[Senate Report 112-163]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
Calendar No. 382
112th Congress Report
SENATE
2d Session 112-163
======================================================================
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND
RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2013
_______
April 26, 2012.--Ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Kohl, from the Committee on Appropriations,
submitted the following
REPORT
[To accompany S. 2375]
The Committee on Appropriations reports the bill (S. 2375)
making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food
and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 2013, and for other purposes,
reports favorably thereon and recommends that the bill do pass.
New obligational authority
Total of bill as reported to the Senate.................$142,182,337,000
Amount of 2012 appropriations........................... 136,840,373,000
Amount of 2013 budget estimate.......................... 144,233,282,000
Bill as recommended to Senate compared to--
2012 appropriations................................. +5,341,964,000
2013 budget estimate................................ -2,050,945,000
CONTENTS
----------
Page
Breakdown by Title............................................... 4
Summary of the Bill:
Overview and Summary of the Bill............................. 5
Reports to Congress.......................................... 6
Title I:
Agricultural Programs:
Production, Processing, and Marketing:
Office of the Secretary.............................. 7
Office of Tribal Relations........................... 7
Executive Operations................................. 8
Office of the Chief Information Officer.............. 10
Office of the Chief Financial Officer................ 11
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights... 11
Office of Civil Rights............................... 12
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration. 12
Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and Rental
Payments........................................... 13
Hazardous Materials Management....................... 13
Departmental Administration.......................... 14
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Congressional
Relations.......................................... 15
Office of Communications............................. 15
Office of Inspector General.......................... 15
Office of the General Counsel........................ 16
Office of the Under Secretary for Research,
Education, and Economics........................... 16
Economic Research Service............................ 17
National Agricultural Statistics Service............. 17
Agricultural Research Service........................ 18
National Institute of Food and Agriculture........... 21
Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and
Regulatory Programs................................ 27
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service........... 27
Agricultural Marketing Service....................... 31
Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards
Administration..................................... 35
Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety........ 35
Food Safety and Inspection Service................... 36
Office of the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign
Agricultural Services.............................. 37
Farm Service Agency.................................. 37
Risk Management Agency............................... 41
Corporations:
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund.............. 42
Commodity Credit Corporation Fund.................... 42
Title II:
Conservation Programs:
Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and
Environment............................................ 45
Natural Resources Conservation Service................... 45
Title III:
Rural Development Programs:
Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development...... 47
Rural Housing Service.................................... 48
Rural Business--Cooperative Service...................... 54
Rural Energy for America Program......................... 57
Rural Utilities Service.................................. 58
Title IV:
Domestic Food Programs:
Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and
Consumer Services...................................... 62
Food and Nutrition Service............................... 63
Title V: Foreign Assistance and Related Programs: Foreign
Agricultural Service........................................... 70
Title VI:
Related Agency and Food and Drug Administration:
Food and Drug Administration............................. 74
Independent Agency: Farm Credit Administration........... 81
Title VII: General Provisions.................................... 83
Program, Project, and Activity................................... 85
Compliance With Paragraph 7, Rule XVI of the Standing Rules of
the
Senate......................................................... 85
Compliance With Paragraph 7(c), Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules
of the Senate.................................................. 86
Compliance With Paragraph 12, Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of
the
Senate......................................................... 87
Budgetary Impact of Bill......................................... 88
Comparative Statement of Budget Authority........................ 89
BREAKDOWN BY TITLE
The amounts of obligational authority for each of the seven
titles are shown in the following table. A detailed tabulation,
showing comparisons, appears at the end of this report.
Recommendations for individual appropriation items, projects
and activities are carried in this report under the appropriate
item headings.
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2013 Committee
2012 recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title I: Agricultural programs.... 24,970,211 28,416,877
Title II: Conservation programs... 844,007 829,391
Title III: Rural economic and 2,250,233 2,275,698
community development programs...
Title IV: Domestic food programs.. 105,553,001 107,090,563
Title V: Foreign assistance and 1,835,667 1,836,401
related programs.................
Title VI: Related agencies and 2,505,809 2,529,811
Food and Drug Administration.....
Title VII: General provisions..... -1,118,555 -796,404
-------------------------------------
Total, new budget 136,840,373 142,182,337
(obligational) authority...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY OF THE BILL
The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug
Administration, and Related Agencies appropriations bill
provides funding for a wide array of Federal programs, mostly
in the U.S. Department of Agriculture [USDA]. These programs
include agricultural research, education, and extension
activities; natural resources conservation programs; farm
income and support programs; marketing and inspection
activities; domestic food assistance programs; rural housing,
economic and community development, and telecommunication and
electrification assistance; and various export and
international activities of the USDA.
The bill also provides funding for the Food and Drug
Administration [FDA] and allows the use of collected fees for
administrative expenses of the Farm Credit Administration
[FCA].
The discretionary programs and activities of USDA and FDA
that are supported by this bill include high priority
responsibilities entrusted to the Federal Government and its
partners to protect human health and safety, contribute to
economic recovery, and achieve policy objectives strongly
supported by the American people. The ability to provide for
these measures is made difficult by growing pressure on
available levels of discretionary spending as a consequence of
the overall public debate on Federal spending, revenues, and
size of the Federal debt.
Too often, the USDA programs funded by this bill are
confused with farm subsidies and other mandatory spending more
properly associated with multi-year farm bills. In contrast,
this bill provides annual funding for programs familiar to all
Americans such as protecting food safety through the Food
Safety and Inspection Service and the Food and Drug
Administration, which also plays a vital role in maintaining
the safety of the Nation's blood supply and availability of
safe and effective medical products and other components of our
health system. This bill also provides funding to fight against
the introduction and spread of noxious or infectious and often
invasive pests and disease that threaten our plant and animal
health environments, as well as funding for many other missions
of dire importance to the American people.
In the context of overall pressures on spending and the
competing priorities that the Committee faces, this bill as
reported provides the proper amount of emphasis on
agricultural, rural development, and other programs and
activities funded by the bill. It is consistent with the
subcommittee's allocation for fiscal year 2013.
All accounts in the bill have been closely examined to
ensure that an appropriate level of funding is provided to
carry out the programs of USDA, FDA, and FCA. Details on each
of the accounts, the funding level, and the Committee's
justifications for the funding levels are included in the
report.
REPORTS TO CONGRESS
The Committee has, throughout this report, requested
agencies to provide studies and reports on various issues. The
Committee utilizes these reports to evaluate program
performance and make decisions on future appropriations. The
Committee directs that all studies and reports be provided to
the Committee as electronic documents in an agreed upon format
within 120 days after the date of enactment, unless an
alternative submission schedule is specifically stated in the
report request.
TITLE I
AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS
Production, Processing, and Marketing
Office of the Secretary
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $4,550,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 5,051,000
Committee recommendation................................ 5,051,000
The Secretary of Agriculture, assisted by the Deputy
Secretary, Under Secretaries and Assistant Secretaries, Chief
Information Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and members of
their immediate staffs, directs and coordinates the work of the
Department. This includes developing policy, maintaining
relationships with agricultural organizations and others in the
development of farm programs, and maintaining liaison with the
Executive Office of the President and Members of Congress on
all matters pertaining to agricultural policy.
The general authority of the Secretary to supervise and
control the work of the Department is contained in the Organic
Act (7 U.S.C. 2201-2202). The delegation of regulatory
functions to Department employees and authorization of
appropriations to carry out these functions is contained in 7
U.S.C. 450c-450g.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $5,051,000 for
the Office of the Secretary.
Animal Fighting.--The Committee is very concerned about
reports of illegal animal fighting activities and directs the
Secretary to work with relevant agencies on the most effective
and proper means for investigating and enforcing laws and
regulations regarding these activities.
Operating Expenses.--The Department is directed to place
greater scrutiny on overhead costs and is directed to develop a
plan to reduce such costs, including non-essential travel,
office supply, rent, and utility costs, by 10 percent in fiscal
year 2013. The Committee directs the Department to submit this
plan within 30 days of the enactment of this act.
OFFICE OF TRIBAL RELATIONS
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $448,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 498,000
Committee recommendation................................ 498,000
The Office of Tribal Relations will interact with USDA
program agencies to understand pending actions that may affect
Indian tribes. This interaction and programmatic knowledge will
improve USDA's ability to conduct consultation activities,
thereby better addressing the needs of USDA tribal constituents
and improving relationships.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $498,000 for
the Office of Tribal Relations.
Executive Operations
Executive operations were established as a result of the
reorganization of the Department to provide a support team for
USDA policy officials and selected departmentwide services.
Activities under the executive operations include the Office of
the Chief Economist, the National Appeals Division, the Office
of Budget and Program Analysis, the Office of Homeland Security
and Emergency Coordination and the Office of Advocacy and
Outreach.
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ECONOMIST
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $11,177,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 12,008,000
Committee recommendation................................ 16,008,000
The Office of the Chief Economist advises the Secretary of
Agriculture on the economic implications of Department policies
and programs. The Office serves as the single focal point for
the Nation's economic intelligence and analysis, risk
assessment, and cost-benefit analysis related to domestic and
international food and agriculture issues, provides policy
direction for renewable energy development, conducts analyses
of climate change impacts on agriculture and forestry, and is
responsible for coordination and review of all commodity and
aggregate agricultural and food-related data used to develop
outlook and situation material within the Department.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $16,008,000
for the Office of the Chief Economist. While the amount
recommended for the Office of the Chief Economist [OCE] appears
to be a significant increase above fiscal year 2012 and the
request, the Committee notes that $4,000,000 for policy
research is being transferred to OCE from the National
Institute of Food and Agriculture [NIFA]. The research and
analysis conducted at the policy research centers is more
closely aligned with the mission of OCE than NIFA.
Policy Research.--The Committee recommendation includes
$4,000,000 for policy research under 7 U.S.C. 3155 for entities
with existing institutional capacity to conduct complex
economic and policy analysis and a lengthy and well-documented
record of conducting policy analysis for the benefit of the
Department of Agriculture, the Congressional Budget Office, or
the Congress. To maximize resources, the Committee expects the
Department to focus efforts on entities that have developed
models, databases, and staff necessary to conduct in-depth
analysis of impacts of agriculture or rural development policy
proposals on rural communities, farmers, agribusiness,
taxpayers, and consumers.
NATIONAL APPEALS DIVISION
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $12,841,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 14,225,000
Committee recommendation................................ 14,225,000
The National Appeals Division conducts administrative
hearings and reviews of adverse program decisions made by the
Rural Development mission area, the Farm Service Agency, the
Risk Management Agency, and the Natural Resources Conservation
Service.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $14,225,000
for the National Appeals Division.
OFFICE OF BUDGET AND PROGRAM ANALYSIS
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $8,946,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 9,049,000
Committee recommendation................................ 9,049,000
The Office of Budget and Program Analysis provides
direction and administration of the Department's budgetary
functions including development, presentation, and execution of
the budget; reviews program and legislative proposals for
program, budget, and related implications; analyzes program and
resource issues and alternatives, and prepares summaries of
pertinent data to aid the Secretary and departmental policy
officials and agency program managers in the decisionmaking
process; and provides departmentwide coordination for and
participation in the presentation of budget-related matters to
the committees of the Congress, the media, and interested
public. The Office also provides departmentwide coordination of
the preparation and processing of regulations and legislative
programs and reports.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $9,049,000 for
the Office of Budget and Program Analysis.
OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY COORDINATION
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $1,321,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 1,496,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,496,000
The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Coordination
formulates emergency preparedness policies and objectives for
USDA. The Office directs and coordinates all of the
Department's program activities that support USDA emergency
programs and liaison functions with the Congress, the
Department of Homeland Security, and other Federal departments
and agencies involving homeland security, natural disasters,
other emergencies, and agriculture-related international civil
emergency planning and related activities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,496,000 for
the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Coordination.
OFFICE OF ADVOCACY AND OUTREACH
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $1,209,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 1,422,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,422,000
The purpose of the Office of Advocacy and Outreach is to
increase the accessibility of USDA programs to underserved
constituents. The Office coordinates the activities of various
USDA programs and agencies that have as a mission purpose the
provision of assistance to underserved constituents and
generally encourages and advocates for full participation by
all Americans in USDA programs.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,422,000 for
the Office of Advocacy and Outreach.
Office of the Chief Information Officer
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $44,031,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 44,031,000
Committee recommendation................................ 44,031,000
The Office of the Chief Information Officer was established
in August 1996 (40 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.), pursuant to the
Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996, which required the establishment of
a Chief Information Officer for major Federal agencies. This
Office provides policy guidance, leadership, coordination, and
direction to the Department's information management and
information technology investment activities in support of USDA
program delivery, and is the lead office in USDA e-gov efforts.
The Office provides long-range planning guidance, implements
measures to ensure that technology investments are economical
and effective, coordinates interagency information resources
management projects, and implements standards to promote
information exchange and technical interoperability. In
addition, the Office of the Chief Information Officer is
responsible for certain activities financed under the
Department's Working Capital Fund (7 U.S.C. 2235). The Office
also provides telecommunication and automated data processing
[ADP] services to USDA agencies through the National
Information Technology Center with locations in Fort Collins,
Colorado, Kansas City, Missouri and Washington, DC. Direct ADP
operational services are also provided to the Office of the
Secretary, the Office of the General Counsel, the Office of
Communications, the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, and
Departmental Management.
On November 28, 2004, the information technology staffs of
the Service Center Agencies [SCA] were converged into one IT
organization within the office of the Chief Information
Officer; this converged organization is named Information
Technology Services and replaces a network of cross-agency
teams used to coordinate IT infrastructure investment within
the SCA and allows for unified management of the IT
infrastructure.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $44,031,000
for the Office of the Chief Information Officer. This amount
includes $28,000,000 to support cybersecurity requirements of
the Department.
Office of the Chief Financial Officer
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $5,650,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 6,247,000
Committee recommendation................................ 6,247,000
The Office of the Chief Financial Officer is responsible
for the dual roles of Chief Financial Management Policy Officer
and Chief Financial Management Advisor to the Secretary and
mission area heads. The Office provides leadership for all
financial management, accounting, travel, Federal assistance,
and strategic planning performance measurement activities
within the Department. The Office is also responsible for the
management and operation of the National Finance Center and the
Departmental Working Capital Fund.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $6,247,000 for
the Office of the Chief Financial Officer. The Committee is
concerned about the Department's apparent indifference to the
need for a Chief Financial Officer. USDA has been without a
permanent Chief Financial Officer since November 2009. With its
substantial loan portfolios, potential for improper payments in
mandatory programs, and history of uneven financial audits, the
necessity for a full complement of senior USDA financial
leaders is evident. The Secretary is directed to submit a
report to the Committee by June 1, 2012, detailing how the
Department plans to expeditiously recruit and fill this
vacancy. The Committee reminds the Secretary of the statutory
requirements of 31 U.S.C. 902.
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $848,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 893,000
Committee recommendation................................ 893,000
The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
provides oversight of civil rights and related functions. This
includes coordination of the administration of civil rights
laws and regulations for employees of the Department of
Agriculture and participants in programs of the Department, and
ensuring compliance with civil rights laws.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $893,000 for
the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights.
Office of Civil Rights
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $21,000,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 22,692,000
Committee recommendation................................ 22,692,000
The Office of Civil Rights provides overall leadership
responsibility for all departmentwide civil rights activities.
These activities include employment opportunity as well as
program nondiscrimination policy development, analysis,
coordination, and compliance. The Office is responsible for
providing leadership in facilitating the fair and equitable
treatment of USDA employees, and for monitoring program
activities to ensure that all USDA programs are delivered in a
nondiscriminatory manner. The Office's outreach functions
provide leadership, coordination, facilitation, and expertise
to internal and external partners to ensure equal and timely
access to USDA programs for all constituents, with emphasis on
the underserved, through information sharing, technical
assistance, and training.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $22,692,000
for the Office of Civil Rights.
Equal Credit Opportunity Act Claims.--The budget request
includes $40,000,000 to settle Equal Credit Opportunity Act
claims arising out of the delivery of USDA credit programs. The
claims were filed between July 1, 1997 and October 31, 2009.
Because the statute of limitations for these claims has
expired, authorizing language, within the jurisdiction of the
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, is required
to resolve them. This language was not transmitted with the
budget. The Committee is aware of the Department's interest in
resolving these claims and will closely monitor any legislation
that would allow the Department to move forward to settlement.
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $764,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 804,000
Committee recommendation................................ 804,000
The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration
directs and coordinates the work of the departmental management
offices in carrying out the laws enacted by the Congress
relating to real and personal property management, personnel
management, ethics, and other general administrative functions.
In addition, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for
Administration is responsible for certain activities financed
under the Department's Working Capital Fund (7 U.S.C. 2235).
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $804,000 for
the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration.
Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and Rental Payments
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $230,416,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 244,057,000
Committee recommendation................................ 241,336,000
Department headquarters presently operates in a two-
building, Government-owned complex in downtown Washington, DC,
the George Washington Carver Center in Beltsville, Maryland,
and in leased buildings in the metropolitan Washington, DC,
area. Annual appropriations finance payments to the General
Services Administration [GSA] for leased space and related
payments are made to the Department of Homeland Security for
perimeter security services at USDA occupied space. Under this
arrangement USDA operates, maintains, and repairs the D.C.
complex buildings, in lieu of rental payments for the two-
building D.C. complex and the George Washington Carver Center.
GSA charges commercial rent rates pursuant to the Public
Buildings Amendments of 1972, and agencies may review rate
procedures and exercise rights to appeal. For the last several
years the Department has implemented a strategic space plan to
locate staff more efficiently, renovate its buildings, and
eliminate safety hazards, particularly in the Agriculture South
Building.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $241,336,000
for Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and Rental Payments.
The following table reflects the Committee's specific
recommendations for this account as compared to the fiscal year
2012 and budget request levels:
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2013 budget Committee
2012 enacted request recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rental payments................................................. 164,470 175,694 175,694
Building operations............................................. 52,146 54,890 52,169
DHS building security........................................... 13,800 13,473 13,473
-----------------------------------------------
Total..................................................... 230,416 244,057 241,336
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hazardous Materials Management
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $3,592,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 3,992,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,992,000
Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act and the Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act, the Department has the responsibility to meet
the same standards regarding the storage and disposition of
hazardous materials as private businesses. The Department is
required to contain, cleanup, monitor, and inspect for
hazardous materials in areas under the Department's
jurisdiction.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,992,000 for
Hazardous Materials Management.
Departmental Administration
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $24,165,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 29,647,000
Committee recommendation................................ 27,647,000
Departmental Administration is comprised of activities that
provide staff support to top policy officials and overall
direction and coordination of administrative functions of the
Department. These activities include departmentwide programs
for human resource management, ethics, occupational safety and
health management, real and personal property management,
procurement, contracting, motor vehicle and aircraft
management, supply management, emergency preparedness, small
and disadvantaged business utilization, and the regulatory
hearing and administrative proceedings conducted by the
Administrative Law Judges and Judicial Officer.
Departmental Administration is also responsible for
representing USDA in the development of Governmentwide policies
and initiatives; and analyzing the impact of Governmentwide
trends and developing appropriate USDA principles, policies,
and standards. In addition, Departmental Administration engages
in strategic planning and evaluates programs to ensure USDA-
wide compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations
pertaining to administrative matters for the Secretary and
general officers of the Department.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $27,647,000
for Departmental Administration.
Departmental Functions.--The Committee reiterates and
reminds USDA of the notification requirements included in the
fiscal year 2012 bill regarding changes to the functions or
organization of any part of USDA. The Department is instructed
to undertake a thoughtful and thorough analysis of the cost,
savings, programmatic efficiencies, impact on services to
customers and employees, and overall effect on employees that
might result from any changes to Departmental functions. Not
less than 60 days before moving forward with any consolidation
efforts, this analysis shall be shared with the Committee as it
will be key to the Committee's decision whether to allow
further Departmental consolidation or reorganization to move
forward. In addition, the Committee reminds USDA of the
reprogramming requirements and limitations on the Secretary's
transfer authority included in this act. The Committee is
concerned by reports that Economy Act charges to agencies are
being used to supplement administrative functions for which
specific appropriations are provided. The Department is
directed to report by June 1, 2012, on working capital fund,
greenbook, and Economy Act charges for the past 3 fiscal years,
with special attention on charges implemented in the last year.
The report shall be transmitted in a format deemed acceptable
to the Committee.
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $3,576,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 3,869,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,869,000
The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Congressional
Relations maintains a liaison with the Congress and White House
on legislative matters. It also provides for overall direction
and coordination in the development and implementation of
policies and procedures applicable to the Department's intra-
and inter-governmental relations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,869,000 for
the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Congressional
Relations.
The Committee allows these funds to be transferred to
support congressional relations' activities at the agency
level. Within 30 days from the enactment of this act, the
Secretary shall notify the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriations on the allocation of these funds by USDA agency,
along with an explanation for the agency-by-agency distribution
of the funds as well as the staff years funded by these
transfers.
Office of Communications
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $8,065,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 9,006,000
Committee recommendation................................ 9,006,000
The Office of Communications provides direction,
leadership, and coordination in the development and delivery of
useful information through all media to the public on USDA
programs. The Office serves as the liaison between the
Department and the many associations and organizations with an
interest in USDA's mission areas.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $9,006,000 for
the Office of Communications.
Office of Inspector General
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $85,621,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 89,016,000
Committee recommendation................................ 89,016,000
The Office of Inspector General [OIG] was established
October 12, 1978, by the Inspector General Act of 1978 (Public
Law 95-452). This act expanded and provided specific
authorities for the activities of OIG which had previously been
carried out under the general authorities of the Secretary of
Agriculture.
The Office is administered by an inspector general who
reports directly to the Secretary of Agriculture. Functions and
responsibilities of this Office include direction and control
of audit and investigative activities within the Department,
formulation of audit and investigative policies and procedures
regarding Department programs and operations, and analysis and
coordination of program-related audit and investigation
activities performed by other Department agencies.
The activities of this Office are designed to assure
compliance with existing laws, policies, regulations, and
programs of the Department's agencies, and to provide
appropriate officials with the means for prompt corrective
action where deviations have occurred. The scope of audit and
investigative activities is large and includes administrative,
program, and criminal matters. These activities are
coordinated, when appropriate, with various audit and
investigative agencies of the executive and legislative
branches of the Government.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $89,016,000
for the Office of Inspector General. In addition, the
recommendation includes funding for OIG to address violations
of section 26 of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2156) and to
coordinate with State and local law enforcement personnel in
this effort.
Office of the General Counsel
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $39,345,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 45,074,000
Committee recommendation................................ 45,074,000
The Office of the General Counsel provides all legal
advice, counsel, and services to the Secretary and to all
agencies, offices, and corporations of the Department. The
Office represents the Department in administrative proceedings;
nonlitigation debt collection proceedings; State water rights
adjudications; proceedings before the Environmental Protection
Agency, Interstate Commerce Commission, Federal Maritime
Administration, and International Trade Commission; and, in
conjunction with the Department of Justice, in judicial
proceedings and litigation.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $45,074,000
for the Office of the General Counsel.
Office of the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $848,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 893,000
Committee recommendation................................ 893,000
The Office of the Under Secretary for Research, Education,
and Economics provides direction and coordination in carrying
out the laws enacted by the Congress for food and agricultural
research, education, extension, and economic and statistical
information. The Office has oversight and management
responsibilities for the Agricultural Research Service;
National Institute of Food and Agriculture; Economic Research
Service; and National Agricultural Statistics Service.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $893,000 for
the Office of the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and
Economics.
Tomato Diseases.--Tomato diseases have devastated crops and
threaten nationwide production. The Committee encourages the
Under Secretary to evaluate and adjust efforts to identify
methods of preventing and controlling tomato diseases affecting
tomato growers nationwide.
Economic Research Service
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $77,723,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 77,397,000
Committee recommendation................................ 77,397,000
The Economic Research Service [ERS] provides economic and
other social science research and analysis for public and
private decisions on agriculture, food, the environment, and
rural America. The information that ERS produces is for use by
the general public and to help the executive and legislative
branches develop, administer, and evaluate agricultural and
rural policies and programs.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $77,397,000
for the Economic Research Service, which includes continued
funding for the Organic Production and Market Data Initiative.
National Agricultural Statistics Service
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $158,616,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 179,477,000
Committee recommendation................................ 179,477,000
The National Agricultural Statistics Service [NASS]
administers the Department's program of collecting and
publishing current national, State, and county agricultural
statistics. These statistics provide accurate and timely
projections of current agricultural production and measures of
the economic and environmental welfare of the agricultural
sector which are essential for making effective policy,
production, and marketing decisions. NASS also furnishes
statistical services to other USDA and Federal agencies in
support of their missions, and provides consulting, technical
assistance, and training to developing countries.
NASS is also responsible for administration of the Census
of Agriculture, which is taken every 5 years and provides
comprehensive data on the agricultural economy including: data
on the number of farms, land use, production expenses, farm
product values, value of land and buildings, farm size and
characteristics of farm operators, market value of agricultural
production sold, acreage of major crops, inventory of livestock
and poultry, and farm irrigation practices.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $179,477,000
for the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Included in
this amount is $62,500,000 for the Census of Agriculture.
Chemical Use Data Series.--The Committee believes that the
Chemical Use Data Series provides timely, valuable information
on fertilizer and chemical user data on major field crops and
selected specialty crops, and is pleased that NASS is
continuing the collection and analysis of chemical use data, as
well as practices such as integrated pest management. The
Committee encourages NASS to resume collecting Fruit Chemical
Use data and Vegetable Chemical Use data in alternating years.
Organic Production Survey.--In 2008, NASS conducted the
first-ever comprehensive Organic Production Survey as a follow-
on survey to the 2007 Census of Agriculture. Published in
February 2010, the survey has provided information vital to the
organic sector's growth. The Committee believes the Organic
Production Survey should be conducted on a regular basis to
properly assess the characteristics, trends, and changes in the
sector.
Agricultural Research Service
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $1,094,647,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 1,102,565,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,101,853,000
The Agricultural Research Service [ARS] is responsible for
conducting basic, applied, and developmental research through
its major program areas of New Products/Product Quality/Value
Added; Livestock/Crop Production; Food Safety; Livestock/Crop
Protection; Human Nutrition; and Environmental Stewardship. The
research applies to a wide range of goals; commodities; natural
resources; fields of science; and geographic, climatic, and
environmental conditions.
ARS is also responsible for the Abraham Lincoln National
Agricultural Library which provides agricultural information
and library services through traditional library functions and
modern electronic dissemination to agencies of the USDA, public
and private organizations, and individuals.
As the USDA's in-house agricultural research unit, ARS has
major responsibilities for conducting and leading the national
agricultural research effort. It provides initiative and
leadership in five areas: research on broad regional and
national problems, research to support Federal action and
regulatory agencies, expertise to meet national emergencies,
research support for international programs, and scientific
resources to the executive branch and Congress.
The mission of ARS research is to develop and transfer
solutions to agricultural problems of high national priority
and provide information access and dissemination to ensure
high-quality, safe food and other agricultural products; assess
the nutritional needs of Americans; sustain a competitive
agricultural economy; enhance the natural resource base and the
environment; and provide economic opportunities for rural
citizens, communities, and society as a whole.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,101,853,000
for salaries and expenses of the Agricultural Research Service.
The Committee does not concur with the President's budget
request regarding the termination of extramural research,
reallocation of funds, or closure of six research locations.
The Committee expects extramural research to be funded without
the reductions assessed in fiscal year 2012. The Committee
recommendation includes requested funding for basic
requirements, including repair and maintenance and the National
Agricultural Library.
Aerial Application Research.--The Committee recognizes the
importance of ARS Aerial Application Technology Program. The
program conducts innovative research making aerial applications
more efficient, effective and precise. Research for aerial
application serves the public good as a vital tool for the
future, as agriculture strives to meet the food, fiber, and
bio-energy demands of a growing population.
Classical Plant Breeding.--The Committee is aware of the
need to enhance classical plant breeding, and encourages ARS to
invest in research to improve genetic resources and cultivars
for the benefit of U.S. producers, seed companies, processors
and consumers. This research should focus on breeding improved
germplasm and varieties with higher yields, improved disease
and pest resistance and resilience to weather extremes.
Additionally, methods and tools should be developed to enable
classical breeders to choose better breeding parents and speed
up variety development.
Commodity Processing.--The Committee encourages ARS to
consider research to improve the processing of commodities that
produce high-quality, nutritious products for the American
people, including sweet potatoes. These commodities have
created an unprecedented need for basic and applied research in
the development of new innovative processing technologies and
have the potential to create new market opportunities, increase
employment in rural America and provide consumers with healthy
and readily available foods.
Comparative Database Solutions.--The Committee encourages
the Department to continue its support for comparative database
solutions on quality trait and disease resistant plant research
important to human and animal health and nutrition. These
efforts can improve nutritional content and increase production
of high-value oils, including for bio-fuels, in important crop
species. Such efforts can help reduce water usage, and chemical
inputs, thus delivering added environmental and farm cost
benefits. Collaborative research at the intersection of
biology, genomics, computer science, and mathematics has great
promise and can be very cost-effective.
Drought Mitigation Research.--The Committee believes that
drought mitigation research and strategies for dealing with
drought continue to be of significant value to farmers,
ranchers, food processors and other food-related industries,
consumers, and State and Federal agencies. Consequently, the
Committee encourages the Department to continue support for
such research or to provide an explanation as to how they will
otherwise obtain and distribute this information.
Emerging Cereal Rust Diseases.--The Committee is aware that
emerging cereal rust diseases are a threat to domestic and
world food supplies. Therefore, the Department should continue
to dedicate funding to speed efforts to combat cereal rust
disease, including development of Ug99-resistant wheat
varieties.
Human Nutrition Research.--The Committee remains concerned
about the high rates of obesity in this country, and believes
that research into human nutrition is important to help prevent
childhood obesity and the medical issues obesity brings. In
addition, there is strong evidence that nutrition plays a vital
role in how a person ages, but more research in this area is
needed. Therefore, the Committee encourages the Agricultural
Research Service to continue research relating both to
childhood and adult obesity as well as the impact of nutrition
on aging.
Invasive Species Research.--The Committee encourages the
Department to prioritize funding for programs designed to
combat invasive species, such as the Brown Marmorated Stink
Bug, that are destructive to crops.
National Agricultural Library.--The Committee encourages
the Agricultural Research Service to maintain a focus on
agriculture-related legal issues within the National
Agricultural Library. The Committee notes that as the
agriculture sector of the national economy evolves, there is a
necessity that these agriculture-related legal issues be
addressed on an increasingly frequent basis. Further,
agricultural-related legal issues are increasingly complex and
the impact of these legal issues continues to broaden in scope.
Pollinator Research.--The Committee is aware that
pollinators are responsible for the production of one-third of
the Nation's food supply, but the number of managed honeybee
colonies in the United States has dropped in half since 1940.
Because of the importance of pollinators in the production of
the Nation's food supply and their impact on the stability of
our agricultural economy, the Committee encourages ARS to
continue to dedicate resources to protecting the health of both
honeybees and other native bees, including continued research
into colony collapse disorder.
Pulse Health Initiative.--The Committee continues to
recognize the need to investigate the ability of pulse crops--
dry beans, dry peas, lentils, and chickpeas--to provide
solutions to critical health issues including but not limited
to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer; and
to increase the consumption of pulse crops by improving their
functionality in baked goods and end use as a food and food
ingredient through the study of milling, extrusion, extraction,
and cooking properties. The Committee also recognizes the
potential to improve the sustainability of agricultural
rotations and reduce green house gas emissions by improving the
nitrogen fixing abilities of pulse crops. The Committee
recommends ARS provide adequate funding to establish the Pulse
Health Initiative.
Research Facilities.--In the fiscal year 2012 bill, ARS was
directed to evaluate its capital asset requirements and develop
a plan to coordinate ongoing and emerging research, as well as
develop a long-term plan to guide capital asset construction.
This plan was to include input from various stakeholders and
cost estimates for maintaining and constructing facilities to
meet ARS' research priorities. The Committee has yet to receive
a capital asset plan from ARS and again directs the agency to
provide one by July 1, 2012.
The Committee notes that, even though it has been directed
to do so, the Department did not adequately budget for the
proposed closure of six research labs included in the fiscal
year 2013 budget. The Committee included this directive in the
fiscal year 2012 bill because closing locations often costs
money and does not necessarily provide real savings in the
short term. The Department's refusal to adequately provide
these estimates in its budget requests results in the
unnecessary reduction of valuable research programs. Therefore,
the Committee does not concur with the proposal to close six
research labs in fiscal year 2013, and further directs the
agency to adequately budget for any proposed closures in future
budget requests. The Department is directed to specifically
identify costs associated with closing a location and
relocating employees.
Shellfish Research.--The Committee directs the Agricultural
Research Service to continue to partner with research
institutions on research to improve shellfish survival and
growth rates and to classify and preserve natural genetic
variation.
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Section 7511(f)(2) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy
Act of 2008 amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization
Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971) by establishing an agency to be
known as the National Institute of Food and Agriculture [NIFA].
The Secretary transferred to the Director of NIFA, effective
October 1, 2009, all authorities administered by the
Administrator of the Cooperative State, Research, Education and
Extension Service. The mission is to work with university
partners and customers to advance research, extension, and
higher education in the food and agricultural sciences and
related environmental and human sciences to benefit people,
communities, and the Nation.
RESEARCH AND EDUCATION ACTIVITIES
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $705,599,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 732,730,000
Committee recommendation................................ 738,638,000
Research and Education programs administered by NIFA are
USDA's principal entree to the university system of the United
States for the purpose of conducting agricultural research and
education programs as authorized by the Hatch Act of 1887, as
amended (7 U.S.C. 361a-361i); the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative
Forestry Act of 1962, as amended (16 U.S.C. 582a et seq.); the
Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act, as
amended (7 U.S.C. 450i); the National Agricultural, Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as amended (7
U.S.C. 3101 et seq.); the Equity in Educational Land-Grant
Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note); the Agricultural
Research, Extension and Education Reform Act of 1998 (Public
Law 105-185), as amended; the Food, Agriculture, Conservation
and Trade Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-624); the Farm Security
and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-171); and the
Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-246).
Through these authorities, USDA participates with State and
other cooperators to encourage and assist the State
institutions in the conduct of agricultural research and
education through the State Agricultural Experiment Stations of
the 50 States and the territories; by approved Schools of
Forestry; the 1890 Land-Grant Institutions and Tuskegee
University and West Virginia State University; 1994 Land-Grant
Institutions; by Colleges of Veterinary Medicine; and other
eligible institutions. The appropriated funds provide Federal
support for research and education programs at these
institutions.
The research and education programs participate in a
nationwide system of agricultural research program planning and
coordination among the State institutions, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, and the agricultural industry of America.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $738,638,000
for research and education activities of the National Institute
of Food and Agriculture.
The following table summarizes the Committee's
recommendations for research and education activities:
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE--RESEARCH AND EDUCATION ACTIVITIES
[Dollars in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Program/Activity Authorization recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hatch Act..................................... 7 U.S.C. 361a-i................................ $236,334
McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act..... 16 U.S.C. 582a through a-7..................... 32,934
Research at 1890 Institutions (Evans-Allen 7 U.S.C. 3222.................................. 50,898
Program).
Payments to the 1994 Institutions............. 534(a)(1) of Public Law 103-382................ 3,335
Education Grants for 1890 Institutions........ 7 U.S.C. 3152(b)............................... 19,336
Education Grants for Hispanic-Serving 7 U.S.C. 3241.................................. 9,219
Institutions.
Education Grants for Alaska Native and Native 7 U.S.C. 3156.................................. 3,194
Hawaiian-Serving Institutions.
Research Grants for 1994 Institutions......... 7 U.S.C. 301 note.............................. 1,801
Capacity Building for Non Land-Grant Colleges 7 U.S.C. 3319i................................. 4,500
of Agriculture.
Resident Instruction and Distance Education 7 U.S.C. 3363 and 3362......................... 1,650
Grants for Insular Areas.
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative...... 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)............................... 297,956
Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment............ 7 U.S.C. 3151a................................. 4,790
Continuing Animal Health and Disease Research 7 U.S.C. 3195.................................. 4,000
Program.
Supplemental and Alternative Crops............ 7 U.S.C. 3319d................................. 825
Critical Agricultural Materials Act........... 7 U.S.C. 178 et seq............................ 1,081
Multicultural Scholars, Graduate Fellowship 7 U.S.C. 3152(b)............................... 9,000
and Institution Challenge Grants.
Secondary and 2-year Post-Secondary Education. 7 U.S.C. 3152(j)............................... 900
Aquaculture Centers........................... 7 U.S.C. 3322.................................. 4,000
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education 7 U.S.C. 5811.................................. 14,471
Farm Business Management...................... 7 U.S.C. 5925f................................. 1,450
Sun Grant Program............................. 7 U.S.C. 8114.................................. 2,500
Improved Pest Control:
Expert IPM Decision Support System........ 7 U.S.C. 450i(c)............................... 153
Integrated Pest Management................ 7 U.S.C. 450i(c)............................... 2,362
Minor Crop Pest Management [IR-4]......... 7 U.S.C. 450i(c)............................... 11,913
Pest Management Alternatives.............. 7 U.S.C. 450i(c)............................... 1,402
----------------
Total, Improved Pest Control............ ............................................... 15,830
================
Special Research Grants:
Global Change/UV Monitoring............... 7 U.S.C. 450i(c)............................... 1,405
Potato Research........................... 7 U.S.C. 450i(c)............................... 1,350
Forest Products Research.................. 7 U.S.C. 450i(c)............................... 1,650
----------------
Total, Special Research Grants.......... ............................................... 4,405
================
Necessary Expenses of Research and Education
Activities:
Grants Management Systems................. ............................................... 7,830
Other, Necessary Expenses................. ............................................... 6,399
----------------
Total, Necessary Expenses............... ............................................... 14,229
================
Total, Research and Education Activities ............................................... 738,638
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative.--The Committee
recommendation includes $297,956,000 for the Agriculture and
Food Research Initiative [AFRI].
Section 7406 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of
2008 specifies priority areas within the Agriculture and Food
Research Initiative [AFRI], including an emphasis on
conventional (classical) plant and animal breeding. The
Committee strongly concurs with the intent of this section, and
requests a report from the agency as to its plans for
implementing this important conventional/classical plant and
animal breeding requirement. The Committee also encourages the
agency to specifically focus on the development of public
cultivars and breeds as part of the general classical breeding
research program.
Agricultural Research Enhancement Awards.--The Committee
remains determined to see that quality research and enhanced
human resources development in the agricultural and related
sciences be a nationwide commitment. Therefore, the Committee
continues its direction that not less than 10 percent of the
competitive research grant funds be used for USDA's
agricultural research enhancement awards program (including
USDA-EPSCoR), in accordance with 7 U.S.C. 450i.
Alfalfa and Forage Research.--The Committee notes that
research into alfalfa and forage holds the potential to
increase alfalfa and forage yields, increase milk production,
and improve forage genetics to increase biomass for the
production of cellulosic ethanol. The Committee supports
research into the improvement of yields, creation of new uses
of alfalfa and forages for bioenergy, and the development of
new storage and harvest systems.
Aquaculture Disease Research.--The Committee encourages
USDA to support aquaculture disease and vaccine research,
including research on coldwater aquaculture vaccines. There is
currently no national facility for pathogen testing. Research
into finfish vaccines and pathogens has the potential to
accelerate the growth of sustainable U.S. aquaculture, reduce
the trade deficit attributable to imported seafood, and reduce
the pressure on overfished species.
Canola Research.--The Committee recognizes the importance
of nationally coordinated, regionally managed canola research
and education programs. The Committee supports research
designed to increase canola production through research on
insect, disease and weed control, best management practices,
genetics and breeding, and other areas that may increase canola
yield and acreage.
Cereal Crop Research.--Research on cereal crops has
historically been conducted by USDA and public universities,
and the Committee recognizes the importance of continuing
investment in cereal crop research. The Committee strongly
encourages USDA to provide funding for cereal crop research in
the areas of genetic and genomic research, plant pest research,
and improved production systems.
Cranberry and Blueberry Research.--The Committee encourages
the NIFA to continue working with research institutions to
develop resilient cranberry and blueberry breeds and establish
effective and environmentally sound pest management
technologies.
Forest Products.--The Committee recognizes the important
role of the forests products sector to the U.S. economy. The
need to create new and improved value-added products and
renewable energy from our Nation's wood supply is critical to
the sustainability of the national economy. The Committee
directs NIFA to support research, education and outreach for
the forest products sector.
Seafood.--The Committee encourages USDA, in partnership
with universities with established domestic shrimp farming
programs, to support the development of a domestic industry
that will help ensure the safety and quality of the Nation's
seafood supply, promote environmentally sustainable
aquaculture, create new opportunities for U.S. agriculture, and
forge new markets for U.S. grain and oilseed products and
technology services.
HISPANIC-SERVING AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES ENDOWMENT FUND
Appropriations, 2012....................................................
Budget estimate, 2013................................... $10,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 10,000,000
Section 7129 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of
2008, provides for the establishment of an endowment fund for
the Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities
[HSACU]. The Hispanic/Latino community is the fastest-growing
sector of the American population. This investment in the
Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities is
needed to ensure institutions can effectively compete for NIFA
competitive grants.
On the termination of each fiscal year, the Secretary shall
withdraw the income from the endowment fund for the fiscal
year, and after making adjustments for the cost of
administering the endowment fund, shall distribute the adjusted
income as follows: 60 percent of the adjusted income shall be
distributed among the Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges
and Universities on a pro rata basis based on the Hispanic
enrollment count of each institution; and 40 percent shall be
distributed in equal shares to the Hispanic-Serving
Agricultural Colleges and Universities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $10,000,000
for the Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities
Endowment Fund.
NATIVE AMERICAN INSTITUTIONS ENDOWMENT FUND
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $11,880,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 11,880,000
Committee recommendation................................ 11,880,000
The Native American Institutions Endowment Fund authorized
by Public Law 103-382, the Equity in Educational Land-Grant
Status Act, provides an endowment for the 1994 land-grant
institutions (34 tribally controlled colleges). This program
will enhance educational opportunity for Native Americans by
building educational capacity at these institutions in the
areas of student recruitment and retention, curricula
development, faculty preparation, instruction delivery systems,
and scientific instrumentation for teaching. Income funds are
also available for facility renovation, repair, construction,
and maintenance. On the termination of each fiscal year, the
Secretary shall withdraw the income from the endowment fund for
the fiscal year, and after making adjustments for the cost of
administering the endowment fund, distribute the adjusted
income as follows: 60 percent of the adjusted income from these
funds shall be distributed among the 1994 land-grant
institutions on a pro rata basis, the proportionate share being
based on the Indian student count; and 40 percent of the
adjusted income shall be distributed in equal shares to the
1994 land-grant institutions.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $11,880,000
for the Native American Institutions Endowment Fund.
EXTENSION ACTIVITIES
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $475,183,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 462,473,000
Committee recommendation................................ 475,125,000
Cooperative extension work was established by the Smith-
Lever Act of May 8, 1914, as amended. The Department of
Agriculture is authorized to provide, through the land-grant
colleges, cooperative extension work that consists of the
development of practical applications of research knowledge and
the giving of instruction and practical demonstrations of
existing or improved practices or technologies in agriculture
and related subjects, and to encourage the application of such
information by demonstrations, publications, through 4-H clubs,
and other means to persons not in attendance or resident at the
colleges.
To fulfill the requirements of the Smith-Lever Act, State
and county extension offices in each State, the District of
Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American
Samoa, the Northern Marianas, and Micronesia conduct
educational programs to improve American agriculture and
strengthen the Nation's families and communities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $475,125,000
for extension activities of the National Institute of Food and
Agriculture.
The following table summarizes the Committee's
recommendations for extension activities:
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE--EXTENSION ACTIVITIES
[Dollars in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Program/Activity Authorization recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Smith-Lever Act, Section 3(b) and (c) programs 7 U.S.C. 343(b) and (c) and 208(c) of Public $294,000
and Cooperative Extension. Law 93-471.
Extension Services at 1890 Institutions....... 7 U.S.C. 3221.................................. 42,592
Extension Services at 1994 Institutions....... 7 U.S.C. 343(b)(3)............................. 4,312
Facility Improvements at 1890 Institutions.... 7 U.S.C. 3222b................................. 19,730
Renewable Resources Extension Act............. 16 U.S.C. 1671 et seq.......................... 3,700
Rural Health and Safety Education Programs.... 7 U.S.C. 2662(i)............................... 1,500
Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database Program 7 U.S.C. 7642.................................. 1,000
Women and Minorities in STEM Fields........... 7 U.S.C. 5925.................................. 400
Smith-Lever Act, Section 3(d):
Food and Nutrition Education.............. 7 U.S.C. 343(d)................................ 67,934
Pest Management........................... 7 U.S.C. 343(d)................................ 9,918
Farm Safety and Youth Farm Safety 7 U.S.C. 343(d)................................ 4,610
Education Programs.
New Technologies for Agricultural 7 U.S.C. 343(d)................................ 1,550
Extension.
Children, Youth, and Families at Risk..... 7 U.S.C. 343(d)................................ 7,600
Federally Recognized Tribes Extension 7 U.S.C. 343(d)................................ 3,039
Program.
Sustainable Agriculture Programs.......... 7 U.S.C. 343(d)................................ 4,696
----------------
Total, Section 3(d)..................... ............................................... 99,347
================
Necessary Expenses of Extension Activities:
Agriculture in the K-12 Classroom......... ............................................... 552
Federal Administration--Other Necessary ............................................... 7,992
Expenses for Extension Activities.
----------------
Total, Necessary Expenses............. ............................................... 8,544
================
Total, Extension Activities........... ............................................... 475,125
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Potato Research.--To minimize the application of pesticides
and to maximize the yield and quality of harvested potatoes,
the Committee directs the Secretary to support pest management
programs in potato growing States. Such programs help
scientists track potential pest outbreaks and provide growers
and industry professionals with current information on specific
and timely treatments. Additionally, the programs help identify
serious diseases, such as late blight disease, in their early
stages, allowing for preventive measure to be put into place
quickly to avoid crop losses.
INTEGRATED ACTIVITIES
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $21,482,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 43,542,000
Committee recommendation................................ 24,982,000
Section 406, as amended, of the Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 authorizes an
integrated research, education, and extension competitive
grants program.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $24,982,000
for integrated activities of the National Institute of Food and
Agriculture.
The following table summarizes the Committee's
recommendations for integrated activities:
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE--INTEGRATED ACTIVITIES
[Dollars in thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Program/Activity Authorization recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Water Quality Program........ 7 U.S.C. 7626........... $4,500
Regional Pest Management 7 U.S.C. 7626........... 4,000
Centers.
Methyl Bromide Transition 7 U.S.C. 7626........... 1,996
Program.
Organic Transition Program... 7 U.S.C. 7626........... 4,000
Regional Rural Development 7 U.S.C. 450i(c)........ 998
Centers.
Food and Agriculture Defense 7 U.S.C. 3351........... 5,988
Initiative.
Sustainable Agriculture 7 U.S.C. 5813........... 3,500
Federal-State Matching Grant
Program.
----------------
Total, Integrated ........................ 24,982
Activities.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $848,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 893,000
Committee recommendation................................ 893,000
The Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and
Regulatory Programs provides direction and coordination in
carrying out laws with respect to the Department's marketing,
grading, and standardization activities related to grain;
competitive marketing practices of livestock, marketing orders,
and various programs; veterinary services; and plant protection
and quarantine. The Office has oversight and management
responsibilities for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service; Agricultural Marketing Service; and Grain Inspection,
Packers and Stockyards Administration.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $893,000 for
the Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory
Programs.
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $816,534,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 762,418,000
Committee recommendation................................ 816,534,000
The Secretary of Agriculture established the Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service [APHIS] on April 2, 1972, under
the authority of reorganization plan No. 2 of 1953, and other
authorities. The major objectives of APHIS are to protect the
animal and plant resources of the Nation from diseases and
pests. These objectives are carried out under the major areas
of activity, as follows:
Safeguarding and Emergency Preparedness/Response.--The
agency monitors plant and animal health worldwide, and sets
import polices to prevent the introduction of foreign plant and
animal pests and diseases. Domestically, the agency works
cooperatively to conduct plant and animal health monitoring
programs, pursue eradication, or limit the spread of the
threat. The agency also conducts diagnostic laboratory
activities that support disease prevention, detection, control,
and eradication programs. In addition, the agency protects
agriculture from detrimental animal predators, and through its
regulatory structure helps advance genetic research while
protecting against the release of harmful organisms.
Safe Trade and International Technical Assistance.--The
agency helps resolve technical trade issues to ensure the
smooth and safe movement of agricultural commodities into and
out of the United States. The agency negotiates animal and
plant health certification requirements and assists U.S.
exporters meet foreign regulatory demands. In addition, the
agency assists developing countries in improving their
safeguarding systems, to protect the United States from
emerging plant and animal pests and diseases.
Animal Care.--The agency conducts regulatory activities
that ensure the humane care and treatment of animals and horses
as the Animal Welfare and Horse Protection Acts require. These
activities include inspection of certain establishments that
handle animals intended for research, exhibition, and as pets,
and monitoring certain horse shows.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $816,534,000
for salaries and expenses of the Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service.
The following table reflects the Committee's specific
recommendations for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service:
ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year
Fiscal year 2013 budget Committee
2012 enacted request recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Safeguarding and International Technical Assistance:
Animal Health Technical Services......................... 32,500 37,858 36,858
Aquatic Animal Health.................................... 2,261 2,664 2,261
Avian Health............................................. 52,000 49,741 50,761
Cattle Health............................................ 99,000 90,303 97,884
Equine and Cervid Health................................. 5,050 3,726 3,726
National Veterinary Stockpile............................ 2,750 2,265 2,750
Sheep and Goat Health.................................... 16,950 14,207 14,207
Swine Health............................................. 23,000 20,342 23,000
Veterinary Biologics..................................... 16,457 15,760 16,457
Veterinary Diagnostics................................... 31,611 31,455 31,611
Zoonotic Disease Management.............................. 9,000 10,374 10,374
--------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Animal Health................................ 290,579 278,695 289,889
==================================================
Agricultural Quarantine Inspection....................... 27,500 25,125 28,500
Cotton Pests............................................. 17,848 8,915 15,970
Field Crop and Rangeland Ecosystems Pests................ 9,068 8,867 9,068
Pest Detection........................................... 27,500 25,617 27,500
Plant Protection Methods Development..................... 20,600 19,707 21,600
Specialty Crop Pests..................................... 153,950 151,055 153,950
Tree and Wood Pests...................................... 55,638 43,919 56,638
--------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Plant Health................................. 312,104 283,205 313,226
==================================================
Wildlife Damage Management............................... 72,500 67,712 73,500
Wildlife Services Methods Development.................... 18,000 16,751 19,000
--------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Wildlife Services............................ 90,500 84,463 92,500
==================================================
Animal and Plant Health Regulatory Enforcement........... 16,275 15,776 16,275
Biotechnology Regulatory Services........................ 18,135 16,751 18,135
--------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Regulatory Services.......................... 34,410 32,527 34,410
==================================================
Contingency Fund......................................... 1,000 1,984 1,500
Emergency Preparedness and Response...................... 17,000 16,743 17,000
--------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Emergency Management......................... 18,000 18,727 18,500
==================================================
Subtotal, Safeguarding and Emergency Preparedness/ 745,593 697,617 748,525
Response..............................................
==================================================
Safe Trade and International Technical Assistance:
Agriculture Import/Export................................ 13,354 13,309 12,584
Overseas Technical and Trade Operations.................. 20,104 17,747 17,747
--------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Safe Trade................................... 33,458 31,056 30,331
==================================================
Animal Welfare:
Animal Welfare........................................... 27,087 24,159 27,087
Horse Protection......................................... 696 493 891
--------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Animal Welfare............................... 27,783 24,652 27,978
==================================================
Agency Management:
APHIS Information Technology Infrastructure.............. 4,335 4,167 4,335
Physical/Operational Security............................ 5,365 4,926 5,365
--------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Agency Management............................ 9,700 9,093 9,700
==================================================
Total.................................................. 816,534 762,418 816,534
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee encourages the Secretary to continue use of
contingency funding from the Commodity Credit Corporation, as
in past fiscal years, to cover additional emergencies as the
Secretary determines necessary. Furthermore, the Committee
encourages the Secretary to employ cooperative agreements where
appropriate to support activities related to animal health.
Agricultural Quarantine Inspection.--The Committee
recognizes that prevention of infestations of pests and
diseases is much more cost effective than subsequent control or
eradication. This is an important Federal responsibility and
the Committee provides $28,500,000 for the agriculture
quarantine inspections function, including pre-departure
inspections.
Animal Disease Traceability.--The Committee provides
$13,000,000 to continue support for implementation of the new
animal disease traceability system.
Invasive Honey Bee Pests.--The Committee remains concerned
with declining bee populations and the tragic implications for
pollination of U.S. agriculture. The Committee directs the
agency to continue priority work with other Federal and State
agencies and the public to manage, suppress, and eradicate
varroa mites, small hive beetles, and other pests and diseases
contributing to colony collapse disorder and has provided
increased funding for Plant Protection Methods Development for
this purpose.
Lacey Act Enforcement.--The Committee is concerned about
the Department's efforts to implement its responsibilities
under the Lacey Act. Approximately 10,000 Lacey Act
declarations are received weekly for review. The bulk of these
declarations are accepted in an electronic manner but about 10
percent are paper-based. This budget requests a substantial
increase to address these paper submissions. However, the
agency appears woefully understaffed for its responsibilities,
and products routinely leave the port of entry long before
APHIS is able to review the declarations. The Committee is
concerned that the current process may be fundamentally flawed.
The Secretary is directed to provide a report to the Committee
that demonstrates that the processes, and requested resources,
are sufficient to accomplish the review responsibilities placed
on the Agency.
Livestock Warranty Programs.--The Committee directs USDA to
engage the private sector in evaluating proposals presented to
USDA for use in the poultry and livestock industry that:
encourage early disease detection and appropriate management
actions by producers; provide producer-protections to address
business interruption events caused by catastrophic disease,
including alternative delivery methods of indemnity payments;
focus market education efforts on improved production
practices; and provide liability protection for producers in
the event of a trace back of a listed disease.
National Clean Plant Network.--The National Clean Plant
Network is instrumental in ensuring that nurseries can provide
safe, virus-free plant materials to orchards, vineyards, and
other growers. The Committee recognizes the value of continued
research to improve detection and eradication of viruses, and
encourages the Department to continue its work on this
important program.
Sudden Oak Death.--The Committee is interested in APHIS'
efforts to manage Sudden Oak Death while minimizing disruption
to the interstate movement of plant materials and commercial
trade. The Committee expects APHIS to use an appropriate
portion of the funding provided for specialty crop pests to
promote the development and testing of new systems of nursery
pest and disease management, and for programs of inspection and
regulation in partnership with the State regulatory agencies
and the nursery industry.
Wildlife Damage Management.--APHIS is responsible for
providing Federal leadership in managing problems caused by
wildlife. The Committee provides $73,500,000 for wildlife
damage control to maintain priority initiatives, including
preventing the transport of invasive snakes and other harmful
species.
Wildlife Services Education and Training.--The Committee is
aware of the wide range of hazardous procedures and materials
utilized by APHIS personnel in the conduct of daily duties. In
addition, a recent comprehensive study noted the critical need
to provide standardized safety training, certification, and
database management for tracking, to ensure the safest working
environment possible. As such, the Committee directs APHIS to
deliver a training program focused on those areas of greatest
concern such as pyrotechnics, firearms, hazardous materials,
immobilization and euthanasia drugs, pesticides, animal care
and handling, land vehicles, watercraft, and zoonotic diseases.
Wildlife Services Methods Development.--The Committee
appreciates the important work done by the National Wildlife
Research Center and its affiliated field locations to resolve
problems caused by the interaction of wild animals and society.
The Committee provides $19,000,000 to ensure continued
development of technical and scientific information on wildlife
damage management.
COMMITTEE DIRECTIVES
In complying with the Committee's directives, the Committee
expects APHIS not to redirect support for programs and
activities without prior notification to and approval by the
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations in accordance
with the reprogramming procedures specified in the act. Unless
otherwise directed, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service shall implement appropriations by programs, projects,
and activities as specified by the Appropriations Committees of
both Houses of Congress. Unspecified reductions necessary to
carry out the provisions of this act are to be implemented in
accordance with the definitions contained in the program,
project, and activity section of this report.
BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $3,200,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 3,175,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,175,000
The APHIS appropriation for ``Buildings and Facilities''
funds major nonrecurring construction projects in support of
specific program activities and recurring construction,
alterations, preventive maintenance, and repairs of existing
APHIS facilities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommendation includes an appropriation of
$3,175,000 for buildings and facilities of the Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service. This funding is necessary to allow
APHIS to maintain existing facilities, and perform critically
needed repairs to and replacements of building components, such
as heating, ventilation and air-conditioning on a prioritized
basis at APHIS facilities. The Committee notes that due to the
environmentally sensitive nature of many APHIS facilities,
closure of a facility could result if APHIS is unable to
complete the required repairs.
Agricultural Marketing Service
MARKETING SERVICES
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $82,211,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 77,032,000
Committee recommendation................................ 77,863,000
The Agricultural Marketing Service [AMS] was established by
the Secretary of Agriculture on April 2, 1972. AMS carries out
programs authorized by more than 50 different statutory
authorities, the primary ones being the Agricultural Marketing
Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621-1627, 1635-1638); the U.S. Cotton
Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 51-65); the Cotton Statistics and
Estimates Act (7 U.S.C. 471-476); the Tobacco Inspection Act (7
U.S.C. 511-511q); the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act
(7 U.S.C. 499a-499t); the Egg Products Inspection Act (21
U.S.C. 1031-1056); and section 32 of the Act of 1935 (Public
Law 74-320, 7 U.S.C. 612c).
Programs administered by this agency include the market
news services, standardization, grading, classing, shell egg
surveillance services, transportation services, wholesale
farmers and alternative market development, grant payments to
States for marketing activities, the Federal administration of
marketing agreements and orders, commodity purchases,
Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, the Plant Variety
Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 2321 et seq.), and market protection
and promotion activities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $77,863,000
for marketing services of the Agricultural Marketing Service.
The Committee recommendation includes $1,831,000 for the
Pesticide Recordkeeping Program and does not include an
increase of $1,000,000 for Transportation and Marketing
Programs, as proposed in the budget.
LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Limitation, 2012........................................ $62,101,000
Budget limitation, 2013................................. 62,592,000
Committee recommendation................................ 62,592,000
The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 (Public Law
97-35) initiated a system of user fees for the cost of grading
and classing cotton, and tobacco. These activities, authorized
under the U.S. Cotton Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 51 et seq.), the
Tobacco Inspection Act (7 U.S.C. 511 et seq.), and other
provisions of law are designed to facilitate commerce and
protect participants in the industry.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends a limitation of $62,592,000 on
administrative expenses of the Agricultural Marketing Service.
FUNDS FOR STRENGTHENING MARKETS, INCOME, AND SUPPLY
(SECTION 32)
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $20,056,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 20,056,000
Committee recommendation................................ 20,056,000
Under section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935, (7 U.S.C.
612c), an amount equal to 30 percent of customs receipts
collected during each preceding calendar year and unused
balances are available for encouraging the domestic consumption
and exportation of agricultural commodities. An amount equal to
30 percent of receipts collected on fishery products is
transferred to the Department of Commerce. Additional transfers
to the child nutrition programs of the Food and Nutrition
Service have been provided in recent appropriations Acts.
The following table reflects the status of this fund for
fiscal years 2011-2013:
ESTIMATED TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE AND BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD--FISCAL YEARS 2011-2013
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2011 Fiscal year 2012 Fiscal year 2013 Fiscal year 2013
actual estimate budget estimate
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation (30 percent of Customs $6,605,945,807 $7,947,045,940 $8,990,116,825 $8,990,116,825
Receipts)..............................
Less Transfers:
Food and Nutrition Service.......... -5,277,574,000 -6,676,207,143 -7,618,053,213 -7,618,053,213
Commerce Department................. -90,239,555 -109,098,387 -124,063,612 -124,063,612
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Transfers.................. -5,367,813,555 -6,785,305,530 -7,742,116,825 -7,742,116,825
=======================================================================
Prior Year Appropriation Available, 122,127,338 259,953,417 206,693,827 206,693,827
Start of Year..........................
Prior Year Collections and Recoveries... 13,368,588 ................ ................ ................
Unavailable for Obligations (recoveries -82,628,178 -73,693,827 -73,693,827 -73,693,827
and offsetting collections)............
Transfer of Prior Year Funds to FNS -76,000,000 -117,000,000 -133,000,000 -133,000,000
[F&V]..................................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget Authority.................... 1,215,000,000 1,231,000,000 1,248,000,000 1,248,000,000
Rescission of Current Year Funds.... ................ -150,000,000 ................ -150,000,000
Unavailable for Obligations (Fruit -117,000,000 -133,000,000 -117,000,000 -117,000,000
and Veg transfer to FNS)...........
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Available for Obligation........ 1,098,000,000 948,000,000 1,131,000,000 981,000,000
Less Obligations:
Child Nutrition Programs 465,000,000 465,000,000 465,000,000 465,000,000
(Entitlement Commodities)..........
12 Percent Commodity Floor 1,067,279 ................ ................ ................
Requirement....................
State Option Contract............... ................ 5,000,000 5,000,000 5,000,000
Removal of Defective Commodities.... ................ 2,500,000 2,500,000 2,500,000
Emergency Surplus Removal........... 56,115,015 2,200,000 ................ ................
Direct Payments:
Cotton, Soybean, Rice and Sweet 268,000,000 ................ ................ ................
Potato Disaster Program........
Disaster Relief..................... 4,320,818 5,000,000 5,000,000 5,000,000
Additional Fruits, Vegetables, and 157,214,025 175,600,000 206,000,000 206,000,000
Nuts Purchases.....................
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program... 33,000,000 20,000,000 39,076,000 39,076,000
Accounting Adjustment............... 140,610 ................ ................ ................
Estimated Future Needs.............. ................ 224,913,000 360,637,000 210,637,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Commodity Procurement...... 984,857,747 900,213,000 1,083,213,000 933,213,000
=======================================================================
Administrative Funds:
Commodity Purchase Support.......... 33,538,305 27,731,000 27,731,000 27,731,000
Marketing Agreements and Orders..... 19,278,709 20,056,000 20,056,000 20,056,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Administrative Funds....... 52,817,014 47,787,000 47,787,000 47,787,000
=======================================================================
Total Obligations................. 1,037,674,761 948,000,000 1,131,000,000 981,000,000
=======================================================================
Unobligated Balance, End of Year........ 60,325,239 ................ ................ ................
Unavailable for Obligations (Fruit and 117,000,000 133,000,000 117,000,000 117,000,000
Vegetable transfer to FNS).............
Balances, Collections and Recoveries Not 82,628,178 73,693,827 73,693,827 73,693,827
Available..............................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total End of Year Balances........ 259,953,417 206,693,827 190,693,827 190,693,827
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends a transfer from section 32 funds
of $20,056,000 for the formulation and administration of
marketing agreements and orders.
Section 32 Authorities.--Under the authority described in
clause 3 of 7 U.S.C. 612c, the Secretary is able to direct
funds from the section 32 account to increase the purchasing
power of producers. This practice has been used on various
occasions to provide direct assistance to producers when market
forces or natural conditions adversely affect the financial
condition of farmers and ranchers. The Committee notes the
importance of the ability of the Secretary to utilize this
authority, but believes that communication between the
Department and the Congress should be improved when this
practice is used. Therefore, the Committee directs the
Secretary to provide notification to the Appropriations
Committee in advance of any public announcement or release of
section 32 funds under the specific authorities cited above.
PAYMENTS TO STATES AND POSSESSIONS
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $1,198,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 1,331,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,331,000
The Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program [FSMIP] is
authorized by section 204(b) of the Agricultural Marketing Act
of 1946 and is also funded from appropriations. Matching grants
are awarded on a competitive basis to State marketing agencies
to identify and test market alternative farm commodities,
determine methods of providing more reliable market
information, and develop better commodity grading standards.
This program has made possible many types of projects, such as
electronic marketing and agricultural product diversification.
Current projects are focused on the improvement of marketing
efficiency and effectiveness, and seeking new outlets for
existing farm produced commodities. The legislation grants the
U.S. Department of Agriculture authority to establish
cooperative agreements with State departments of agriculture or
similar State agencies to improve the efficiency of the
agricultural marketing chain. The States perform the work or
contract it to others, and must contribute at least one-half of
the cost of the projects.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,331,000 for
Payments to States and Possessions for Federal-State marketing
projects and activities.
Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $37,750,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 40,261,000
Committee recommendation................................ 40,261,000
The Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration
[GIPSA] was established pursuant to the Secretary's 1994
reorganization. Grain inspection and weighing programs are
carried out under the U.S. Grain Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 71 et
seq.) and other programs under the authority of the
Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, including the inspection
and grading of rice and grain-related products; conducting
official weighing and grain inspection activities; and grading
dry beans and peas, and processed grain products. Under the
Packers and Stockyards Act (7 U.S.C. 181 et seq.), assurance of
the financial integrity of the livestock, meat, and poultry
markets is provided. The Administration monitors competition in
order to protect producers, consumers, and industry from
deceptive and fraudulent practices which affect meat and
poultry prices.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $40,261,000
for salaries and expenses of the Grain Inspection, Packers and
Stockyards Administration.
LIMITATION ON INSPECTION AND WEIGHING SERVICES EXPENSES
Limitation, 2012........................................ $49,000,000
Budget limitation, 2013................................. 50,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 50,000,000
The agency provides an official grain inspection and
weighing system under the U.S. Grain Standards Act [USGSA], and
official inspection of rice and grain-related products under
the Agricultural Marketing Act [AMA] of 1946. The USGSA was
amended in 1981 to require the collection of user fees to fund
the costs associated with the operation, supervision, and
administration of Federal grain inspection and weighing
activities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends a limitation of $50,000,000 on
inspection and weighing services expenses.
Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $770,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 811,000
Committee recommendation................................ 811,000
The Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety provides
direction and coordination in carrying out the laws enacted by
the Congress with respect to the Department's inspection of
meat, poultry, and processed egg products. The Office has
oversight and management responsibilities for the Food Safety
and Inspection Service.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $811,000 for
the Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety.
Food Safety and Inspection Service
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $1,004,427,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 995,503,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,001,427,000
The major objectives of the Food Safety and Inspection
Service are to assure that meat and poultry products are
wholesome, unadulterated, and properly labeled and packaged, as
required by the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601 et
seq.) and the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 451 et
seq.); and to provide continuous in-plant inspection to egg
processing plants under the Egg Products Inspection Act.
The Food Safety and Inspection Service was established on
June 17, 1981, by Secretary's Memorandum No. 1000-1, issued
pursuant to Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1953.
The inspection program of the Food Safety and Inspection
Service provides continuous in-plant inspection of all domestic
plants preparing meat, poultry or egg products for sale or
distribution; reviews foreign inspection systems and
establishments that prepare meat or poultry products for export
to the United States; and provides technical and financial
assistance to States which maintain meat and poultry inspection
programs.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,001,427,000
for the Food Safety and Inspection Service [FSIS]. This
includes requested funding for time clocks. Furthermore, the
Committee finds the implementation schedule set forth by FSIS
for revised inspections processes unrealistically rapid and
provides additional funds to accomplish this transition in a
more feasible manner.
Codex Alimentarius.--Codex Alimentarius is critical for the
protection of consumer health globally and facilitating
international trade. Therefore, the Committee recommends
$3,752,000 exclusively for the activities of the U.S. Codex
office including international outreach and education.
Humane Slaughter.--The Committee directs FSIS to continue
to provide annual reports to the Committee on the
implementation of objective scoring methods undertaken by FSIS
to enforce the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act.
The Committee also directs FSIS to ensure that personnel
hired with funding previously provided specifically for Humane
Methods of Slaughter Act enforcement focus their attention on
overseeing compliance with humane handling rules for live
animals as they arrive and are offloaded and handled in pens,
chutes, and stunning areas.
Inspections.--The Committee supports implementation of
section 11016 of Public Law 110-246, and directs USDA to meet
its statutory obligation and promulgate final regulations to
implement this section.
The following table represents the Committee's specific
recommendations for the Food Safety and Inspection Service as
compared to the fiscal year 2012 and budget request levels:
FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE SALARIES AND EXPENSES
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year
Fiscal year 2013 budget Committee
2012 enacted request recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Food safety inspection:
Federal..................................................... 887,520 878,596 884,520
State....................................................... 62,734 62,734 62,734
International............................................... 15,841 15,841 15,841
Codex Alimentarius.......................................... 3,752 3,752 3,752
PHDCIS...................................................... 34,580 34,580 34,580
-----------------------------------------------
Total..................................................... 1,004,427 995,503 1,001,427
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural
Services
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $848,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 893,000
Committee recommendation................................ 893,000
The Office of the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign
Agricultural Services provides direction and coordination in
carrying out the laws enacted by the Congress with respect to
the Department's international affairs (except for foreign
economic development), commodity programs, farm loans, disaster
assistance, crop insurance, and some conservation and energy
programs. The Office has oversight and management
responsibilities for the Farm Service Agency (including the
Commodity Credit Corporation), Risk Management Agency, and the
Foreign Agricultural Service.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $893,000 for
the Office of the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign
Agricultural Services.
Farm Service Agency
The Farm Service Agency [FSA] was established October 3,
1994, pursuant to the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and
Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994, Public
Law 103-354. The FSA administers a variety of activities, such
as the commodity price support and production adjustment
programs financed by the Commodity Credit Corporation; the
Conservation Reserve Program [CRP]; the Emergency Conservation
Program; the Commodity Operation Programs including the
warehouse examination function; farm ownership, farm operating,
emergency disaster, and other loan programs; and the Noninsured
Crop Disaster Assistance Program [NAP], which provides crop
loss protection for growers of many crops for which crop
insurance is not available. In addition, FSA currently provides
certain administrative support services to the Foreign
Agricultural Service [FAS] and to the Risk Management Agency
[RMA].
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transfers from Total, FSA,
Appropriations program salaries and
accounts expenses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2012......................................... 1,198,966 292,583 1,491,549
Budget estimate, 2013........................................ 1,208,290 308,137 1,516,427
Committee recommendation..................................... 1,208,290 308,137 1,516,427
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The account Salaries and Expenses, Farm Service Agency,
funds the administrative expenses of program administration and
other functions assigned to FSA. The funds consist of
appropriations and transfers from the CCC export credit
guarantees, Food for Peace loans, and Agricultural Credit
Insurance Fund program accounts, and miscellaneous advances
from other sources. All administrative funds used by FSA are
consolidated into one account. The consolidation provides
clarity and better management and control of funds, and
facilitates accounting, fiscal, and budgetary work by
eliminating the necessity for making individual allocations and
allotments and maintaining and recording obligations and
expenditures under numerous separate accounts.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,516,427,000
for salaries and expenses of the Farm Service Agency, including
a direct appropriation of $1,208,290,000.
Information Technology.--The Committee remains aware of the
unstable status of the Farm Service Agency computer system
which is responsible for the calculation and tracking of the
agency's payments to agricultural producers, and which has
resulted in disruption of services to U.S. farmers and
ranchers. The Committee recommendation includes resources to
continue the progress made regarding information technology
modernization.
National Agriculture Imagery Program.--The Committee
recommends that funding shall be allocated to purchase imagery
products to meet programmatic requirements.
STATE MEDIATION GRANTS
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $3,759,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 4,369,000
Committee recommendation................................ 4,369,000
This program is authorized under title V of the
Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 (7 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.).
Originally designed to address agricultural credit disputes,
the program was expanded by the Federal Crop Insurance Reform
and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994
(Public Law 103-354) to include other agricultural issues such
as wetland determinations, conservation compliance, rural water
loan programs, grazing on National Forest System lands, and
pesticides. Grants are made to States whose mediation programs
have been certified by the FSA. Grants will be solely for
operation and administration of the State's agricultural
mediation program.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,369,000 for
State Mediation Grants.
GRASSROOTS SOURCE WATER PROTECTION PROGRAM
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $3,817,000
Budget estimate, 2013...................................................
Committee recommendation................................ 6,500,000
This program is intended to assist in the protection of
groundwater through State rural water associations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $6,500,000 for
Grassroots Source Water Protection.
DAIRY INDEMNITY PROGRAM
Appropriations, 2012\1\................................. $100,000
Budget estimate, 2013\1\................................ 100,000
Committee recommendation\1\............................. 100,000
\1\Current estimate. Such sums as may be necessary are provided.
Under the program, the Department makes indemnification
payments to dairy farmers and manufacturers of dairy products
who, through no fault of their own, suffer income losses
because they are directed to remove their milk from commercial
markets due to contamination of their products by registered
pesticides. The program also authorizes indemnity payments to
dairy farmers for losses resulting from the removal of cows or
dairy products from the market due to nuclear radiation or
fallout.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of such sums as
may be necessary, estimated in fiscal year 2013 to be $100,000,
for indemnity payments to dairy farmers.
AGRICULTURAL CREDIT INSURANCE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT
The Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund Program Account is
used to provide direct and guaranteed farm ownership, farm
operating, conservation, Indian highly fractioned land, and
emergency loans to individuals, as well as the following types
of loans to associations: irrigation and drainage, grazing,
Indian tribe land acquisition, and boll weevil eradication.
FSA is also authorized to provide financial assistance to
borrowers by guaranteeing loans made by private lenders having
a contract of guarantee from FSA as approved by the Secretary
of Agriculture and to establish Beginning Farmer and Rancher
Individual Development grant accounts.
The following programs are financed through this fund:
Boll Weevil Eradication Loans.--Made to assist foundations
in financing the operations of the boll weevil eradication
programs provided to farmers.
Credit Sales of Acquired Property.--Property is sold out of
inventory and is made available to an eligible buyer by
providing FSA loans.
Emergency Loans.--Made to producers to aid recovery from
production and physical losses due to drought, flooding, other
natural disasters, or quarantine. The loans may be used to:
restore or replace essential property; pay all or part of
production costs associated with the disaster year; pay
essential family living expenses; reorganize the farming
operation; and refinance certain debts.
Farm Operating Loans.--Provide short-to-intermediate term
production or chattel credit to farmers who cannot obtain
credit elsewhere, to improve their farm and home operations,
and to develop or maintain a reasonable standard of living. The
term of the loan varies from 1 to 7 years.
Farm Ownership Loans.--Made to borrowers who cannot obtain
credit elsewhere to restructure their debts, improve or
purchase farms, refinance nonfarm enterprises which supplement
but do not supplant farm income, or make additions to farms.
Loans are made for 40 years or less.
Indian Tribe Land Acquisition Loans.--Made to any Indian
tribe recognized by the Secretary of the Interior or tribal
corporation established pursuant to the Indian Reorganization
Act (Public Law 93-638) which does not have adequate
uncommitted funds to acquire lands or interest in lands within
the tribe's reservation or Alaskan Indian community, as
determined by the Secretary of the Interior, for use of the
tribe or the corporation or the members thereof.
Indian Highly Fractionated Land Loans.--Made to Indian
tribal members to purchase highly fractionated lands, as
authorized by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends a total loan level of
$4,821,747,000 for programs within the Agricultural Credit
Insurance Fund Program Account.
The following table reflects the program levels for farm
credit programs administered by the Farm Service Agency
recommended by the Committee, as compared to the fiscal year
2012 and the budget request levels:
AGRICULTURAL CREDIT PROGRAMS--LOAN LEVELS
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year Fiscal year Committee
2012 enacted 2013 budget recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Farm ownership:
Direct................................................... 475,000 475,000 475,000
Guaranteed............................................... 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000
Farm Operating:
Direct................................................... 1,050,090 1,050,089 1,050,089
Guaranteed unsubsidized.................................. 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000
Emergency loans.............................................. ............... 34,658 34,658
Indian Tribe Land Acquisition................................ 2,000 2,000 2,000
Conservation Loans:
Guaranteed............................................... 150,000 150,000 150,000
Indian Highly Fractionated Land Loans........................ 10,000 10,000 10,000
Boll Weevil Eradication...................................... 100,000 60,000 100,000
--------------------------------------------------
Total, Farm loans...................................... 4,787,090 4,781,747 4,821,747
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 established the
program account. Appropriations to this account are used to
cover the lifetime subsidy costs associated with the direct
loans obligated and loan guarantees committed, as well as for
administrative expenses.
The following table reflects the cost of programs under
credit reform:
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
2012 enacted 2013 budget recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan subsidies:
Farm ownership:
Direct............................................... 22,800 20,140 20,140
Farm operating:
Direct............................................... 59,120 58,490 58,490
Guaranteed unsubsidized.............................. 26,100 17,850 17,850
Emergency loans.......................................... ............... 1,317 1,317
Indian Highly Fractionated Land Loans.................... 193 173 173
Individual Development Accounts.......................... ............... 2,500 ...............
--------------------------------------------------
Total, loan subsidies.................................. 108,213 100,470 97,970
==================================================
ACIF expenses................................................ 297,632 312,897 312,897
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Risk Management Agency
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $74,900,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 74,900,000
Committee recommendation................................ 74,900,000
The Risk Management Agency performs administrative
functions relative to the Federal crop insurance program that
is authorized by the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
1508), as amended by the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of
2000 [ARPA], Public Law 106-224, and the Food, Conservation,
and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-246).
ARPA authorized significant changes in the crop insurance
program. This act provides higher government subsidies for
producer premiums to make coverage more affordable; expands
research and development for new insurance products and under-
served areas through contracts with the private sector; and
tightens compliance. Functional areas of risk management are:
research and development; insurance services; and compliance,
whose functions include policy formulation and procedures and
regulations development.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $74,900,000
for the Risk Management Agency.
Standard Reinsurance Agreement.--The Committee recognizes
the economic impact that the newly reached Standard Reinsurance
Agreement has had on the crop insurance program, particularly
with regard to Administration and Operating costs. The
Committee directs the Secretary to provide a report detailing
the distribution of reductions on a State-by-State basis and
its overall effects on the administration of the crop insurance
program.
CORPORATIONS
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund
Appropriations, 2012\1\................................. $3,142,375,000
Budget estimate, 2013\1\................................ 9,517,433,000
Committee recommendation\1\............................. 9,517,433,000
\1\Current estimate. Such sums as may be necessary, to remain available
until expended, are provided.
The Federal Crop Insurance Act, as amended by the Federal
Crop Insurance Reform Act of 1994, authorizes the payment of
expenses which may include indemnity payments, loss adjustment,
delivery expenses, program-related research and development,
startup costs for implementing this legislation such as
studies, pilot projects, data processing improvements, public
outreach, and related tasks and functions.
All program costs, except for Federal salaries and
expenses, are mandatory expenditures subject to appropriation.
Producers of insurable crops are eligible to receive a
basic level of protection against catastrophic losses, which
cover 50 percent of the normal yield at 55 percent of the
expected price. The only cost to the producer is an
administrative fee of $300 per crop per county.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of such sums as
may be necessary, estimated to be $9,517,433,000 in fiscal year
2013 for the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund.
Commodity Credit Corporation Fund
The Commodity Credit Corporation [CCC] is a wholly owned
Government corporation created in 1933 to stabilize, support,
and protect farm income and prices; to help maintain balanced
and adequate supplies of agricultural commodities, including
products, foods, feeds, and fibers; and to help in the orderly
distribution of these commodities. CCC was originally
incorporated under a Delaware charter and was reincorporated
June 30, 1948, as a Federal corporation within the Department
of Agriculture by the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act,
approved June 29, 1948 (15 U.S.C. 714).
The Commodity Credit Corporation engages in buying,
selling, lending, and other activities with respect to
agricultural commodities, their products, food, feed, and
fibers. Its purposes include stabilizing, supporting, and
protecting farm income and prices; maintaining the balance and
adequate supplies of selected commodities; and facilitating the
orderly distribution of such commodities. In addition, the
Corporation makes available materials and facilities required
in connection with the storage and distribution of such
commodities. The Corporation also disburses funds for sharing
of costs with producers for the establishment of approved
conservation practices on environmentally sensitive land and
subsequent rental payments for such land for the duration of
Conservation Reserve Program contracts.
Corporation activities are primarily governed by the
following statutes: the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter
Act (Public Law 80-806), as amended; the Agricultural Act of
1949 (Public Law 81-439), as amended (1949 Act); the
Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 (Public Law 75-430), as
amended (the 1938 Act); the Food Security Act of 1985 (Public
Law 99-198), as amended (1985 Act); and the Food, Conservation,
and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-246).
Management of the Corporation is vested in a board of
directors, subject to the general supervision and direction of
the Secretary of Agriculture, who is an ex officio director and
chairman of the board. The board consists of seven members, in
addition to the Secretary, who are appointed by the President
of the United States with the advice and consent of the Senate.
Officers of the Corporation are designated according to their
positions in the Department of Agriculture.
The activities of the Corporation are carried out mainly by
the personnel and through the facilities of the Farm Service
Agency [FSA] and the Farm Service Agency State and county
committees. The Foreign Agricultural Service, the General Sales
Manager, other agencies and offices of the Department, and
commercial agents are also used to carry out certain aspects of
the Corporation's activities.
Under Public Law 87-155 (15 U.S.C. 713a-11, 713a-12),
annual appropriations are authorized for each fiscal year,
commencing with fiscal year 1961. These appropriations are to
reimburse the Corporation for net realized losses.
REIMBURSEMENT FOR NET REALIZED LOSSES
Appropriations, 2012\1\................................. $14,071,000,000
Budget estimate, 2013\1\................................ 11,018,509,000
Committee recommendation\1\............................. 11,018,509,000
\1\Current estimate. Such sums as may be necessary are provided.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of such sums as
may be necessary, estimated in fiscal year 2013 to be
$11,018,509,000, for the payment to reimburse the Commodity
Credit Corporation for net realized losses.
HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT
Limitation, 2012........................................ $5,000,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 5,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 5,000,000
The Commodity Credit Corporation's [CCC] hazardous waste
management program is intended to ensure compliance with the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.) and the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.). The CCC
funds operations and maintenance costs as well as site
investigation and cleanup expenses. Investigative and cleanup
costs associated with the management of CCC hazardous waste are
also paid from USDA's hazardous waste management appropriation.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends a limitation of $5,000,000 for the
Commodity Credit Corporation's hazardous waste management
program.
TITLE II
CONSERVATION PROGRAMS
Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $848,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 893,000
Committee recommendation................................ 893,000
The Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and
Environment provides direction and coordination in carrying out
the laws enacted by the Congress with respect to natural
resources and the environment. The Office has oversight and
management responsibilities for the Natural Resources
Conservation Service and the Forest Service.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $893,000 for
the Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and
Environment.
Watershed Projects.--The Committee reminds the Natural
Resources Conservation Service [NRCS] that there are currently
authorized, ongoing watershed projects with a primary purpose
of providing drinking water to communities. The Committee
directs NRCS to continue providing technical assistance to
these projects, subject to the availability of funds.
Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service [NRCS] was
established pursuant to Public Law 103-354, the Department of
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6962). The
NRCS works with conservation districts, watershed groups, and
Federal and State agencies to bring about physical adjustments
in land use that will conserve soil and water resources,
provide for agricultural production on a sustained basis, and
reduce flood damage and sedimentation.
conservation operations
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $828,159,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 827,500,000
Committee recommendation................................ 828,498,000
Conservation operations are authorized by Public Law 74-46
(16 U.S.C. 590a-590f). Activities include:
Conservation Technical Assistance provides assistance to
district cooperators and other land users in the planning and
application of conservation treatments to control erosion and
improve the quantity and quality of soil resources, improve and
conserve water, enhance fish and wildlife habitat, conserve
energy, improve woodland, pasture and range conditions, and
reduce upstream flooding; all to protect and enhance the
natural resource base.
Resource appraisal and program development ensures that
programs administered by the Secretary of Agriculture for the
conservation of soil, water, and related resources shall
respond to the Nation's long-term needs.
Plant Materials Centers assemble, test, and encourage
increased use of plant species which show promise for use in
the treatment of conservation problem areas.
Snow Survey and Water Forecasting provides estimates of
annual water availability from high mountain snow packs and
relates to summer stream flow in the Western States and Alaska.
Information is used by agriculture, industry, and cities in
estimating future water supplies.
Soil Surveys inventory the Nation's basic soil resources
and determine land capabilities and conservation treatment
needs. Soil survey publications include interpretations useful
to cooperators, other Federal agencies, State, and local
organizations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $828,498,000
for Conservation Operations.
WATERSHED REHABILITATION PROGRAM
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $15,000,000
Budget estimate, 2013...................................................
Committee recommendation................................................
The watershed rehabilitation program account provides for
technical and financial assistance to carry out rehabilitation
of structural measures, in accordance with section 14 of the
Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act, approved August
4, 1954 (16 U.S.C. 1012, U.S.C. 1001, et seq.), as amended by
section 313 of Public Law 106-472, November 9, 2000, and by
section 2803 of Public Law 110-246.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee does not recommend an appropriation for the
Watershed Rehabilitation Program.
TITLE III
RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
The Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-354)
abolished the Farmers Home Administration, Rural Development
Administration, and Rural Electrification Administration and
replaced those agencies with the Rural Housing and Community
Development Service, (currently, the Rural Housing Service),
Rural Business and Cooperative Development Service (currently,
the Rural Business--Cooperative Service), and Rural Utilities
Service and placed them under the oversight of the Under
Secretary for Rural Economic and Community Development,
(currently, Rural Development). These agencies deliver a
variety of programs through a network of State, district, and
county offices.
Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $848,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 893,000
Committee recommendation................................ 893,000
The Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development
provides direction and coordination in carrying out laws with
respect to the Department's rural economic and community
development activities. The Office has oversight and management
responsibilities for the Rural Housing Service, Rural
Business--Cooperative Service, and the Rural Utilities Service.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $893,000 for
the Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development.
Biofuels.--The Committee encourages the Secretary, as a co-
chair of the Biofuels Interagency Working Group, to facilitate
discussion among stakeholders to explore public outreach
opportunities that will help prevent misfueling in engines not
covered under EPA's E15 waivers.
RURAL DEVELOPMENT SALARIES AND EXPENSES
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year--
---------------------------------- Committee
2012 2013 budget recommendation
appropriation request
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation................................................ 182,023 206,857 206,857
Transfer from:
Rural Housing Insurance Fund Loan Program Account........ 430,800 408,127 410,627
Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Program 36,382 34,467 34,467
Account.................................................
Rural Development Loan Fund Program Account.............. 4,684 4,438 4,438
--------------------------------------------------
Total Rural Development salaries and expenses.......... 653,889 653,889 656,389
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
These funds are used to administer the loan and grant
programs of the Rural Utilities Service, the Rural Housing
Service, and the Rural Business--Cooperative Service, including
reviewing applications, making and collecting loans and
providing technical assistance and guidance to borrowers; and
to assist in extending other Federal programs to people in
rural areas.
Under credit reform, administrative costs associated with
loan programs are appropriated to the program accounts.
Appropriations to the salaries and expenses account will be for
costs associated with grant programs.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends $656,389,000 for salaries and
expenses of Rural Development.
Rural Housing Service
The Rural Housing Service [RHS] was established under the
Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture
Reorganization Act of 1994, dated October 13, 1994.
RURAL HOUSING INSURANCE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT
Appropriations, 2012 (budget authority)................. $510,991,000
Budget estimate, 2013 (budget authority)................ 468,444,000
Committee recommendation (budget authority)............. 495,704,000
This fund was established in 1965 (Public Law 89-117)
pursuant to section 517 of title V of the Housing Act of 1949
(42 U.S.C. 517(d)), as amended. This fund may be used to insure
or guarantee rural housing loans for single-family homes,
rental and cooperative housing, farm labor housing, and rural
housing sites. Rural housing loans are made to construct,
improve, alter, repair, or replace dwellings and essential farm
service buildings that are modest in size, design, and cost.
Rental housing insured loans are made to individuals,
corporations, associations, trusts, or partnerships to provide
low-cost rental housing and related facilities in rural areas.
These loans are repayable in terms up to 30 years. Loan
programs are limited to rural areas, which include towns,
villages, and other places of not more than 10,000 population,
which are not part of an urban area. Loans may also be made in
areas with a population in excess of 10,000, but less than
20,000, if the area is not included in a standard metropolitan
statistical area and has a serious lack of mortgage credit for
low- and moderate-income borrowers.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $495,704,000
for the Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account [RHIF].
The Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-508)
established the RHIF program account. Appropriations to this
account will be used to cover the lifetime subsidy costs
associated with the direct loans obligated and loan guarantees
committed in 2013, as well as for administrative expenses. The
following table presents the loan subsidy levels as compared to
the 2012 levels and the 2013 budget request:
RURAL HOUSING INSURANCE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year
2012 2013 budget Committee
appropriation request recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan Levels:
Single-Family Housing (sec. 502):
Direct............................................... 900,000 652,764 900,000
Guaranteed........................................... 24,000,000 24,000,000 24,000,000
Housing Repair (sec. 504)................................ 10,000 27,952 27,952
Direct rental housing (sec. 515)......................... 64,478 ............... 28,433
Guaranteed rental housing (sec. 538)..................... 130,000 150,000 150,000
Credit sales of acquired property........................ 10,000 ............... 10,000
Self help land development loans (sec. 523).............. 5,000 ............... 5,000
Farm labor housing loans (sec. 514)...................... 20,791 25,969 25,969
--------------------------------------------------
Total, loan levels..................................... 25,140,269 24,856,685 25,147,354
==================================================
Loan Subsidies and Grants:
Single-Family Housing (sec. 502):
Direct............................................... 42,570 38,970 53,730
Housing Repair (sec. 504)................................ 1,421 3,821 3,821
Direct rental housing (sec. 515)......................... 22,000 ............... 10,000
Farm labor housing loans (sec. 514)...................... 7,100 8,658 8,658
Farm labor housing grants (sec. 516)..................... 7,100 8,868 8,868
--------------------------------------------------
Total, loan subsidies and grants....................... 80,191 60,317 85,077
==================================================
Administrative expenses...................................... 430,800 408,127 410,627
==================================================
Total, loan subsidies, grants and administrative ex- 510,991 468,444 495,704
penses................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Centralized Servicing Center.--The Secretary is encouraged
to explore opportunities to provide services to other Federal
agencies, through Economy Act Agreements, and thereby leverage
existing capacity and expertise at Rural Development's
Centralized Servicing Center.
Section 538 Guaranteed Multi-Family Housing Loan Program.--
The Committee no longer prohibits utilization of authorized
fees, and expects the Secretary to implement fees sufficient to
cover program subsidy costs.
Section 502 Direct Loan Program.--The Committee is
concerned that administration of the 502 direct loan program
may be inhibiting applications from low-income applicants in
its efforts to serve the very low income population. The
Secretary is directed to consider alternative administrative
procedures, including distribution of funds to state offices
and implementing a point-based system that would prioritize
applications from very low income applicants. The Secretary
shall provide a report to the Committee by September 30, 2012,
on this review and the implications on lending to low income
and very low income populations.
RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $904,653,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 907,128,000
Committee recommendation................................ 907,128,000
Rental assistance is authorized under section 521(a)(2) of
the Housing Act of 1949, as amended (42 U.S.C. 1490a). The
objective of the program is to reduce rents paid by low-income
families living in Rural Housing Service financed rental
projects and farm labor housing projects. Under this program,
low-income tenants will contribute the higher of: (1) 30
percent of monthly adjusted income; (2) 10 percent of monthly
income; or (3) designated housing payments from a welfare
agency.
Payments from the fund are made to the project owner for
the difference between the tenant's payment and the approved
rental rate established for the unit.
The program is administered in tandem with Rural Housing
Service section 515 rural rental and cooperative housing
programs and the farm labor loan and grant programs. Priority
is given to existing projects for units occupied by rent over-
burdened low-income families and projects experiencing
financial difficulties beyond the control of the owner; any
remaining authority will be used for projects receiving new
construction commitments under sections 514, 515, or 516 for
very low-income families with certain limitations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $907,128,000
for the Rental Assistance Program.
Rental Assistance.--The Committee includes statutory
language requiring rental assistance to be held in 514/516
projects for a minimum period of time. Rental assistance
contracts are funded for 1-year durations.
MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING REVITALIZATION PROGRAM ACCOUNT
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $13,000,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 46,942,000
Committee recommendation................................ 27,782,000
The Rural Housing Voucher Program was authorized under the
Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1940r) to assist very low income
families and individuals who reside in rental housing in rural
areas. Housing vouchers may be provided to residents of rental
housing projects financed by section 515 loans that have been
prepaid after September 30, 2005. Voucher amounts reflect the
difference between comparable market rents and tenant-paid rent
prior to loan prepayment. Vouchers allow tenants to remain in
existing projects or move to other rental housing.
The Multi-family Housing Revitalization Program includes
funding for housing vouchers and a demonstration program for
the preservation and revitalization of affordable multi-family
housing projects. Rural Development's multi-family housing
portfolio faces dual pressures for loan prepayments and repair/
rehabilitation stemming from inadequate reserves resulting in
deferred property maintenance.
Provision of affordable rental housing can be accomplished
more economically by revitalizing existing housing stock rather
than funding new construction. The Multi-family Housing
Revitalization Program includes revitalization tools for
maintenance of existing units and vouchers to protect tenants
in those projects that prepay. Flexibility is provided to allow
Rural Development to utilize funding to meet the most urgent
local needs for tenant protection and project revitalization.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $27,782,000
for the Multi-family Housing Revitalization Program, including
$11,000,000 for vouchers and $16,782,000 for a housing
preservation demonstration program.
Affordable Rural Rental Housing.--The Committee is
concerned that the Department's vision for its role in
supporting affordable rural rental housing is out of focus.
Section 515 direct loans were the centerpiece of the fiscal
year 2012 President's budget, while the fiscal year 2013
request eliminates that program. The revitalization pilot was
eliminated in the fiscal year 2012 request. However, the fiscal
year 2013 request increases the revitalization pilot by 361
percent, and includes substantial funding for vouchers even
with large unobligated balances. Proposed legislation is
promised to permanently authorize the revitalization program,
but no description of the proposed program is offered.
The Committee directs the Secretary, conclusively, to
determine and articulate an effective long-term strategy to
address rural rental housing needs. The Committee continues to
fund each of the rural rental housing program tools and
provides increased flexibility to transfer funds. Finally, the
Committee directs the Secretary to submit the proposed
revitalization legislation as soon as possible.
MUTUAL AND SELF-HELP HOUSING GRANTS
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $30,000,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 10,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 30,000,000
The Mutual and Self-Help Housing Grants Program is
authorized by title V of the Housing Act of 1949. Grants are
made to local organizations to promote the development of
mutual or self-help programs under which groups of usually 6 to
10 families build their own homes by mutually exchanging labor.
Funds may be used to pay the cost of construction supervisors
who work with families in the construction of their homes and
for administrative expenses of the organizations providing the
self-help assistance.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $30,000,000
for Mutual and Self-Help Housing Grants.
rural housing assistance grants
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $33,136,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 28,216,000
Committee recommendation................................ 33,136,000
The Rural Housing Assistance Grants Program consolidates
funding for rural housing grant programs. This consolidation of
housing grant funding provides greater flexibility to tailor
financial assistance to applicant needs.
Very Low-Income Housing Repair Grants.--The Very Low-Income
Housing Repair Grants Program is authorized under section 504
of title V of the Housing Act of 1949. The rural housing repair
grant program is carried out by making grants to very low-
income families to make necessary repairs to their homes in
order to make such dwellings safe and sanitary, and remove
hazards to the health of the occupants, their families, or the
community.
These grants may be made to cover the cost of improvements
or additions, such as repairing roofs, providing toilet
facilities, providing a convenient and sanitary water supply,
supplying screens, repairing or providing structural supports
or making similar repairs, additions, or improvements,
including all preliminary and installation costs in obtaining
central water and sewer service. A grant can be made in
combination with a section 504 very low-income housing repair
loan.
No assistance can be extended to any one individual in the
form of a loan, grant, or combined loans and grants in excess
of $27,500, and grant assistance is limited to persons, or
families headed by persons who are 62 years of age or older.
Supervisory and Technical Assistance Grants.--Supervisory
and technical assistance grants are made to public and private
nonprofit organizations for packaging loan applications for
housing assistance under sections 502, 504, 514/516, 515, and
533 of the Housing Act of 1949. The assistance is directed to
very low-income families in underserved areas where at least 20
percent of the population is below the poverty level and at
least 10 percent or more of the population resides in
substandard housing. In fiscal year 1994 a Homebuyer Education
Program was implemented under this authority. This program
provides low-income individuals and families education and
counseling on obtaining and/or maintaining occupancy of
adequate housing and supervised credit assistance to become
successful homeowners.
Compensation for Construction Defects.--Compensation for
construction defects provides funds for grants to eligible
section 502 borrowers to correct structural defects, or to pay
claims of owners arising from such defects on a newly
constructed dwelling purchased with RHS financial assistance.
Claims are not paid until provisions under the builder's
warranty have been fully pursued. Requests for compensation for
construction defects must be made by the owner of the property
within 18 months after the date financial assistance was
granted.
Rural Housing Preservation Grants.--Rural housing
preservation grants (section 533) of the Housing and Urban-
Rural Recovery Act of 1983 (42 U.S.C. 1490m) authorizes the
Rural Housing Service to administer a program of home repair
directed at low- and very low-income people.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $33,136,000
for the Rural Housing Assistance Grants Program.
The following table compares the grant program levels
recommended by the Committee to the fiscal year 2012 levels and
the budget request:
RURAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE GRANTS
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year--
---------------------------------- Committee
2012 level 2013 request recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Very low-income housing repair grants........................ 29,500 28,216 29,500
Housing preservation grants.................................. 3,636 ............... 3,636
--------------------------------------------------
Total.................................................. 33,136 28,216 33,136
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RURAL COMMUNITY FACILITIES PROGRAM ACCOUNT
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $29,291,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 25,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 28,428,000
Community facility loans were created by the Rural
Development Act of 1972 (7 U.S.C. 1926 et seq.) to finance a
variety of rural community facilities. Loans are made to
organizations, including certain Indian tribes and corporations
not operated for profit and public and quasi-public agencies,
to construct, enlarge, extend, or otherwise improve community
facilities providing essential services to rural residents.
Such facilities include those providing or supporting overall
community development, such as fire and rescue services,
healthcare, transportation, traffic control, and community,
social, cultural, and recreational benefits. Loans are made for
facilities which primarily serve rural residents of open
country and rural towns and villages of not more than 20,000
people. Healthcare and fire and rescue facilities are the
priorities of the program and receive the majority of available
funds.
The Community Facility Grant Program authorized in the
Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (Public
Law 104-127), is used in conjunction with the existing direct
and guaranteed loan programs for the development of community
facilities, such as hospitals, fire stations, and community
centers. Grants are targeted to the lowest income communities.
Communities that have lower population and income levels
receive a higher cost-share contribution through these grants,
to a maximum contribution of 75 percent of the cost of
developing the facility.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $28,428,000
for the Rural Community Facilities Program Account.
The following table provides the Committee's
recommendations, as compared to the fiscal year 2012 and budget
request levels:
RURAL COMMUNITY FACILITIES PROGRAM ACCOUNT
[Loan levels and budget authority in thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year
2012 2013 budget Committee
appropriation request recommendations
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan levels:
Community facilities direct loans.......................... 1,300,000 2,000,000 2,000,000
Community facilities guaranteed loans...................... 105,708 .............. ...............
------------------------------------------------
Total loan levels........................................ 1,405,708 2,000,000 2,000,000
================================================
Budget authority:
Community facility guaranteed loans........................ 5,000 .............. ...............
Community facility grants.................................. 11,363 13,000 13,000
Economic impact initiative grants.......................... 5,938 .............. 5,938
Rural community development initiative..................... 3,621 8,000 6,121
Tribal college grants...................................... 3,369 4,000 3,369
------------------------------------------------
Total budget authority................................... 29,291 25,000 28,428
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rural Business--Cooperative Service
The Rural Business--Cooperative Service [RBS] was
established by Public Law 103-354, Federal Crop Insurance
Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of
1994, dated October 13, 1994. Its programs were previously
administered by the Rural Development Administration, the Rural
Electrification Administration, and the Agricultural
Cooperative Service.
RURAL BUSINESS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $74,809,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 86,159,000
Committee recommendation................................ 85,904,000
The Rural Business and Industry Loan Program was created by
the Rural Development Act of 1972, and finances a variety of
rural industrial development loans. Loans are made for rural
industrialization and rural community facilities under Rural
Development Act amendments to the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932 et seq.) authorities. Business
and industrial loans are made to public, private, or
cooperative organizations organized for profit, to certain
Indian tribes, or to individuals for the purpose of improving,
developing or financing business, industry, and employment or
improving the economic and environmental climate in rural
areas. Such purposes include financing business and industrial
acquisition, construction, enlargement, repair or
modernization, financing the purchase and development of land,
easements, rights-of-way, buildings, payment of startup costs,
and supplying working capital.
Rural business enterprise grants were authorized by the
Rural Development Act of 1972. Grants are made to public bodies
and nonprofit organizations to facilitate development of small
and emerging business enterprises in rural areas, including the
acquisition and development of land; the construction of
buildings, plants, equipment, access streets and roads, parking
areas, and utility extensions; refinancing fees; technical
assistance; and startup operating costs and working capital.
Rural business opportunity grants are authorized under
section 306(a)(11) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act, as amended. Grants may be made to public
bodies and private nonprofit community development corporations
or entities. Grants are made to identify and analyze business
opportunities that will use local rural economic and human
resources: to identify, train, and provide technical assistance
to rural entrepreneurs and managers; to establish business
support centers; to conduct economic development planning and
coordination, and leadership development; and to establish
centers for training, technology, and trade that will provide
training to rural businesses in the utilization of interactive
communications technologies.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $85,904,000
for the Rural Business Program Account.
The following table provides the Committee's
recommendations, as compared to the fiscal year 2012 and budget
request levels:
RURAL BUSINESS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
[Loan levels and budget authority in thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year
2012 2013 budget Committee
appropriation request recommendations
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan levels:
Business and Industry guaranteed loans loan levels......... 812,563 821,224 821,224
Budget authority:
Business and industry guaranteed loans..................... 45,341 56,336 56,336
Business enterprise grants................................. 24,318 29,823 24,318
Business opportunity grants................................ 2,250 .............. 2,250
Delta Regional Authority grants............................ 2,900 .............. 3,000
------------------------------------------------
Total budget authority................................... 74,809 86,159 85,904
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rural Business Program Account.--The Committee recommends
$500,000 for transportation technical assistance.
The Committee directs that of the $4,000,000 recommended
for grants to benefit Federally Recognized Native American
Tribes, $250,000 shall be used to implement an American Indian
and Alaska Native passenger transportation development and
assistance initiative.
RURAL DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year--
---------------------------------- Committee
2012 level 2013 request recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated loan level......................................... 17,710 18,889 18,889
Direct loan subsidy.......................................... 6,000 6,052 6,052
Administrative expenses...................................... 4,684 4,438 4,438
--------------------------------------------------
Total, loan subsidies and administrative expenses...... 10,684 10,490 10,490
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The rural development (intermediary relending) loan program
was originally authorized by the Economic Opportunity Act of
1964 (Public Law 88-452). The making of rural development loans
by the Department of Agriculture was reauthorized by Public Law
99-425, the Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1986.
Loans are made to intermediary borrowers (small investment
groups) who in turn will reloan the funds to rural businesses,
community development corporations, private nonprofit
organizations, public agencies, et cetera, for the purpose of
improving business, industry, community facilities, and
employment opportunities and diversification of the economy in
rural areas.
The Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 established the
program account. Appropriations to this account will be used to
cover the lifetime subsidy costs associated with the direct
loans obligated in 2013, as well as for administrative
expenses.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $10,490,000
for the Rural Development Loan Fund Program Account.
RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated loan
level
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2012 level................................. 33,077
Fiscal year 2013 request............................... 33,077
Committee recommendation............................... 33,077
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Rural Economic Development Loans program was
established by the Reconciliation Act of December 1987 (Public
Law 100-203), which amended the Rural Electrification Act of
1936 (Act of May 20, 1936), by establishing a new section 313.
This section of the Rural Electrification Act (7 U.S.C. 901)
established a cushion of credits payment program and created
the rural economic development subaccount. The Administrator of
RUS is authorized under the act to utilize funds in this
program to provide zero interest loans to electric and
telecommunications borrowers for the purpose of promoting rural
economic development and job creation projects, including
funding for feasibility studies, startup costs, and other
reasonable expenses for the purpose of fostering rural economic
development.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a loan program level of
$33,077,000, to be funded from earnings on the Cushion of
Credit and fees on guaranteed underwriting loans made pursuant
to section 313A of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936.
RURAL COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $25,050,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 27,706,000
Committee recommendation................................ 27,706,000
Rural cooperative development grants are authorized under
section 310B(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act, as amended. Grants are made to fund the establishment and
operation of centers for rural cooperative development with
their primary purpose being the improvement of economic
conditions in rural areas. Grants may be made to nonprofit
institutions or institutions of higher education. Grants may be
used to pay up to 75 percent of the cost of the project and
associated administrative costs. The applicant must contribute
at least 25 percent from non-Federal sources, except 1994
institutions, which only need to provide 5 percent. Grants are
competitive and are awarded based on specific selection
criteria.
Cooperative research agreements are authorized by 7 U.S.C.
2204b. The funds are used for cooperative research agreements,
primarily with colleges and universities, on critical
operational, organizational, and structural issues facing
cooperatives.
Cooperative agreements are authorized under 7 U.S.C. 2201
to any qualified State departments of agriculture, university,
and other State entity to conduct research that will strengthen
and enhance the operations of agricultural marketing
cooperatives in rural areas.
The Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas [ATTRA]
program was first authorized by the Food Security Act of 1985.
The program provides information and technical assistance to
agricultural producers to adopt sustainable agricultural
practices that are environmentally friendly and lower
production costs.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $27,706,000
for Rural Cooperative Development Grants.
Of the funds recommended, $2,250,000 is for the Appropriate
Technology Transfer for Rural Areas program.
The Committee has included language in the bill that not
more than $3,456,000 shall be made available to cooperatives or
associations of cooperatives whose primary focus is to provide
assistance to small, minority producers.
Value Added.--The Committee recommends $15,000,000 for
value-added agricultural product market development grants.
RURAL MICROENTERPRISE INVESTMENT PROGRAM
Appropriations, 2012....................................................
Budget estimate, 2013................................... $3,356,000
Committee recommendation................................................
This program, authorized by section 379E of the
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1981 et
seq.), provides loans and grants to intermediaries that assist
micro-entrepreneurs.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee does not recommend an appropriation for the
Rural Microenterprise Investment Program.
Rural Energy for America Program
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $3,400,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 4,575,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,400,000
The Rural Energy for America Program is authorized under
section 9007 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107). This program may fund energy audits,
direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants to farmers, ranchers,
and small rural businesses for the purchase of renewable energy
systems and for energy efficiency improvements.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,400,000 for
the Rural Energy for America Program.
The following table provides the Committee's recommendation
as compared to the fiscal year 2012 and budget request levels:
RURAL ENERGY FOR AMERICA PROGRAM
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year Committee
2012 level 2013 request recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated loan level............................................ 6,491 19,055 14,161
Guaranteed loan subsidy......................................... 1,700 4,575 3,400
Grants.......................................................... 1,700 .............. ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service [RUS] was established under the
Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture
Reorganization Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-354), October 13,
1994. RUS administers the electric and telephone programs of
the former Rural Electrification Administration and the water
and waste programs of the former Rural Development
Administration.
RURAL WATER AND WASTE DISPOSAL PROGRAM ACCOUNT
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $513,000,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 495,700,000
Committee recommendation................................ 522,481,000
The water and waste disposal program is authorized by
sections 306, 306A, 309A, 306C, 306D, 306E, and 310B of the
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1921 et
seq., as amended). This program makes loans for water and waste
development costs. Development loans are made to associations,
including corporations operating on a nonprofit basis,
municipalities and similar organizations, generally designated
as public or quasi-public agencies, that propose projects for
the development, storage, treatment, purification, and
distribution of domestic water or the collection, treatment, or
disposal of waste in rural areas. Such grants may not exceed 75
percent of the development cost of the projects and can
supplement other funds borrowed or furnished by applicants to
pay development costs.
The solid waste grant program is authorized under section
310B(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act.
Grants are made to public bodies and private nonprofit
organizations to provide technical assistance to local and
regional governments for the purpose of reducing or eliminating
pollution of water resources and for improving the planning and
management of solid waste disposal facilities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $522,481,000
for the Rural Water and Waste Disposal Program Account.
The Committee recommends $66,500,000 for water and waste
disposal systems grants for Native Americans, including Native
Alaskans, the Colonias, and residents of Hawaiian Home Lands.
The Committee recognizes the special needs and problems for
delivery of basic services to these populations. In addition,
the Committee makes up to $15,000,000 available for the circuit
rider program.
The following table provides the Committee's
recommendations, as compared to the fiscal year 2012 and budget
request levels:
RURAL WATER AND WASTE DISPOSAL PROGRAM ACCOUNT
[Loan levels and budget authority in thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2012 2013 budget Committee
appropriation request recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan levels:
Water and waste disposal direct loans................. 730,689 1,000,000 1,000,000
Direct loans authorized by Public Law 83-566.......... ................ ................ 40,000
Water and waste disposal guaranteed loans............. 62,893 ................ 60,000
-----------------------------------------------------
Total loan levels................................... 793,582 1,000,000 1,100,000
=====================================================
Budget authority:
Water and waste disposal direct loans................. 70,000 80,700 80,700
Water and waste disposal guaranteed loans............. 1,000 ................ 636
Water and waste disposal grants....................... 427,610 411,000 425,752
Solid waste management grants......................... 3,400 4,000 3,400
Water well system grants.............................. 993 ................ 993
Water and waste water revolving funds................. 497 ................ 1,000
High-energy cost grants............................... 9,500 ................ 10,000
-----------------------------------------------------
Total, budget authority............................. 513,000 495,700 522,481
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RURAL ELECTRIFICATION AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
The Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et
seq.) provides the statutory authority for the electric and
telecommunications programs.
The Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-508)
established the program account. An appropriation to this
account will be used to cover the lifetime subsidy costs
associated with the direct loans obligated and loan guarantees
committed in fiscal year 2013, as well as for administrative
expenses.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The following table reflects the Committee's recommendation
for the Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Loans
Program Account, the loan subsidy and administrative expenses,
as compared to the fiscal year 2012 and budget request levels:
RURAL ELECTRIFICATION AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year--
---------------------------------- Committee
2012 level 2013 request recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan authorizations:
Electric:
Direct, 5 percent.................................... 100,000 ............... 100,000
Direct FFB........................................... 6,500,000 ............... 6,500,000
Treasury Plus........................................ ............... 6,100,000 ...............
Guaranteed underwriting.............................. 424,286 ............... 500,000
--------------------------------------------------
Subtotal........................................... 7,024,286 6,100,000 7,100,000
==================================================
Telecommunications:
Direct, 5 percent.................................... 145,000 ............... ...............
Direct, Treasury rate................................ 250,000 690,000 690,000
Direct, FFB.......................................... 295,000 ............... ...............
--------------------------------------------------
Subtotal........................................... 690,000 690,000 690,000
==================================================
Total, loan authorizations............................. 7,714,286 6,790,000 7,790,000
==================================================
Guaranteed underwriting budget authority..................... 594 ............... ...............
Administrative expenses...................................... 36,382 34,467 34,467
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTANCE LEARNING, TELEMEDICINE, AND BROADBAND PROGRAM LOANS AND GRANTS
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year--
---------------------------------- Committee
2012 level 2013 request recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan and grant levels:
Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program:
Grants............................................... 21,000 24,950 24,950
==================================================
Broadband program:
Treasury rate loans...................................... 169,014 94,139 63,358
Treasury rate loans budget authority..................... 6,000 8,915 6,000
Grants................................................... 10,372 13,379 10,372
--------------------------------------------------
Total DLT and Broadband program level.................. 200,386 132,468 98,680
==================================================
Total DLT and Broadband budget authority............... 37,372 47,244 41,322
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Distance Learning, Telemedicine, and Broadband Program
is authorized by the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade
Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 950aaa et seq.), as amended by the
Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (Public
Law 104-127). This program provides incentives to improve the
quality of phone services, to provide access to advanced
telecommunications services and computer networks, and to
improve rural opportunities.
This program provides the facilities and equipment to link
rural education and medical facilities with more urban centers
and other facilities providing rural residents access to better
healthcare through technology and increasing educational
opportunities for rural students. These funds are available for
loans and grants.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $41,322,000
for the Distance Learning, Telemedicine, and Broadband Program.
The Committee recommendation includes $3,000,000 for public
broadcasting systems grants to allow noncommercial educational
television broadcast stations that serve rural areas to convert
from analog to digital operations. Funds recommended for the
RUS broadband program are intended to promote broadband
availability in those areas where there is not otherwise a
business case for private investment in a broadband network.
The Committee encourages RUS to focus expenditures on projects
that bring broadband service to currently unserved households.
The Committee is concerned about the longstanding, unmet
health needs in the Mississippi River Delta. The Committee
recommendation includes $3,000,000 to address critical
healthcare needs in the region, as authorized by section 379G
of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act.
Broadband Grants.--Of the funds recommended, $10,372,000 in
grants shall be made available to support broadband
transmission and local dial-up Internet services for rural
areas.
TITLE IV
DOMESTIC FOOD PROGRAMS
Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $770,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 811,000
Committee recommendation................................ 811,000
The Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and
Consumer Services provides direction and coordination in
carrying out the laws enacted by the Congress with respect to
the Department's nutrition assistance activities. The Office
has oversight and management responsibilities for the Food and
Nutrition Service.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $811,000 for
the Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and
Consumer Services.
Direct Certification.--The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of
2010 requires States to meet federally set thresholds for
direct certification of 80 percent in school year 2011; 90
percent in school year 2012; and 95 percent in school year 2013
and each year thereafter. States that do not meet these
benchmarks must submit continuous improvement plans to the
Secretary for approval. Recognizing the importance of ensuring
that all eligible children participate in school meal programs,
the Committee directs the Secretary to immediately provide all
States with rigorous technical assistance, including direct
consultation and intensive training, to help States meet these
ambitious thresholds. Additionally, the Committee directs the
Secretary to involve the Nation's Governors by accumulating and
disseminating state best practices on direct certification.
National School Nutrition Standards.--The Committee notes
that the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 included a
broadly supported provision which requires the Department to
update the standards for foods and beverages sold in schools
through vending machines, a la carte in cafeterias, school
stores, and other venues outside the school meal programs. The
Committee urges USDA to develop and implement school nutrition
standards that are consistent with the U.S. Dietary Guidelines
for Americans, with consideration given to existing standards
developed by health experts, industry, States, and local school
districts. The Department should carefully consider comments
made in response to proposed regulations.
Food and Nutrition Service
The Food and Nutrition Service represents an organizational
effort to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in this country.
Nutrition assistance programs provide access to a nutritionally
adequate diet for families and persons with low incomes and
encourage better eating patterns among the Nation's children.
These programs include:
Child Nutrition Programs.--The National School Lunch and
School Breakfast, Summer Food Service, and Child and Adult Care
Food programs provide funding to the States, Puerto Rico, the
Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Guam for use in serving
nutritious lunches and breakfasts to children attending schools
of high school grades and under, to children of preschool age
in child care centers, and to children in other institutions in
order to improve the health and well-being of the Nation's
children, and broaden the markets for agricultural food
commodities. Through the Special Milk Program, assistance is
provided to the States for making reimbursement payments to
eligible schools and child care institutions which institute or
expand milk service in order to increase the consumption of
fluid milk by children. Funds for this program are provided by
direct appropriation and transfer from section 32.
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants,
and Children [WIC].--This program safeguards the health of
pregnant, postpartum, and breast-feeding women, infants, and
children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk because of
inadequate nutrition and income by providing supplemental
foods. The delivery of supplemental foods may be done through
health clinics, vouchers redeemable at retail food stores, or
other approved methods which a cooperating State health agency
may select. Funds for this program are provided by direct
appropriation.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.--This program
seeks to improve nutritional standards of needy persons and
families. Assistance is provided to eligible households to
enable them to obtain a better diet by increasing their food
purchasing capability, usually by furnishing benefits in the
form of electronic access to funds. The program also includes
Nutrition Assistance to Puerto Rico.
The program also includes the Food Distribution Program on
Indian Reservations, which provides nutritious agricultural
commodities to low-income persons living on or near Indian
reservations who choose not to participate in the Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program.
Commodity Assistance Program [CAP].--This program provides
funding for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program [CSFP], the
Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, Disaster Assistance, Pacific
Island Assistance, and administrative expenses for TEFAP.
CSFP provides supplemental foods to infants and children up
to age 6, and to pregnant, postpartum, and breast-feeding women
with low incomes, and who reside in approved project areas. In
addition, this program operates commodity distribution projects
directed at low-income elderly persons.
TEFAP provides commodities and grant funds to State
agencies to assist in the cost of storage and distribution of
donated commodities.
Nutritious agricultural commodities are provided to
residents of the Federated States of Micronesia and the
Marshall Islands. Cash assistance is provided to distributing
agencies to assist them in meeting administrative expenses
incurred. It also provides funding for use in non-
presidentially declared disasters, and for FNS' administrative
costs in connection with relief for all disasters. Funds for
this program are provided by direct appropriation.
Nutrition Programs Administration.--Most salaries and
Federal operating expenses of the Food and Nutrition Service
are funded from this account. Also included is the Center for
Nutrition Policy and Promotion [CNPP] which oversees
improvements in and revisions to the food guidance systems, and
serves as the focal point for advancing and coordinating
nutrition promotion and education policy to improve the health
of all Americans.
child nutrition programs
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $18,151,176,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 19,694,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 19,657,500,000
The Child Nutrition Programs, authorized by the Richard B.
Russell National School Lunch Act (Public Law 79-396) and the
Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (Public Law 89-642), provide
Federal assistance to State agencies in the form of cash and
commodities for use in preparing and serving nutritious meals
to children while they are attending school, residing in
service institutions, or participating in other organized
activities away from home. The purpose of these programs is to
help maintain the health and proper physical development of
America's children. Milk is provided to children either free or
at a low cost, depending on their family income level. FNS
provides cash subsidies to States for administering the
programs and directly administers the program in the States
which choose not to do so. Grants are also made for nutritional
training and surveys and for State administrative expenses.
Under current law, most of these payments are made on the basis
of reimbursement rates established by law and applied to
lunches and breakfasts actually served by the States. The
reimbursement rates are adjusted annually to reflect changes in
the Consumer Price Index for food away from home.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends $19,657,500,000 for the Child
Nutrition Programs.
The Committee's recommendation provides for the following
annual rates for the child nutrition programs.
TOTAL OBLIGATIONAL AUTHORITY
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Child nutrition programs 2012 level 2013 budget recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
School Lunch Program......................................... 10,169,615 11,263,349 11,263,349
School Breakfast Program..................................... 3,313,848 3,502,644 3,502,644
Child and Adult Care Food Program............................ 2,831,543 2,916,755 2,916,755
Summer Food Service Program.................................. 401,998 440,905 440,905
Special Milk Program......................................... 13,240 13,323 13,323
State administrative expenses................................ 279,016 289,702 289,702
Commodity procurement........................................ 1,075,727 1,154,480 1,154,480
Team Nutrition............................................... 15,016 15,004 15,004
Food safety education........................................ 2,510 2,575 2,575
Coordinated review........................................... 9,763 10,000 10,000
Computer support............................................. 9,525 10,746 10,746
CACFP training and technical assistance...................... 3,537 7,675 7,675
Child Nutrition Program Studies and Evaluations.............. 19,000 19,323 19,323
Healthier U.S. School Challenge.............................. 1,500 1,500 1,500
Farm to school tactical team................................. 2,000 2,083 2,083
Payment Accuracy............................................. 2,338 6,436 6,436
School breakfast expansion grants............................ 1,000 ............... 1,000
School Meals Equipment Grants................................ ............... 35,000 ...............
Hunger Free Communities Grants............................... ............... 2,500 ...............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee expects FNS to utilize the National Food
Service Management Institute to carry out the food safety
education program.
Income Determinations.--The Committee is concerned that
eligibility determinations for the National School Lunch
Program and the School Breakfast Program includes the value of
the Basic Allowance for Housing received by members of the
military living off base in privately owned property. However,
the value of on-base housing and stipends received by
servicemembers living in housing owned by the military and
operated by contractors is not. Some military families view
this practice as unfair. The Committee requests a report on the
number of military families that are ineligible for these
programs because of income determinations that include the
Basic Allowance for Housing.
SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN
[WIC]
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $6,618,497,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 7,041,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 7,041,000,000
The special supplemental nutrition program for women,
infants, and children [WIC] is authorized by section 17 of the
Child Nutrition Act of 1966. Its purpose is to safeguard the
health of pregnant, breast-feeding and postpartum women and
infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk
because of inadequate nutrition and inadequate income.
The WIC program food packages are designed to provide foods
which studies have demonstrated are lacking in the diets of the
WIC program target population. The authorized supplemental
foods are iron-fortified breakfast cereal, fruit or vegetable
juice which contains vitamin C, dry beans, peas, and peanut
butter.
There are three general types of delivery systems for WIC
foods: (1) retail purchase in which participants obtain
supplemental foods through retail stores; (2) home delivery
systems in which food is delivered to the participant's home;
and (3) direct distribution systems in which participants pick
up food from a distribution outlet. The food is free of charge
to all participants.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $7,041,000,000
for the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants,
and Children [WIC].
The Committee recommendation fully funds estimated WIC
participation in fiscal year 2013. The Committee recommendation
includes $60,000,000 for breastfeeding support initiatives,
$14,000,000 for infrastructure, and $30,000,000 for management
information systems.
SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico TEFAP
Expenses Amount in and American commodity Total
reserve Samoa purchases
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2012...................... 75,298,637 3,000,000 1,842,835 260,250 80,401,722
Budget estimate, 2013..................... 74,818,893 5,000,000 1,906,900 269,500 81,995,293
Committee recommendation.................. 74,817,395 3,000,000 1,906,900 269,500 79,993,795
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Food Stamp Program was reauthorized through fiscal year
2012 and renamed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
[SNAP] in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. The
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program attempts to alleviate
hunger and malnutrition among low-income persons by increasing
their food purchasing power. Eligible households receive SNAP
benefits with which they can purchase food through regular
retail stores.
Other programs funded through SNAP include Nutrition
Assistance to Puerto Rico and American Samoa, the Food
Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, the Emergency Food
Assistance Program, and the Community Food Projects program.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is currently
in operation in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, the
Virgin Islands, and Guam. Participating households receive food
benefits, the value of which is determined by household size
and income. The cost of the benefits is paid by the Federal
Government. As required by law, the Food and Nutrition Service
annually revises household benefit allotments to reflect
changes in the cost of the thrifty food plan.
Administrative Costs.--All direct and indirect
administrative costs incurred for certification of households,
issuance of benefits, quality control, outreach, and fair
hearing efforts are shared by the Federal Government and the
States on a 50-50 basis.
State Antifraud Activities.--Under the provisions of the
Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, States are eligible to be
reimbursed for 50 percent of the costs of their fraud
investigations and prosecutions.
States are required to implement an employment and training
program for the purpose of assisting members of households
participating in SNAP in gaining skills, training, or
experience that will increase their ability to obtain regular
employment. The Department of Agriculture has implemented a
grant program to States to assist them in providing employment
and training services.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of
$79,993,795,000 for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program. Of the amount recommended, $3,000,000,000 is made
available as a contingency reserve.
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.--The
Committee encourages the Secretary to continue the purchase of
bison from producer-owned and Native American owned
cooperatives for the Food Distribution Program on Indian
Reservations. Although funding is not provided specifically for
bison purchase, historically these purchases have been
important for the Native American population both economically
and nutritionally.
commodity assistance program
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $242,336,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 253,952,000
Committee recommendation................................ 253,952,000
The Commodity Assistance Program includes funding for the
Commodity Supplemental Food Program and funding to pay expenses
associated with the storage and distribution of commodities
through The Emergency Food Assistance Program.
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program [CSFP].--Authorized
by section 4(a) of the Agricultural and Consumer Protection Act
of 1973 (7 U.S.C. 612c note), as amended in 1981 by Public Law
97-98, this program provides supplemental food to infants and
children up to age 6, and to pregnant, post partum, and breast-
feeding women who have low incomes, and reside in approved
project areas. In addition, the program operates commodity
distribution projects directed at low-income elderly persons 60
years of age or older.
The foods for CSFP are provided by the Department of
Agriculture for distribution through State agencies. The
authorized commodities include: iron-fortified infant formula,
rice cereal, cheese, canned juice, evaporated milk and/or
nonfat dry milk, canned vegetables or fruits, canned meat or
poultry, egg mix, dehydrated potatoes, farina, and peanut
butter and dry beans. Elderly participants may receive all
commodities except iron-fortified infant formula and rice
cereal.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program [TEFAP].--Authorized
by the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7501 et
seq.), as amended, the program provides nutrition assistance to
low-income people through prepared meals served on site and
through the distribution of commodities to low-income
households for home consumption. The commodities are provided
by USDA to State agencies for distribution through State-
established networks. State agencies make the commodities
available to local organizations, such as soup kitchens, food
pantries, food banks, and community action agencies, for their
use in providing nutrition assistance to those in need.
Funds are administered by FNS through grants to State
agencies which operate commodity distribution programs.
Allocation of the funds to States is based on a formula which
considers the States' unemployment rate and the number of
persons with income below the poverty level.
Pacific Island and Disaster Assistance.--This program
provides funding for assistance to the nuclear-affected islands
in the form of commodities and administrative funds. It also
provides funding for use in non-presidentially declared
disasters and for FNS' administrative costs in connection with
relief for all disasters.
Farmers' Market Nutrition Program.--The Farmers' Market
Nutrition Program [FMNP] provides WIC or WIC-eligible
participants with coupons to purchase fresh, nutritious,
unprepared foods, such as fruits and vegetables, from farmers'
markets. This benefits both participants and local farmers by
increasing the awareness and use of farmers' markets by low-
income households.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $253,952,000
for the Commodity Assistance Program. The Committee continues
to encourage the Department to distribute Commodity Assistance
Program funds equitably among the States, based on an
assessment of the needs and priorities of each State and the
State's preference to receive commodity allocations through
each of the programs funded under this account.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program.--The Committee
recommends $186,935,000 for the Commodity Supplemental Food
Program. This amount fully funds participation in fiscal year
2013.
Farmers' Market Nutrition Program.--The Committee is aware
that the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program provides fresh
fruits and vegetables to low-income mothers and children,
benefiting not only WIC participants, but local farmers as
well. Therefore, the Committee recommends $16,548,000 for the
Farmers' Market Nutrition Program and directs the Secretary to
obligate these funds within 45 days.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program.--The Food,
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 provides $269,500,000 for
TEFAP commodities to be purchased with Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program funds. The Committee recommendation includes
$49,401,000 for TEFAP transportation and storage. In addition,
the Committee recommendation grants the Secretary authority to
transfer up to an additional 10 percent from TEFAP commodities
for this purpose.
The Committee encourages the Secretary to identify
opportunities for increasing the supply of TEFAP commodities in
the coming fiscal year through bonus and specialty crop
purchases.
nutrition programs administration
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $138,500,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 143,505,000
Committee recommendation................................ 143,505,000
The Nutrition Programs Administration appropriation
provides for most of the Federal operating expenses of the Food
and Nutrition Service, which includes the Child Nutrition
Programs; Special Milk Program; Special Supplemental Nutrition
Program for Women, Infants, and Children [WIC]; Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program; Nutrition Assistance for Puerto
Rico; the Commodity Assistance Program, including the Commodity
Supplemental Food Program and the Emergency Food Assistance
Program; and Farmers' Market Nutrition Program and Pacific
Island and Disaster Assistance.
The major objective of Nutrition Programs Administration is
to efficiently and effectively carry out the nutrition
assistance programs mandated by law. This is to be accomplished
by the following: (1) giving clear and consistent guidance and
supervision to State agencies and other cooperators; (2)
assisting the States and other cooperators by providing
program, managerial, financial, and other advice and expertise;
(3) measuring, reviewing, and analyzing the progress being made
toward achieving program objectives; and (4) carrying out
regular staff support functions.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $143,505,000
for Nutrition Programs Administration.
TITLE V
FOREIGN ASSISTANCE AND RELATED PROGRAMS
Foreign Agricultural Service
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transfers from
Appropriations loan accounts Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2012......................................... 176,347 6,465 182,812
Budget estimate, 2013........................................ 176,789 6,452 183,241
Committee recommendation..................................... 176,789 6,452 183,241
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Foreign Agricultural Service [FAS] was established
March 10, 1953, by Secretary's Memorandum No. 1320, supplement
1. Public Law 83-690, approved August 28, 1954, transferred the
agricultural attaches from the Department of State to the
Foreign Agricultural Service.
The mission of FAS overseas is to represent U.S.
agricultural interests, to promote export of domestic farm
products, improve world trade conditions, and report on
agricultural production and trade in foreign countries. FAS
staff are stationed at 98 offices around the world where they
provide expertise in agricultural economics and marketing, as
well as provide attache services.
FAS carries out several export assistance programs to
counter the adverse effects of unfair trade practices by
competitors on U.S. agricultural trade. The Export Enhancement
Program uses CCC-owned commodities as export bonuses to provide
export enhancements to U.S. producers. The Market Access
Program [MAP] conducts both generic and brand-identified
promotional programs in conjunction with nonprofit agricultural
associations and private firms financed through reimbursable
CCC payments.
The General Sales Manager was established pursuant to
section 5(f) of the charter of the Commodity Credit Corporation
and 15 U.S.C. 714-714p. The funds allocated to the General
Sales Manager are used for conducting the following programs:
(1) CCC Export Credit Guarantee Program (GSM-102), including
facilities financing guarantees; (2) Food for Peace; (3)
section 416b Overseas Donations Program; (4) Market Access
Program; and (5) programs authorized by the Commodity Credit
Corporation Charter Act including barter, export sales of most
CCC-owned commodities, export payments, and other programs as
assigned to encourage and enhance the export of U.S.
agricultural commodities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends $183,241,000 for the Foreign
Agricultural Service, including a direct appropriation of
$176,789,000. While the Committee has a history of supporting
USDA reconstruction and stabilization activities, the Committee
expects appropriated funds to be used for established FAS trade
promotion, trade policy, trade capacity building, and food
security efforts. The Committee does not provide the budget
request of $5,550,000 for reconstruction and stabilization
activities.
Borlaug Fellows Program.--The Committee recommendation
includes $1,000,000 for the Borlaug International Agricultural
Science and Technology Fellows Program. This program provides
training for international scientists and policymakers from
selected developing countries. The fellows work closely with
U.S. specialists in their fields of expertise and apply that
knowledge in their home countries. The Committee recognizes the
importance of this program in helping developing countries
strengthen their agricultural practices and food security.
Cochran Fellowship Program.--The Committee recommendation
includes $5,000,000 for the Cochran Fellowship Program. The
Committee encourages the Secretary to continue to provide
additional support for the program through the Commodity Credit
Corporation Emerging Markets Program.
Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program.--Subject to
authorization, the Committee expects the FAS to fund the
Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program.
Market Access Program.--Subject to authorization, the
Committee continues the full mandatory funding for the Market
Access Program and expects the Department to administer the
program as authorized in 7 U.S.C. 5623, without changing the
eligibility requirements for participation of cooperative
organizations, small businesses, trade associations, and other
entities.
FOOD FOR PEACE TITLE I DIRECT CREDIT AND FOOD FOR PROGRESS PROGRAM
ACCOUNT
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $2,500,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 2,806,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,806,000
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,806,000 for
administrative expenses to continue servicing existing Food for
Peace title I agreements.
FOOD FOR PEACE TITLE II GRANTS
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $1,466,000,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 1,400,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,466,000,000
The Committee recognizes the important mission of the Food
for Peace Program to combat hunger and malnutrition; promote
broad-based equitable and sustainable development; expand
international trade; develop and expand export markets for U.S.
agricultural commodities; and to foster and encourage the
development of private enterprise and democratic participation
in developing countries. The Committee strongly supports the
continued efficient operation of this important program.
Commodities Supplied in Connection With Dispositions Abroad
(Title II) (7 U.S.C. 1721-1726).--Commodities are supplied
without cost through foreign governments to combat malnutrition
and to meet famine and other emergency requirements.
Commodities are also supplied for nonemergencies through public
and private agencies, including intergovernmental
organizations. The Commodity Credit Corporation pays ocean
freight on shipments under this title, and may also pay
overland transportation costs to a landlocked country, as well
as internal distribution costs in emergency situations. The
funds appropriated for title II are made available to private
voluntary organizations and cooperatives to assist these
organizations in meeting administrative and related costs.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,466,000,000
for Food for Peace title II grants.
MCGOVERN-DOLE INTERNATIONAL FOOD FOR EDUCATION AND CHILD NUTRITION
PROGRAM GRANTS
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $184,000,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 184,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 184,000,000
The McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and
Child Nutrition Program helps support education, child
development, and food security for some of the world's poorest
children. The program provides for donations of U.S.
agricultural products, as well as financial and technical
assistance, for school feeding and maternal and child nutrition
projects in low-income, food-deficit countries that are
committed to universal education. Commodities made available
for donation through agreements with private voluntary
organizations, cooperatives, intergovernmental organizations,
and foreign governments may be donated for direct feeding or
for local sale to generate proceeds to support school feeding
and nutrition projects.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $184,000,000
for the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and
Child Nutrition Program.
COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION EXPORT LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT (EXPORT CREDIT
PROGRAMS AND GSM-102)
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guaranteed loan Administrative
levels\1\ expenses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2012.................. 5,500,000 6,820
Budget estimate, 2013................. 5,500,000 6,806
Committee recommendation.............. 5,500,000 6,806
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\No appropriation required since export credit authorizations are
permanent authority.
In 1980, the Commodity Credit Corporation [CCC] instituted
the Export Credit Guarantee Program (GSM-102) under its charter
authority. With this program, CCC guarantees, for a fee,
payments due U.S. exporters under deferred payment sales
contracts (up to 36 months) for defaults due to commercial as
well as noncommercial risks. The risk to CCC extends from the
date of export to the end of the deferred payment period
covered in the export sales contract and covers only that
portion of the payments agreed to in the assurance agreement.
Operation of this program is based on criteria which will
assure that it is used only where it is determined that it will
develop new market opportunities and maintain and expand
existing world markets for U.S. agricultural commodities. The
program encourages U.S. financial institutions to provide
financing to those areas where the institutions would be
unwilling to provide financing in the absence of the CCC
guarantees. CCC also provides facilities financing guarantees.
The Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 establishes the
program account. The subsidy costs of the CCC export guarantee
programs are exempt from the requirement of advance
appropriations of budget authority according to section
504(c)(2) of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990, Public Law
101-508. Appropriations to this account will be used for
administrative expenses.
TITLE VI
RELATED AGENCIES AND FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration
The Food and Drug Administration [FDA] is a scientific
regulatory agency whose mission is to promote and protect the
public health and safety of Americans. FDA's work is a blend of
science and law. The Food and Drug Administration Amendments
Act of 2007 [FDAAA] (Public Law 110-85) reaffirmed the
responsibilities of the FDA: to ensure safe and effective
products reach the market to a timely way, and to monitor
products for continued safety after they are in use. In
addition, FDA is entrusted with two critical functions in the
Nation's war on terrorism: preventing willful contamination of
all regulated products, including food, and improving the
availability of medications to prevent or treat injuries caused
by biological, chemical, radiological, or nuclear agents.
The FDA Foods program has the primary responsibility for
assuring that the food supply, quality of foods, food
ingredients and dietary supplements are safe, sanitary,
nutritious, wholesome, and honestly labeled, and that cosmetic
products are safe and properly labeled. The variety and
complexity of the food supply has grown dramatically while new
and more complex safety issues, such as emerging microbial
pathogens, natural toxins, and technological innovations in
production and processing, have developed. This program plays a
major role in keeping the United States food supply among the
safest in the world.
In January 2011, the Food Safety Modernization Act was
signed into law. This law enables FDA to better protect public
health by strengthening the food safety system. It enables FDA
to focus more on preventing food safety problems rather than
relying primarily on reacting to problems after they occur. The
law also provides FDA with new enforcement authorities designed
to achieve higher rates of compliance with prevention- and
risk-based food safety standards and to better respond to and
contain problems when they do occur. The law also gives FDA
important new tools to hold imported foods to the same
standards as domestic foods and directs FDA to build an
integrated national food safety system in partnership with
State and local authorities.
The FDA Drugs programs are comprised of four separate
areas, Human Drugs, Animal Drugs, Medical Devices and
Biologics. FDA is responsible for the lifecycle of products,
including premarket review and postmarket surveillance of human
and animal drugs, medical devices and biological products to
ensure their safety and effectiveness. FDA is responsible for
the lifecycle of the product, including premarket review and
postmarket surveillance of human, animal and biological
products to ensure their safety and efficacy. For Human Drugs
this includes assuring that all drug products used for the
prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease are safe and
effective. Additional procedures include the review of
investigational new drug applications; evaluation of market
applications for new and generic drugs, labeling and
composition of prescription and over-the-counter drugs;
monitoring the quality and safety of products manufactured in,
or imported into, the United States; and, regulating the
advertising and promotion of prescription drugs. The Animal
Drugs and Feeds Program ensures only safe and beneficial
veterinary drugs, intended for the treatment and/or prevention
of diseases in animals and the improved production of food-
producing animals, are approved for marketing.
The FDA Biologics program assures that blood and blood
products, blood test kits, vaccines, and therapeutics are pure,
potent, safe, effective, and properly labeled. The program
inspects blood banks and blood processors, licenses and
inspects firms collecting human source plasma, evaluates and
licenses biologics manufacturing firms and products; lot
releases licensed products; and monitors adverse events
associated with vaccine immunization, blood products, and other
biologics.
The FDA Devices and Radiological program ensures the safety
and effectiveness of medical devices and eliminates unnecessary
human exposure to manmade radiation from medical, occupational,
and consumer products. In addition, the program enforces
quality standards under the Mammography Quality Standards Act
(Public Law 108-365). Medical devices include thousands of
products from thermometers and contact lenses to heart
pacemakers, hearing aids, and MRIs. Radiological products
include items such as microwave ovens and video display
terminals.
FDA's National Center for Toxicological Research in
Jefferson, Arkansas, serves as a specialized resource,
conducting peer-review scientific research that provides the
basis for FDA to make sound science-based regulatory decisions
through its premarket review and postmarket surveillance. The
research is designed to define and understand the biological
mechanisms of action underlying the toxicity of products and
lead to developing methods to improve assessment of human
exposure, susceptibility and risk of those products regulated
by FDA.
In 2009, Congress granted FDA new authority to regulate the
manufacture, distribution, and marketing of tobacco products.
FDA exercises this responsibility by protecting the public
health from the health effects of tobacco, setting scientific
standards and standards for tobacco product review, conducting
compliance activities to enforce its authority over tobacco,
and conducting public education and outreach about the health
effects of tobacco products.
salaries and expenses
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation User fees Total
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2012......... 2,497,021 1,393,366 3,890,387
Budget estimate, 2013........ 2,511,991 1,969,057 4,481,048
Committee recommendation..... 2,524,491 1,385,690 3,910,181
------------------------------------------------------------------------
committee recommendations
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,524,491,000
for FDA salaries and expenses. The Committee also recommends
$712,808,000 in Prescription Drug User Fee Act user fee
collections; $69,700,000 in Medical Device User Fee and
Modernization Act user fee collections; $30,530,000 in Animal
Drug User Fee Act user fee collections; $7,595,000 in Animal
Generic Drug User Fee Act user fee collections; $505,000,000 in
Tobacco Product user fee collections; $15,367,000 for food
reinspection user fee collections; $12,925,000 for recall user
fee collections; $19,318,000 in Mammography Quality Standards
Act fee collections; and $12,447,000 in export and
certification fees, as assumed in the President's budget. The
Committee recommendation includes bill language which prohibits
FDA from developing, establishing, or operating any program of
user fees authorized by 31 U.S.C. 9701.
The Committee notes that PDUFA and MDUFMA user fees need to
be reauthorized for fiscal year 2013. PDUFA and MDUFMA
legislation is currently being negotiated by the appropriate
authorizing committees. The Committee recommendation includes
amounts that represent the current budget request for these
fees. In addition, the Committee notes that FDA has reached
agreement with industry on generic drug and biosimilar user
fees. These programs are also being negotiated by the
appropriate authorizing committees. The Committee
recommendation does not include amounts for these programs as
they are not currently authorized for fiscal year 2012. The
Committee will follow the reauthorization of PDUFA and MDUFMA
and the authorization of generic drug and biosimilar fees and
adjust the fee collection amounts if necessary.
The Committee recommendation does not include proposed user
fees for food establishment registration, food contact
notification, medical product re-inspection, cosmetics, and
international courier imports. None of these user fee proposals
have been authorized by Congress. The Committee will continue
to monitor any action by the Congress regarding these proposed
user fees.
The following table reflects the Committee's
recommendations, as compared to the fiscal year 2012 and budget
request levels:
FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION SALARIES AND EXPENSES
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year--
---------------------------------- Committee
2012 enacted 2013 request recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Centers and related field activities:
Foods.................................................... 866,061 855,239 867,039
--------------------------------------------------
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition [CFSAN]. 264,296 261,189 272,289
Field Activities..................................... 601,765 594,050 594,750
==================================================
Human Drugs.............................................. 477,810 472,683 472,683
--------------------------------------------------
Center for Drug Evaluation and Research [CDER]....... 347,817 344,500 344,500
Field Activities..................................... 129,993 128,183 128,183
==================================================
Biologics................................................ 212,224 209,826 209,826
--------------------------------------------------
Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research [CBER].. 171,711 169,881 169,881
Field Activities..................................... 40,513 39,945 39,945
==================================================
Animal Drugs............................................. 138,021 136,175 136,875
--------------------------------------------------
Center for Veterinary Medicine [CVM]................. 84,699 83,582 84,282
Field Activities..................................... 53,322 52,593 52,593
==================================================
Medical and radiological devices......................... 322,672 319,127 319,127
--------------------------------------------------
Center for Devices and Radiological Health [CDRH].... 241,475 239,072 239,072
Field Activities..................................... 81,197 80,055 80,055
==================================================
National Center for Toxicological Research [NCTR]........ 60,039 59,232 59,232
==================================================
Other Activities............................................. 153,704 163,030 163,030
==================================================
Rent and related activities.................................. 105,984 127,305 127,305
==================================================
Rental payments to GSA....................................... 160,506 169,374 169,374
==================================================
Total, FDA salaries and expenses, new budget authority. 2,497,021 2,511,991 2,524,491
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee recommendation includes the following
increases: $12,500,000 for implementation of the Food Safety
Modernization Act, $21,166,000 for necessary expenses,
mandatory rental payments, and facilities, $3,510,000 for
advancing medical countermeasures, and $10,000,000 for safety
inspections in China. The Committee also accepts FDA's proposed
reduction of $19,706,000 due to information technology savings.
The Committee expects FDA to continue all projects,
activities, laboratories, and programs as included in the
fiscal year 2013 budget request, unless otherwise specified.
Agency Collaboration.--The Committee is pleased to learn
that the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Medicare
& Medicaid Services have established a pilot program for
concurrent review of certain FDA premarket review submissions
for medical device, including diagnostics. This pilot program
is voluntary on the part of the applicant. Parallel review may
facilitate the development of innovative products and encourage
investment. The Committee applauds the effort of both agencies.
Antimicrobial Drugs.--The Committee is encouraged by the
finalization of FDA Guidance for Industry 209, which calls for
the voluntary elimination of growth promoting uses of medically
important antibiotics and increased veterinary oversight of
these drugs. However, the Committee believes that FDA should
continue to make progress to implement the recommendations
outlined in the finalized Guidance for Industry 209. The
Committee understands that the FDA has issued a companion draft
guidance, Guidance for Industry 213, that provides further
details on the strategy for implementing the changes
recommended in guidance 209. Because of the importance of this
issue to human and animal health, the Committee will continue
to monitor FDA's efforts to finalize and implement the plan
outlined in draft Guidance for Industry 213. The Commissioner
is directed to provide a report regarding compliance with the
final guidance and further details about how the FDA intends to
meet its public health responsibilities. This report shall be
due within 120 days of the completion issuance of the agency's
final guidance for industry.
Artificial Pancreas.--The Committee is encouraged by the
Food and Drug Administration's draft guidance for accelerating
the development and availability of artificial pancreas
technologies which have the potential to be an important tool
for patients with type 1 diabetes to achieve better glycemic
control, increasing their quality of life and overall health.
The FDA's actions will allow these systems to be further
developed, tested in outpatient pivotal trials, and eventually
approved for people with type 1 diabetes. The Committee
encourages the FDA to finalize the draft guidance and continue
its interactions with researchers, clinicians, policymakers,
and patient advocates to advance the development of artificial
pancreas systems for people with type 1 diabetes.
Budget Justification.--The Committee directs FDA to submit
the fiscal year 2014 budget request in a format that follows
the same account structure as the fiscal year 2013 budget
request unless otherwise approved by the Committee.
Camelina.--The Committee recognizes the importance of
developing markets for biofuel feedstock byproducts in building
advanced biofuel supply chains. In particular, the Committee
notes that multiple departments of government are currently
engaged in advancing biofuel produced from Camelina. The FDA is
directed to report to the Committee within 90 days after
enactment of this Act on all previous petitions that have been
approved at lower rations than requested, what regulatory
barriers, if any, remain preventing a finding of ``Generally
Recognized as Safe'' status for camelina, and how those
barriers can best be overcome under current law and with the
resources available to FDA.
Critical Path Initiative.--The Committee expects FDA to
continue its work on critical path, regulatory science and
innovate opportunities, and to promote collaborations with
other government agencies, academia, patient groups and other
interested parties, including existing partnerships with
academic institutions.
Dietary Supplements.--The Committee is aware that U.S.
consumers widely use plant-derived dietary supplements, and
that FDA inspects manufacturers and distributors that are
responsible for ensuring that such products are not adulterated
or contaminated, and do not cause harm to the consumer. The
Committee believes that methods and standards are needed to
verify source plants and ingredients and to detect toxic
contaminants. The Committee encourages FDA to develop guidance
for industry on such methods and standards, which would enhance
FDA's ability to inspect and assess industry practices for
manufacturing botanical dietary supplements.
Drug Shortages.--The Committee is concerned with the
significant number of drug shortages occurring in the United
States and the impact it is having on patient access to needed
life-saving treatments. By Executive order, the President has
instructed FDA to broaden its reporting of potential shortages
and speed reviews of applications to begin or alter production
of drugs in short supply. As part of this enhanced activity,
the Committee encourages FDA to increase its communication with
medical practitioners through specialty-specific list serves
and other means of targeted communications to provide
information on potential shortages, the anticipated length of
time of the shortage and options for obtaining therapies while
they are in short supply.
Ethanol.--The Committee directs the Food and Drug
Administration to conduct periodic surveillance sampling of
antibiotic use in ethanol production. The Food and Drug
Administration should make public information about the results
of its surveillance sampling.
Food Safety Information Sharing.--The Committee urges the
Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Health and Human
Services to enter into a memorandum of understanding between
the relevant agencies within the Department of Health and Human
Services, including the Food and Drug Administration and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the relevant
agencies within the Department of Agriculture, including the
Food Safety and Inspection Service, the Agricultural Research
Service, and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, to
ensure the timely and efficient sharing of all information
collected by such agencies related to foodborne pathogens,
contaminants and illnesses.
Honey.--The Committee recognizes that honey is produced in
the United States, traded internationally and consumed as both
a packaged food and as a food ingredient. However, there have
been instances where manufacturers have been impermissibly
marketing products as ``honey'' or ``pure honey'' that
contained other ingredients. The Committee believes that
guidance about the composition and labeling of honey is needed
to protect consumers from misbranded and adulterated honey and
honey-derived products that are currently entering the U.S.
market. The Committee directs FDA to issue guidance to remind
manufacturers of honey about the misbranding and adulteration
provisions in law, about the proper labeling of honey, and
other guidance that reinforces the FDA's existing labeling
regulations.
Information Technology.--The Committee notes with concern
that the Government Accountability Office [GAO] recently found
that FDA does not have a comprehensive list of its information
technology [IT] systems, and as a result, the agency cannot
ensure that it is investing in the mix of projects that will
best support its mission or that it is managing them
appropriately. Given that FDA currently spends approximately
ten percent of its overall funding on IT systems, the Committee
insists that FDA address GAO's findings and determine the most
efficient use of its IT resources. In addition, the Committee
directs FDA to develop a comprehensive IT investment plan.
Within 60 days of the enactment of this Act, the Committee
directs FDA to provide a report on the agency's IT systems. The
report shall include a complete inventory of systems, a
description of each system's purpose, annual cost for each
system and the source of funding, and status of each system
including whether it is in the process of being upgraded.
Nanotechnology.--The Committee recognizes that FDA is
developing the facilities and expertise to study nanotechnology
within FDA's Jefferson Laboratory Campus, including the
National Center for Toxicological Research, and its
consolidated headquarters at White Oak, Maryland. The Committee
supports FDA in its mission to expand upon current research in
nanotechnology and supports the development of a Nanotechnology
Core Center to meet this mission. The Committee believes a
Nanotechnology Core Center should be designed to support
nanotechnology toxicity studies, develop analytical tools to
quantify nanomaterials in complex matrices, and develop
procedures for characterizing nanomaterials in FDA-regulated
products.
Office of Cosmetics and Colors [OCAC].--The Committee
provides not less than $11,700,000 for cosmetics activities,
including not less than $7,200,000 for the Office of Colors and
Cosmetics. Funding provided for OCAC is for direct support of
the operation, staffing, compliance, research and international
activities performed by this office.
Pediatric Devices.--The Committee is pleased that the five
FDA-funded Pediatric Device Consortia have assisted in
advancing the development of 135 proposed pediatric medical
devices, as well as promoted job growth in the healthcare
sector, and as such, continues to support this critical effort.
However, the Committee remains concerned that children's
medical devices can lag 5 to 10 years behind those manufactured
for adults and directs FDA to maintain funding at the current
level.
Seafood Advisory.--The Committee is highly concerned that
over a year has passed since USDA published its dietary
guidelines and more than 6 months have passed since the
publication of this Committee's fiscal year 2012 report
directing FDA to commence reconsideration of its 2004 seafood
advisory, and yet FDA has not published its draft revision of
the advisory. Given data demonstrating that women of
childbearing years, pregnant women, and mothers with young
children are eating too little seafood for their health and the
health of their babies, and the role the language of FDA's 2004
advisory may play in discouraging healthy consumption of
seafood, the Committee expected a more urgent response by FDA.
Therefore, the Committee directs FDA to issue final seafood
advisory consistent with USDA's dietary guidelines by December
31, 2012.
Tanning Bed Labeling.--The Committee is aware of the FDA
report to Congress as required by section 230 of Public Law
110-85, which determined that certain modifications to the
labeling requirements for sunlamp products may communicate the
risks of indoor tanning more effectively and stated that the
agency was considering changes to the performance requirements
of the sunlamp performance standard. The Committee encourages
the agency to update the labeling and performance requirements
for sunlamp products within 180 days of enactment of this act.
Tobacco.--The Committee recognizes FDA has declared its
intent to issue a proposed rule clarifying the agency's
jurisdiction over tobacco products. The Committee strongly
encourages the agency to issue this proposed rule and
promulgate regulations as necessary. The Committee instructs
the agency to consider, among other things, the issue of cigars
with characterizing flavors, particularly as it applies to the
marketing and sale of these products to children.
Tissue Reference Group.--To improve transparency, the
committee urges the FDA to update FDA's procedures for the work
of the Tissue Reference Group [TRG] to include specifying the
format and content of submissions, projected timelines for
review of inquiries, and procedures for sponsors to meet with
FDA, and the process by which FDA communicates regularly with
the sponsor regarding the submission. The committee further
recommends that FDA conduct stakeholder meetings and use other
means to make publicly available the scientific rationale for
its recommendations regarding human cell, tissue, and cellular
and tissue-based product jurisdiction and classification while
protecting proprietary information. The committee directs the
FDA to update on a biannual basis the TRG report summary the
agency posts on its Web site, with the first update due within
90 days of enactment of the fiscal year 2013 appropriation.
buildings and facilities
Appropriations, 2012.................................... $8,788,000
Budget estimate, 2013.......................... 5,320,000
Committee recommendation................................ 5,320,000
FDA maintains offices and staff in 49 States and in the
District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, including field
laboratories and specialized facilities, as well as the
National Center for Toxicological Research complex. Repairs,
modifications, improvements, and construction to FDA
headquarters and field facilities must be made to preserve the
properties, ensure employee safety, meet changing program
requirements, and permit the agency to keep its laboratory
methods up to date.
committee recommendations
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $5,320,000 for
FDA buildings and facilities. This funding shall be used to
upgrade FDA facilities and laboratories which are currently
below public safety standards and incapable of performing
agency requirements.
INDEPENDENT AGENCY
Farm Credit Administration
limitation on administrative expenses
Limitation, 2012........................................ $61,000,000
Budget estimate, 2013................................... 63,300,000
Committee recommendation................................ 63,300,000
The Farm Credit Administration [FCA] is the independent
agency in the executive branch of the Government responsible
for the examination and regulation of the banks, associations,
and other institutions of the Farm Credit System.
Activities of the Farm Credit Administration include the
planning and execution of examinations of Farm Credit System
institutions and the preparation of examination reports. FCA
also establishes standards, enforces rules and regulations, and
approves certain actions of the institutions.
The administration and the institutions under its
jurisdiction now operate under authorities contained in the
Farm Credit Act of 1971, Public Law 92-181, effective December
10, 1971. Public Law 99-205, effective December 23, 1985,
restructured FCA and gave the agency regulatory authorities and
enforcement powers.
The act provides for the farmer-owned cooperative system to
make sound, adequate, and constructive credit available to
farmers and ranchers and their cooperatives, rural residences,
and associations and other entities upon which farming
operations are dependent, and to modernize existing farm credit
law to meet current and future rural credit needs.
The Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 authorized the
formation of the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation
[FAMC] to operate a secondary market for agricultural and rural
housing mortgages. The Farm Credit Administration, under
section 8.11 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971, as amended, is
assigned the responsibility of regulating this entity and
assuring its safe and sound operation.
Expenses of the Farm Credit Administration are paid by
assessments collected from the Farm Credit System institutions
and by assessments to the Federal Agricultural Mortgage
Corporation.
committee recommendations
The Committee recommends a limitation of $63,300,000 on
administrative expenses of the Farm Credit Administration.
TITLE VII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
The Committee recommends the following provisions:
Section 701. This section makes funds available for the
purchase, replacement, and hire of passenger motor vehicles.
Section 702. This section gives the Secretary of
Agriculture authority to transfer unobligated balances to the
Working Capital Fund and clarifies longstanding practices
associated with the Fund.
Section 703. This section limits the funding provided in
the bill to 1 year, unless otherwise specified.
Section 704. This section limits negotiated indirect costs
on cooperative agreements between the Department of Agriculture
and nonprofit organizations to 10 percent.
Section 705. This section makes appropriations to the
Department of Agriculture for the cost of direct guaranteed
loans available until expended to disburse obligations for
certain Rural Development programs.
Section 706. This section prohibits the use of funds to
establish an inspection panel at the Department of Agriculture.
Section 707. This section prohibits the purchase of new
information technology equipment in excess of $25,000 without
the prior approval of the Chief Information Officer.
Section 708. This section makes funds for certain
conservation programs available until expended to disburse
certain obligations made in the current fiscal year.
Section 709. This section makes certain former Rural
Utilities Service borrowers eligible for the Rural Economic
Development loan and grant program.
Section 710. This section modifies matching requirements
for certain research grants.
Section 711. This section provides funds for Rural
Development and the Farm Service Agency information technology
expenses.
Section 712. This section includes language regarding
reconstituted infant formula.
Section 713. This section includes language regarding
first-class travel.
Section 714. This section includes language regarding the
Commodity Credit Corporation.
Section 715. This section includes language regarding
humanitarian food assistance.
Section 716. This section limits the amount of funding
available to reimburse the Commodity Credit Corporation for the
release of commodities under the Bill Emerson Humanitarian
Trust.
Section 717. This section makes funds available for the
expenses and activities of certain advisory committees, panels,
commissions, and task forces at the Department of Agriculture.
Section 718. This section includes language regarding the
limitation on direct costs for grants awarded by the National
Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Section 719. This section provides funding for the
Geographically Disadvantaged Farmers Program as authorized in
the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.
Section 720. This section includes language regarding
strategic rural development planning.
Section 721. This section includes language regarding the
availability of funds for certain Department of Agriculture
programs.
Section 722. This section provides funding to carry out a
program for hardwood trees.
Section 723. This section prohibits the use of funds for
user fee proposals that fail to provide sufficient budget
impact information.
Section 724. This section prohibits the reprogramming of
funds for programs, projects, or activities in excess of
$500,000 or 10 percent, whichever is less without the prior
notification of the Committee on Appropriations.
Section 725. This section includes language for the
establishment of a fee under the business and industry loan
program.
Section 726. This section prohibits the Department of
Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services
from transmitting questions or responses as a result of the
appropriations hearing process to non-Department employees.
Section 727. This section includes language regarding
prepackaged news.
Section 728. This section requires Department of
Agriculture agencies to provide reimbursement to other
Department of Agriculture agencies for employees detailed for
longer than 30 days.
Section 729. This section includes language regarding rural
housing programs.
Section 730. This section includes language prohibiting
grants and loans to a corporation convicted of a felony under
Federal law.
Section 731. This section includes language prohibiting
grants and loans to corporations that have an unpaid Federal
tax liability.
Section 732. This section includes language regarding
attendance at international conferences.
Section 733. This section includes language regarding
reporting of conference expenditures at the Department of
Agriculture.
Section 734. This section includes language regarding
reporting of conference expenditures at the Food and Drug
Administration.
Section 735. This section includes language regarding grant
and contract funding for conferences.
PROGRAM, PROJECT, AND ACTIVITY
During fiscal year 2013, for purposes of the Balanced
Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Public Law
99-177) or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control
Reaffirmation Act of 1987 (Public Law 100-119), the following
information provides the definition of the term ``program,
project, and activity'' for departments and agencies under the
jurisdiction of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and
Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee. The
term ``program, project, and activity'' shall include the most
specific level of budget items identified in the Agriculture,
Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related
Agencies Appropriations Act, 2013, and the accompanying Senate
Report.
If a sequestration order is necessary, in implementing the
Presidential order, departments and agencies shall apply any
percentage reduction required for fiscal year 2013 pursuant to
the provisions of Public Law 99-177 or Public Law 100-119 to
all items specified in the explanatory notes submitted to the
Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate in support
of the fiscal year 2013 budget estimates, as amended, for such
departments and agencies, as modified by congressional action,
and in addition:
For the Agricultural Research Service the definition shall
include specific research locations as identified in the
explanatory notes.
For the Natural Resources Conservation Service the
definition shall include individual flood prevention projects
as identified in the explanatory notes and individual
operational watershed projects as summarized in the notes.
For the Farm Service Agency the definition shall include
individual, regional, State, district, and county offices.
COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 7, RULE XVI OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE
SENATE
Paragraph 7 of rule XVI requires that Committee reports
accompanying general appropriations bills identify each
recommended amendment which proposes an item of appropriation
which is not made to carry out the provisions of an existing
law, a treaty stipulation, or an act or resolution previously
passed by the Senate during that session.
The Committee is filing an original bill, which is not
covered under this rule, but reports this information in the
spirit of full disclosure.
The Committee recommends funding for the following programs
or activities which currently lack authorization for fiscal
year 2013:
Dairy Indemnity Program
Grassroots Source Water Protection Program
Geographically Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers
Reforestation Program
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Commodity
Supplemental Food Program
The Emergency Food Assistance Program
McGovern-Dole International Food for Education Program
Value-added Agricultural Product Market Development
Grants
Rural Cooperative Development Grants
Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas
Rural Energy for America Program
Rural Business Opportunity Grants
Delta Regional Authority Grants
Health Care Services Grant Program
Tribal College and University Essential Community
Facilities
Multi-family Housing Revitalization Program
Distance Learning and Telemedicine
Access to Broadband Telecommunications Services in Rural
Areas
Broadband Telecommunications Grants
Guaranteed Water and Waste Loans
Water and Waste Revolving Loan Fund Grants
Public Broadcasting System Grants
COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 7(c), RULE XXVI OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE
SENATE
Pursuant to paragraph 7(c) of rule XXVI, on April 26, 2012,
the Committee ordered favorably reported en bloc an original
bill (S. 2375) making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural
Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013, and for
other purposes, and reported an original bill (S. 2465) making
appropriations for energy and water development and related
agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013, and for
other purposes, provided, that each bill be subject to further
amendment and that each bill be consistent with its spending
allocations, by a recorded vote of 28-1, a quorum being
present. The vote was as follows:
Yeas Nays
Chairman Inouye Mr. Johnson (WI)
Mr. Leahy
Mr. Harkin
Ms. Mikulski
Mr. Kohl
Mrs. Murray
Mrs. Feinstein
Mr. Durbin
Mr. Johnson (SD)
Ms. Landrieu
Mr. Reed
Mr. Lautenberg
Mr. Nelson
Mr. Pryor
Mr. Tester
Mr. Brown
Mr. Cochran
Mr. McConnell
Mr. Shelby
Mrs. Hutchison
Mr. Alexander
Ms. Collins
Ms. Murkowski
Mr. Graham
Mr. Coats
Mr. Blunt
Mr. Moran
Mr. Hoeven
COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 12, RULE XXVI OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE
SENATE
Paragraph 12 of rule XXVI requires that Committee reports
on a bill or joint resolution repealing or amending any statute
or part of any statute include ``(a) the text of the statute or
part thereof which is proposed to be repealed; and (b) a
comparative print of that part of the bill or joint resolution
making the amendment and of the statute or part thereof
proposed to be amended, showing by stricken-through type and
italics, parallel columns, or other appropriate typographical
devices the omissions and insertions which would be made by the
bill or joint resolution if enacted in the form recommended by
the committee.''
The Committee bill as recommended contains no such
provisions.
BUDGETARY IMPACT OF BILL
PREPARED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE PURSUANT TO SEC. 308(a), PUBLIC LAW 93-344, AS
AMENDED
[In millions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget authority Outlays
---------------------------------------------------
Committee Amount in Committee Amount in
allocation bill allocation bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison of amounts in the bill with Committee allocations
to its subcommittees of amounts in the budget resolution
for 2013: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies:
Mandatory............................................... 124,580 124,580 111,791 \1\111,791
Discretionary........................................... 20,785 20,785 23,357 \1\23,356
Security............................................ ........... ........... NA NA
Nonsecurity......................................... 20,785 20,785 NA NA
Projections of outlays associated with the recommendation:
2013.................................................... ........... ........... ........... \2\120,099
2014.................................................... ........... ........... ........... 4,009
2015.................................................... ........... ........... ........... 1,103
2016.................................................... ........... ........... ........... 238
2017 and future years................................... ........... ........... ........... 150
Financial assistance to State and local governments for NA 7,893 NA 6,817
2013.......................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Includes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
\2\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
NA: Not applicable.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2013
[In thousands of dollars]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senate Committee recommendation
compared with (+ or -)
Item 2012 Budget estimate Committee ---------------------------------
appropriation recommendation 2012
appropriation Budget estimate
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TITLE I--AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS
Production, Processing, and Marketing
Office of the Secretary............................................ 4,550 5,051 5,051 +501 ...............
Office of Tribal Relations......................................... 448 498 498 +50 ...............
Executive Operations:
Office of Chief Economist...................................... 11,177 12,008 16,008 +4,831 +4,000
National Appeals Division...................................... 12,841 14,225 14,225 +1,384 ...............
Office of Budget and Program Analysis.......................... 8,946 9,049 9,049 +103 ...............
Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Coordination......... 1,321 1,496 1,496 +175 ...............
Office of Advocacy and Outreach................................ 1,209 1,422 1,422 +213 ...............
Office of the Chief Information Officer........................ 44,031 44,031 44,031 ............... ...............
Office of the Chief Financial Officer.......................... 5,650 6,247 6,247 +597 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Executive Operations............................... 85,175 88,478 92,478 +7,303 +4,000
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights................. 848 893 893 +45 ...............
Office of Civil Rights............................................. 21,000 22,692 22,692 +1,692 ...............
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration............... 764 804 804 +40 ...............
Agriculture buildings and facilities and rental payments........... (230,416) (244,057) (241,336) (+10,920) (-2,721)
Payments to GSA................................................ 164,470 175,694 175,694 +11,224 ...............
Department of Homeland Security................................ 13,800 13,473 13,473 -327 ...............
Building operations and maintenance............................ 52,146 54,890 52,169 +23 -2,721
Hazardous materials management..................................... 3,592 3,992 3,992 +400 ...............
Departmental Administration........................................ 24,165 29,647 27,647 +3,482 -2,000
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations...... 3,576 3,869 3,869 +293 ...............
Office of Communications........................................... 8,065 9,006 9,006 +941 ...............
Office of Inspector General........................................ 85,621 89,016 89,016 +3,395 ...............
Office of the General Counsel...................................... 39,345 45,074 45,074 +5,729 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Departmental Administration........................... 507,565 543,077 542,356 +34,791 -721
Office of the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and 848 893 893 +45 ...............
Economics.........................................................
Economic Research Service.......................................... 77,723 77,397 77,397 -326 ...............
National Agricultural Statistics Service........................... 158,616 179,477 179,477 +20,861 ...............
Census of Agriculture.......................................... (41,639) (62,500) (62,500) (+20,861) ...............
Agricultural Research Service:
Salaries and expenses.......................................... 1,094,647 1,102,565 1,101,853 +7,206 -712
National Institute of Food and Agriculture:
Research and education activities.............................. 705,599 732,730 738,638 +33,039 +5,908
Native American Institutions Endowment Fund.................... (11,880) (11,880) (11,880) ............... ...............
Extension activities........................................... 475,183 462,473 475,125 -58 +12,652
Integrated activities.......................................... 21,482 43,542 24,982 +3,500 -18,560
Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities ............... (10,000) (10,000) (+10,000) ...............
Endowment Fund................................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, National Institute of Food and Agriculture............ 1,202,264 1,238,745 1,238,745 +36,481 ...............
Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs 848 893 893 +45 ...............
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service:
Salaries and expenses.......................................... 816,534 762,418 816,534 ............... +54,116
Buildings and facilities....................................... 3,200 3,175 3,175 -25 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service............ 819,734 765,593 819,709 -25 +54,116
Agricultural Marketing Service:
Marketing Services............................................. 82,211 77,032 77,863 -4,348 +831
Standardization activities (user fees) NA.................. (66,000) (66,000) (66,000) ............... ...............
(Limitation on administrative expenses, from fees collected)... (62,101) (62,592) (62,592) (+491) ...............
Funds for strengthening markets, income, and supply (section
32):
Permanent, section 32...................................... 1,080,000 1,092,000 1,092,000 +12,000 ...............
Marketing agreements and orders (transfer from section (20,056) (20,056) (20,056) ............... ...............
32)...................................................
Payments to States and possessions............................. 1,198 1,331 1,331 +133 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Agricultural Marketing Service program................ 1,225,510 1,232,955 1,233,786 +8,276 +831
Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration:
Salaries and expenses.......................................... 37,750 40,261 40,261 +2,511 ...............
Limitation on inspection and weighing services................. (49,000) (50,000) (50,000) (+1,000) ...............
Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety...................... 770 811 811 +41 ...............
Food Safety and Inspection Service................................. 1,004,427 995,503 1,001,427 -3,000 +5,924
Lab accreditation fees......................................... (1,000) (1,000) (1,000) ............... ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Production, Processing, and Marketing................. 6,068,601 6,115,578 6,175,016 +106,415 +59,438
====================================================================================
Farm Assistance Programs
Office of the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural 848 893 893 +45 ...............
Services..........................................................
Farm Service Agency:
Salaries and expenses.......................................... 1,198,966 1,208,290 1,208,290 +9,324 ...............
(Transfer from Food for Peace (Public Law 480))................ (2,500) (2,806) (2,806) (+306) ...............
(Transfer from export loans)................................... (355) (354) (354) (-1) ...............
(Transfer from ACIF)........................................... (289,728) (304,977) (304,977) (+15,249) ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, transfers from program accounts.................... (292,583) (308,137) (308,137) (+15,554) ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Salaries and expenses................................. (1,491,549) (1,516,427) (1,516,427) (+24,878) ...............
State mediation grants......................................... 3,759 4,369 4,369 +610 ...............
Grassroot source water protection program...................... 3,817 ............... 6,500 +2,683 +6,500
Dairy indemnity program........................................ 100 100 100 ............... ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Farm Service Agency................................ 1,206,642 1,212,759 1,219,259 +12,617 +6,500
Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund [ACIF] Program Account:
Loan authorizations:
Farm ownership loans:
Direct............................................. (475,000) (475,000) (475,000) ............... ...............
Guaranteed......................................... (1,500,000) (1,500,000) (1,500,000) ............... ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal......................................... (1,975,000) (1,975,000) (1,975,000) ............... ...............
Farm operating loans:
Direct............................................. (1,050,090) (1,050,089) (1,050,089) (-1) ...............
Unsubsidized guaranteed............................ (1,500,000) (1,500,000) (1,500,000) ............... ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal......................................... (2,550,090) (2,550,089) (2,550,089) (-1) ...............
Emergency loans........................................ ............... (34,658) (34,658) (+34,658) ...............
Indian tribe land acquisition loans.................... (2,000) (2,000) (2,000) ............... ...............
Conservation loans:
Guaranteed......................................... (150,000) (150,000) (150,000) ............... ...............
Indian Highly Fractionated Land Loans.................. (10,000) (10,000) (10,000) ............... ...............
Boll weevil eradication loans.......................... (100,000) (60,000) (100,000) ............... (+40,000)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Loan authorizations........................... (4,787,090) (4,781,747) (4,821,747) (+34,657) (+40,000)
Loan subsidies:
Farm ownership loans:
Direct............................................. 22,800 20,140 20,140 -2,660 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal......................................... 22,800 20,140 20,140 -2,660 ...............
Farm operating loans:
Direct............................................. 59,120 58,490 58,490 -630 ...............
Unsubsidized guaranteed............................ 26,100 17,850 17,850 -8,250 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal......................................... 85,220 76,340 76,340 -8,880 ...............
Emergency loans........................................ ............... 1,317 1,317 +1,317 ...............
Indian Highly Fractionated Land Loans.................. 193 173 173 -20 ...............
Individual Development Account grants.................. ............... 2,500 ............... ............... -2,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Loan subsidies................................ 108,213 100,470 97,970 -10,243 -2,500
ACIF administrative expenses:
Salaries and expense (transfer to FSA)................. 289,728 304,977 304,977 +15,249 ...............
Administrative expenses................................ 7,904 7,920 7,920 +16 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, ACIF expenses................................. 297,632 312,897 312,897 +15,265 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund............ 405,845 413,367 410,867 +5,022 -2,500
(Loan authorization)........................... (4,787,090) (4,781,747) (4,821,747) (+34,657) (+40,000)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Farm Service Agency........................... 1,612,487 1,626,126 1,630,126 +17,639 +4,000
Risk Management Agency, Administrative and operating expenses...... 74,900 74,900 74,900 ............... ...............
====================================================================================
Total, Farm Assistance Programs.............................. 1,688,235 1,701,919 1,705,919 +17,684 +4,000
====================================================================================
Corporations
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation: Federal crop insurance 3,142,375 9,517,433 9,517,433 +6,375,058 ...............
corporation fund
Commodity Credit Corporation Fund:
Reimbursement for net realized losses.......................... 14,071,000 11,018,509 11,018,509 -3,052,491 ...............
Hazardous waste management (limitation on expenses)............ (5,000) (5,000) (5,000) ............... ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Corporations.......................................... 17,213,375 20,535,942 20,535,942 +3,322,567 ...............
====================================================================================
Total, Title I, Agricultural programs........................ 24,970,211 28,353,439 28,416,877 +3,446,666 +63,438
(By transfer)............................................ (312,639) (328,193) (328,193) (+15,554) ...............
(Loan authorization)..................................... (4,787,090) (4,781,747) (4,821,747) (+34,657) (+40,000)
(Limitation on administrative expenses).................. (116,101) (117,592) (117,592) (+1,491) ...............
====================================================================================
TITLE II--CONSERVATION PROGRAMS
Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment 848 893 893 +45 ...............
Natural Resources Conservation Service:
Conservation operations........................................ 828,159 827,500 828,498 +339 +998
Watershed rehabilitation program............................... 15,000 ............... ............... -15,000 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Natural Resources Conservation Service................ 843,159 827,500 828,498 -14,661 +998
====================================================================================
Total, Title II, Conservation programs....................... 844,007 828,393 829,391 -14,616 +998
====================================================================================
TITLE III--RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development................ 848 893 893 +45 ...............
Rural Development:
Rural development expenses:
Salaries and expenses...................................... 182,023 206,857 206,857 +24,834 ...............
(Transfer from RHIF)....................................... (430,800) (408,127) (410,627) (-20,173) (+2,500)
(Transfer from RDLFP)...................................... (4,684) (4,438) (4,438) (-246) ...............
(Transfer from RETLP)...................................... (36,382) (34,467) (34,467) (-1,915) ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Transfers from program accounts................ (471,866) (447,032) (449,532) (-22,334) (+2,500)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Rural development expenses........................ (653,889) (653,889) (656,389) (+2,500) (+2,500)
Rural Housing Service:
Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account:
Loan authorizations:
Single family direct (Sec. 502)........................ (900,000) (652,764) (900,000) ............... (+247,236)
Unsubsidized guaranteed............................ (24,000,000) (24,000,000) (24,000,000) ............... ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Single family.......................... (24,900,000) (24,652,764) (24,900,000) ............... (+247,236)
Housing repair (Sec. 504).............................. (10,000) (27,952) (27,952) (+17,952) ...............
Rental housing (Sec. 515).............................. (64,478) ............... (28,433) (-36,045) (+28,433)
Multi-family housing guarantees (Sec. 538)............. (130,000) (150,000) (150,000) (+20,000) ...............
Single family housing credit sales..................... (10,000) ............... (10,000) ............... (+10,000)
Self-help housing land develop. (Sec. 523)............. (5,000) ............... (5,000) ............... (+5,000)
Farm Labor Housing (Sec. 514).......................... (20,791) (25,969) (25,969) (+5,178) ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Loan authorizations........................... (25,140,269) (24,856,685) (25,147,354) (+7,085) (+290,669)
Loan subsidies:
Single family direct (Sec. 502)........................ 42,570 38,970 53,730 +11,160 +14,760
Housing repair (Sec. 504).............................. 1,421 3,821 3,821 +2,400 ...............
Rental housing (Sec. 515).............................. 22,000 ............... 10,000 -12,000 +10,000
Farm labor housing (Sec. 514).......................... 7,100 8,658 8,658 +1,558 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Loan subsidies................................ 73,091 51,449 76,209 +3,118 +24,760
Farm labor housing grants.................................. 7,100 8,868 8,868 +1,768 ...............
RHIF administrative expenses (transfer to RD).............. 430,800 408,127 410,627 -20,173 +2,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Rural Housing Insurance Fund program............ 510,991 468,444 495,704 -15,287 +27,260
(Loan authorization)............................... (25,140,269) (24,856,685) (25,147,354) (+7,085) (+290,669)
====================================================================================
Rental assistance program:
Rental assistance (Sec. 521)............................... 900,653 904,128 904,128 +3,475 ...............
New construction (Sec. 515)................................ 1,500 ............... ............... -1,500 ...............
New construction (Farm Labor Housing)...................... 2,500 3,000 3,000 +500 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Rental assistance program......................... 904,653 907,128 907,128 +2,475 ...............
Multi-Family Housing Revitalization Program Account:
Rural housing voucher program.................................. 11,000 12,575 11,000 ............... -1,575
Multi-family housing revitalization program.................... 2,000 34,367 16,782 +14,782 -17,585
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Multi-family housing revitalization................... 13,000 46,942 27,782 +14,782 -19,160
Mutual and self-help housing grants............................ 30,000 10,000 30,000 ............... +20,000
Rural housing assistance grants................................ 33,136 28,216 33,136 ............... +4,920
Rural community facilities program account:
Loan authorizations:
Community facility:
Direct............................................. (1,300,000) (2,000,000) (2,000,000) (+700,000) ...............
Guaranteed......................................... (105,708) ............... ............... (-105,708) ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Loan authorizations....................... (1,405,708) (2,000,000) (2,000,000) (+594,292) ...............
Loan subsidies and grants:
Community facility:
Guaranteed......................................... 5,000 ............... ............... -5,000 ...............
Grants............................................. 11,363 13,000 13,000 +1,637 ...............
Rural community development initiative................. 3,621 8,000 6,121 +2,500 -1,879
Economic impact initiative grants...................... 5,938 ............... 5,938 ............... +5,938
Tribal college grants.................................. 3,369 4,000 3,369 ............... -631
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, RCFP Loan subsidies and grants................ 29,291 25,000 28,428 -863 +3,428
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, grants and payments........................ 92,427 63,216 91,564 -863 +28,348
====================================================================================
Total, Rural Housing Service......................... 1,521,071 1,485,730 1,522,178 +1,107 +36,448
(Loan authorization)........................... (26,545,977) (26,856,685) (27,147,354) (+601,377) (+290,669)
Rural Business--Cooperative Service:
Rural Business Program Account:
(Guaranteed business and industry loans)................... (812,563) (821,224) (821,224) (+8,661) ...............
Loan subsidies and grants:
Guaranteed business and industry subsidy............... 45,341 56,336 56,336 +10,995 ...............
Grants:
Rural business enterprise.......................... 24,318 29,823 24,318 ............... -5,505
Rural business opportunity......................... 2,250 ............... 2,250 ............... +2,250
Delta regional authority........................... 2,900 ............... 3,000 +100 +3,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Rural Business Program loan subsidies 74,809 86,159 85,904 +11,095 -255
and grants........................................
Rural Development Loan Fund Program Account:
(Loan authorization)....................................... (17,710) (18,889) (18,889) (+1,179) ...............
Loan subsidy............................................... 6,000 6,052 6,052 +52 ...............
Administrative expenses (transfer to RD)................... 4,684 4,438 4,438 -246 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Rural Development Loan Fund....................... 10,684 10,490 10,490 -194 ...............
Rural Economic Development Loans Program Account:
(Loan authorization)....................................... (33,077) (33,077) (33,077) ............... ...............
Limit cushion of credit interest spending.................. (155,000) (165,000) (180,000) (+25,000) (+15,000)
(Rescission)........................................... -155,000 -165,000 -180,000 -25,000 -15,000
Rural cooperative development grants:
Cooperative development.................................... 5,800 7,000 7,000 +1,200 ...............
Appropriate technology transfer for rural areas............ 2,250 2,250 2,250 ............... ...............
Grants to assist minority producers........................ 3,000 3,456 3,456 +456 ...............
Value-added agricultural product market development........ 14,000 15,000 15,000 +1,000 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Rural Cooperative development grants.............. 25,050 27,706 27,706 +2,656 ...............
Rural Microenterprise Investment Program Account:
(Loan authorization)....................................... ............... (22,448) ............... ............... (-22,448)
Loan subsidy............................................... ............... 3,356 ............... ............... -3,356
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Rural Microenterprise Investment.................. ............... 3,356 ............... ............... -3,356
Rural Energy for America Program (loan authorization).......... (6,491) (19,055) (14,161) (+7,670) (-4,894)
Loan subsidy............................................... 1,700 4,575 3,400 +1,700 -1,175
Grants..................................................... 1,700 ............... ............... -1,700 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Rural Energy for America Program.................. 3,400 4,575 3,400 ............... -1,175
====================================================================================
Total, Rural Business--Cooperative Service............... -41,057 -32,714 -52,500 -11,443 -19,786
(Loan authorization)................................. (869,841) (914,693) (887,351) (+17,510) (-27,342)
====================================================================================
Rural Utilities Service:
Rural water and waste disposal program account:
Loan authorizations:
Direct................................................. (730,689) (1,000,000) (1,000,000) (+269,311) ...............
Guaranteed............................................. (62,893) ............... (60,000) (-2,893) (+60,000)
Direct loans authorized by Public Law 83-566........... ............... ............... (40,000) (+40,000) (+40,000)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Loan authorization............................ 793,582 1,000,000 1,100,000 +306,418 +100,000
====================================================================================
Loan subsidies and grants:
Direct subsidy......................................... 70,000 80,700 80,700 +10,700 ...............
Guaranteed subsidy..................................... 1,000 ............... 636 -364 +636
Water and waste revolving fund......................... 497 ............... 1,000 +503 +1,000
Water well system grants............................... 993 ............... 993 ............... +993
Colonias and AK/HI grants.............................. 66,500 59,484 66,500 ............... +7,016
Water and waste technical assistance................... 19,000 14,871 19,000 ............... +4,129
Circuit rider program.................................. 15,000 12,393 15,000 ............... +2,607
Solid waste management grants.......................... 3,400 4,000 3,400 ............... -600
High energy cost grants................................ 9,500 ............... 10,000 +500 +10,000
Water and waste disposal grants........................ 327,110 324,252 325,252 -1,858 +1,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Loan subsidies and grants..................... 513,000 495,700 522,481 +9,481 +26,781
Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Loans Program
Account:
Loan authorizations:
Electric:
Direct, 5 percent.................................. (100,000) ............... (100,000) ............... (+100,000)
Direct, FFB........................................ (6,500,000) ............... (6,500,000) ............... (+6,500,000)
Treasury Plus...................................... ............... (6,100,000) ............... ............... (-6,100,000)
Guaranteed underwriting............................ (424,286) ............... (500,000) (+75,714) (+500,000)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Electric............................... (7,024,286) (6,100,000) (7,100,000) (+75,714) (+1,000,000)
Telecommunications:
Direct, 5 percent.................................. (145,000) ............... ............... (-145,000) ...............
Direct, Treasury rate.............................. (250,000) (690,000) (690,000) (+440,000) ...............
Direct, FFB........................................ (295,000) ............... ............... (-295,000) ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Telecommunications..................... (690,000) (690,000) (690,000) ............... ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Loan authorizations....................... (7,714,286) (6,790,000) (7,790,000) (+75,714) (+1,000,000)
====================================================================================
Loan subsidies:
Electric:
Guaranteed underwriting............................ 594 ............... ............... -594 ...............
RETLP administrative expenses (transfer to RD)............. 36,382 34,467 34,467 -1,915 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Loans 36,976 34,467 34,467 -2,509 ...............
Program Account.........................................
(Loan authorization)................................. (7,714,286) (6,790,000) (7,790,000) (+75,714) (+1,000,000)
====================================================================================
Distance learning, telemedicine, and broadband program:
Loan authorizations:
Broadband telecommunications........................... (169,014) (94,139) (63,358) (-105,656) (-30,781)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Loan authorizations........................... (169,014) (94,139) (63,358) (-105,656) (-30,781)
Loan subsidies and grants:
Distance learning and telemedicine:
Grants............................................. 21,000 24,950 24,950 +3,950 ...............
Broadband telecommunications:
Direct............................................. 6,000 8,915 6,000 ............... -2,915
Grants............................................. 10,372 13,379 10,372 ............... -3,007
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Loan subsidies and grants................. 37,372 47,244 41,322 +3,950 -5,922
====================================================================================
Total, Rural Utilities Service................... 587,348 577,411 598,270 +10,922 +20,859
(Loan authorization)......................... (8,676,882) (7,884,139) (8,953,358) (+276,476) (+1,069,219)
====================================================================================
Total, Title III, Rural Development Programs..... 2,250,233 2,238,177 2,275,698 +25,465 +37,521
(By transfer)................................ (471,866) (447,032) (449,532) (-22,334) (+2,500)
(Loan authorization)......................... (36,092,700) (35,655,517) (36,988,063) (+895,363) (+1,332,546)
====================================================================================
TITLE IV--DOMESTIC FOOD PROGRAMS
Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer 770 811 811 +41 ...............
Services..........................................................
Food and Nutrition Service:
Child nutrition programs....................................... 18,150,176 19,656,500 19,656,500 +1,506,324 ...............
Discretionary.............................................. ............... ............... ............... ............... ...............
School breakfast program grants............................ 1,000 ............... 1,000 ............... +1,000
School breakfast program equipment grants.................. ............... 35,000 ............... ............... -35,000
Hunger-free communities grants............................. ............... 2,500 ............... ............... -2,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Child nutrition programs.......................... 18,151,176 19,694,000 19,657,500 +1,506,324 -36,500
Special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and 6,618,497 7,041,000 7,041,000 +422,503 ...............
children [WIC]................................................
Supplemental nutrition assistance program:
(Food stamp program)....................................... 77,401,722 76,992,797 76,992,797 -408,925 ...............
Reserve................................................ 3,000,000 5,000,000 3,000,000 ............... -2,000,000
FDPIR nutrition education.............................. ............... 998 998 +998 ...............
Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion.............. ............... 1,498 ............... ............... -1,498
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Food stamp program............................ 80,401,722 81,995,293 79,993,795 -407,927 -2,001,498
Commodity assistance program:
Commodity supplemental food program........................ 176,788 186,935 186,935 +10,147 ...............
Farmers market nutrition program........................... 16,548 16,548 16,548 ............... ...............
Emergency food assistance program.......................... 48,000 49,401 49,401 +1,401 ...............
Pacific island and disaster assistance..................... 1,000 1,068 1,068 +68 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Commodity assistance program...................... 242,336 253,952 253,952 +11,616 ...............
Nutrition programs administration.............................. 138,500 143,505 143,505 +5,005 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Food and Nutrition Service............................ 105,552,231 109,127,750 107,089,752 +1,537,521 -2,037,998
====================================================================================
Total, Title IV, Domestic Food Programs...................... 105,553,001 109,128,561 107,090,563 +1,537,562 -2,037,998
====================================================================================
TITLE V--FOREIGN ASSISTANCE AND RELATED PROGRAMS
Foreign Agricultural Service
Salaries and expenses.............................................. 176,347 176,789 176,789 +442 ...............
(Transfer from export loans)................................... (6,465) (6,452) (6,452) (-13) ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Salaries and expenses................................. 182,812 183,241 183,241 +429 ...............
Food for Peace Title I Direct Credit and Food for Progress Program
Account, Administrative Expenses:.................................
Farm Service Agency, Salaries and expenses (transfer to FSA)... 2,500 2,806 2,806 +306 ...............
Food for Peace Title II Grants:
Expenses....................................................... 1,466,000 1,400,000 1,466,000 ............... +66,000
Commodity Credit Corporation Export Loans Program Account
(administrative expenses):
Salaries and expenses (export loans):
General Sales Manager (transfer to FAS).................... 6,465 6,452 6,452 -13 ...............
Farm Service Agency S&E (transfer to FSA).................. 355 354 354 -1 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, CCC Export Loans Program Account.................. 6,820 6,806 6,806 -14 ...............
McGovern-Dole international food for education and child nutrition 184,000 184,000 184,000 ............... ...............
program grants....................................................
====================================================================================
Total, Title V, Foreign Assistance and Related Programs...... 1,835,667 1,770,401 1,836,401 +734 +66,000
(By transfer)............................................ (6,465) (6,452) (6,452) (-13) ...............
====================================================================================
TITLE VI--RELATED AGENCIES AND FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration
Salaries and expenses, direct appropriation........................ 2,497,021 2,511,991 2,524,491 +27,470 +12,500
Prescription drug user fees.................................... (702,172) ............... ............... (-702,172) ...............
Medical device user fees....................................... (57,605) ............... ............... (-57,605) ...............
Animal drug user fees.......................................... (21,768) (30,530) (30,530) (+8,762) ...............
Animal generic drug user fees.................................. (5,706) (7,595) (7,595) (+1,889) ...............
Tobacco product user fees...................................... (477,000) (505,000) (505,000) (+28,000) ...............
Food Recall.................................................... (12,364) (12,925) (12,925) (+561) ...............
Food Reinspection fees......................................... (14,700) (15,367) (15,367) (+667) ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal (including user fees)............................... (3,788,336) (3,083,408) (3,095,908) (-692,428) (+12,500)
Mammography user fees.......................................... (19,318) (19,318) (19,318) ............... ...............
Export certification user fees................................. (11,667) (12,447) (12,447) (+780) ...............
Voluntary qualified importer program fees...................... (71,066) ............... ............... (-71,066) ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, FDA (with user fees)............................... (3,890,387) (3,115,173) (3,127,673) (-762,714) (+12,500)
FDA New User Fees (Leg. proposals):
Biosimilar biological products user fees................... ............... (20,242) ............... ............... (-20,242)
Human generic drug user fees............................... ............... (299,000) ............... ............... (-299,000)
Food inspections/food facility user fees................... ............... (220,200) ............... ............... (-220,200)
Food contact notification user fees........................ ............... (4,901) ............... ............... (-4,901)
Medical Product Reinspection fees.......................... ............... (14,746) ............... ............... (-14,746)
Cosmetic activities fees................................... ............... (18,698) ............... ............... (-18,698)
International express courier import fees.................. ............... (5,580) ............... ............... (-5,580)
Prescription drug user fees................................ ............... (712,808) (712,808) (+712,808) ...............
Medical device user fees................................... ............... (69,700) (69,700) (+69,700) ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, FDA new user fees (Leg Proposals).............. ............... (1,365,875) (782,508) (+782,508) (-583,367)
Buildings and facilities........................................... 8,788 5,320 5,320 -3,468 ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, FDA (with user fees, including proposals)............. (3,899,175) (4,486,368) (3,915,501) (+16,326) (-570,867)
Total, FDA (with enacted user fees only)..................... (3,899,175) (3,120,493) (3,132,993) (-766,182) (+12,500)
Total, FDA (excluding user fees)............................. 2,505,809 2,517,311 2,529,811 +24,002 +12,500
====================================================================================
INDEPENDENT AGENCIES
Farm Credit Administration (limitation on administrative expenses). (61,000) (63,300) (63,300) (+2,300) ...............
====================================================================================
Total, Title VI, Related Agencies and Food and Drug 2,505,809 2,517,311 2,529,811 +24,002 +12,500
Administration..............................................
====================================================================================
TITLE VII--GENERAL PROVISIONS
Limit fruit and vegetable program (Sec. 721(5)).................... -133,000 -117,000 -117,000 +16,000 ...............
Section 32 (rescission) (Sec. 721(5)).............................. -150,000 ............... -150,000 ............... -150,000
Forestry Incentives program (rescission)........................... -6,017 ............... ............... +6,017 ...............
Great Plains Conservation (rescission)............................. -547 ............... ............... +547 ...............
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training -11,000 ............... ............... +11,000 ...............
(rescission)......................................................
Limit Conservation stewardship..................................... -76,516 -2,000 ............... +76,516 +2,000
Limit Dam Rehab (Sec. 721(3))...................................... -165,000 -165,000 -165,000 ............... ...............
Limit Environmental Quality Incentives program (Sec. 721(2))....... -350,000 -347,000 -350,000 ............... -3,000
Limit Farmland Protection program.................................. -50,000 ............... ............... +50,000 ...............
Limit Grasslands reserve........................................... -30,000 ............... ............... +30,000 ...............
Limit Wetlands reserve............................................. -200,000 ............... ............... +200,000 ...............
Limit Wildlife habitat incentives (Sec. 721(4)).................... -35,000 -12,000 -12,000 +23,000 ...............
Limit Voluntary Public Access program.............................. -17,000 ............... ............... +17,000 ...............
Limit Biomass Crop Assistance program.............................. -28,000 ............... ............... +28,000 ...............
Limit Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels...................... -40,000 ............... ............... +40,000 ...............
Limit Rural Energy for America..................................... -48,000 ............... ............... +48,000 ...............
Limit Microenterprise investment program........................... -3,000 ............... ............... +3,000 ...............
Limit Crop Insurance Good Performance.............................. -25,000 ............... ............... +25,000 ...............
Limit Agriculture management assistance (Sec. 721(1)).............. -5,000 -5,000 -5,000 ............... ...............
Hardwood Trees (Reforestation Pilot Program)(Sec. 722)............. 600 ............... 600 ............... +600
Geographic Disadvantaged farmers (Sec. 719)........................ 1,996 ............... 1,996 ............... +1,996
NIFA, Buildings and Facilities (rescission) (Sec. 722)............. -2,490 ............... ............... +2,490 ...............
Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers (rescission)............... -90,000 ............... ............... +90,000 ...............
OAO (rescission)................................................... -4,000 ............... ............... +4,000 ...............
Ocean freight (rescission)......................................... -3,235 ............... ............... +3,235 ...............
Public Law 480 Title I (rescission)................................ -2,336 ............... ............... +2,336 ...............
Foreign Currency Program (rescission).............................. -273 ............... ............... +273 ...............
Export credit (rescission)......................................... -20,237 ............... ............... +20,237 ...............
Water Bank......................................................... 7,500 ............... ............... -7,500 ...............
Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program.............. ............... 5,000 ............... ............... -5,000
Equal Credit Opportunity Act extension............................. ............... 40,000 ............... ............... -40,000
Sec. 735:\1\
Emergency Conservation Program (Disaster Relief)............... 122,700 ............... ............... -122,700 ...............
Emergency Forest Restoration (Disaster Relief)................. 28,400 ............... ............... -28,400 ...............
Emergency Watershed Protection (Disaster Relief)............... 215,900 ............... ............... -215,900 ...............
====================================================================================
Total, Title VII, General provisions......................... -1,118,555 -603,000 -796,404 +322,151 -193,404
====================================================================================
Grand total.................................................. 136,840,373 144,233,282 142,182,337 +5,341,964 -2,050,945
Appropriations........................................... (136,918,508) (144,398,282) (142,512,337) (+5,593,829) (-1,885,945)
Rescissions.............................................. (-445,135) (-165,000) (-330,000) (+115,135) (-165,000)
Disaster relief\1\....................................... (367,000) ............... ............... (-367,000) ...............
(By transfer).................................................. (790,970) (781,677) (784,177) (-6,793) (+2,500)
(Loan authorization)........................................... (40,879,790) (40,437,264) (41,809,810) (+930,020) (+1,372,546)
(Limitation on administrative expenses)........................ (177,101) (180,892) (180,892) (+3,791) ...............
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Budget Control Act 2011 (Sec. 251(b)(2)(D)/Public Law 112-25)