[Congressional Bills 105th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1150 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]
S.1150
One Hundred Fifth Congress
of the
United States of America
AT THE SECOND SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday,
the twenty-seventh day of January, one thousand nine hundred and ninety-
eight
An Act
To ensure that federally funded agricultural research, extension, and
education address high-priority concerns with national or multistate
significance, to reform, extend, and eliminate certain agricultural
research programs, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,

15e36f50616749c56c70bba6ede402e181ada6908b7278bfdf07c91362c70a8c

(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as
follows:

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TITLE I

-PRIORITIES, SCOPE, REVIEW, AND COORDINATION OF AGRICULTURAL

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EDUCATION AUTHORITIES
Subtitle A--Smith-Lever Act and Hatch Act of 1887

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TITLE II

-REFORM OF EXISTING AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND

issues and use of protocols to measure success of plans.

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Subtitle B--Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act

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Subtitle C--National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
Policy Act of 1977

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research and extension issues and use of protocols to measure
success of plans.

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agreements.
Subtitle D--Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990

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TITLE III

-EXTENSION OR REPEAL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND

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TITLE IV

-NEW AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION

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improve viability of small and medium size dairy, livestock,
and poultry operations.

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caused by Fusarium graminearum.
Subtitle A--Food Stamp Program

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TITLE V

-AGRICULTURAL PROGRAM ADJUSTMENTS

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Subtitle B--Information Technology Funding

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TITLE VI

-MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

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Research Center, Weslaco, Texas.
Subtitle C--Studies

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and education.
Subtitle D--Senses of Congress

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emphasis on field research regarding methyl bromide
alternatives.

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In this Act:
(1) 1862 institution.--The term ``1862 Institution'' means a
college or university eligible to receive funds under the Act of
July 2, 1862 (12 Stat. 503, chapter 130; 7 U.S.C. 301 et seq.).
(2) 1890 institution.--The term ``1890 Institution'' means a
college or university eligible to receive funds under the Act of
August 30, 1890 (26 Stat. 419, chapter 841; 7 U.S.C. 321 et seq.),
including Tuskegee University.
(3) 1994 institution.--The term ``1994 Institution'' means 1 of
the 1994 Institutions (as defined in section 532 of the Equity in
Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-382; 7
U.S.C. 301 note)) (as amended by section 251(a)).
(4) Advisory board.--The term ``Advisory Board'' means the
National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics
Advisory Board established under section 1408 of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977
(7 U.S.C. 3123).
(5) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the Department
of Agriculture.
(6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
Agriculture.

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(a) Smith-Lever Act.--The Act of May 8, 1914 (commonly known as the
``Smith-Lever Act'') (38 Stat. 372, chapter 79; 7 U.S.C. 341 et seq.),
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 11. SHORT TITLE.
``This Act may be cited as the `Smith-Lever Act'.''.
(b) Hatch Act of 1887.--The Act of March 2, 1887 (commonly known as
the ``Hatch Act of 1887'') (24 Stat. 440, chapter 314; 7 U.S.C. 361a et
seq.), is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 10. SHORT TITLE.
``This Act may be cited as the `Hatch Act of 1887'.''.
RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION

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EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall ensure that agricultural
research, extension, or education activities described in subsection
(b) address a concern that--
(1) is a priority, as determined under section 102(a); and
(2) has national, multistate, or regional significance.
(b) Application.--Subsection (a) applies to--
(1) research activities conducted by the Agricultural Research
Service; and
(2) research, extension, or education activities administered,
on a competitive basis, by the Cooperative State Research,
Education, and Extension Service.

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(a) Establishment.--Consistent with section 1402 of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7
U.S.C. 3101), the Secretary shall establish priorities for agricultural
research, extension, and education activities conducted or funded by
the Department.
(b) Responsibilities of Secretary.--In establishing priorities for
agricultural research, extension, and education activities conducted or
funded by the Department, the Secretary shall solicit and consider
input and recommendations from persons who conduct or use agricultural
research, extension, or education.
(c) Responsibilities of 1862, 1890, and 1994 Institutions.--
(1) Process.--Effective October 1, 1999, to obtain agricultural
research, extension, or education formula funds from the Secretary,
each 1862 Institution, 1890 Institution, and 1994 Institution shall
establish and implement a process for obtaining input from persons
who conduct or use agricultural research, extension, or education
concerning the use of the funds.
(2) Regulations.--The Secretary shall promulgate regulations
that prescribe--
(A) the requirements for an institution referred to in
paragraph (1) to comply with paragraph (1); and
(B) the consequences for an institution of not complying
with paragraph (1), which may include the withholding or
redistribution of funds to which the institution may be
entitled until the institution complies with paragraph (1).
(d) Management Principles.--To the maximum extent practicable, the
Secretary shall ensure that federally supported and conducted
agricultural research, extension, and education activities are
accomplished in a manner that--
(1) integrates agricultural research, extension, and education
functions to better link research to technology transfer and
information dissemination activities;
(2) encourages regional and multistate programs to address
relevant issues of common concern and to better leverage scarce
resources; and
(3) achieves agricultural research, extension, and education
objectives through multi-institutional and multifunctional
approaches and by conducting research at facilities and
institutions best equipped to achieve those objectives.

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AND EDUCATION FUNDED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
(a) Review of Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension
Service.--
(1) Peer review of research grants.--The Secretary shall
establish procedures that provide for scientific peer review of
each agricultural research grant administered, on a competitive
basis, by the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension
Service of the Department.
(2) Merit review of extension and education grants.--
(A) Establishment of procedures.--The Secretary shall
establish procedures that provide for merit review of each
agricultural extension or education grant administered, on a
competitive basis, by the Cooperative State Research,
Education, and Extension Service.
(B) Consultation with advisory board.--The Secretary shall
consult with the Advisory Board in establishing the merit
review procedures.
(b) Advisory Board Review.--On an annual basis, the Advisory Board
shall review--
(1) the relevance to the priorities established under section
102(a) of the funding of all agricultural research, extension, or
education activities conducted or funded by the Department; and
(2) the adequacy of the funding.
(c) Requests for Proposals.--
(1) Review results.--As soon as practicable after the review is
conducted under subsection (b) for a fiscal year, the Secretary
shall consider the results of the review when formulating each
request for proposals, and evaluating proposals, involving an
agricultural research, extension, or education activity funded, on
a competitive basis, by the Department.
(2) Input.--In formulating a request for proposals described in
paragraph (1) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall solicit and
consider input from persons who conduct or use agricultural
research, extension, or education regarding the prior year's
request for proposals.
(d) Scientific Peer Review of Agricultural Research.--
(1) Peer review procedures.--The Secretary shall establish
procedures that ensure scientific peer review of all research
activities conducted by the Department.
(2) Review panel required.--As part of the procedures
established under paragraph (1), a review panel shall verify, at
least once every 5 years, that each research activity of the
Department and research conducted under each research program of
the Department has scientific merit and relevance.
(3) Mission area.--If the research activity or program to be
reviewed is included in the research, educational, and economics
mission area of the Department, the review panel shall consider--
(A) the scientific merit and relevance of the activity or
research in light of the priorities established pursuant to
section 102; and
(B) the national or multistate significance of the activity
or research.
(4) Composition of review panel.--
(A) In general.--A review panel shall be composed of
individuals with scientific expertise, a majority of whom are
not employees of the agency whose research is being reviewed.
(B) Scientists from colleges and universities.--To the
maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall use scientists
from colleges and universities to serve on the review panels.
(5) Submission of results.--The results of the panel reviews
shall be submitted to the Advisory Board.
(e) Merit Review.--
(1) 1862 and 1890 institutions.--Effective October 1, 1999, to
be eligible to obtain agricultural research or extension funds from
the Secretary for an activity, each 1862 Institution and 1890
Institution shall--
(A) establish a process for merit review of the activity;
and
(B) review the activity in accordance with the process.
(2) 1994 institutions.--Effective October 1, 1999, to be
eligible to obtain agricultural extension funds from the Secretary
for an activity, each 1994 Institution shall--
(A) establish a process for merit review of the activity;
and
(B) review the activity in accordance with the process.
(f) Repeal of Provisions for Withholding Funds.--
(1) Smith-lever act.--Section 6 of the Smith-Lever Act (7
U.S.C. 346) is repealed.
(2) Hatch act of 1887.--Section 7 of the Hatch Act of 1887 (7
U.S.C. 361g) is amended by striking the last paragraph.
(3) National agricultural research, extension, and teaching
policy act of 1977.--The National Agricultural Research, Extension,
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 is amended--
(A) in section 1444 (7 U.S.C. 3221)--
(i) by striking subsection (f); and
(ii) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (f);
(B) in section 1445(g) (7 U.S.C. 3222(g)), by striking
paragraph (3); and
(C) by striking section 1468 (7 U.S.C. 3314).

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(a) In General.--Section 3 of the Hatch Act of 1887 (7 U.S.C. 361c)
is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs 1, 2, 3, and 5 as
paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4), respectively; and
(B) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
``(3) Not less than 25 percent shall be allotted to the States
for cooperative research employing multidisciplinary approaches in
which a State agricultural experiment station, working with another
State agricultural experiment station, the Agricultural Research
Service, or a college or university, cooperates to solve problems
that concern more than 1 State. The funds available under this
paragraph, together with the funds available under subsection (b)
for a similar purpose, shall be designated as the `Multistate
Research Fund, State Agricultural Experiment Stations'.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(h) Peer Review and Plan of Work.--
``(1) Peer review.--Research carried out under subsection
(c)(3) shall be subject to scientific peer review. The review of a
project conducted under this paragraph shall be considered to
satisfy the merit review requirements of section 103(e) of the
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998.
``(2) Plan of work.--The State shall include in the plan of
work of the State required under section 7 a description of the
manner in which the State will meet the requirements of subsection
(c)(3).''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 3 of the Hatch Act of 1887 (7
U.S.C. 361c) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``subsection 3(c)(3)''
and inserting ``subsection (c)(3)''; and
(2) in subsection (e), by striking ``subsection 3(c)3'' and
inserting ``subsection (c)(3)''.

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Section 3 of the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(h) Multistate Cooperative Extension Activities.--
``(1) In general.--Not less than the applicable percentage
specified under paragraph (2) of the amounts that are paid to a
State under subsections (b) and (c) during a fiscal year shall be
expended by States for cooperative extension activities in which 2
or more States cooperate to solve problems that concern more than 1
State (referred to in this subsection as `multistate activities').
``(2) Applicable percentages.--
``(A) 1997 expenditures on multistate activities.--Of the
Federal formula funds that were paid to each State for fiscal
year 1997 under subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary of
Agriculture shall determine the percentage that the State
expended for multistate activities.
``(B) Required expenditures on multistate activities.--Of
the Federal formula funds that are paid to each State for
fiscal year 2000 and each subsequent fiscal year under
subsections (b) and (c), the State shall expend for the fiscal
year for multistate activities a percentage that is at least
equal to the lesser of--
``(i) 25 percent; or
``(ii) twice the percentage for the State determined
under subparagraph (A).
``(C) Reduction by secretary.--The Secretary may reduce the
minimum percentage required to be expended for multistate
activities under subparagraph (B) by a State in a case of
hardship, infeasibility, or other similar circumstance beyond
the control of the State, as determined by the Secretary.
``(D) Plan of work.--The State shall include in the plan of
work of the State required under section 4 a description of the
manner in which the State will meet the requirements of this
paragraph.
``(3) Applicability.--This subsection does not apply to funds
provided--
``(A) by a State or local government pursuant to a matching
requirement;
``(B) to a 1994 Institution (as defined in section 532 of
the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (Public
Law 103-382; 7 U.S.C. 301 note)); or
``(C) to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin
Islands, or Guam.
``(i) Merit Review.--
``(1) Review required.--Effective October 1, 1999, extension
activity carried out under subsection (h) shall be subject to merit
review.
``(2) Other requirements.--An extension activity for which
merit review is conducted under paragraph (1) shall be considered
to have satisfied the requirements for review under section 103(e)
of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act
of 1998.''.

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(a) Criteria for Approval.--Section 3(c)(2)(C)(ii) of the Research
Facilities Act (7 U.S.C. 390a(c)(2)(C)(ii)) is amended by striking
``regional needs'' and inserting ``national or multistate needs''.
(b) National or Multistate Needs Served by ARS Facilities.--Section
3 of the Research Facilities Act (7 U.S.C. 390a) is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(e) National or Multistate Needs Served by ARS Facilities.--The
Secretary shall ensure that each research activity conducted by a
facility of the Agricultural Research Service serves a national or
multistate need.''.
(c) 10-Year Strategic Plan.--Section 4(d) of the Research
Facilities Act (7 U.S.C. 390b(d)) is amended by striking ``regional''
and inserting ``multistate''.
(d) Comprehensive Research Capacity.--Section 4 of the Research
Facilities Act (7 U.S.C. 390b) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(g) Comprehensive Research Capacity.--After submission of the 10-
year strategic plan required under subsection (d), the Secretary shall
continue to review periodically each operating agricultural research
facility constructed in whole or in part with Federal funds, and each
planned agricultural research facility proposed to be constructed in
whole or in part with Federal funds, pursuant to criteria established
by the Secretary, to ensure that a comprehensive research capacity is
maintained.''.
EDUCATION AUTHORITIES
Subtitle A--Smith-Lever Act and Hatch Act of 1887

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AND 1994 INSTITUTIONS.
Section 3(b)(3) of the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343(b)(3)) is
amended in the last sentence by striking ``State institutions'' and all
that follows through the period at the end and inserting ``1994
Institutions (in accordance with regulations that the Secretary may
promulgate) and may be administered by the 1994 Institutions through
cooperative agreements with colleges and universities eligible to
receive funds under the Act of July 2, 1862 (12 Stat. 503, chapter 130;
7 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), or the Act of August 30, 1890 (26 Stat. 419,
chapter 841; 7 U.S.C. 321 et seq.), including Tuskegee University,
located in any State.''.

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ISSUES AND USE OF PROTOCOLS TO MEASURE SUCCESS OF PLANS.
(a) Smith-Lever Act.--Section 4 of the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C.
344) is amended--
(1) by striking ``Sec. 4.'' and inserting the following:
``SEC. 4. ASCERTAINMENT OF ENTITLEMENT OF STATE TO FUNDS; TIME AND
MANNER OF PAYMENT; STATE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS; PLANS OF WORK.
``(a) Ascertainment of Entitlement.--'';
(2) in the last sentence, by striking ``Such sums'' and
inserting the following:
``(b) Time and Manner of Payment; Related Reports.--The amount to
which a State is entitled''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Requirements Related to Plan of Work.--Each extension plan of
work for a State required under subsection (a) shall contain
descriptions of the following:
``(1) The critical short-term, intermediate, and long-term
agricultural issues in the State and the current and planned
extension programs and projects targeted to address the issues.
``(2) The process established to consult with extension users
regarding the identification of critical agricultural issues in the
State and the development of extension programs and projects
targeted to address the issues.
``(3) The efforts made to identify and collaborate with other
colleges and universities within the State, and within other
States, that have a unique capacity to address the identified
agricultural issues in the State and the extent of current and
emerging efforts (including regional efforts) to work with those
other institutions.
``(4) The manner in which research and extension, including
research and extension activities funded other than through formula
funds, will cooperate to address the critical issues in the State,
including the activities to be carried out separately, the
activities to be carried out sequentially, and the activities to be
carried out jointly.
``(5) The education and outreach programs already underway to
convey available research results that are pertinent to a critical
agricultural issue, including efforts to encourage multicounty
cooperation in the dissemination of research results.
``(d) Extension Protocols.--
``(1) Development.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall develop
protocols to be used to evaluate the success of multistate, multi-
institutional, and multidisciplinary extension activities and joint
research and extension activities in addressing critical
agricultural issues identified in the plans of work submitted under
subsection (a).
``(2) Consultation.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall develop
the protocols in consultation with the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board
established under section 1408 of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
3123) and land-grant colleges and universities.
``(e) Treatment of Plans of Work for Other Purposes.--To the
maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall consider a plan of work
submitted under subsection (a) to satisfy other appropriate Federal
reporting requirements.''.
(b) Hatch Act of 1887.--Section 7 of the Hatch Act of 1887 (7
U.S.C. 361g) (as amended by section 103(f)(2)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``Sec. 7.'' and inserting the following:
``SEC. 7. DUTIES OF SECRETARY; ASCERTAINMENT OF ENTITLEMENT OF STATE
TO FUNDS; PLANS OF WORK.
``(a) Duties of Secretary.--'';
(2) by striking ``On or before'' and inserting the following:
``(b) Ascertainment of Entitlement.--On or before'';
(3) by striking ``Whenever it shall appear'' and inserting the
following:
``(c) Effect of Failure To Expend Full Allotment.--Whenever it
shall appear''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Plan of Work Required.--Before funds may be provided to a
State under this Act for any fiscal year, a plan of work to be carried
out under this Act shall be submitted by the proper officials of the
State and shall be approved by the Secretary of Agriculture.
``(e) Requirements Related to Plan of Work.--Each plan of work for
a State required under subsection (d) shall contain descriptions of the
following:
``(1) The critical short-term, intermediate, and long-term
agricultural issues in the State and the current and planned
research programs and projects targeted to address the issues.
``(2) The process established to consult with users of
agricultural research regarding the identification of critical
agricultural issues in the State and the development of research
programs and projects targeted to address the issues.
``(3) The efforts made to identify and collaborate with other
colleges and universities within the State, and within other
States, that have a unique capacity to address the identified
agricultural issues in the State and the extent of current and
emerging efforts (including regional efforts) to work with those
other institutions.
``(4) The manner in which research and extension, including
research and extension activities funded other than through formula
funds, will cooperate to address the critical issues in the State,
including the activities to be carried out separately, the
activities to be carried out sequentially, and the activities to be
carried out jointly.
``(f) Research Protocols.--
``(1) Development.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall develop
protocols to be used to evaluate the success of multistate, multi-
institutional, and multidisciplinary research activities and joint
research and extension activities in addressing critical
agricultural issues identified in the plans of work submitted under
subsection (d).
``(2) Consultation.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall develop
the protocols in consultation with the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board
established under section 1408 of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
3123) and land-grant colleges and universities.
``(g) Treatment of Plans of Work for Other Purposes.--To the
maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall consider a plan of work
submitted under subsection (d) to satisfy other appropriate Federal
reporting requirements.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section take
effect on October 1, 1999.

30013cbfb8dfd6a712e9ad02da7e0e31c03aab82db867651a50ee91ef811b64f

1887 AND SMITH-LEVER ACT.
(a) Hatch Act of 1887.--Section 3 of the Hatch Act of 1887 (7
U.S.C. 361c) is amended by striking subsection (d) and inserting the
following:
``(d) Matching Funds.--
``(1) Requirement.--No allotment shall be made to a State under
subsection (b) or (c), and no payments from the allotment shall be
made to a State, in excess of the amount that the State makes
available out of non-Federal funds for agricultural research and
for the establishment and maintenance of facilities for the
performance of the research.
``(2) Failure to provide matching funds.--If a State fails to
comply with the requirement to provide matching funds for a fiscal
year under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Agriculture shall
withhold from payment to the State for that fiscal year an amount
equal to the difference between--
``(A) the amount that would be allotted and paid to the
State under subsections (b) and (c) (if the full amount of
matching funds were provided by the State); and
``(B) the amount of matching funds actually provided by the
State.
``(3) Reapportionment.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall
reapportion amounts withheld under paragraph (2) for a fiscal
year among the States satisfying the matching requirement for
that fiscal year.
``(B) Matching requirement.--Any reapportionment of funds
under this paragraph shall be subject to the matching
requirement specified in paragraph (1).''.
(b) Smith-Lever Act.--Section 3 of the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C.
343) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs 1 and 2 as paragraphs (1)
and (2), respectively; and
(B) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated), by striking
``census: Provided, That payments'' and all that follows
through ``Provided further, That any'' and inserting ``census.
Any''; and
(2) by striking subsections (e) and (f) and inserting the
following:
``(e) Matching Funds.--
``(1) Requirement.--Except as provided in subsection (f), no
allotment shall be made to a State under subsection (b) or (c), and
no payments from the allotment shall be made to a State, in excess
of the amount that the State makes available out of non-Federal
funds for cooperative extension work.
``(2) Failure to provide matching funds.--If a State fails to
comply with the requirement to provide matching funds for a fiscal
year under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Agriculture shall
withhold from payment to the State for that fiscal year an amount
equal to the difference between--
``(A) the amount that would be allotted and paid to the
State under subsections (b) and (c) (if the full amount of
matching funds were provided by the State); and
``(B) the amount of matching funds actually provided by the
State.
``(3) Reapportionment.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall
reapportion amounts withheld under paragraph (2) for a fiscal
year among the States satisfying the matching requirement for
that fiscal year.
``(B) Matching requirement.--Any reapportionment of funds
under this paragraph shall be subject to the matching
requirement specified in paragraph (1).
``(f) Matching Funds Exception for 1994 Institutions.--There shall
be no matching requirement for funds made available to a 1994
Institution pursuant to subsection (b)(3).''.
(c) Technical Corrections.--
(1) Recognition of statehood of alaska and hawaii.--Section 1
of the Hatch Act of 1887 (7 U.S.C. 361a) is amended in the second
sentence by striking ``Alaska, Hawaii,''.
(2) Role of secretary of agriculture.--Section 3 of the Smith-
Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343) is amended--
(A) in subsections (b)(1), (c), and (d), by striking
``Federal Extension Service'' each place it appears and
inserting ``Secretary of Agriculture''; and
(B) in subsection (g)(1), by striking ``through the Federal
Extension Service''.
(3) References to regional research fund.--Section 5 of the
Hatch Act of 1887 (7 U.S.C. 361e) is amended in the first sentence
by striking ``regional research fund authorized by subsection
3(c)(3)'' and inserting ``Multistate Research Fund, State
Agricultural Experiment Stations''.

f896e768ce65840e06b2d220f918d453fb760a5058c7263fb843c9837103a649

(a) In General.--Section 3 of the Hatch Act of 1887 (7 U.S.C. 361c)
(as amended by section 104(a)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(i) Integration of Research and Extension.--
``(1) In general.--Not less than the applicable percentage
specified under paragraph (2) of the Federal formula funds that are
paid under this Act and subsections (b) and (c) of section 3 of the
Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343) to colleges and universities
eligible to receive funds under the Act of July 2, 1862 (12 Stat.
503, chapter 130; 7 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), during a fiscal year shall
be expended for activities that integrate cooperative research and
extension (referred to in this subsection as `integrated
activities').
``(2) Applicable percentages.--
``(A) 1997 expenditures on multistate activities.--Of the
Federal formula funds that were paid to each State for fiscal
year 1997 under this Act and subsections (b) and (c) of section
3 of the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343), the Secretary of
Agriculture shall determine the percentage that the State
expended for integrated activities.
``(B) Required expenditures on multistate activities.--Of
the Federal formula funds that are paid to each State for
fiscal year 2000 and each subsequent fiscal year under this Act
and subsections (b) and (c) of section 3 of the Smith-Lever Act
(7 U.S.C. 343), the State shall expend for the fiscal year for
integrated activities a percentage that is at least equal to
the lesser of--
``(i) 25 percent; or
``(ii) twice the percentage for the State determined
under subparagraph (A).
``(C) Reduction by secretary.--The Secretary of Agriculture
may reduce the minimum percentage required to be expended by a
State for integrated activities under subparagraph (B) in a
case of hardship, infeasibility, or other similar circumstance
beyond the control of the State, as determined by the
Secretary.
``(D) Plan of work.--The State shall include in the plan of
work of the State required under section 7 of this Act or
section 4 of the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 344), as applicable,
a description of the manner in which the State will meet the
requirements of this paragraph.
``(3) Applicability.--This subsection does not apply to funds
provided--
``(A) by a State or local government pursuant to a matching
requirement;
``(B) to a 1994 Institution (as defined in section 532 of
the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (Public
Law 103-382; 7 U.S.C. 301 note)); or
``(C) to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin
Islands, or Guam.
``(4) Relationship to other requirements.--Federal formula
funds described in paragraph (1) that are used by a State for a
fiscal year for integrated activities in accordance with paragraph
(2)(B) may also be used to satisfy the multistate activities
requirements of subsection (c)(3) of this section and section 3(h)
of the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343(h)) for the same fiscal
year.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 3 of the Smith-Lever Act (7
U.S.C. 343) (as amended by section 105) is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``(j) Integration of Research and Extension.--Section 3(i) of the
Hatch Act of 1887 (7 U.S.C. 361c(i)) shall apply to amounts made
available to carry out this Act.''.
Subtitle B--Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act

01fab88dab58ffdb62f7b389057fda0780fefb4eb5e968a5f0320213fdbd7500

The Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7
U.S.C. 450i) is amended in subsection (b)--
(1) in the first sentence of paragraph (1), by inserting
``national laboratories,'' after ``Federal agencies,'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``regional'' and inserting
``multistate'';
(3) in the second sentence of paragraph (3)(E), by striking
``an individual shall have less than'' and all that follows through
``research experience'' and inserting ``an individual shall be
within 5 years of the individual's initial career track position'';
and
(4) in paragraph (8)(B)--
(A) by striking ``the cost'' and inserting ``the cost of'';
and
(B) by adding at the end the following: ``The Secretary may
waive all or part of the matching requirement under this
subparagraph in the case of a smaller college or university (as
described in section 793(c)(2)(C)(ii) of the Federal
Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C.
2204f(c)(2)(C)(ii))) if the equipment to be acquired costs not
more than $25,000 and has multiple uses within a single
research project or is usable in more than 1 research
project.''.

752e11d4a10b41afebe06d0858a791c92ac80baa5fc1fcfa0df746070cbc56a9

The Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7
U.S.C. 450i) is amended in subsection (c)--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``5 years'' and inserting ``3 years'';
(B) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``, extension, or
education activities'' after ``conducting research''; and
(C) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting
``, extension, or education'' after ``agricultural
research'';
(ii) in clause (i), by inserting ``, extension, or
education'' after ``research''; and
(iii) in clause (iv), by striking ``among States
through regional research'' and inserting ``, extension, or
education among States through regional''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Review requirements.--
``(A) Research activities.--The Secretary shall make a
grant under this subsection for a research activity only if the
activity has undergone scientific peer review arranged by the
grantee in accordance with regulations promulgated by the
Secretary.
``(B) Extension and education activities.--The Secretary
shall make a grant under this subsection for an extension or
education activity only if the activity has undergone merit
review arranged by the grantee in accordance with regulations
promulgated by the Secretary.
``(6) Reports.--
``(A) In general.--A recipient of a grant under this
subsection shall submit to the Secretary on an annual basis a
report describing the results of the research, extension, or
education activity and the merit of the results.
``(B) Public availability.--
``(i) In general.--Except as provided in clause (ii),
on request, the Secretary shall make the report available
to the public.
``(ii) Exceptions.--Clause (i) shall not apply to the
extent that making the report, or a part of the report,
available to the public is not authorized or permitted by
section 552 of title 5, United States Code, or section 1905
of title 18, United States Code.''.
Subtitle C--National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
Policy Act of 1977

d1e8d0bebc3451c5b1eda1f7409c67563d2a110a65d49d908ba39d6e2c1567cf

AND EDUCATION.
(a) Food and Agricultural Sciences.--Section 1404 of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7
U.S.C. 3103) is amended by striking paragraph (8) and inserting the
following:
``(8) Food and agricultural sciences.--The term `food and
agricultural sciences' means basic, applied, and developmental
research, extension, and teaching activities in food and fiber,
agricultural, renewable natural resources, forestry, and physical
and social sciences, including activities relating to the
following:
``(A) Animal health, production, and well-being.
``(B) Plant health and production.
``(C) Animal and plant germ plasm collection and
preservation.
``(D) Aquaculture.
``(E) Food safety.
``(F) Soil and water conservation and improvement.
``(G) Forestry, horticulture, and range management.
``(H) Nutritional sciences and promotion.
``(I) Farm enhancement, including financial management,
input efficiency, and profitability.
``(J) Home economics.
``(K) Rural human ecology.
``(L) Youth development and agricultural education,
including 4-H clubs.
``(M) Expansion of domestic and international markets for
agricultural commodities and products, including agricultural
trade barrier identification and analysis.
``(N) Information management and technology transfer
related to agriculture.
``(O) Biotechnology related to agriculture.
``(P) The processing, distributing, marketing, and
utilization of food and agricultural products.''.
(b) References to Teaching or Education.--Section 1404(14) of the
National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103(14)) is amended by striking ``the term `teaching'
means'' and inserting ``Teaching and education.--The terms `teaching'
and `education' mean''.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--Section 1404 of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7
U.S.C. 3103) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``title--'' and inserting ``title:'';
(2) in paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (5), (6), (7), (10) through
(13), (15), (16), and (17), by striking ``the term'' each place it
appears and inserting ``The term'';
(3) in paragraph (4), by striking ``the terms'' and inserting
``The terms'';
(4) in paragraph (9), by striking ``the term'' the first place
it appears and inserting ``The term'';
(5) by striking the semicolon at the end of paragraphs (1)
through (7) and (9) through (15) and inserting a period; and
(6) in paragraph (16)(F), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a
period.

bdb99c613a453fa1e08b26bc03fc01bfd2796be570106e1c39a1c41b2899c735

(a) Representation on Board.--Section 1408(b) of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7
U.S.C. 3123(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(7) Equal representation of public and private sector
members.--In appointing members to serve on the Advisory Board, the
Secretary shall ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, equal
representation of public and private sector members.''.
(b) Consultation.--Section 1408(d) of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123(d))
is amended--
(1) by striking ``In'' and inserting the following:
``(1) Duties of advisory board.--In''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Duties of secretary.--To comply with a provision of this
title or any other law that requires the Secretary to consult or
cooperate with the Advisory Board or that authorizes the Advisory
Board to submit recommendations to the Secretary, the Secretary
shall--
``(A) solicit the written opinions and recommendations of
the Advisory Board; and
``(B) provide a written response to the Advisory Board
regarding the manner and extent to which the Secretary will
implement recommendations submitted by the Advisory Board.''.
(c) Limitation on Expenses of Advisory Board.--Section 1408 of the
National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (h); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (f) the following:
``(g) Annual Limitation on Advisory Board Expenses.--
``(1) Maximum amount.--Not more than $350,000 may be used to
cover the necessary expenses of the Advisory Board for each fiscal
year.
``(2) General limitation.--The expenses of the Advisory Board
shall not be counted toward any general limitation on the expenses
of advisory committees, panels, commissions, and task forces of the
Department of Agriculture contained in any Act making
appropriations for the Department of Agriculture, whether enacted
before, on, or after the date of enactment of this paragraph,
unless the appropriation Act specifically refers to this subsection
and specifically includes this Advisory Board within the general
limitation.''.

c9b2d9d8639277c59b6ac3c2f0bd17c8461f2c016c1dff2e613ddc10fe4009e5

EDUCATION.
Section 1417 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3152) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h),
(i), and (j) as subsections (d), (f), (g), (h), (i), (j), (k), and
(l), respectively;
(2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
``(c) Priorities.--In awarding grants under subsection (b), the
Secretary shall give priority to--
``(1) applications for teaching enhancement projects that
demonstrate enhanced coordination among all types of institutions
eligible for funding under this section; and
``(2) applications for teaching enhancement projects that focus
on innovative, multidisciplinary education programs, material, and
curricula.''; and
(3) by inserting after subsection (d) (as redesignated by
paragraph (1)) the following:
``(e) Food and Agricultural Education Information System.--From
amounts made available for grants under this section, the Secretary may
maintain a national food and agricultural education information system
that contains--
``(1) information on enrollment, degrees awarded, faculty, and
employment placement in the food and agricultural sciences; and
``(2) such other similar information as the Secretary considers
appropriate.''.

04b64e8337b8f7fbf147afae3c8882eaca9983328cf9ba8e60829d8c3c4b365d

Section 1419A(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3155(a)) is amended by
inserting ``and trade agreements'' after ``public policies''.

0610d13a2af9a8507b01514a8df68c90740ad10be0b05e2b31cd2e6011d55a25

RESEARCH AND EXTENSION ISSUES AND USE OF PROTOCOLS TO MEASURE
SUCCESS OF PLANS.
(a) Extension at 1890 Institutions.--Section 1444(d) of the
National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
1977 (7 U.S.C. 3221(d)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``(d)'' and inserting the following:
``(d) Ascertainment of Entitlement to Funds; Time and Manner of
Payment; State Reporting Requirements; Plans of Work.--
``(1) Ascertainment of entitlement.--'';
(2) in the last sentence, by striking ``Such sums'' and
inserting the following:
``(2) Time and manner of payment; related reports.--The amount
to which an eligible institution is entitled''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Requirements related to plan of work.--Each plan of work
for an eligible institution required under this section shall
contain descriptions of the following:
``(A) The critical short-term, intermediate, and long-term
agricultural issues in the State in which the eligible
institution is located and the current and planned extension
programs and projects targeted to address the issues.
``(B) The process established to consult with extension
users regarding the identification of critical agricultural
issues in the State and the development of extension programs
and projects targeted to address the issues.
``(C) The efforts made to identify and collaborate with
other colleges and universities within the State, and within
other States, that have a unique capacity to address the
identified agricultural issues in the State and the extent of
current and emerging efforts (including regional extension
efforts) to work with those other institutions.
``(D) The manner in which research and extension, including
research and extension activities funded other than through
formula funds, will cooperate to address the critical issues in
the State, including the activities to be carried out
separately, the activities to be carried out sequentially, and
the activities to be carried out jointly.
``(E) The education and outreach programs already underway
to convey currently available research results that are
pertinent to a critical agricultural issue, including efforts
to encourage multicounty cooperation in the dissemination of
research results.
``(4) Extension protocols.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall develop protocols to
be used to evaluate the success of multistate, multi-
institutional, and multidisciplinary extension activities and
joint research and extension activities in addressing critical
agricultural issues identified in the plans of work submitted
under this section.
``(B) Consultation.--The Secretary shall develop the
protocols in consultation with the Advisory Board and land-
grant colleges and universities.
``(5) Treatment of plans of work for other purposes.--To the
maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall consider a plan of
work submitted under this section to satisfy other appropriate
Federal reporting requirements.''.
(b) Agricultural Research At 1890 Institutions.--Section 1445(c) of
the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act
of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222(c)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``(c)'' and inserting the following:
``(c) Program and Plans of Work.--
``(1) Initial comprehensive program of agricultural research.--
''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Plan of work required.--Before funds may be provided to
an eligible institution under this section for any fiscal year, a
plan of work to be carried out under this section shall be
submitted by the research director specified in subsection (d) and
shall be approved by the Secretary.
``(3) Requirements related to plan of work.--Each plan of work
required under paragraph (2) shall contain descriptions of the
following:
``(A) The critical short-term, intermediate, and long-term
agricultural issues in the State in which the eligible
institution is located and the current and planned research
programs and projects targeted to address the issues.
``(B) The process established to consult with users of
agricultural research regarding the identification of critical
agricultural issues in the State and the development of
research programs and projects targeted to address the issues.
``(C) Other colleges and universities within the State, and
within other States, that have a unique capacity to address the
identified agricultural issues in the State.
``(D) The current and emerging efforts to work with those
other institutions to build on each other's experience and take
advantage of each institution's unique capacities.
``(E) The manner in which research and extension, including
research and extension activities funded other than through
formula funds, will cooperate to address the critical issues in
the State, including the activities to be carried out
separately, the activities to be carried out sequentially, and
the activities to be carried out jointly.
``(4) Research protocols.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall develop protocols to
be used to evaluate the success of multistate, multi-
institutional, and multidisciplinary research activities and
joint research and extension activities in addressing critical
agricultural issues identified in the plans of work submitted
under paragraph (2).
``(B) Consultation.--The Secretary shall develop the
protocols in consultation with the Advisory Board and land-
grant colleges and universities.
``(5) Treatment of plans of work for other purposes.--To the
maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall consider a plan of
work submitted under paragraph (2) to satisfy other appropriate
Federal reporting requirements.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section take
effect on October 1, 1999.

3b9e6635ac684275cfdf0e7d2933f97d5656575a8e8d81c7b7878f18779712cb

ACTIVITIES AT 1890 INSTITUTIONS.
(a) Imposition of Requirement.--Subtitle G of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 is
amended by inserting after section 1448 (7 U.S.C. 3222c) the following:
``SEC. 1449. MATCHING FUNDS REQUIREMENT FOR RESEARCH AND EXTENSION
ACTIVITIES AT ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Eligible institution.--The term `eligible institution'
means a college eligible to receive funds under the Act of August
30, 1890 (7 U.S.C. 321 et seq.) (commonly known as the `Second
Morrill Act'), including Tuskegee University.
``(2) Formula funds.--The term `formula funds' means the
formula allocation funds distributed to eligible institutions under
sections 1444 and 1445.
``(b) Determination of Non-Federal Sources of Funds.--Not later
than September 30, 1999, each eligible institution shall submit to the
Secretary a report describing for fiscal year 1999--
``(1) the sources of non-Federal funds made available by the
State to the eligible institution for agricultural research,
extension, and education to meet the requirements of this section;
and
``(2) the amount of such funds generally available from each
source.
``(c) Matching Formula.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
this subtitle, the distribution of formula funds to an eligible
institution shall be subject to the following matching requirements:
``(1) For fiscal year 2000, the State shall provide matching
funds from non-Federal sources in an amount equal to not less than
30 percent of the formula funds to be distributed to the eligible
institution.
``(2) For fiscal year 2001, the State shall provide matching
funds from non-Federal sources in an amount equal to not less than
45 percent of the formula funds to be distributed to the eligible
institution.
``(3) For fiscal year 2002 and each fiscal year thereafter, the
State shall provide matching funds from non-Federal sources in an
amount equal to not less than 50 percent of the formula funds to be
distributed to the eligible institution.
``(d) Limited Waiver Authority.--
``(1) Fiscal year 2000.--Notwithstanding subsection (f), the
Secretary may waive the matching funds requirement under subsection
(c)(1) for fiscal year 2000 for an eligible institution of a State
if the Secretary determines that, based on the report received
under subsection (b), the State will be unlikely to satisfy the
matching requirement.
``(2) Future fiscal years.--The Secretary may not waive the
matching requirement under subsection (c) for any fiscal year other
than fiscal year 2000.
``(e) Use of Matching Funds.--Under terms and conditions
established by the Secretary, matching funds provided as required by
subsection (c) may be used by an eligible institution for agricultural
research, extension, and education activities.
``(f) Redistribution of Funds.--
``(1) Redistribution required.--Federal funds that are not
matched by a State in accordance with subsection (c) for a fiscal
year shall be redistributed by the Secretary to eligible
institutions whose States have satisfied the matching funds
requirement for that fiscal year.
``(2) Administration.--Any redistribution of funds under this
subsection shall be subject to the applicable matching requirement
specified in subsection (c) and shall be made in a manner
consistent with sections 1444 and 1445, as determined by the
Secretary.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 1445(g) of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7
U.S.C. 3222(g)) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (2); and
(2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (2).
(c) References to Tuskegee University.--The National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 is amended--
(1) in section 1404 (7 U.S.C. 3103), by striking ``the Tuskegee
Institute'' in paragraphs (10) and (16)(B) and inserting ``Tuskegee
University'';
(2) in section 1444 (7 U.S.C. 3221)--
(A) by striking the section heading and ``Sec. 1444.'' and
inserting the following:
``SEC. 1444. EXTENSION AT 1890 LAND-GRANT COLLEGES, INCLUDING TUSKEGEE
UNIVERSITY.'';
and
(B) in subsections (a) and (b), by striking ``Tuskegee
Institute'' each place it appears and inserting ``Tuskegee
University''; and
(3) in section 1445 (7 U.S.C. 3222)--
(A) by striking the section heading and ``Sec. 1445.'' and
inserting the following:
``SEC. 1445. AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AT 1890 LAND-GRANT COLLEGES,
INCLUDING TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY.'';
and
(B) in subsections (a) and (b)(2)(B), by striking
``Tuskegee Institute'' each place it appears and inserting
``Tuskegee University''.

d8a4af8703d8ad479fb37545dae13ee62cde0da03bfffa076afc9711cb28ce3d

(a) Inclusion of Teaching.--Section 1458 of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7
U.S.C. 3291) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``research and
extension'' and inserting ``research, extension, and teaching'';
(2) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``related research and extension'' and
inserting ``related research, extension, and teaching'';
and
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``research and
extension on'' and inserting ``research, extension, and
teaching activities that address'';
(B) in paragraphs (2) and (6), by striking ``education''
each place it appears and inserting ``teaching'';
(C) in paragraph (4), by striking ``scientists and
experts'' and inserting ``science and education experts'';
(D) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``teaching,'' after
``development,'';
(E) in paragraph (7), by striking ``research and extension
that is'' and inserting ``research, extension, and teaching
programs''; and
(F) in paragraph (8), by striking ``research capabilities''
and inserting ``research, extension, and teaching
capabilities''; and
(3) in subsection (b), by striking ``counterpart agencies'' and
inserting ``counterpart research, extension, and teaching
agencies''.
(b) Grants for Collaborative Projects.--Section 1458(a) of the
National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
1977 (7 U.S.C. 3291(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (7), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (8), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(9) make competitive grants for collaborative projects that--
``(A) involve Federal scientists or scientists from land-
grant colleges and universities or other colleges and
universities with scientists at international agricultural
research centers in other nations, including the international
agricultural research centers of the Consultative Group on
International Agriculture Research;
``(B) focus on developing and using new technologies and
programs for--
``(i) increasing the production of food and fiber,
while safeguarding the environment worldwide and enhancing
the global competitiveness of United States agriculture; or
``(ii) training scientists;
``(C) are mutually beneficial to the United States and
other countries; and
``(D) encourage private sector involvement and the
leveraging of private sector funds.''.
(c) Reports.--Section 1458 of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3291) is amended
by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Reports.--The Secretary shall provide biennial reports to the
Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate on
efforts of the Federal Government--
``(1) to coordinate international agricultural research within
the Federal Government; and
``(2) to more effectively link the activities of domestic and
international agricultural researchers, particularly researchers of
the Agricultural Research Service.''.
(d) Full Payment of Funds Made Available for Certain Binational
Projects.--Section 1458 of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3291) is amended
by inserting after subsection (d) (as added by subsection (c) of this
section) the following:
``(e) Full Payment of Funds Made Available for Certain Binational
Projects.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the full amount
of any funds appropriated or otherwise made available to carry out
cooperative projects under the arrangement entered into between the
Secretary and the Government of Israel to support the Israel-United
States Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund shall be
paid directly to the Fund.''.
(e) Subtitle Heading.--Subtitle I of title XIV of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7
U.S.C. 3291 et seq.) is amended by striking the subtitle heading and
inserting the following:
``Subtitle I--International Research, Extension, and Teaching''.

7ba9d406b66782f40aa861b6c22b714d79871d474037057fb6f9f1bcdbf19f86

Subtitle I of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 is amended by inserting after section 1458
(7 U.S.C. 3291) the following:
``SEC. 1459. UNITED STATES-MEXICO JOINT AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH.
``(a) Research and Development Program.--The Secretary may provide
for an agricultural research and development program with the United
States/Mexico Foundation for Science. The program shall focus on
binational problems facing agricultural producers and consumers in the
2 countries, in particular pressing problems in the areas of food
safety, plant and animal pest control, and the natural resources base
on which agriculture depends.
``(b) Administration.--Grants under the research and development
program shall be awarded competitively through the Foundation.
``(c) Matching Requirements.--The provision of funds to the
Foundation by the United States Government shall be subject to the
condition that the Government of Mexico match, on at least a dollar-
for-dollar basis, any funds provided by the United States Government.
``(d) Limitation on Use of Funds.--Funds provided under this
section may not be used for the planning, repair, rehabilitation,
acquisition, or construction of a building or facility.''.

b975058025835b9a77d9bbfb49f4bbb5891ff846a185f0c8b020c6b9c881f639

AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS.
Subtitle I of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3291 et seq.) is amended by
inserting after section 1459 (as added by section 228) the following:
``SEC. 1459A. COMPETITIVE GRANTS FOR INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS.
``(a) Competitive Grants Authorized.--The Secretary may make
competitive grants to colleges and universities in order to strengthen
United States economic competitiveness and to promote international
market development.
``(b) Purpose of Grants.--Grants under this section shall be
directed to agricultural research, extension, and teaching activities
that will--
``(1) enhance the international content of the curricula in
colleges and universities so as to ensure that United States
students acquire an understanding of the international dimensions
and trade implications of their studies;
``(2) ensure that United States scientists, extension agents,
and educators involved in agricultural research and development
activities outside of the United States have the opportunity to
convey the implications of their activities and findings to their
peers and students in the United States and to the users of
agricultural research, extension, and teaching;
``(3) enhance the capabilities of colleges and universities to
do collaborative research with other countries, in cooperation with
other Federal agencies, on issues relevant to United States
agricultural competitiveness;
``(4) enhance the capabilities of colleges and universities to
provide cooperative extension education to promote the application
of new technology developed in foreign countries to United States
agriculture; and
``(5) enhance the capability of United States colleges and
universities, in cooperation with other Federal agencies, to
provide leadership and educational programs that will assist United
States natural resources and food production, processing, and
distribution businesses and industries to compete internationally,
including product market identification, international policies
limiting or enhancing market production, development of new or
enhancement of existing markets, and production efficiencies.
``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section for
each of fiscal years 1999 through 2002.''.

63dac37be0b67b5c63ad6b662108dd71878f73b141c31522801d7e631d0292f5

(a) Limitation on Charging Indirect Costs.--Subtitle K of the
National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
1977 is amended by inserting before section 1463 (7 U.S.C. 3311) the
following:
``SEC. 1462. LIMITATION ON INDIRECT COSTS FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH,
EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION PROGRAMS.
``Except as otherwise provided in law, indirect costs charged
against a competitive agricultural research, education, or extension
grant awarded under this Act or any other Act pursuant to authority
delegated to the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research,
Education, and Economics shall not exceed 19 percent of the total
Federal funds provided under the grant award, as determined by the
Secretary.''.
(b) Limitation on Department Administrative Costs.--Section 1469 of
the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act
of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3315) is amended--
(1) by striking the section heading and all that follows
through ``Except as'' and inserting the following:
``SEC. 1469. AUDITING, REPORTING, BOOKKEEPING, AND ADMINISTRATIVE
REQUIREMENTS.
``(a) In General.--Except as'';
(2) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
``(3) the Secretary may retain up to 4 percent of amounts
appropriated for agricultural research, extension, and teaching
assistance programs for the administration of those programs
authorized under this Act or any other Act; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Community Food Projects.--The Secretary may retain, for the
administration of community food projects under section 25 of the Food
Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2034), 4 percent of amounts available for
the projects, notwithstanding the availability of any appropriation for
administrative expenses of the projects.
``(c) Peer Panel Expenses.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law regarding a competitive research, education, or extension grant
program of the Department of Agriculture, the Secretary may use grant
program funds, as necessary, to supplement funds otherwise available
for program administration, to pay for the costs associated with peer
review of grant proposals under the program.
``(d) Definition of In-Kind Support.--In any law relating to
agricultural research, education, or extension activities administered
by the Secretary, the term `in-kind support', with regard to a
requirement that the recipient of funds provided by the Secretary match
all or part of the amount of the funds, means contributions such as
office space, equipment, and staff support.''.

295c97547f7b7c4dba15c1ae09f88e1682ba92d89b1246bd9ac83926854bdc8c

AGREEMENTS.
Section 1473A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319a) is amended in the first
sentence by inserting ``or other colleges and universities'' after
``institutions''.
Subtitle D--Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990

8b2ee5eac0000389acc068c2025313f908a04c8ab9c593a93520c26c44cb3a0e

Section 1671 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5924) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 1671. AGRICULTURAL GENOME INITIATIVE.
``(a) Goals.--The goals of this section are--
``(1) to expand the knowledge of public and private sector
entities and persons concerning genomes for species of importance
to the food and agriculture sectors in order to maximize the return
on the investment in genomics of agriculturally important species;
``(2) to focus on the species that will yield scientifically
important results that will enhance the usefulness of many
agriculturally important species;
``(3) to build on genomic research, such as the Human Genome
Initiative and the Arabidopsis Genome Project, to understand gene
structure and function that is expected to have considerable
payoffs in agriculturally important species;
``(4) to develop improved bioinformatics to enhance both
sequence or structure determination and analysis of the biological
function of genes and gene products;
``(5) to encourage Federal Government participants to maximize
the utility of public and private partnerships for agricultural
genome research;
``(6) to allow resources developed under this section,
including data, software, germplasm, and other biological
materials, to be openly accessible to all persons, subject to any
confidentiality requirements imposed by law; and
``(7) to encourage international partnerships with each partner
country responsible for financing its own strategy for agricultural
genome research.
``(b) Duties of Secretary.--The Secretary of Agriculture (referred
to in this section as the `Secretary') shall conduct a research
initiative (to be known as the `Agricultural Genome Initiative') for
the purpose of--
``(1) studying and mapping agriculturally significant genes to
achieve sustainable and secure agricultural production;
``(2) ensuring that current gaps in existing agricultural
genetics knowledge are filled;
``(3) identifying and developing a functional understanding of
genes responsible for economically important traits in
agriculturally important species, including emerging plant and
animal diseases causing economic hardship;
``(4) ensuring future genetic improvement of agriculturally
important species;
``(5) supporting preservation of diverse germplasm;
``(6) ensuring preservation of biodiversity to maintain access
to genes that may be of importance in the future; and
``(7) otherwise carrying out this section.
``(c) Grants and Cooperative Agreements.--
``(1) Authority.--The Secretary may make grants or enter into
cooperative agreements with individuals and organizations in
accordance with section 1472 of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3318).
``(2) Competitive basis.--A grant or cooperative agreement
under this subsection shall be made or entered into on a
competitive basis.
``(d) Administration.--Paragraphs (1), (6), (7), and (11) of
subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research
Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i) shall apply with respect to the making of a
grant or cooperative agreement under this section.
``(e) Matching of Funds.--
``(1) General requirement.--If a grant or cooperative agreement
under this section provides a particular benefit to a specific
agricultural commodity, the Secretary shall require the recipient
to provide funds or in-kind support to match the amount of funds
provided by the Secretary under the grant or cooperative agreement.
``(2) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the matching funds
requirement of paragraph (1) with respect to a research project if
the Secretary determines that--
``(A) the results of the project, while of particular
benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, are likely to be
applicable to agricultural commodities generally; or
``(B) the project involves a minor commodity, the project
deals with scientifically important research, and the recipient
is unable to satisfy the matching funds requirement.
``(f) Consultation With National Academy of Sciences.--The
Secretary may use funds made available under this section to consult
with the National Academy of Sciences regarding the administration of
the Agricultural Genome Initiative.''.

abeffc598962709dfc379565968a5ac5d1dd9537712c4141212ddc3b7e09afa3

Section 1672 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 1672. HIGH-PRIORITY RESEARCH AND EXTENSION INITIATIVES.
``(a) Competitive Specialized Research and Extension Grants
Authorized.--The Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in this section
as the `Secretary') may make competitive grants to support research and
extension activities specified in subsections (e), (f), and (g). The
Secretary shall make the grants in consultation with the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory
Board.
``(b) Administration.--
``(1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this
section, paragraphs (1), (6), (7), and (11) of subsection (b) of
the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7
U.S.C. 450i) shall apply with respect to the making of grants under
this section.
``(2) Use of task forces.--To facilitate the making of research
and extension grants under this section in the research and
extension areas specified in subsection (e), the Secretary may
appoint a task force for each such area to make recommendations to
the Secretary. The Secretary may not incur costs in excess of
$1,000 for any fiscal year in connection with each task force
established under this paragraph.
``(c) Matching Funds Required.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall require the recipient of
a grant under this section to provide funds or in-kind support from
non-Federal sources in an amount at least equal to the amount
provided by the Federal Government.
``(2) Waiver authority.--The Secretary may waive the matching
funds requirement specified in paragraph (1) with respect to a
research project if the Secretary determines that--
``(A) the results of the project, while of particular
benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, are likely to be
applicable to agricultural commodities generally; or
``(B) the project involves a minor commodity, the project
deals with scientifically important research, and the grant
recipient is unable to satisfy the matching funds requirement.
``(d) Partnerships Encouraged.--Following the completion of a peer
review process for grant proposals received under this section, the
Secretary may provide a priority to those grant proposals, found in the
peer review process to be scientifically meritorious, that involve the
cooperation of multiple entities.
``(e) High-Priority Research and Extension Areas.--
``(1) Brown citrus aphid and citrus tristeza virus research and
extension.--Research and extension grants may be made under this
section for the purpose of--
``(A) developing methods to control or eradicate the brown
citrus aphid and the citrus tristeza virus from citrus crops
grown in the United States; or
``(B) adapting citrus crops grown in the United States to
the brown citrus aphid and the citrus tristeza virus.
``(2) Ethanol research and extension.--Research and extension
grants may be made under this section for the purpose of carrying
out or enhancing research on ethanol derived from agricultural
crops as an alternative fuel source.
``(3) Aflatoxin research and extension.--Research and extension
grants may be made under this section for the purpose of
identifying and controlling aflatoxin in the food and feed chains.
``(4) Mesquite research and extension.--Research and extension
grants may be made under this section for the purpose of developing
enhanced production methods and commercial uses of mesquite.
``(5) Prickly pear research and extension.--Research and
extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose of
investigating enhanced genetic selection and processing techniques
of prickly pears.
``(6) Deer tick ecology research and extension.--Research and
extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose of
studying the population ecology of deer ticks and other insects and
pests that transmit Lyme disease.
``(7) Red meat safety research and extension.--Research and
extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose of
developing--
``(A) intervention strategies that reduce microbial
contamination on carcass surfaces;
``(B) microbiological mapping of carcass surfaces; and
``(C) model hazard analysis and critical control point
plans.
``(8) Grain sorghum ergot research and extension.--Research and
extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose of
developing techniques for the eradication of sorghum ergot.
``(9) Peanut market enhancement research and extension.--
Research and extension grants may be made under this section for
the purpose of evaluating the economics of applying innovative
technologies for peanut processing in a commercial environment.
``(10) Dairy financial risk management research and
extension.--Research and extension grants may be made under this
section for the purpose of providing research, development, or
education materials, information, and outreach programs regarding
risk management strategies for dairy producers and for dairy
cooperatives and other processors and marketers of milk.
``(11) Cotton research and extension.--Research and extension
grants may be made under this section for the purpose of improving
pest management, fiber quality enhancement, economic assessment,
textile production, and optimized production systems for short
staple cotton.
``(12) Methyl bromide research and extension.--Research and
extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose
of--
``(A) developing and evaluating chemical and nonchemical
alternatives, and use and emission reduction strategies, for
pre-planting and post-harvest uses of methyl bromide; and
``(B) transferring the results of the research for use by
agricultural producers.
``(13) Potato research and extension.--Research and extension
grants may be made under this section for the purpose of developing
and evaluating new strains of potatoes that are resistant to blight
and other diseases, as well as insects. Emphasis may be placed on
developing potato varieties that lend themselves to innovative
marketing approaches.
``(14) Wood use research and extension.--Research and extension
grants may be made under this section for the purpose of developing
new uses for wood from underused tree species as well as
investigating methods of modifying wood and wood fibers to produce
better building materials.
``(15) Low-bush blueberry research and extension.--Research and
extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose of
evaluating methods of propagating and developing low-bush blueberry
as a marketable crop.
``(16) Wetlands use research and extension.--Research and
extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose of
better use of wetlands in diverse ways to provide various economic,
agricultural, and environmental benefits.
``(17) Wild pampas grass control, management, and eradication
research and extension.--Research and extension grants may be made
under this section for the purpose of control, management, and
eradication of wild pampas grass.
``(18) Food safety, including pathogen detection and
limitation, research and extension.--Research and extension grants
may be made under this section for the purpose of increasing food
safety, including the identification of advanced detection and
processing methods to limit the presence of pathogens (including
hepatitis A and E. coli 0157:H7) in domestic and imported foods.
``(19) Financial risk management research and extension.--
Research and extension grants may be made under this section for
the purpose of providing research, development, or education
materials, information, and outreach programs regarding financial
risk management strategies for agricultural producers and for
cooperatives and other processors and marketers of any agricultural
commodity.
``(20) Ornamental tropical fish research and extension.--
Research and extension grants may be made under this section for
the purpose of meeting the needs of commercial producers of
ornamental tropical fish and aquatic plants for improvements in the
areas of fish reproduction, health, nutrition, predator control,
water use, water quality control, and farming technology.
``(21) Sheep scrapie research and extension.--Research and
extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose of
investigating the genetic aspects of scrapie in sheep.
``(22) Gypsy moth research and extension.--Research and
extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose of
developing biological control, management, and eradication methods
against nonnative insects, including Lymantria dispar (commonly
known as the `gypsy moth'), that contribute to significant
agricultural, economic, or environmental harm.
``(23) Forestry research and extension.--Research and extension
grants may be made under this section to develop and distribute
new, high-quality, science-based information for the purpose of
improving the long-term productivity of forest resources and
contributing to forest-based economic development by addressing
such issues as--
``(A) forest land use policies;
``(B) multiple-use forest management, including wildlife
habitat development, improved forest regeneration systems, and
timber supply; and
``(C) improved development, manufacturing, and marketing of
forest products.
``(24) Tomato spotted wilt virus research and extension.--
Research and extension grants may be made under this section for
the purpose of control, management, and eradication of tomato
spotted wilt virus.
``(f) Imported Fire Ant Control, Management, and Eradication.--
``(1) Task force.--The Secretary shall establish a task force
pursuant to subsection (b)(2) regarding the control, management,
and eradication of imported fire ants. The Secretary shall solicit
and evaluate grant proposals under this subsection in consultation
with the task force.
``(2) Initial grants.--
``(A) Request for proposals.--The Secretary shall publish a
request for proposals for grants for research or demonstration
projects related to the control, management, and possible
eradication of imported fire ants.
``(B) Selection.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
publication of the request for proposals, the Secretary shall
evaluate the grant proposals submitted in response to the
request and may select meritorious research or demonstration
projects related to the control, management, and possible
eradication of imported fire ants to receive an initial grant
under this subsection.
``(3) Subsequent grants.--
``(A) Evaluation of initial grants.--If the Secretary
awards grants under paragraph (2)(B), the Secretary shall
evaluate all of the research or demonstration projects
conducted under the grants for their use as the basis of a
national plan for the control, management, and possible
eradication of imported fire ants by the Federal Government,
State and local governments, and owners and operators of land.
``(B) Selection.--On the basis of the evaluation under
subparagraph (A), the Secretary may select the projects that
the Secretary considers most promising for additional research
or demonstration related to preparation of a national plan for
the control, management, and possible eradication of imported
fire ants. The Secretary shall notify the task force of the
projects selected under this subparagraph.
``(4) Selection and submission of national plan.--
``(A) Evaluation of subsequent grants.--If the Secretary
awards grants under paragraph (3)(B), the Secretary shall
evaluate all of the research or demonstration projects
conducted under the grants for use as the basis of a national
plan for the control, management, and possible eradication of
imported fire ants by the Federal Government, State and local
governments, and owners and operators of land.
``(B) Selection.--On the basis of the evaluation under
subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall select 1 project funded
under paragraph (3)(B), or a combination of those projects, for
award of a grant for final preparation of the national plan.
``(C) Submission.--The Secretary shall submit to Congress
the final national plan prepared under subparagraph (B) for the
control, management, and possible eradication of imported fire
ants.
``(g) Formosan Termite Research and Eradication.--
``(1) Research program.--The Secretary may make competitive
research grants under this subsection to regional and
multijurisdictional entities, local government planning
organizations, and local governments for the purpose of conducting
research for the control, management, and possible eradication of
Formosan termites in the United States.
``(2) Eradication program.--The Secretary may enter into
cooperative agreements with regional and multijurisdictional
entities, local government planning organizations, and local
governments for the purposes of--
``(A) conducting projects for the control, management, and
possible eradication of Formosan termites in the United States;
and
``(B) collecting data on the effectiveness of the projects.
``(3) Funding priority.--In allocating funds made available to
carry out paragraph (2), the Secretary shall provide a higher
priority for regions or locations with the highest historical rates
of infestation of Formosan termites.
``(4) Management coordination.--The program management of
research grants, cooperative agreements, and projects under this
subsection shall be conducted under existing authority in
coordination with the national formosan termite management and
research demonstration program conducted by the Agricultural
Research Service.
``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section for
each of fiscal years 1999 through 2002.''.

110084b1340599551bac7d6d4757b6cf8646358512a8e728dc256e252bbe7326

The Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 is
amended by inserting after section 1672 (7 U.S.C. 5925) the following:
``SEC. 1672A. NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT RESEARCH AND EXTENSION INITIATIVE.
``(a) Competitive Research and Extension Grants Authorized.--The
Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in this section as the
`Secretary') may make competitive grants to support research and
extension activities specified in subsection (e). The Secretary shall
make the grants in consultation with the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board.
``(b) Administration.--
``(1) In general.--Paragraphs (1), (6), (7), and (11) of
subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research
Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i) shall apply with respect to the making of
grants under this section.
``(2) Use of task forces.--To facilitate the making of research
and extension grants under this section in the research and
extension areas specified in subsection (e), the Secretary may
appoint a task force for each such area to make recommendations to
the Secretary. The Secretary may not incur costs in excess of
$1,000 for any fiscal year in connection with each task force
established under this paragraph.
``(c) Matching Funds Required.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall require the recipient of
a grant under this section to provide funds or in-kind support from
non-Federal sources in an amount at least equal to the amount
provided by the Federal Government.
``(2) Waiver authority.--The Secretary may waive the matching
funds requirement specified in paragraph (1) with respect to a
research project if the Secretary determines that--
``(A) the results of the project, while of particular
benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, are likely to be
applicable to agricultural commodities generally; or
``(B) the project involves a minor commodity, the project
deals with scientifically important research, and the grant
recipient is unable to satisfy the matching funds requirement.
``(d) Partnerships Encouraged.--Following the completion of a peer
review process for grant proposals received under this section, the
Secretary may provide a priority to those grant proposals, found in the
peer review process to be scientifically meritorious, that involve the
cooperation of multiple entities.
``(e) Nutrient Management Research and Extension Areas.--
``(1) Animal waste and odor management.--Research and extension
grants may be made under this section for the purpose of--
``(A) identifying, evaluating, and demonstrating innovative
technologies for animal waste management and related air
quality management and odor control;
``(B) investigating the unique microbiology of specific
animal wastes, such as swine waste, to develop improved methods
to effectively manage air and water quality; and
``(C) conducting information workshops to disseminate the
results of the research.
``(2) Water quality and aquatic ecosystems.--Research and
extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose of
investigating the impact on aquatic food webs, especially
commercially important aquatic species and their habitats, of
microorganisms of the genus Pfiesteria and other microorganisms
that are a threat to human or animal health.
``(3) Rural and urban interface.--Research and extension grants
may be made under this section for the purpose of identifying,
evaluating, and demonstrating innovative technologies to be used
for animal waste management (including odor control) in rural areas
adjacent to urban or suburban areas in connection with waste
management activities undertaken in urban or suburban areas.
``(4) Animal feed.--Research and extension grants may be made
under this section for the purpose of maximizing nutrition
management for livestock, while limiting risks, such as mineral
bypass, associated with livestock feeding practices.
``(5) Alternative uses of animal waste.--Research and extension
grants may be made under this section for the purpose of finding
innovative methods and technologies for economic use or disposal of
animal waste.
``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section for
each of fiscal years 1999 through 2002.''.

40ff9db86931b581c6e91271e119468238a6bc303cc3372793c63dc4fd0d5df9

The Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 is
amended by inserting after section 1672A (as added by section 243) the
following:
``SEC. 1672B. ORGANIC AGRICULTURE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION INITIATIVE.
``(a) Competitive Specialized Research and Extension Grants
Authorized.--In consultation with the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board, the Secretary of
Agriculture (referred to in this section as the `Secretary') may make
competitive grants to support research and extension activities
regarding organically grown and processed agricultural commodities for
the purposes of--
``(1) facilitating the development of organic agriculture
production and processing methods;
``(2) evaluating the potential economic benefits to producers
and processors who use organic methods; and
``(3) exploring international trade opportunities for
organically grown and processed agricultural commodities.
``(b) Grant Types and Process, Prohibition on Construction.--
Paragraphs (1), (6), (7), and (11) of subsection (b) of the
Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i)
shall apply with respect to the making of grants under this section.
``(c) Matching Funds Required.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall require the recipient of
a grant under this section to provide funds or in-kind support from
non-Federal sources in an amount at least equal to the amount
provided by the Federal Government.
``(2) Waiver authority.--The Secretary may waive the matching
funds requirement specified in paragraph (1) with respect to a
research project if the Secretary determines that--
``(A) the results of the project, while of particular
benefit to a specified agricultural commodity, are likely to be
applicable to agricultural commodities generally; or
``(B) the project involves a minor commodity, the project
deals with scientifically important research, and the grant
recipient is unable to satisfy the matching funds requirement.
``(d) Partnerships Encouraged.--Following the completion of a peer
review process for grant proposals received under this section, the
Secretary may provide a priority to those grant proposals, found in the
peer review process to be scientifically meritorious, that involve the
cooperation of multiple entities.
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section for
each of fiscal years 1999 through 2002.''.

247ec704a1d7a95978d6a4230fe17a35041e9f6f1e0ba9ecfa5add6a175163da

Section 1673 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5926) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (5) as
paragraphs (2) through (6), respectively;
(B) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated)
the following:
``(1) A*DEC.--The term `A*DEC' means the distance education
consortium known as A*DEC.''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(7) Secretary.--Except as provided in subsection (d)(1), the
term `Secretary' means the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through
A*DEC.'';
(2) in subsection (d)(1), by striking ``The Secretary shall
establish a program, to be administered by the Assistant Secretary
for Science and Education,'' and inserting ``The Secretary of
Agriculture shall establish a program, to be administered through a
grant provided to A*DEC under terms and conditions established by
the Secretary of Agriculture,''; and
(3) in the first sentence of subsection (f)(2), by striking
``the Assistant Secretary for Science and Education'' and inserting
``A*DEC''.

c63443fa76c906e61cc864f445241dbff7e0f5b666c1e5fd0805adc7109989d4

DISABILITIES.
Section 1680 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5933) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (6);
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``Dissemination.--'' and all that follows
through ``general.--The'' and inserting ``Dissemination.--
The''; and
(B) by striking paragraph (2); and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), there is
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $6,000,000
for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2002.
``(2) National grant.--Not more than 15 percent of the amounts
made available under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year shall be used
to carry out subsection (b).''.
Subtitle E--Other Laws

0b881503643645ddb68ad31e8b08c45ba7b695d0139eec9c1747538a6a612a49

(a) Definition of 1994 Institutions.--Section 532 of the Equity in
Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-382; 7 U.S.C.
301 note) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(30) Little Priest Tribal College.''.
(b) Accreditation.--Section 533(a) of the Equity in Educational
Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-382; 7 U.S.C. 301 note)
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Accreditation.--To receive funding under sections 534 and
535, a 1994 Institution shall certify to the Secretary that the
1994 Institution--
``(A) is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting
agency or association determined by the Secretary, in
consultation with the Secretary of Education, to be a reliable
authority regarding the quality of training offered; or
``(B) is making progress toward the accreditation, as
determined by the nationally recognized accrediting agency or
association.''.
(c) Research Grants.--The Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status
Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-382; 7 U.S.C. 301 note) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 536. RESEARCH GRANTS.
``(a) Research Grants Authorized.--The Secretary of Agriculture may
make grants under this section, on the basis of a competitive
application process (and in accordance with such regulations as the
Secretary may promulgate), to a 1994 Institution to assist the
Institution to conduct agricultural research that addresses high
priority concerns of tribal, national, or multistate significance.
``(b) Requirements.--Grant applications submitted under this
section shall certify that the research to be conducted will be
performed under a cooperative agreement with at least 1 other land-
grant college or university (exclusive of another 1994 Institution).
``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section for
each of fiscal years 1999 through 2002. Amounts appropriated shall
remain available until expended.''.

02e3211358677c55d682ee57dfd041a094011cc03a587c38970779021d5793f6

Section 793(b) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform
Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 2204f(b)) is amended by striking paragraph (1)
and inserting the following:
``(1) In general.--On October 1, 1998, and each October 1
thereafter through October 1, 2002, out of any funds in the
Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the Treasury
shall transfer $60,000,000 to the Account.''.

b9c83897913a8bbff89aa44e16afff6e8fa91f08ebd92bc48a2f61fff9526670

(a) Findings.--Section 2 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable
Resources Research Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1641) is amended by striking
``Sec. 2.'' and subsection (a) and inserting the following:
``SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
``(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
``(1) Forests and rangeland, and the resources of forests and
rangeland, are of strategic economic and ecological importance to
the United States, and the Federal Government has an important and
substantial role in ensuring the continued health, productivity,
and sustainability of the forests and rangeland of the United
States.
``(2) Over 75 percent of the productive commercial forest land
in the United States is privately owned, with some 60 percent owned
by small nonindustrial private owners. These 10,000,000
nonindustrial private owners are critical to providing both
commodity and noncommodity values to the citizens of the United
States.
``(3) The National Forest System manages only 17 percent of the
commercial timberland of the United States, with over half of the
standing softwoods inventory located on that land. Dramatic changes
in Federal agency policy during the early 1990's have significantly
curtailed the management of this vast timber resource, causing
abrupt shifts in the supply of timber from public to private
ownership. As a result of these shifts in supply, some 60 percent
of total wood production in the United States is now coming from
private forest land in the southern United States.
``(4) At the same time that pressures are building for the
removal of even more land from commercial production, the Federal
Government is significantly reducing its commitment to
productivity-related research regarding forests and rangeland,
which is critically needed by the private sector for the sustained
management of remaining available timber and forage resources for
the benefit of all species.
``(5) Uncertainty over the availability of the United States
timber supply, increasing regulatory burdens, and the lack of
Federal Government support for research is causing domestic wood
and paper producers to move outside the United States to find
reliable sources of wood supplies, which in turn results in a
worsening of the United States trade balance, the loss of
employment and infrastructure investments, and an increased risk of
infestations of exotic pests and diseases from imported wood
products.
``(6) Wood and paper producers in the United States are being
challenged not only by shifts in Federal Government policy, but
also by international competition from tropical countries where
growth rates of trees far exceed those in the United States. Wood
production per acre will need to quadruple from 1996 levels for the
United States forestry sector to remain internationally competitive
on an ever decreasing forest land base.
``(7) Better and more frequent forest inventorying and analysis
is necessary to identify productivity-related forestry research
needs and to provide forest managers with the current data
necessary to make timely and effective management decisions.''.
(b) High Priority Forestry and Rangeland Research and Education.--
Section 3 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act
of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1642) is amended by striking subsection (d) and
inserting the following:
``(d) High Priority Forestry and Rangeland Research and
Education.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may conduct, support, and
cooperate in forestry and rangeland research and education that is
of the highest priority to the United States and to users of public
and private forest land and rangeland in the United States.
``(2) Priorities.--The research and education priorities
include the following:
``(A) The biology of forest organisms and rangeland
organisms.
``(B) Functional characteristics and cost-effective
management of forest and rangeland ecosystems.
``(C) Interactions between humans and forests and
rangeland.
``(D) Wood and forage as a raw material.
``(E) International trade, competition, and cooperation.
``(3) Northeastern states research cooperative.--The Secretary
may cooperate with the northeastern States of New Hampshire, New
York, Maine, and Vermont, land-grant colleges and universities of
those States, natural resources and forestry schools of those
States, other Federal agencies, and other interested persons in
those States to coordinate and improve ecological and economic
research relating to agricultural research, extension, and
education, including--
``(A) research on ecosystem health, forest management,
product development, economics, and related fields;
``(B) research to assist those States and landowners in
those States to achieve sustainable forest management;
``(C) technology transfer to the wood products industry of
technologies that promote efficient processing, pollution
prevention, and energy conservation;
``(D) dissemination of existing and new information to
landowners, public and private resource managers, State forest
citizen advisory committees, and the general public through
professional associations, publications, and other information
clearinghouse activities; and
``(E) analysis of strategies for the protection of areas of
outstanding ecological significance or high biological
diversity, and strategies for the provision of important
recreational opportunities and traditional uses, including
strategies for areas identified through State land conservation
planning processes.''.
(c) Forest Inventory and Analysis.--Section 3 of the Forest and
Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1642) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(e) Forest Inventory and Analysis.--
``(1) Program required.--In compliance with other applicable
provisions of law, the Secretary shall establish a program to
inventory and analyze, in a timely manner, public and private
forests and their resources in the United States.
``(2) Annual state inventory.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than the end of each full
fiscal year beginning after the date of enactment of this
subsection, the Secretary shall prepare for each State, in
cooperation with the State forester for the State, an inventory
of forests and their resources in the State.
``(B) Sample plots.--For purposes of preparing the
inventory for a State, the Secretary shall measure annually 20
percent of all sample plots that are included in the inventory
program for that State.
``(C) Compilation of inventory.--On completion of the
inventory for a year, the Secretary shall make available to the
public a compilation of all data collected for that year from
measurements of sample plots as well as any analysis made of
the samples.
``(3) 5-year reports.--Not more often than every 5 full fiscal
years after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary
shall prepare, publish, and make available to the public a report,
prepared in cooperation with State foresters, that--
``(A) contains a description of each State inventory of
forests and their resources, incorporating all sample plot
measurements conducted during the 5 years covered by the
report;
``(B) displays and analyzes on a nationwide basis the
results of the annual reports required by paragraph (2); and
``(C) contains an analysis of forest health conditions and
trends over the previous 2 decades, with an emphasis on such
conditions and trends during the period subsequent to the
immediately preceding report under this paragraph.
``(4) National standards and definitions.--To ensure uniform
and consistent data collection for all forest land that is publicly
or privately owned and for each State, the Secretary shall develop,
in consultation with State foresters and Federal land management
agencies not under the jurisdiction of the Secretary, and publish
national standards and definitions to be applied in inventorying
and analyzing forests and their resources under this subsection.
The standards shall include a core set of variables to be measured
on all sample plots under paragraph (2) and a standard set of
tables to be included in the reports under paragraph (3).
``(5) Protection for private property rights.--The Secretary
shall obtain authorization from property owners prior to collecting
data from sample plots located on private property pursuant to
paragraphs (2) and (3).
``(6) Strategic plan.--Not later than 180 days after the date
of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall prepare and
submit to Congress a strategic plan to implement and carry out this
subsection, including the annual updates required by paragraph (2)
and the reports required by paragraph (3), that shall describe in
detail--
``(A) the financial resources required to implement and
carry out this subsection, including the identification of any
resources required in excess of the amounts provided for forest
inventorying and analysis in recent appropriations Acts;
``(B) the personnel necessary to implement and carry out
this subsection, including any personnel in addition to
personnel currently performing inventorying and analysis
functions;
``(C) the organization and procedures necessary to
implement and carry out this subsection, including proposed
coordination with Federal land management agencies and State
foresters;
``(D) the schedules for annual sample plot measurements in
each State inventory required by paragraph (2) within the first
5-year interval after the date of enactment of this subsection;
``(E) the core set of variables to be measured in each
sample plot under paragraph (2) and the standard set of tables
to be used in each State and national report under paragraph
(3); and
``(F) the process for employing, in coordination with the
Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration, remote sensing, global
positioning systems, and other advanced technologies to carry
out this subsection, and the subsequent use of the
technologies.''.
(d) Forestry and Rangeland Competitive Research Grants.--Section 5
of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978
(16 U.S.C. 1644) is amended--
(1) by striking the section heading and ``Sec. 5.'' and
inserting the following:
``SEC. 5. FORESTRY AND RANGELAND COMPETITIVE RESEARCH GRANTS.
``(a) Competitive Grant Authority.--''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Emphasis on Certain High Priority Forestry Research.--The
Secretary may use up to 5 percent of the amounts made available for
research under section 3 to make competitive grants regarding forestry
research in the high priority research areas identified under section
3(d).
``(c) Emphasis on Certain High Priority Rangeland Research.--The
Secretary may use up to 5 percent of the amounts made available for
research under section 3 to make competitive grants regarding rangeland
research in the high priority research areas identified under section
3(d).
``(d) Priorities.--In making grants under subsections (b) and (c),
the Secretary shall give priority to research proposals under which--
``(1) the proposed research will be collaborative research
organized through a center of scientific excellence;
``(2) the applicant agrees to provide matching funds (in the
form of direct funding or in-kind support) in an amount equal to
not less than 50 percent of the grant amount; and
``(3) the proposed research will be conducted as part of an
existing private and public partnership or cooperative research
effort and involves several interested research partners.''.
EDUCATION AUTHORITIES

45d5330d1e43b2bd99e95b261865c79d00c00fb0c94b39f31987427c37d393c9

(a) National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
Act of 1977.--The National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 is amended--
(1) in subsection (l) of section 1417 (7 U.S.C. 3152) (as
redesignated by section 223(1)), by striking ``1997'' and inserting
``2002'';
(2) in section 1419(d) (7 U.S.C. 3154(d)), by striking ``1997''
and inserting ``2002'';
(3) in section 1419A(d) (7 U.S.C. 3155(d)), by striking
``fiscal years 1996 and 1997'' and inserting ``each of fiscal years
1996 through 2002'';
(4) in section 1424(d) (7 U.S.C. 3174(d)), by striking ``fiscal
years 1996 and 1997'' and inserting ``each of fiscal years 1996
through 2002'';
(5) in section 1424A(d) (7 U.S.C. 3174a(d)), by striking
``fiscal year 1997'' and inserting ``each of fiscal years 1997
through 2002'';
(6) in section 1425(c)(3) (7 U.S.C. 3175(c)(3)), by striking
``and 1997'' and inserting ``through 2002'';
(7) in the first sentence of section 1433(a) (7 U.S.C.
3195(a)), by striking ``1997'' and inserting ``2002'';
(8) in section 1434(a) (7 U.S.C. 3196(a)), by striking ``1997''
and inserting ``2002'';
(9) in section 1447(b) (7 U.S.C. 3222b(b)), by striking ``and
1997'' and inserting ``through 2002'';
(10) in section 1448 (7 U.S.C. 3222c)--
(A) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``and 1997'' and
inserting ``through 2002''; and
(B) in subsection (f), by striking ``1997'' and inserting
``2002'';
(11) in section 1455(c) (7 U.S.C. 3241(c)), by striking
``fiscal year 1997'' and inserting ``each of fiscal years 1997
through 2002'';
(12) in section 1463 (7 U.S.C. 3311), by striking ``1997'' each
place it appears in subsections (a) and (b) and inserting ``2002'';
(13) in section 1464 (7 U.S.C. 3312), by striking ``1997'' and
inserting ``2002'';
(14) in section 1473D(a) (7 U.S.C. 3319d(a)), by striking
``1997'' and inserting ``2002'';
(15) in the first sentence of section 1477 (7 U.S.C. 3324), by
striking ``1997'' and inserting ``2002''; and
(16) in section 1483(a) (7 U.S.C. 3336(a)), by striking
``1997'' and inserting ``2002''.
(b) Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990.--The
Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 is amended--
(1) in section 1635(b) (7 U.S.C. 5844(b)), by striking ``1997''
and inserting ``2002'';
(2) in section 1673(h) (7 U.S.C. 5926(h)), by striking ``1997''
and inserting ``2002'';
(3) in section 2381(e) (7 U.S.C. 3125b(e)), by striking
``1997'' and inserting ``2002''.
(c) Critical Agricultural Materials Act.--Section 16(a) of the
Critical Agricultural Materials Act (7 U.S.C. 178n(a)) is amended by
striking ``1997'' and inserting ``2002''.
(d) Research Facilities Act.--Section 6(a) of the Research
Facilities Act (7 U.S.C. 390d(a)) is amended by striking ``fiscal years
1996 and 1997'' and inserting ``each of fiscal years 1996 through
2002''.
(e) National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
Act Amendments of 1985.--Section 1431 of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act Amendments of 1985 (Public
Law 99-198; 99 Stat. 1556) is amended by striking ``1997'' and
inserting ``2002''.
(f) Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act.--
Subsection (b)(10) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research
Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(10)) is amended by striking ``1997'' and
inserting ``2002''.
(g) Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994.--Sections
533(b) and 535 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of
1994 (Public Law 103-382; 7 U.S.C. 301 note) are amended by striking
``2000'' each place it appears and inserting ``2002''.
(h) Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978.--Section 6 of the
Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1675) is amended
in the first sentence by striking ``the fiscal year ending September
30, 1988,'' and all that follows through the period at the end and
inserting ``each of fiscal years 1987 through 2002.''.
(i) National Aquaculture Act of 1980.--Section 10 of the National
Aquaculture Act of 1980 (16 U.S.C. 2809) is amended by striking ``the
fiscal years 1991, 1992, and 1993'' each place it appears and inserting
``fiscal years 1991 through 2002''.

568192c4ba57ce8c838a9c920271263980cdc00954d4740ce5e2be938ea8a451

(a) National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
Act of 1977.--Section 1476 of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3323) is repealed.
(b) National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
Act Amendments of 1981.--Subsection (b) of section 1432 of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act Amendments of
1981 (Public Law 97-98; 7 U.S.C. 3222 note) is repealed.
(c) Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990.--
Subtitle G of title XIV and sections 1670 and 1675 of the Food,
Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5501 et
seq., 5923, 5928) are repealed.
(d) Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996.--
Subtitle E of title VIII of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and
Reform Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-127; 110 Stat. 1184) is repealed.
INITIATIVES

ad743aee44c2ba59b96cfae8a92f892732aa69a1512b77a6179dcd816fe0a0c4

(a) Treasury Account.--There is established in the Treasury of the
United States an account to be known as the Initiative for Future
Agriculture and Food Systems (referred to in this section as the
``Account'') to provide funds for activities authorized under this
section.
(b) Funding.--
(1) In general.--On October 1, 1998, and each October 1
thereafter through October 1, 2002, out of any funds in the
Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the Treasury
shall transfer $120,000,000 to the Account.
(2) Entitlement.--The Secretary of Agriculture--
(A) shall be entitled to receive the funds transferred to
the Account under paragraph (1);
(B) shall accept the funds; and
(C) shall use the funds to carry out this section.
(c) Purposes.--
(1) Critical emerging issues.--The Secretary shall use the
funds in the Account--
(A) subject to paragraph (2), for research, extension, and
education grants (referred to in this section as ``grants'') to
address critical emerging agricultural issues related to--
(i) future food production;
(ii) environmental quality and natural resource
management; or
(iii) farm income; and
(B) for activities carried out under the Alternative
Agricultural Research and Commercialization Act of 1990 (7
U.S.C. 5901 et seq.).
(2) Priority mission areas.--In making grants under this
section, the Secretary, in consultation with the Advisory Board,
shall address priority mission areas related to--
(A) agricultural genome;
(B) food safety, food technology, and human nutrition;
(C) new and alternative uses and production of agricultural
commodities and products;
(D) agricultural biotechnology;
(E) natural resource management, including precision
agriculture; and
(F) farm efficiency and profitability, including the
viability and competitiveness of small- and medium-sized dairy,
livestock, crop, and other commodity operations.
(d) Eligible Grantees.--The Secretary may make a grant under this
section to--
(1) a Federal research agency;
(2) a national laboratory;
(3) a college or university or a research foundation maintained
by a college or university; or
(4) a private research organization with an established and
demonstrated capacity to perform research or technology transfer.
(e) Special Considerations.--
(1) Smaller institutions.--The Secretary may award grants under
this section in a manner that ensures that the faculty of small and
mid-sized institutions that have not previously been successful in
obtaining competitive grants under subsection (b) of the
Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C.
450i(b)) receive a portion of the grants under this section.
(2) Priorities.--In making grants under this section, the
Secretary shall provide a higher priority to--
(A) a project that is multistate, multi-institutional, or
multidisciplinary; or
(B) a project that integrates agricultural research,
extension, and education.
(f) Administration.--
(1) In general.--In making grants under this section, the
Secretary shall--
(A) seek and accept proposals for grants;
(B) determine the relevance and merit of proposals through
a system of peer review in accordance with section 103;
(C) award grants on the basis of merit, quality, and
relevance to advancing the purposes and priority mission areas
established under subsection (c); and
(D) solicit and consider input from persons who conduct or
use agricultural research, extension, or education in
accordance with section 102(b).
(2) Competitive basis.--A grant under this section shall be
awarded on a competitive basis.
(3) Term.--A grant under this section shall have a term that
does not exceed 5 years.
(4) Matching funds.--As a condition of making a grant under
this section, the Secretary shall require the funding of the grant
be matched with equal matching funds from a non-Federal source if
the grant is--
(A) for applied research that is commodity-specific; and
(B) not of national scope.
(5) Delegation.--The Secretary shall administer this section
through the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension
Service of the Department. The Secretary may establish 1 or more
institutes to carry out all or part of the activities authorized
under this section.
(6) Availability of funds.--Funds for grants under this section
shall be available to the Secretary for obligation for a 2-year
period.
(7) Administrative costs.--The Secretary may use not more than
4 percent of the funds made available for grants under this section
for administrative costs incurred by the Secretary in carrying out
this section.
(8) Buildings and facilities.--Funds made available for grants
under this section shall not be used for the construction of a new
building or facility or the acquisition, expansion, remodeling, or
alteration of an existing building or facility (including site
grading and improvement and architect fees).

2c2140d1ea1de474e3c107f759c2f537aa13daecf25966b53fb91ddf44c6b466

RESEARCH.
(a) Definition of Eligible Partnership.--In this section, the term
``eligible partnership'' means a partnership consisting of a land-grant
college or university and other entities specified in subsection (c)(1)
that satisfies the eligibility criteria specified in subsection (c).
(b) Establishment of Partnerships by Grant.--The Secretary of
Agriculture may make competitive grants to an eligible partnership to
coordinate and manage research and extension activities to enhance the
quality of high-value agricultural products.
(c) Criteria for an Eligible Partnership.--
(1) Primary institutions in partnership.--The primary
institution involved in an eligible partnership shall be a land-
grant college or university, acting in partnership with other
colleges or universities, nonprofit research and development
entities, and Federal laboratories.
(2) Prioritization of research activities.--An eligible
partnership shall prioritize research and extension activities in
order to--
(A) enhance the competitiveness of United States
agricultural products;
(B) increase exports of such products; and
(C) substitute such products for imported products.
(3) Coordination.--An eligible partnership shall coordinate
among the entities comprising the partnership the activities
supported by the eligible partnership, including the provision of
mechanisms for sharing resources between institutions and
laboratories and the coordination of public and private sector
partners to maximize cost-effectiveness.
(d) Types of Research and Extension Activities.--Research or
extension supported by an eligible partnership may address the full
spectrum of production, processing, packaging, transportation, and
marketing issues related to a high-value agricultural product. Such
issues include--
(1) environmentally responsible--
(A) pest management alternatives and biotechnology;
(B) sustainable farming methods; and
(C) soil conservation and enhanced resource management;
(2) genetic research to develop improved agricultural-based
products;
(3) refinement of field production practices and technology to
improve quality, yield, and production efficiencies;
(4) processing and package technology to improve product
quality, stability, or flavor intensity;
(5) marketing research regarding consumer perceptions and
preferences;
(6) economic research, including industry characteristics,
growth, and competitive analysis; and
(7) research to facilitate diversified, value-added enterprises
in rural areas.
(e) Elements of Grant Making Process.--
(1) Period of grant.--The Secretary may award a grant under
this section for a period not to exceed 5 years.
(2) Preferences.--In making grants under this section, the
Secretary shall provide a preference to proposals that--
(A) demonstrate linkages with--
(i) agencies of the Department;
(ii) other related Federal research laboratories and
agencies;
(iii) colleges and universities; and
(iv) private industry; and
(B) guarantee matching funds in excess of the amounts
required by paragraph (3).
(3) Matching funds.--An eligible partnership shall contribute
an amount of non-Federal funds for the operation of the partnership
that is at least equal to the amount of grant funds received by the
partnership under this section.
(f) Limitation on Use of Grant Funds.--Funds provided under this
section may not be used for the planning, repair, rehabilitation,
acquisition, or construction of a building or facility.
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section for
each of fiscal years 1999 through 2002.

01cd60c7f1517756e30465e2df9a64bc7d0db805c981f7ba4ee315f14f3178f7

(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Agricultural inputs.--The term ``agricultural inputs''
includes all farm management, agronomic, and field-applied
agricultural production inputs, such as machinery, labor, time,
fuel, irrigation water, commercial nutrients, feed stuffs,
veterinary drugs and vaccines, livestock waste, crop protection
chemicals, agronomic data and information, application and
management services, seed, and other inputs used in agricultural
production.
(2) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
(A) a State agricultural experiment station;
(B) a college or university;
(C) a research institution or organization;
(D) a Federal or State government entity or agency;
(E) a national laboratory;
(F) a private organization or corporation;
(G) an agricultural producer or other land manager; or
(H) a precision agriculture partnership referred to in
subsection (g).
(3) Precision agriculture.--The term ``precision agriculture''
means an integrated information- and production-based farming
system that is designed to increase long-term, site-specific, and
whole farm production efficiencies, productivity, and profitability
while minimizing unintended impacts on wildlife and the environment
by--
(A) combining agricultural sciences, agricultural inputs
and practices, agronomic production databases, and precision
agriculture technologies to efficiently manage agronomic and
livestock production systems;
(B) gathering on-farm information pertaining to the
variation and interaction of site-specific spatial and temporal
factors affecting crop and livestock production;
(C) integrating such information with appropriate data
derived from field scouting, remote sensing, and other
precision agriculture technologies in a timely manner in order
to facilitate on-farm decisionmaking; or
(D) using such information to prescribe and deliver site-
specific application of agricultural inputs and management
practices in agricultural production systems.
(4) Precision agriculture technologies.--The term ``precision
agriculture technologies'' includes--
(A) instrumentation and techniques ranging from
sophisticated sensors and software systems to manual sampling
and data collection tools that measure, record, and manage
spatial and temporal data;
(B) technologies for searching out and assembling
information necessary for sound agricultural production
decisionmaking;
(C) open systems technologies for data networking and
processing that produce valued systems for farm management
decisionmaking; or
(D) machines that deliver information-based management
practices.
(5) Systems research.--The term ``systems research'' means an
integrated, coordinated, and iterative investigative process that
involves--
(A) the multiple interacting components and aspects of
precision agriculture systems, including synthesis of new
knowledge regarding the physical-chemical-biological processes
and complex interactions of the systems with cropping,
livestock production practices, and natural resource systems;
(B) precision agriculture technologies development and
implementation;
(C) data and information collection and interpretation;
(D) production-scale planning;
(E) production-scale implementation; and
(F) farm production efficiencies, productivity, and
profitability.
(b) Grants Authorized.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Agriculture may make
competitive grants, for periods not to exceed 5 years, to eligible
entities to conduct research, education, or information
dissemination projects for the development and advancement of
precision agriculture.
(2) Private sector financing.--A grant under this section shall
be used to support only a project that the Secretary determines is
unlikely to be financed by the private sector.
(3) Consultation with advisory board.--The Secretary shall make
grants under this section in consultation with the Advisory Board.
(c) Purposes of Projects.--A research, education, or information
dissemination project supported by a grant under this section shall
address 1 or more of the following purposes:
(1) The study and promotion of components of precision
agriculture technologies using a systems research approach designed
to increase long-term site-specific and whole-farm production
efficiencies, productivity, and profitability.
(2) The improvement in the understanding of agronomic systems,
including, soil, water, land cover (including grazing land), pest
management systems, and meteorological variability.
(3) The provision of training and educational programs for
State cooperative extension services agents, and other
professionals involved in the production and transfer of integrated
precision agriculture technology.
(4) The development, demonstration, and dissemination of
information regarding precision agriculture technologies and
systems and the potential costs and benefits of precision
agriculture as it relates to--
(A) increased long-term farm production efficiencies,
productivity, and profitability;
(B) the maintenance of the environment;
(C) improvements in international trade; and
(D) an integrated program of education for agricultural
producers and consumers, including family owned and operated
farms.
(5) The promotion of systems research and education projects
focusing on the integration of the multiple aspects of precision
agriculture, including development, production-scale
implementation, and farm production efficiencies, productivity, and
profitability.
(6) The study of whether precision agriculture technologies are
applicable and accessible to small and medium-size farms and the
study of methods of improving the applicability of precision
agriculture technologies to those farms.
(d) Grant Priorities.--In making grants to eligible entities under
this section, the Secretary, in consultation with the Advisory Board,
shall give priority to research, education, or information
dissemination projects designed to accomplish the following:
(1) Evaluate the use of precision agriculture technologies
using a systems research approach to increase long-term site-
specific and whole-farm production efficiencies, productivity, and
profitability.
(2) Integrate research, education, and information
dissemination components in a practical and readily available
manner so that the findings of the project will be made readily
usable by agricultural producers.
(3) Demonstrate the efficient use of agricultural inputs,
rather than the uniform reduction in the use of agricultural
inputs.
(4) Maximize the involvement and cooperation of precision
agriculture producers, certified crop advisers, State cooperative
extension services agents, agricultural input machinery, product
and service providers, nonprofit organizations, agribusinesses,
veterinarians, land-grant colleges and universities, and Federal
agencies in precision agriculture systems research projects
involving on-farm research, education, and dissemination of
precision agriculture information.
(5) Maximize collaboration with multiple agencies and other
partners, including through leveraging of funds and resources.
(e) Matching Funds.--The amount of a grant under this section to an
eligible entity (other than a Federal agency) may not exceed the amount
that the eligible entity makes available out of non-Federal funds for
precision agriculture research and for the establishment and
maintenance of facilities necessary for conducting precision
agriculture research.
(f) Reservation of Funds for Education and Information
Dissemination Projects.--Of the funds made available for grants under
this section, the Secretary shall reserve a portion of the funds for
grants for projects regarding precision agriculture related to
education or information dissemination.
(g) Precision Agriculture Partnerships.--In carrying out this
section, the Secretary, in consultation with the Advisory Board, shall
encourage the establishment of appropriate multistate and national
partnerships or consortia between--
(1) land-grant colleges and universities, State agricultural
experiment stations, State cooperative extension services, other
colleges and universities with demonstrable expertise regarding
precision agriculture, agencies of the Department, national
laboratories, agribusinesses, agricultural equipment and input
manufacturers and retailers, certified crop advisers, commodity
organizations, veterinarians, other Federal or State government
entities and agencies, or nonagricultural industries and nonprofit
organizations with demonstrable expertise regarding precision
agriculture; and
(2) agricultural producers or other land managers.
(h) Limitation Regarding Facilities.--A grant made under this
section may not be used for the planning, repair, rehabilitation,
acquisition, or construction of a building or facility.
(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated such
sums as are necessary to carry out this section for each of fiscal
years 1999 through 2002, of which, for each fiscal year--
(A) not less than 30 percent shall be available to make
grants for research to be conducted by multidisciplinary teams;
and
(B) not less than 40 percent shall be available to make
grants for research to be conducted by eligible entities
conducting systems research directly applicable to producers
and agricultural production systems.
(2) Availability of funds.--Funds made available under
paragraph (1) shall be available for obligation for a 2-year period
beginning on October 1 of the fiscal year for which the funds are
made available.

10d6d7b497206522c7b12c09eb3c5893c0dbe316f36ffe8f0c940d3ab284e4c2

(a) Definition of Biobased Product.--In this section, the term
``biobased product'' means a product suitable for food or nonfood use
that is derived in whole or in part from renewable agricultural and
forestry materials.
(b) Coordination of Biobased Product Activities.--The Secretary of
Agriculture shall--
(1) coordinate the research, technical expertise, economic
information, and market information resources and activities of the
Department to develop, commercialize, and promote the use of
biobased products;
(2) solicit input from private sector persons who produce, or
are interested in producing, biobased products;
(3) provide a centralized contact point for advice and
technical assistance for promising and innovative biobased
products; and
(4) submit an annual report to Congress describing the
coordinated research, marketing, and commercialization activities
of the Department relating to biobased products.
(c) Cooperative Agreements for Biobased Products.--
(1) Agreements authorized.--The Secretary may enter into
cooperative agreements with private entities described in
subsection (d), under which the facilities and technical expertise
of the Agricultural Research Service may be made available to
operate pilot plants and other large-scale preparation facilities
for the purpose of bringing technologies necessary for the
development and commercialization of new biobased products to the
point of practical application.
(2) Description of cooperative activities.--Cooperative
activities may include--
(A) research on potential environmental impacts of a
biobased product;
(B) methods to reduce the cost of manufacturing a biobased
product; and
(C) other appropriate research.
(d) Eligible Partners.--The following entities shall be eligible to
enter into a cooperative agreement under subsection (c):
(1) A party that has entered into a cooperative research and
development agreement with the Secretary under section 12 of the
Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C.
3710a).
(2) A recipient of funding from the Alternative Agricultural
Research and Commercialization Corporation established under
section 1658 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5902).
(3) A recipient of funding from the Biotechnology Research and
Development Corporation.
(4) A recipient of funding from the Secretary under a Small
Business Innovation Research Program established under section 9 of
the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638).
(e) Pilot Project.--The Secretary, acting through the Agricultural
Research Service, may establish and carry out a pilot project under
which grants are provided, on a competitive basis, to scientists of the
Agricultural Research Service to--
(1) encourage innovative and collaborative science; and
(2) during each of fiscal years 1999 through 2001, develop
biobased products with promising commercial potential.
(f) Source of Funds.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), to carry
out this section, the Secretary may use--
(A) funds appropriated to carry out this section; and
(B) funds otherwise available for cooperative research and
development agreements under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology
Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3701 et seq.).
(2) Exception.--The Secretary may not use funds referred to in
paragraph (1)(B) to carry out subsection (e).
(g) Sale of Developed Products.-- For the purpose of determining
the market potential for new biobased products produced at a pilot
plant or other large-scale preparation facility under a cooperative
agreement under this section, the Secretary shall authorize the private
partner or partners to the agreement to sell the products.
(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section for
each of fiscal years 1999 through 2002.

fe59379a450a354de20fdddcf50466ac524c3d556533f0af11465f42887dfccc

(a) Initiative Required.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall
provide for a research initiative (to be known as the ``Thomas
Jefferson Initiative for Crop Diversification'') for the purpose of
conducting research and development, in cooperation with other public
and private entities, on the production and marketing of new and
nontraditional crops needed to strengthen and diversify the
agricultural production base of the United States.
(b) Research and Education Efforts.--The initiative shall include
research and education efforts regarding new and nontraditional crops
designed--
(1) to identify and overcome agronomic barriers to profitable
production;
(2) to identify and overcome other production and marketing
barriers; and
(3) to develop processing and utilization technologies for new
and nontraditional crops.
(c) Purposes.--The purposes of the initiative are--
(1) to develop a focused program of research and development at
the regional and national levels to overcome barriers to the
development of--
(A) new crop opportunities for agricultural producers; and
(B) related value-added enterprises in rural communities;
and
(2) to ensure a broad-based effort encompassing research,
education, market development, and support of entrepreneurial
activity leading to increased agricultural diversification.
(d) Establishment of Initiative.--The Secretary shall coordinate
the initiative through a nonprofit center or institute that will
coordinate research and education programs in cooperation with other
public and private entities. The Secretary shall administer research
and education grants made under this section.
(e) Regional Emphasis.--
(1) Required.--The Secretary shall support development of
multistate regional efforts in crop diversification.
(2) Site-specific crop development efforts.--Of funding made
available to carry out the initiative, not less than 50 percent
shall be used for regional efforts centered at colleges and
universities in order to facilitate site-specific crop development
efforts.
(f) Eligible Grantee.--The Secretary may award funds under this
section to colleges or universities, nonprofit organizations, public
agencies, or individuals.
(g) Administration.--
(1) Grants and contracts.--Grants awarded through the
initiative shall be selected on a competitive basis.
(2) Private businesses.--The recipient of a grant may use a
portion of the grant funds for standard contracts with private
businesses, such as for test processing of a new or nontraditional
crop.
(3) Terms.--The term of a grant awarded through the initiative
may not exceed 5 years.
(4) Matching funds.--The Secretary shall require the recipient
of a grant awarded through the initiative to contribute an amount
of funds from non-Federal sources that is at least equal to the
amount provided by the Federal Government.
(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section for
each of fiscal years 1999 through 2002.

a2c3de4aa7ab798c76af10398511337fdc6904f20745391e1078f8ddc302e76d

GRANTS PROGRAM.
(a) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this section to authorize the
Secretary of Agriculture to establish an integrated research,
education, and extension competitive grant program to provide funding
for integrated, multifunctional agricultural research, extension, and
education activities.
(b) Competitive Grants Authorized.--Subject to the availability of
appropriations to carry out this section, the Secretary may award
grants to colleges and universities (as defined in section 1404 of the
National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)) on a competitive basis for integrated
agricultural research, education, and extension projects in accordance
with this section.
(c) Criteria for Grants.--Grants under this section shall be
awarded to address priorities in United States agriculture, determined
by the Secretary in consultation with the Advisory Board, that involve
integrated research, extension, and education activities.
(d) Matching of Funds.--
(1) General requirement.--If a grant under this section
provides a particular benefit to a specific agricultural commodity,
the Secretary shall require the recipient of the grant to provide
funds or in-kind support to match the amount of funds provided by
the Secretary in the grant.
(2) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the matching funds
requirement specified in paragraph (1) with respect to a grant if
the Secretary determines that--
(A) the results of the project, while of particular benefit
to a specific agricultural commodity, are likely to be
applicable to agricultural commodities generally; or
(B) the project involves a minor commodity, the project
deals with scientifically important research, and the grant
recipient is unable to satisfy the matching funds requirement.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section for
each of fiscal years 1999 through 2002.

5c0b8ea4a77c6e9f6c33c8378af3d40b2eaf646ad775b0b325c74abcae1998d6

TO IMPROVE VIABILITY OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZE DAIRY, LIVESTOCK,
AND POULTRY OPERATIONS.
(a) Program Authorized.--The Secretary of Agriculture may carry out
a coordinated program of research, extension, and education to improve
the competitiveness, viability, and sustainability of small and medium
size dairy, livestock, and poultry operations (referred to in this
section as ``operations'').
(b) Components.--To the extent the Secretary elects to carry out
the program, the Secretary shall conduct--
(1) research, development, and on-farm extension and education
concerning low-cost production facilities and practices, management
systems, and genetics that are appropriate for the operations;
(2) in the case of dairy and livestock operations, research and
extension on management-intensive grazing systems for dairy and
livestock production to realize the potential for reduced capital
and feed costs through greater use of management skills, labor
availability optimization, and the natural benefits of grazing
pastures;
(3) research and extension on integrated crop and livestock or
poultry systems that increase efficiencies, reduce costs, and
prevent environmental pollution to strengthen the competitive
position of the operations;
(4) economic analyses and market feasibility studies to
identify new and expanded opportunities for producers on the
operations that provide tools and strategies to meet consumer
demand in domestic and international markets, such as cooperative
marketing and value-added strategies for milk, meat, and poultry
production and processing; and
(5) technology assessment that compares the technological
resources of large specialized producers with the technological
needs of producers on the operations to identify and transfer
existing technology across all sizes and scales and to identify the
specific research and education needs of the producers.
(c) Administration.--The Secretary may use the funds, facilities,
and technical expertise of the Agricultural Research Service and the
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service and other
funds available to the Secretary (other than funds of the Commodity
Credit Corporation) to carry out this section.

67c934b27fe753843862e9caa525205f903b6655fefea3db88e96a7efeaefad3

BARLEY CAUSED BY FUSARIUM GRAMINEARUM.
(a) Research Grant Authorized.--The Secretary of Agriculture may
make a grant to a consortium of land-grant colleges and universities to
enhance the ability of the consortium to carry out a multi-State
research project aimed at understanding and combating diseases of wheat
and barley caused by Fusarium graminearum and related fungi (referred
to in this section as ``wheat scab'').
(b) Research Components.--Funds provided under this section shall
be available for the following collaborative, multi-State research
activities:
(1) Identification and understanding of the epidemiology of
wheat scab and the toxicological properties of vomitoxin, a toxic
metabolite commonly occurring in wheat and barley infected with
wheat scab.
(2) Development of crop management strategies to reduce the
risk of wheat scab occurrence.
(3) Development of--
(A) efficient and accurate methods to monitor wheat and
barley for the presence of wheat scab and resulting vomitoxin
contamination;
(B) post-harvest management techniques for wheat and barley
infected with wheat scab; and
(C) milling and food processing techniques to render
contaminated grain safe.
(4) Strengthening and expansion of plant-breeding activities to
enhance the resistance of wheat and barley to wheat scab, including
the establishment of a regional advanced breeding material
evaluation nursery and a germplasm introduction and evaluation
system.
(5) Development and deployment of alternative fungicide
application systems and formulations to control wheat scab and
consideration of other chemical control strategies to assist
farmers until new more resistant wheat and barley varieties are
available.
(c) Communications Networks.--Funds provided under this section
shall be available for efforts to concentrate, integrate, and
disseminate research, extension, and outreach-orientated information
regarding wheat scab.
(d) Management.--To oversee the use of a grant made under this
section, the Secretary may establish a committee composed of the
directors of the agricultural experiment stations in the States in
which land-grant colleges and universities that are members of the
consortium are located.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $5,200,000 for each of fiscal
years 1999 through 2002.
Subtitle A--Food Stamp Program

b8a733aeca2bf44e733722a19e1b57b17a602d74adb6bb2779b87b70cfdd3b55

PROGRAMS.
Section 16(h)(1)(A) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
2025(h)(1)(A)) is amended--
(1) in clause (iv)(II), by striking ``$131,000,000'' and
inserting ``$31,000,000''; and
(2) in clause (v)(II), by striking ``$131,000,000'' and
inserting ``$86,000,000''.

8c1eb247350a816ee9411357d5ecdbd237473f454e01a15a81b23da243e1e83d

(a) In General.--Section 16 of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
2025) is amended--
(1) in the first sentence of subsection (a), by striking ``The
Secretary'' and inserting ``Subject to subsection (k), the
Secretary''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(k) Reductions in Payments for Administrative Costs.--
``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) AFDC program.--The term `AFDC program' means the
program of aid to families with dependent children established
under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
601 et seq. (as in effect, with respect to a State, during the
base period for that State)).
``(B) Base period.--The term `base period' means the period
used to determine the amount of the State family assistance
grant for a State under section 403 of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 603).
``(C) Medicaid program.--The term `medicaid program' means
the program of medical assistance under a State plan or under a
waiver of the plan under title XIX of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.).
``(2) Determinations of amounts attributable to benefiting
programs.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of
this subsection, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in
consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture and the States,
shall, with respect to the base period for each State, determine--
``(A) the annualized amount the State received under
section 403(a)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
603(a)(3) (as in effect during the base period)) for
administrative costs common to determining the eligibility of
individuals, families, and households eligible or applying for
the AFDC program and the food stamp program, the AFDC program
and the medicaid program, and the AFDC program, the food stamp
program, and the medicaid program that were allocated to the
AFDC program; and
``(B) the annualized amount the State would have received
under section 403(a)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
603(a)(3) (as so in effect)), section 1903(a)(7) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396b(a)(7) (as so in effect)), and
subsection (a) of this section (as so in effect), for
administrative costs common to determining the eligibility of
individuals, families, and households eligible or applying for
the AFDC program and the food stamp program, the AFDC program
and the medicaid program, and the AFDC program, the food stamp
program, and the medicaid program, if those costs had been
allocated equally among such programs for which the individual,
family, or household was eligible or applied for.
``(3) Reduction in payment.--
``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
this section, effective for each of fiscal years 1999 through
2002, the Secretary shall reduce, for each fiscal year, the
amount paid under subsection (a) to each State by an amount
equal to the amount determined for the food stamp program under
paragraph (2)(B). The Secretary shall, to the extent
practicable, make the reductions required by this paragraph on
a quarterly basis.
``(B) Application.--If the Secretary of Health and Human
Services does not make the determinations required by paragraph
(2) by September 30, 1999--
``(i) during the fiscal year in which the
determinations are made, the Secretary shall reduce the
amount paid under subsection (a) to each State by an amount
equal to the sum of the amounts determined for the food
stamp program under paragraph (2)(B) for fiscal year 1999
through the fiscal year during which the determinations are
made; and
``(ii) for each subsequent fiscal year through fiscal
year 2002, subparagraph (A) applies.
``(4) Appeal of determinations.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 5 days after the date on
which the Secretary of Health and Human Services makes any
determination required by paragraph (2) with respect to a
State, the Secretary shall notify the chief executive officer
of the State of the determination.
``(B) Review by administrative law judge.--
``(i) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the
date on which a State receives notice under subparagraph
(A) of a determination, the State may appeal the
determination, in whole or in part, to an administrative
law judge of the Department of Health and Human Services by
filing an appeal with the administrative law judge.
``(ii) Documentation.--The administrative law judge
shall consider an appeal filed by a State under clause (i)
on the basis of such documentation as the State may submit
and as the administrative law judge may require to support
the final decision of the administrative law judge.
``(iii) Review.--In deciding whether to uphold a
determination, in whole or in part, the administrative law
judge shall conduct a thorough review of the issues and
take into account all relevant evidence.
``(iv) Deadline.--Not later than 60 days after the date
on which the record is closed, the administrative law judge
shall--
``(I) make a final decision with respect to an
appeal filed under clause (i); and
``(II) notify the chief executive officer of the
State of the decision.
``(C) Review by departmental appeals board.--
``(i) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the
date on which a State receives notice under subparagraph
(B) of a final decision, the State may appeal the decision,
in whole or in part, to the Departmental Appeals Board
established in the Department of Health and Human Services
(referred to in this paragraph as the `Board') by filing an
appeal with the Board.
``(ii) Review.--The Board shall review the decision on
the record.
``(iii) Deadline.--Not later than 60 days after the
date on which the appeal is filed, the Board shall--
``(I) make a final decision with respect to an
appeal filed under clause (i); and
``(II) notify the chief executive officer of the
State of the decision.
``(D) Judicial review.--The determinations of the Secretary
of Health and Human Services under paragraph (2), and a final
decision of the administrative law judge or Board under
subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively, shall not be subject
to judicial review.
``(E) Reduced payments pending appeal.--The pendency of an
appeal under this paragraph shall not affect the requirement
that the Secretary reduce payments in accordance with paragraph
(3).
``(5) Allocation of administrative costs.--
``(A) In general.--No funds or expenditures described in
subparagraph (B) may be used to pay for costs--
``(i) eligible for reimbursement under subsection (a)
(or costs that would have been eligible for reimbursement
but for this subsection); and
``(ii) allocated for reimbursement to the food stamp
program under a plan submitted by a State to the Secretary
of Health and Human Services to allocate administrative
costs for public assistance programs.
``(B) Funds and expenditures.--Subparagraph (A) applies
to--
``(i) funds made available to carry out part A of title
IV, or title XX, of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601
et seq., 1397 et seq.);
``(ii) expenditures made as qualified State
expenditures (as defined in section 409(a)(7)(B) of that
Act (42 U.S.C. 609(a)(7)(B)));
``(iii) any other Federal funds (except funds provided
under subsection (a)); and
``(iv) any other State funds that are--
``(I) expended as a condition of receiving Federal
funds; or
``(II) used to match Federal funds under a Federal
program other than the food stamp program.''.
(b) Review of Methodology Used to Make Certain Determinations.--Not
later than 1 year after the date of enactment, the Comptroller General
of the United States shall--
(1) review the adequacy of the methodology used in making the
determinations required under section 16(k)(2)(B) of the Food Stamp
Act of 1977 (as added by subsection (a)(2)); and
(2) submit a written report on the results of the review to the
Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate.

7499aa7ebadafbdc1a134c092b73ef07c5f710e4a1b6cb7c69b17c7b68737a80

OTHER QUALIFIED ALIENS FROM 5 TO 7 YEARS.
Section 402(a)(2)(A) of the Personal Responsibility and Work
Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1612(a)(2)(A)) is
amended--
(1) by striking clause (ii);
(2) by striking ``asylees.--'' and all that follows through
``paragraph (3)(A)'' and inserting ``asylees.--With respect to the
specified Federal programs described in paragraph (3)''; and
(3) by redesignating subclauses (I) through (V) as clauses (i)
through (v) and indenting appropriately.

0e67225e94ab5a122d0153354c7a2dd0e57f6be01705ab1a3c1a5a38e23b1f56

Section 402(a)(2)(F) of the Personal Responsibility and Work
Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1612(a)(2)(F)) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``program defined in paragraph (3)(A) (relating
to the supplemental security income program)'' and inserting
``specified Federal programs described in paragraph (3)''; and
(2) in clause (ii)--
(A) by inserting ``(I) in the case of the specified Federal
program described in paragraph (3)(A),'' after ``(ii)'';
(B) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``;
and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(II) in the case of the specified Federal program
described in paragraph (3)(B), is receiving benefits or
assistance for blindness or disability (within the meaning
of section 3(r) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
2012(r))).''.

53c19f062c263b56771a09de70c8dfab7ddfc4cf61a0d7755e4e65407519685b

Section 402(a)(2)(G) of the Personal Responsibility and Work
Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1612(a)(2)(G)) is
amended--
(1) in the subparagraph heading, by striking ``SSI exception''
and inserting ``Exception''; and
(2) by striking ``program defined in paragraph (3)(A) (relating
to the supplemental security income program)'' and inserting
``specified Federal programs described in paragraph (3)''.

767669feea1a0c12e528caea822c125cefd8e41b7bb5c167ee0a9cd5adf07e67

Section 402(a)(2) of the Personal Responsibility and Work
Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1612(a)(2)) is amended
by adding at the end the following:
``(I) Food stamp exception for certain elderly
individuals.--With respect to eligibility for benefits for the
specified Federal program described in paragraph (3)(B),
paragraph (1) shall not apply to any individual who on August
22, 1996--
``(i) was lawfully residing in the United States; and
``(ii) was 65 years of age or older.''.

45f272758c8ae079f9e0cec46cebe49a9bf882c9d520422a7754f380d6519aae

Section 402(a)(2) of the Personal Responsibility and Work
Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1612(a)(2)) (as
amended by section 506) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(J) Food stamp exception for certain children.--With
respect to eligibility for benefits for the specified Federal
program described in paragraph (3)(B), paragraph (1) shall not
apply to any individual who--
``(i) was lawfully residing in the United States on
August 22, 1996; and
``(ii) is under 18 years of age.''.

3cff1f648db64bc8506eac68e744372cc09147a1a595b980f7118966959abd3d

LAOTIANS.
Section 402(a)(2) of the Personal Responsibility and Work
Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1612(a)(2)) (as
amended by section 507) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(K) Food stamp exception for certain hmong and highland
laotians.--With respect to eligibility for benefits for the
specified Federal program described in paragraph (3)(B),
paragraph (1) shall not apply to--
``(i) any individual who--
``(I) is lawfully residing in the United States;
and
``(II) was a member of a Hmong or Highland Laotian
tribe at the time that the tribe rendered assistance to
United States personnel by taking part in a military or
rescue operation during the Vietnam era (as defined in
section 101 of title 38, United States Code);
``(ii) the spouse, or an unmarried dependent child, of
such an individual; or
``(iii) the unremarried surviving spouse of such an
individual who is deceased.''.

b5f2f72da1187a216da48da54d6cf6663882db1958e414d9fdcb3a0443a8cccc

Section 403(d) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity
Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1613(d)) is amended--
(1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``SSI'' and all that
follows through ``Indians'' and inserting ``Benefits for Certain
Groups'';
(2) by striking ``not apply to an individual'' and inserting
``not apply to--
``(1) an individual'';
(3) by striking ``(a)(3)(A)'' and inserting ``(a)(3)''; and
(4) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; or'';
and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) an individual, spouse, or dependent described in section
402(a)(2)(K), but only with respect to the specified Federal
program described in section 402(a)(3)(B).''.

964912101f23a0f292a441d3ff6375f958660536b3d201b0d5b24e3ef5b7b170

(a) Reductions.--The amendments made by sections 501 and 502 take
effect on the date of enactment of this Act.
(b) Food Stamp Eligibility.--The amendments made by sections 503
through 509 take effect on November 1, 1998.
Subtitle B--Information Technology Funding

6f50fcf2deefb1e5fe35b553afd808b6dfb364238f907d4c4afc40cdf5bf3cb9

(a) In General.--Section 4(g) of the Commodity Credit Corporation
Charter Act (15 U.S.C. 714b(g)) is amended in the first sentence by
striking ``$275,000,000'' and inserting ``$193,000,000''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) takes
effect on October 1, 1997.
Subtitle C--Crop Insurance

2a430e97828435f77b4b345d63aa3af4f1230223a2ca7ef967bf0c4b8090df57

Section 516 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1516) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
``(1) Discretionary expenses.--There are authorized to be
appropriated for fiscal year 1999 and each subsequent fiscal year
such sums as are necessary to cover the salaries and expenses of
the Corporation.''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by inserting after ``are necessary to cover'' the
following: ``for each of the 1999 and subsequent
reinsurance years''; and
(ii) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the
following:
``(A) the administrative and operating expenses of the
Corporation for the sales commissions of agents; and''; and
(2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
``(b) Payment of Corporation Expenses From Insurance Fund.--
``(1) Expenses generally.--For each of the 1999 and subsequent
reinsurance years, the Corporation may pay from the insurance fund
established under subsection (c) all expenses of the Corporation
(other than expenses covered by subsection (a)(1) and expenses
covered by paragraph (2)(A)), including--
``(A) premium subsidies and indemnities;
``(B) administrative and operating expenses of the
Corporation necessary to pay the sales commissions of agents;
and
``(C) all administrative and operating expense
reimbursements due under a reinsurance agreement with an
approved insurance provider.
``(2) Research and development expenses.--
``(A) In general.--For each of the 1999 and subsequent
reinsurance years, the Corporation may pay from the insurance
fund established under subsection (c) research and development
expenses of the Corporation, but not to exceed $3,500,000 for
each fiscal year.
``(B) Dairy options pilot program.--Amounts necessary to
carry out the dairy options pilot program shall not be counted
toward the limitation on research and development expenses
specified in subparagraph (A).''.

73b0a8c7c141ea619d1cb1bd0d344494d34b0b88fe99c455d703d0b677ae134d

(a) Administrative Fee for Catastrophic Risk Protection.--Section
508(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(b)) is amended
by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following:
``(5) Administrative fee.--
``(A) Basic fee.--Each producer shall pay an administrative
fee for catastrophic risk protection in an amount equal to 10
percent of the premium for the catastrophic risk protection or
$50 per crop per county, whichever is greater, as determined by
the Corporation.
``(B) Additional fee.--In addition to the amount required
under subparagraph (A), the producer shall pay a $10 fee for
each amount determined under subparagraph (A).
``(C) Time for payment.--The amounts required under
subparagraphs (A) and (B) shall be paid by the producer on the
date that premium for a policy of additional coverage would be
paid by the producer.
``(D) Use of fees.--
``(i) In general.--The amounts paid under this
paragraph shall be deposited in the crop insurance fund
established under section 516(c), to be available for the
programs and activities of the Corporation.
``(ii) Limitation.--No funds deposited in the crop
insurance fund under this subparagraph may be used to
compensate an approved insurance provider or agent for the
delivery of services under this subsection.
``(E) Waiver of fee.--The Corporation shall waive the
amounts required under this paragraph for limited resource
farmers, as defined by the Corporation.''.
(b) Administrative Fee for Additional Coverage.--Section 508(c)(10)
of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(c)(10)) is amended--
(1) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following:
``(A) Fee required.--Except as otherwise provided in this
paragraph, if a producer elects to purchase additional coverage
for a crop at a level that is less than 65 percent of the
recorded or appraised average yield indemnified at 100 percent
of the expected market price, or an equivalent coverage, the
producer shall pay an administrative fee for the additional
coverage. The administrative fee for the producer shall be $50
per crop per county, but not to exceed $200 per producer per
county, up to a maximum of $600 per producer for all counties
in which a producer has insured crops. Subparagraphs (D) and
(E) of subsection (b)(5) shall apply with respect to the use of
administrative fees under this subparagraph.''; and
(2) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``$10'' and inserting
``$20''.
(c) Reimbursement for Administrative and Operating Costs.--Section
508(k) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(k)) is amended
by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
``(4) Rate.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B),
the rate established by the Board to reimburse approved
insurance providers and agents for the administrative and
operating costs of the providers and agents shall not exceed--
``(i) for the 1998 reinsurance year, 27 percent of the
premium used to define loss ratio; and
``(ii) for each of the 1999 and subsequent reinsurance
years, 24.5 percent of the premium used to define loss
ratio.
``(B) Proportional reductions.--A policy of additional
coverage that received a rate of reimbursement for
administrative and operating costs for the 1998 reinsurance
year that is lower than the rate specified in subparagraph
(A)(i) shall receive a reduction in the rate of reimbursement
that is proportional to the reduction in the rate of
reimbursement between clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph
(A).''.
(d) Loss Adjustment Expenses for Catastrophic Risk Protection.--
Section 508(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(b)) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(11) Loss adjustment.--The rate for reimbursing an approved
insurance provider or agent for expenses incurred by the approved
insurance provider or agent for loss adjustment in connection with
a policy of catastrophic risk protection shall not exceed 11
percent of the premium for catastrophic risk protection that is
used to define loss ratio.''.

dc92861d2d30d0c57968edcff16d1cae888dd94eb9811c2784a9a2ebfd6e0223

Section 506 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1506) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(s) Procedures for Responding to Certain Inquiries.--
``(1) Procedures required.--The Corporation shall establish
procedures under which the Corporation will provide a final agency
determination in response to an inquiry regarding the
interpretation by the Corporation of this title or any regulation
issued under this title.
``(2) Implementation.--Not later than 180 days after the date
of enactment of this subsection, the Corporation shall issue
regulations to implement this subsection. At a minimum, the
regulations shall establish--
``(A) the manner in which inquiries described in paragraph
(1) are required to be submitted to the Corporation; and
``(B) a reasonable maximum number of days within which the
Corporation will respond to all inquiries.
``(3) Effect of failure to timely respond.--If the Corporation
fails to respond to an inquiry in accordance with the procedures
established pursuant to this subsection, the person requesting the
interpretation of this title or regulation may assume the
interpretation is correct for the applicable reinsurance year.''.

00721f3057bf1d2c0ef3a5c2a2745676952b813d72dcd5db0f3a063084523186

Section 508(h) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(h))
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(10) Time limits for response to submission of new
policies.--
``(A) In general.--The Board shall establish a reasonable
time period within which the Board shall approve or disapprove
a proposal from a person regarding a new policy submitted in
accordance with this subsection.
``(B) Effect of failure to meet time limits.--Except as
provided in subparagraph (C), if the Board fails to provide a
response to a proposal described in subparagraph (A) in
accordance with subparagraph (A), the new policy shall be
deemed to be approved by the Board for purposes of this
subsection for the initial reinsurance year designated for the
new policy in the request.
``(C) Exceptions.--Subparagraph (B) shall not apply to a
proposal submitted under this subsection if the Board and the
person submitting the request agree to an extension of the time
period.''.

ae0658b93dddfee154f3a12d9e668353e2935de14ee99d3bd138f7dad37b425f

(a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall enter into a contract,
with 1 or more entities outside the Federal Government with expertise
in the establishment and delivery of crop and revenue insurance to
agricultural producers, under which the contractor shall conduct a
study of crop insurance issues specified in the contract, including--
(1) improvement of crop insurance service to agricultural
producers;
(2) options for transforming the role of the Federal Government
from a crop insurance provider to solely that of a crop insurance
regulator; and
(3) privatization of crop insurance coverage.
(b) Contractor.--Not later than 180 days after the date the
contract is entered into, the contractor shall complete the study and
submit a report on the study, including appropriate recommendations, to
the Secretary.
(c) Report.--Not later than 30 days after the date the Secretary
receives the report, the Secretary shall submit the report, and any
comments on the report, to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
Forestry of the Senate.

a1d2d27b86b3edeea5c305f03689f5b946f0c24a4dfe637ffc9ee4308d381647

Agricultural Research bill — S. 1150

Other Sections