In this task, you are given text for US Congressional and California state bills, your task is to generate a summary for this bill.
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Question: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ''Federal Student Loan Refinancing
Act''.

SEC. 2. STUDENT LOAN CONSOLIDATION.

Section 459B of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087i-
2) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ''section'' and
inserting ''subsection'';
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ''this section'' and
inserting ''subsection (a)'' each place the term appears; and
(3) by inserting at the end the following:
''(c) Temporary Loan Consolidation Authority for Certain Loans Made
After July 1, 2006.--
''(1) Loan consolidation authority.--
''(A) In general.--A borrower who has 1 or more
loans in a category described in subparagraph (B) may
consolidate all of the loans of the borrower that are
described in subparagraph (B) into a Federal Direct
Consolidation Loan during the period described in
subparagraph (C).
''(B) Categories of loans that may be
consolidated.--The categories of loans that may be
consolidated under subparagraph (A) are loans made on
or after July 1, 2006, that are--
''(i) loans made under this part;
''(ii) loans purchased by the Secretary
pursuant to section 459A; and
''(iii) loans made under part B that are
held by an eligible lender, as such term is
defined in section 435(d).
''(C) Time period in which loans may be
consolidated.--
''(i) Federal direct loans.--In the case of
a borrower who has 1 or more loans described
under subparagraph (B)(i), the Secretary
shall--
''(I) consolidate the loans
described under subparagraph (B)(i) not
later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of the Federal Student Loan
Refinancing Act; and
''(II) notify the borrower, in
writing, prior to such consolidation
that--
''(aa) the borrower's loans
under this part have been
consolidated at a lower
interest rate; and
''(bb) the borrower's
repayment plan and the other
terms and conditions of the
borrower's loan remain
unchanged.
''(ii) Other loans.--In the case of a
borrower who has 1 or more loans described
under clause (ii) or (iii) of subparagraph (B),
the Secretary shall--
''(I) initiate the loan
consolidation process for the loans
described under clause (ii) or (iii) of
subparagraph (B), not later than 90
days after the date of enactment of the
Federal Student Loan Refinancing Act,
by sending a completed loan
consolidation application to the
borrower;
''(II) notify the borrower, as part
of such application, that a fee will be
assessed and that the interest rate of
the Federal Direct Consolidation Loan
will be set in accordance with
paragraph (2); and
''(III) notify the borrower, as
part of such application, that if the
borrower wishes to consolidate in
accordance with the completed
application, the borrower must endorse
the application and submit the
application to the Secretary not more
than 6 months after receipt of the
application.
''(2) Terms of loans.--The following terms and conditions
shall apply to a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan made under
this subsection:
''(A) The applicable rate of interest on a Federal
Direct Consolidation Loan made under this subsection
shall be--
''(i) 4 percent; or
''(ii) in a case in which the weighted
average of the interest rates on the
outstanding loans of a borrower that will be
consolidated is less than 4 percent, the lesser
of--
''(I) the weighted average of the
interest rates on the outstanding loans
of a borrower that will be
consolidated; or
''(II) a rate of interest equal
to--
''(aa) 4 percent; minus
''(bb) 0.4 percent of the
principal balance of the
consolidation loan, at the time
of consolidation.
''(B) In the case of a loan consolidated under
paragraph (1)(C)(ii), an origination fee equal to 0.4
percent of the principal balance of the consolidation
loan, at the time of consolidation, will be added to
the principal balance of the loan, and the Secretary
shall use the fee to cover the cost of making and
servicing the loan.
''(C) If 1 or more of the loans being consolidated
is a loan described under paragraph (1)(B)(iii), the
interest rate on the Federal Direct Consolidation Loan
under this subsection shall be reduced by 0.25 percent.
''(D) Any benefit a borrower is receiving or
earning at the time a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan
is issued under this subsection shall not be affected
by consolidation under this section, including benefits
such as a deferment or forbearance, accumulation of
monthly payments as part of the public service loan
forgiveness program under section 455(m), accumulation
of monthly payments toward a loan discharge under the
income-based repayment plan under section 493C,
participation in a particular repayment plan, and other
benefits to the borrower.''.

SEC. 3. EXEMPTIONS FROM OTHER LAWS.

(a) Exemption From the Paperwork Reduction Act.--Chapter 35 of
title 44, United States Code, shall not apply to this Act.
(b) Inapplicability of Rulemaking Requirements.--Sections 482(c)
and 492 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1089(c), 1098a)
and section 553 of title 5, United States Code, shall not apply to the
amendments made by this Act, or to any regulations promulgated under
such amendments.

Answer: Federal Student Loan Refinancing Act This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to allow borrowers that received loans under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (DL) or Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program on or after July 1, 2006, to consolidate those loans as Federal Direct Consolidation Loans. It directs the Department of Education (ED) to consolidate DLs, and send a completed loan consolidation application to FFEL borrowers, within 90 days of this bill's enactment. It gives FFEL borrowers six months after their receipt of such application to endorse it and submit it to ED if they wish to consolidate their loans. The bill sets the interest rate on Federal Direct Consolidation Loans at 4% or, if the weighted average of the interest rates of the loans being consolidated is less than 4%, the lesser of: (1) that weighted average, or (2) an interest rate equal to 0.4% of the principal balance of the consolidation loan at the time of consolidation. It adds an origination fee equal to 0.4% of the principal balance of the consolidation loan at the time of consolidation if an FFEL is being consolidated. It reduces the interest rate on a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan by 0.25% if one or more of the loans being consolidated is an FFEL held by an eligible lender. The bill prohibits any benefit a borrower is receiving or earning when issued a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan from being affected by the consolidation.

Question: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ''Community Building Code
Administration Grant Act of 2007''.

SEC. 2. GRANT PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.

(a) Grant Authorization.--The Secretary of Housing and Urban
Development shall provide grants to local building code enforcement
departments.
(b) Competitive Awards.--The Secretary shall award grants under
subsection (a) on a competitive basis pursuant to the criteria set
forth in section 6, but also taking into consideration the following:
(1) The financial need of each building code enforcement
department.
(2) The benefit to the local jurisdiction of having an
adequately funded building code enforcement department.
(3) The demonstrated ability of each building code
enforcement department to work cooperatively with other local
code enforcement offices, health departments, and local
prosecutorial agencies.
(c) Maximum Amount.--The maximum amount of any grant awarded under
this section shall not exceed $1,000,000.

SEC. 3. REQUIRED ELEMENTS IN GRANT PROPOSALS.

In order to be eligible for a grant under section 2, a local
building code enforcement department shall submit to the Secretary the
following:
(1) A demonstration of the jurisdiction's needs in
executing building code enforcement administration.
(2) A plan for the use of any funds received under this Act
that addresses the needs discussed in paragraph (1) and that is
consistent with the authorized uses established in section 4.
(3) A plan for local governmental actions to be taken to
establish and sustain local building code enforcement
administration functions, without continuing Federal support,
at a level at least equivalent to that proposed in the grant
application.
(4) A plan to create and maintain a program of public
outreach that includes a regularly updated and readily
accessible means of public communication, interaction, and
reporting regarding the services and work of the local building
code enforcement department to be supported by the grant.
(5) A plan for ensuring the timely and effective
administrative enforcement of building safety and fire
prevention violations.

SEC. 4. USE OF FUNDS; MATCHING FUNDS.

(a) Authorized Uses.--Grants awarded under section 2 may be used by
the grant recipient to supplement existing State or local funding for
building code enforcement administration. Such funds may be used to
increase staffing, provide staff training, increase staff competence
and professional qualifications, support individual certification or
departmental accreditation, or for capital expenditures specifically
dedicated to the administration of the local building code enforcement
department.
(b) Matching Funds Required.--
(1) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
this Act, a local building code enforcement department
serving--
(A) a community that is very economically
disadvantaged, shall provide matching, non-Federal
funds in an amount equal to not less than 5 percent of
the total amount of any grant to be awarded under this
Act;
(B) a community that is moderately economically
disadvantaged, shall provide matching, non-Federal
funds in an amount equal to not less than 10 percent of
the total amount of any grant to be awarded under this
Act; or
(C) any other community, shall provide matching,
non-Federal funds in an amount equal to not less than
20 percent of the total amount of any grant to be
awarded under this Act.
(2) Economic distress.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary may waive the
matching fund requirements under paragraph (1), and
institute, by regulation, new matching fund
requirements based upon the level of economic distress
of the local jurisdiction in which the local building
code enforcement department seeking such grant is
located.
(B) Content of regulations.--Any regulations
instituted under subparagraph (A) shall include--
(i) a method that allows for a comparison
of the degree of economic distress among the
local jurisdictions of grant applicants, as
measured by the differences in the extent of
growth lag, the extent of poverty, and the
adjusted age of housing in such jurisdiction;
and
(ii) any other factor determined to be
relevant by the Secretary in assessing the
comparative degree of economic distress among
such local jurisdictions.
(c) In-Kind Contributions.--In determining the non-Federal share
required to be provided under subsection (b), the Secretary shall
consider in-kind contributions, not to exceed 50 percent of the amount
that the department contributes in non-Federal funds.
(d) Waiver of Matching Requirement.--The Secretary shall waive the
matching fund requirements under subsection (b) for any recipient
jurisdiction that has legislatively dedicated all building code
permitting fees to the conduct of local building code enforcement.

SEC. 5. RATING AND RANKING OF APPLICATIONS.

Eligible applications shall be rated and ranked according to the
criteria described in section 6. All complete applications will be
compared to one another and points assigned on a continuum within each
criterion, with the maximum points awarded to the application that best
meets the criterion.

SEC. 6. CRITERIA.

(a) Need and Community Benefit From Code Enforcement Grant Funds.--
Applications shall be rated and ranked on the degree to which the
application demonstrates the intent and means to ensure cooperative and
effective working relationships between local building code enforcement
officials and other local agencies, as well as a community-oriented
approach to building code enforcement, with the award of points as
follows:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description Maximum Points
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A detailed description of the capital expenditures to be acquired with 0-10
grant funds and a demonstration that the items' costs are reasonable.
The jurisdiction's need for the capital expenditure and how the grant 0-10
funds will fulfill this need.
The joint benefits provided by the proposed expenditure for the 0-5
following groups or activities: Provide a brief explanation of the
benefit. (1 point will be awarded for each response, 5 points maximum).
1. Code enforcement program.
2. Community or jurisdiction.
3. Interdisciplinary code enforcement team.
4. Housing preservation, rehabilitation programs, or neighborhood
improvement programs.
5. Special needs groups (disabled, elderly or low or very-low income,
etc.).
Does the proposed capital expenditure provide a cost savings benefit to 0-5
the jurisdiction? Provide a brief explanation of the cost savings.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(b) Current Code Enforcement and Housing Conservation Plan.--Each
application shall be rated and ranked on the degree to which the local
legislative body in which the applicant resides adopted a ''plan''
which addresses residential structure conservation and building code
enforcement, with the award of points as follows:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description Maximum Points
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The plan provides for proactive code enforcement (not just responding to 10
complaints), an interdisciplinary approach, and includes funding
options for repairs and rehabilitation.
The plan only provides for proactive code enforcement (not just 8
responding to complaints) and calls for an interdisciplinary approach
and does not address funding options for repairs and rehabilitation.
The plan provides for some type of proactive code enforcement (other 6
than just responding to complaints) but doesn't address coordinated
interdisciplinary activities with other local public agencies or
funding options.
The plan provides for only reactive code enforcement. 4
The plan only refers to a need to preserve and/or improve existing 2
housing stock, without any code enforcement program.
No existing plan. 0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(c) Community-Oriented or Interdisciplinary Code Enforcement.--Each
application shall be rated and ranked on the degree to which the
application demonstrates the intent and means to ensure cooperative and
effective working relationships between building code enforcement
officials and other local agencies, as well as a community-oriented
approach to code enforcement, with the award of points as follows:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description Maximum Points
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Identify current or proposed interdisciplinary code enforcement programs 0-10
or activities and the team members (example: code enforcement, police,
local prosecutors, health department, building and planning, fire,
etc.). Provide a description of the team's code enforcement and
coordination procedures, activities and services provided. If the
current programs or resources are limited in scope, explain how receipt
of the grant will be used to improve the program.
Identify current or proposed community-oriented code enforcement 0-10
programs, activities or services. (Examples: community clean-ups,
Neighborhood Watch programs, community meetings, door-to-door code
enforcement knock and talks, etc.). If the current programs or
resources are limited in scope, explain how receipt of the grant will
be used to improve the program.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(d) Proactive Code Enforcement Activities.--Each application shall
be rated and ranked on the effectiveness of the proposed or existing
proactive activities and programs operated by any existing building
code enforcement program, with the award of points as follows:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description Maximum Points
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Encourages repairs and preservation, rather than demolition or 0-5
abandonment, of substandard residences.
Abatement of (a) lead hazards and lead-based paints, (b) toxic molds and 0-5
dampness, and (c) displacement or relocation of residents.
Community clean-up campaigns, which may include recycling dates, free or 0-5
reduced disposal rates at dumpsite, public clean-up days that encourage
removal of unwanted or excess debris by making available extra trash
pick-ups, dumpsites or trash or recycling containers on specific dates
to dispose of household debris, inoperable vehicles, tires, toxic
materials, etc.
Resource or referral programs for Federal, State, local, and private 0-5
funds and other resources available in your jurisdiction that can
assist with housing rehabilitation and repairs to rectify code
violations.
Public education programs on housing issues. These could include 0-5
community housing meetings dealing with homeownership, tenant/landlord
issues, housing code enforcement, school age children's programs with
coloring books or handouts, housing safety pamphlets, etc.
Programs that encourage community involvement with groups; such as 0-5
schools, church non-profits, community service groups, utility
companies, local stores, housing agency banks, etc.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(e) Capacity To Financially and Technically Support Proposed
Capital Expenditures.--Each application shall be rated and ranked on
the degree to which the application demonstrates the jurisdiction's
financial and technical capacity to properly use and successfully
support the proposed capital expenditure during the term of the grant,
with the award of points as follows:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description Maximum Points
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The anticipated ongoing program funding for the duration of the grant 0-5
program is adequate to financially support the use of the grant-
financed equipment. Include details of funding and technical support
sources for the capital expenditure (examples: insurance, paper,
maintenance, training, supplies, personnel, monthly billing costs,
etc.).
The jurisdiction has the technical capabilities to use and support 0-5
equipment (examples: adequately trained staff or resources to provide
training to operate technical equipment, local service provider for
cell phones or 2-way radios, trained personnel to operate equipment,
etc.).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SEC. 7. EVALUATION AND REPORT.

(a) In General.--Grant recipients shall--
(1) be obligated to fully account and report for the use of
all grants funds; and
(2) provide a report to the Secretary on the effectiveness
of the program undertaken by the grantee and any other criteria
requested by the Secretary for the purpose of indicating the
effectiveness of, and ideas for, refinement of the grant
program.
(b) Report.--The report required under subsection (a)(2) shall
include a discussion of--
(1) the specific capabilities and functions in local
building code enforcement administration that were addressed
using funds received under this Act;
(2) the lessons learned in carrying out the plans supported
by the grant; and
(3) the manner in which the programs supported by the grant
are to be maintained by the grantee.
(c) Content of Reports.--The Secretary shall--
(1) require each recipient of a grant under ths Act to file
interim and final reports under subsection (b) to ensure that
grant funds are being used as intended and to measure the
effectiveness and benefits of the grant program; and
(2) develop and maintain a means whereby the public can
access such reports, at no cost, via the Internet.

SEC. 8. DEFINITIONS.

For purposes of this Act, the following definitions shall apply:
(1) Building code enforcement department.--The term
''building code enforcement department'' means the building
code inspection or enforcement agency of a local jurisdiction.
(2) Jurisdiction.--The term ''jurisdiction'' means a city,
county, parish, city and county authority, or city and parish
authority having local authority to enforce building codes and
regulations and collect fees for building permits.
(3) Secretary.--The term ''Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Housing and Urban Development.

SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated
$100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013 to the
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to carry out the provisions
of this Act.
(b) Reservation.--From the amount made available under subsection
(a), the Secretary may reserve not more than 5 percent for
administrative costs.
(c) Availability.--Any funds appropriated pursuant to subsection
(a) shall remain available until expended.

Answer: Community Building Code Administration Grant Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to award grants, on a competitive basis and with federal matching funds, to qualified local building code enforcement departments to increase staffing, provide staff training, increase staff competence and professional qualifications, support individual certification or departmental accreditation, or for capital expenditures specifically dedicated to department administration.

Sets forth criteria for rating and ranking of grant proposals.

Question: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ''Agricultural Water
Quality Policy Oversight Act of 1999''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings and definitions.
Sec. 3. Interagency Agricultural Water Quality Policy Working Group.
Sec. 4. Advisory committee to address agriculture-related water quality
issues.
Sec. 5. Other aspects of leadership role of Department of Agriculture.
Sec. 6. Maintaining privacy of personal data received by Department of
Agriculture and data gathering locations.
Sec. 7. Agricultural water quality programs.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND DEFINITIONS.

(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) The Secretary of Agriculture must provide the
leadership necessary to ensure that sound science is used to
develop Federal policy decisions and rules regarding private
agricultural lands and other rural lands.
(2) Public attention has gradually turned from the
manufacturing industry toward agriculture as a source of water
pollution.
(3) Various studies allege that agricultural production is
a source of nutrients and other forms of non-point source
pollution.
(4) Although many of these studies are based on erroneous
or incomplete data, Federal agencies are continuing to increase
the paperwork and financial burden on farmers and ranchers
through regulatory requirements based on these studies.
(5) Any Federal policy recommendations that may be issued
by any Federal agency to address water pollution problems
related to agricultural lands should be based on sound science,
subject to adequate peer review, and should take into account
the economic feasibility of implementing such recommendations
at the farm level.
(6) The majority of farmers and ranchers voluntarily manage
their land in ways that protect the productivity and quality of
their soil.
(7) Federal, State, and local technical assistance efforts
are ongoing to assist farmers and ranchers in implementing
voluntary conservation measures to assess and reduce the risk
of non-point source water pollution contributions from
agricultural production.
(8) Farmers and ranchers seeking technical assistance from
the Department of Agriculture share detailed data and
information about their operations and trust that this
information will be kept confidential.
(b) Definitions.--In this Act:
(1) Interagency working group.--The term ''Interagency
Working Group'' means the Interagency Agricultural Water
Quality Policy Working Group established pursuant to section 3.
(2) Advisory committee.--The term ''advisory committee''
means the advisory committee to address agriculture-related
water quality issues established pursuant to section 4.
(3) Sound science.--The term ''sound science'' means
technical or scientific information or techniques that have
been subjected to independent peer review, publication in one
or more scientific journals, or subjected to some other
unbiased process which assures independent scholarly critique
of research or field trial results and conclusions, including
consideration of the accuracy of collection and analysis for
all underlying data. In addition, in all cases where
replication of research results is feasible, the term can be
applied only to information or techniques that have
demonstrated repeatable results in similar trials at other
times or at multiple locations.

SEC. 3. INTERAGENCY AGRICULTURAL WATER QUALITY POLICY WORKING GROUP.

(a) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this section to establish an
executive branch working group, to be chaired by the Secretary of
Agriculture, to--
(1) ensure that sound science is used to develop
agricultural water quality policy; and
(2) provide advice and recommendations on the integration
and coordination of Federal water quality policy affecting
private agricultural lands and other rural lands.
(b) Establishment.--There is established in the executive branch a
working group, to be known as the Interagency Agricultural Water
Quality Policy Working Group. The Interagency Working Group shall
include the following members:
(1) The Secretary of Agriculture, or the designee of the
Secretary, who shall chair the Interagency Working Group.
(2) The Secretary of the Interior, or the designee of the
Secretary of the Interior. The designee of the Secretary of the
Interior shall be an officer or employee of the Geological
Survey.
(3) The Secretary of the Army, or the designee of the
Secretary of the Army.
(4) The Secretary of Commerce, or the designee of the
Secretary of Commerce. The designee of the Secretary of
Commerce shall be an officer or employee of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
(5) The Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency or the designee of the Administrator.
(6) The heads of such other Federal agencies or other
Executive Offices as the Secretary of Agriculture considers
appropriate or their designees.
(c) Meetings.--
(1) Initial meeting.--Not later than 120 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Interagency Working
Group shall hold its first meeting.
(2) Time for meetings.--The Interagency Working Group shall
meet at the call of the chair, but at least annually.
(3) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Interagency
Working Group shall constitute a quorum to conduct business
pursuant to this Act, but a lesser number of members may hold
hearings to receive testimony.
(d) Agriculture-Related Water Quality Policy Clearance.--After the
establishment of the Interagency Working Group, all new Federal water
quality policy affecting agricultural lands and other rural lands shall
be subject to approval by the Interagency Working Group.
(e) Analysis of Current Policies.--The Interagency Working Group
shall conduct a thorough analysis of national water quality policy in
effect as of the date of the enactment of this Act and affecting
agricultural and rural lands. In conducting the study, the Interagency
Working Group shall--
(1) review all existing Federal laws and programs relating
to agricultural water quality policy;
(2) review State, local, and tribal laws and programs
relating to agricultural water quality policy that the
Interagency Working Group finds pertinent;
(3) review recent agricultural water quality policy
activities by Federal agencies and determine if these policies
are backed by research and sound science;
(4) prepare recommendations on mechanisms to ensure that
sound science is the foundation of agricultural water quality
policy adopted after the date of the enactment of this Act;
(5) consult with State Governors and prepare
recommendations on how Federal agricultural water quality
policies and programs can be better integrated with ongoing
State, local, and tribal programs into a comprehensive national
policy.
(f) Submission of Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Interagency Working Group shall
submit a report to the President and Congress containing a
detailed statement of the findings and conclusions of the
Interagency Working Group derived from the study conducted by
the Interagency Working Group under subsection (e), together
with recommendations for such legislation and administrative
actions as the Interagency Working Group considers appropriate.
(2) Approval of report.--Before submission of the report,
the contents of the report shall be approved by majority vote
of the Interagency Working Group. Members voting not to approve
the contents shall be given the opportunity to submit
dissenting views with the report.
(g) Miscellaneous Powers.--
(1) Hearings.--The Interagency Working Group may hold such
hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such
testimony, and receive such evidence as the Interagency Working
Group considers necessary to carry out the duties of the
Interagency Working Group.
(2) Information from federal agencies.--The Interagency
Working Group may secure directly from any Federal agency such
information as the Interagency Working Group considers
necessary to carry out its duties. Upon request of the chair of
the Interagency Working Group, the head of such agency shall
furnish such information to the Interagency Working Group.

SEC. 4. ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO ADDRESS AGRICULTURE-RELATED WATER QUALITY
ISSUES.

(a) Establishment of Advisory Committee.--The Secretary of
Agriculture shall establish an advisory committee to address
agriculture-related water quality issues, including research and
modeling, agricultural water quality inventorying and monitoring
activities, and the availability of conservation technical assistance
for implementing agriculture-related water quality programs.
(b) Composition.--The advisory committee shall be comprised of
representatives of the agriculture industry, agricultural producers,
employees of the Department of Agriculture, research scientists from
colleges and universities, and other experts in the fields of
agriculture and water quality.
(c) Duties.--The advisory committee shall advise the Secretary of
Agriculture on all major agriculture-related water quality issues. The
advisory committee shall initially report on--
(1) the role of the Department of Agriculture for providing
oversight and coordination related to agricultural water
quality and this Act;
(2) mechanisms to ensure sound science is utilized in
agricultural water quality policy;
(3) options to ensure the financial burden of agriculture-
related water quality regulations on individual farmers and
ranchers is considered; and
(4) how best to provide assistance to priority watersheds
as designated by States in the Unified Watershed Assessments
completed as a part of the Clean Water Action Plan mandate.
(d) Meetings.--The advisory committee shall meet at such times as
the Secretary of Agriculture may require in order to provide
recommendations to the Secretary on all major agriculture-related water
quality issues as policy is developed.

SEC. 5. OTHER ASPECTS OF LEADERSHIP ROLE OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

(a) Promotion of Research Cooperation.--The Secretary of
Agriculture shall ensure cooperation between the Department of
Agriculture and other Federal agencies in research activities regarding
agriculture-related water quality in order to coordinate the activities
and avoid duplication.
(b) Oversight of Research Results.--The Secretary of Agriculture
shall ensure, to the maximum extent possible, that the results of any
agriculture-related water quality research conducted by Federal
agencies be based on sound science and not report any erroneous data
with respect to agriculture-related water quality. The Secretary shall
ensure that sound science is available to all Federal agencies during
the promulgation or revision of rules after the date of the enactment
of this Act.
(c) Paperwork Burden.--To the maximum extent practicable, the
Secretary of Agriculture shall review efforts by other Federal agencies
to issue rules regarding agriculture-related water quality and make
recommendations designed to ensure that any required paperwork is
minimized and does not impede the flow of normal agricultural
activities.

SEC. 6. MAINTAINING PRIVACY OF PERSONAL DATA RECEIVED BY DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE AND DATA GATHERING LOCATIONS.

(a) Personal Data.--Information or data provided to the Department
of Agriculture by a person for the purpose of receiving technical
advice or other assistance shall remain confidential to the agency
providing the advice or assistance, including any local, State, or
Federal agency cooperating with the Department of Agriculture in
providing such advice or assistance. Natural resource conservation
plans developed by or for a landowner or operator under an education or
natural resource conservation program or authority administered by the
Secretary of Agriculture shall not be released by any person or agency
to any other person, organization, or agency, except for local, State,
or Federal agencies cooperating with the Department of Agriculture in
providing technical advice or other assistance. This information and
data are deemed to be commercial or financial information that is
privileged or confidential.
(b) Inventory, Monitoring and Site Specific Data.--In order to
maintain the personal privacy, confidentiality, and cooperation of
land-owners and operators, and to maintain the integrity of sample
sites, the geographic locations of Natural Resources Inventory of the
Department of Agriculture data gathering sites are not public
information. Natural Resources Inventory and other inventory and
monitoring site specific data are not to be released to the public
unless they have been transformed into a statistical or aggregate form
that does not allow identification of the individual landowner,
operator or specific data gathering site.
(c) Third Party Data Collection.--Any data collected by a third
party on private lands as a result of an agreement with the Department
of Agriculture or using Department funds to collect information,
produce a plan, or monitor sites is considered private and covered
under subsection (a) and (b).

SEC. 7. AGRICULTURAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS.

Section 208(j) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33
U.S.C. 1288) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ''Soil Conservation Service'' and
inserting ''Natural Resources Conservation Service'';
(B) by striking ''Such contracts may be entered
into during the period ending not later than September
31, 1988.''; and
(2) by striking paragraphs (8) and (9) and inserting the
following new paragraph:
''(8) There are hereby authorized to be appropriated to the
Secretary of Agriculture such sums as may be necessary to carry out
this subsection for fiscal years 2000 through 2010. Such sums shall
remain available until expended.''.

Answer:
Agricultural Water Quality Policy Oversight Act of 1999 - Establishes in the executive branch the Interagency Water Quality Policy Working Group, to be chaired by the Secretary of Agriculture. Directs the Group to conduct an analysis of national water quality policy, including consideration of Federal, State, local, and tribal laws.
Subjects all new Federal water policy affecting agricultural and rural lands to Group approval.
(Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a related advisory committee, which shall consider: (1) the oversight and coordinating role of the Department of Agriculture; (2) mechanisms to ensure the use of sound science in policy development; (3) the financial considerations of farmers and ranchers; and (4) priority watersheds.
(Sec. 5) Directs te Secretary to ensure: (1) cooperation between the Department and other Federal entities; and (2) oversight of research results.
(Sec. 6) Provides for personal data confidentiality.
(Sec. 7) Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act with respect to certain contracts for nonpoint source water pollution control management to: (1) replace the Soil Conservation Service with the Natural Resources Conservation Service as a coordinating entity; (2) reopen contract authority; and (3) authorize appropriations.