operation described in subsection (a) on a live donor and furnish to the live donor the care and services described in subsection (b) at a facility of the Department or at a non-Department facility pursuant to an agreement entered into by the Secretary under section 1703 or 8153 of this title, section 101 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113–146; 38 U.S.C. 1701 note), or any other authority of the Secretary to furnish care at non-Department facilities. The live donor shall be deemed to be an individual eligible for hospital care and medical services at a non-Department facility pursuant to such an agreement solely for the purposes of receiving such operation, care, and services at the non-Department facility..
 (b)Clerical amendmentThe table of sections at the beginning of chapter 17 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1787 the following new item:

						1788. Transplant procedures with live donors and related services..


114 S1048 IS: To remove the authority of the Secretary of Energy to amend or issue new energy efficiency standards for ceiling fans.
U.S. Senate
2015-04-22
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		II
		114th CONGRESS1st Session
		S. 1048
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			April 22, 2015
			Mr. Alexander introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

		A BILL
		To remove the authority of the Secretary of Energy to amend or issue new energy efficiency
			 standards for ceiling fans.

 1.Ceiling fan standardsSection 325(ff) of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)) is amended— (1)by striking paragraphs (5) and (6); and
 (2)by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (5).