SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Seeds for the Future Act''. SEC. 2. PUBLIC CULTIVAR DEVELOPMENT. Section 2 of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 3157) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following: ``(3) Definitions.--In this section: ``(A) Conventional breeding.--The term `conventional breeding' means the development of new varieties of an organism through controlled mating and selection without the use of transgenic methods. ``(B) Cultivar.--The term `cultivar' means a variety of a species of plant that has been intentionally selected for use in cultivation because of the improved characteristics of that variety of the species. ``(C) Public cultivar.--The term `public cultivar' means a cultivar that is the commercially available uniform end product of a publicly funded breeding program that has been sufficiently tested to demonstrate improved characteristics and stable performance.''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(l) Public Cultivar Development Funding.-- ``(1) In general.--Of the amount of grants made under subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in this subsection as the `Secretary') shall ensure that not less than $50,000,000 for each fiscal year is used for competitive research grants that support the development of public cultivars. ``(2) Priority.--In making grants under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give priority to high-potential research projects that lead to the release of public cultivars. ``(3) Grants.--The Secretary shall ensure that the terms and renewal process for any competitive grants made under subsection (b) in accordance with paragraph (1) facilitate the development and commercialization of public cultivars through long-term grants not less than 5 years in length. ``(4) Report.--Not later than October 1 of each year, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that provides information on all public cultivar and breeding research funded by the Department of Agriculture, including-- ``(A) a list of public cultivars and varieties of public cultivars developed and released in a commercially available form; ``(B) areas of high priority research; ``(C) identified research gaps relating to public cultivar development; and ``(D) an assessment of the state of commercialization for cultivars that have been developed.''. SEC. 3. PUBLIC CULTIVAR RESEARCH COORDINATION. (a) In General.--Section 251 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971) is amended-- (1) in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following: ``(6) Public cultivar research activities coordinator.-- ``(A) In general.--The Under Secretary shall appoint a coordinator within the Research, Education, and Extension Office that reports to the Under Secretary to coordinate research activities at the Department relating to the breeding of public cultivars (as defined in paragraph (3) of section 2(a) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 3157(a))). ``(B) Duties of coordinator.--The coordinator appointed under subparagraph (A) shall-- ``(i) coordinate plant breeding research activities funded by the Department relating to the development of public cultivars; ``(ii)(I) carry out ongoing analysis and track activities for any Federal research funding supporting plant breeding (including any public cultivars developed with Federal funds); and ``(II) ensure that the analysis and activities are made available to the public not later than 60 days after the last day of each fiscal year; ``(iii) develop a strategic plan that establishes targets for public cultivar research investments across the Department to ensure that a diverse range of crop needs are being met in a timely and transparent manner; ``(iv) convene a working group in order to carry out the coordination functions described in this subparagraph comprised of individuals who are responsible for the management, administration, or analysis of public breeding programs within the Department from-- ``(I) the National Institute of Food and Agriculture; ``(II) the Agricultural Research Service; and ``(III) the Economic Research Service; ``(v) in order to maximize delivery of public cultivars, promote collaboration among-- ``(I) the coordinator; ``(II) the working group convened under clause (iv); ``(III) the advisory council established under section 1634 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5843); ``(IV) genetic resource conservation centers; ``(V) land-grant 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)); ``(VI) Hispanic-serving institutions (as defined in section 502(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1101a(a))); ``(VII) Native American-serving nontribal institutions (as defined in section 371(c) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(c))); ``(VIII) nongovernmental organizations with interest or expertise in public breeding; and ``(IX) public and private plant breeders; ``(vi) convene regular stakeholder listening sessions to provide input on national and regional priorities for public cultivar breeding research activities across the Department; and ``(vii) evaluate and make recommendations to the Under Secretary on training and resource needs to meet future breeding challenges.''; and (2) in subsection (f)(1)(D)(i), by striking ``(7 U.S.C. 450i(b))'' and inserting ``(7 U.S.C. 3157(b))''. (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 296(b)(6)(B) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 7014(b)(6)(B)) is amended by striking ``Office; and'' and inserting ``Office (including the public cultivar research activities coordinator under subsection (e)(6) of that section); and''.

Summary: Seeds for the Future Act This bill amends the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act to require the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure that at least $50 million of USDA grant funding is used each year for competitive research grants that support the development of public cultivars. A "cultivar" is a variety of plant that has been intentionally selected for use in cultivation because of its improved characteristics. A "public cultivar" is the commercially available uniform end product of a publicly funded breeding program that has been sufficiently tested to demonstrate improved characteristics and stable performance. The bill also amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to establish a public cultivar research activities coordinator within USDA to coordinate research activities relating to the breeding of public cultivars.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Berta Caceres Human Rights in Honduras Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) The Honduran police are widely established to be deeply corrupt and commit human rights abuses, including torture, rape, illegal detention, and murder, with impunity. (2) The New York Times revealed documents on April 15, 2016, indicating that top officials of the Honduran police ordered the killings of drug-crime investigators Julian Aristides Gonzales and Alfredo Landaverde in 2009 and 2011, respectively, with the subsequent knowledge of top police and, evidently, high-ranking government officials. The Times suggested in a subsequent article that the revelations were being manipulated by the President of Honduras for his own corrupt purposes. (3) Individuals in the police with documented records of having committed gross human abuses with impunity continue to be appointed to high positions within the police. (4) International human rights bodies have reported that the Honduran military and police commit human rights abuses, including killings, with impunity. The Associated Press has documented death squad activity by police. Human Rights Watch reports: ``The use of lethal force by the national police is a chronic problem. Investigations into the police abuses are marred by inefficiency and corruption, little information about them is made public; and impunity is the rule.''. (5) The Department of State's Honduran Human Rights Report for 2016 reports: ``Impunity remains a serious problem, with prosecution in cases of military and police officials charged with human rights violations moving too slowly or remaining inconclusive.''. (6) Repeated efforts to clean up the Honduran police have largely failed. A recent commission to clean up the police reports that it has separated a number of police. However, to date there has been minimal and only token progress in effectively prosecuting members of the police involved in corruption and human rights abuses, and the reported separations have not been independently verified. Moreover, long-lasting, fundamental reform of the police still needs to be enacted. (7) Rights Action documented the Fifteenth Battalion of the Honduran Armed Forces allegedly participated with police and private security forces in some of the killings of over 100 small-farmer activists in the Aguan Valley beginning in 2000. In 2015, Human Rights Watch confirmed that the killings of Aguan farmers were met with no consequences. To date there has been one confirmed conviction of a private actor. Assassinations of key activists continue. In October 2016, Jose Angel Flores, the president of the Unified Campesino Movement of the Aguan (MUCA), and Silmer Dionisio George, another MUCA member, were assassinated. (8) Further examples abound of human rights abuses by the military: in July 2013 members of the Armed Forces shot and killed Tomas Garcia, a Lenca Indigenous activist, and injured his son while they were peacefully protesting a dam project; in May 2014, nine members of the Ninth Infantry reportedly tortured and killed Amado Maradiaga Quiroz and tortured his son, Milton Noe Maradiaga Varela. The cases remain unresolved. In a recent emblematic case, on December 27, 2015, the Honduran Navy reportedly killed Joel Palacios Lino and Elvis Armando Garcia, two Garifuna Afro-Indigenous men who were engaged in digging a car out of the sand on a beach. The case remains in impunity over a year later. (9) The current Government of Honduras has expanded the military's reach into domestic policing, including the creation of a 3,000-member Military Police in clear violation of the Honduran constitution and with disastrous results, including the killings of a 15-year-old boy, Ebed Yanes, in 2012 and a student, Erlin Misael Carias Moncada, in 2014, after they had passed unarmed through checkpoints, and the January 2, 2017, killing of 17-year-old Edgardo Moreno Rodriquez. Since the creation of the Military Police ``allegations of human rights abuses by the military have increased notably'', reports Human Rights Watch. In 2016 the creation of two new battalions of the Military Police was announced. (10) The Honduran judicial system has been widely documented to be rife with corruption. Judges, prosecutors and other officials are interconnected with organized crime and drug traffickers, contributing to near-complete immunity. (11) The Department of State in its 2015 Human Rights Report for Honduras reports ``corruption, intimidation, and institutional weakness of the justice system leading to widespread impunity.''. (12) Summarizing the situation, Human Rights Watch reports in 2016 that ``Rampant crime and impunity for human rights abuses remain the norm in Honduras . . . Efforts to reform the institutions responsible for providing public security have made little progress. Marred by corruption and abuse, the judiciary and police remain largely ineffective.''. (13) The March 2, 2016, assassination of prominent Lenca Indigenous and environmental activist Berta Caceres, world- renowned recipient of the 2015 Goldman Environmental Prize for her work defending Indigenous land rights against a hydroelectric dam project, illustrates the human rights crisis in Honduras, and the deep complicity of the Honduran government. Caceres, the leader of COPINH, the Council of Indigenous and Popular Organizations of Honduras, had reported to authorities 33 threats previous to her killing, but none had been investigated, and the government had failed to provide adequate protection measures as mandated by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, with protection by Honduran security being withdrawn the day of her death. (14) As of February 2017, eight suspects, four of whom have ties to the Honduran military, have been arrested in the killing of Caceres, one of whom is a current officer in the military and three others are former military. These arrests raise serious questions about the role of the Honduran military in her assassination, including the chain of command within the military as well as the identity of the true authors of the assassination. (15) The Government of Honduras continues to unduly limit legally mandated access by Ms. Caceres' family to the case file. In late September 2016, the original case file was allowed to leave the Public Ministry and was stolen. (16) Despite calls from 62 Members of Congress, members of the family of Berta Caceres, COPINH, leaders of the European Union, the Vatican Pontifical Council on Peace and Justice, and many others, the Honduran government has not permitted the Inter-American Commission on Human rights to conduct an independent investigation of the case. (17) In this context of corruption and human rights abuses, trade unionists, journalists, lawyers, Afro-Indigenous activists, Indigenous activists, small-farmer activists, LGBTI activists, human rights defenders, and critics of the government remain at severe risk; and previous human rights abuses against them remain largely unpunished. (18) The May 2, 2016, shooting of prominent opposition journalist Felix Molina illustrates the continued risk facing activists. Hours before he was shot, Molina had posted information potentially linking Caceres's killing to a top government official, members of an elite family, and one of the prosecutors in the case. (19) The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 allocated approximately $18,000,000 to the Honduran police and military, in addition to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 authorizing additional funding. The Administration's funding request for fiscal year 2017 also calls for an increase in security funding for Honduras. (20) The Inter-American Development Bank in 2012 lent $59,800,000 to the Honduran police, with United States approval. SEC. 3. SUSPENSION AND RESTRICTIONS OF SECURITY ASSISTANCE EXTENDED TO REPUBLIC OF HONDURAS UNLESS CERTAIN CONDITIONS HAVE BEEN MET. (a) Suspension of Security Assistance.--No funds may be made available to provide assistance for the police or military of the Republic of Honduras, including assistance for equipment and training. (b) Loans From Multilateral Development Banks.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall instruct United States representatives at multilateral development banks to vote no on any loans for the police or military of the Republic of Honduras. SEC. 4. CONDITIONS FOR LIFTING SUSPENSIONS AND RESTRICTIONS. The provisions of this Act shall terminate on the date on which the Secretary of State determines and certifies to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate that the Government of Honduras has-- (1) pursued all legal avenues to bring to trial and obtain a verdict of those who ordered and carried out-- (A) the March 2, 2016, murder of Berta Caceres; (B) the killings of over 100 small-farmer activists in the Aguan Valley; (C) the December 27, 2015, killings of Joel Palacios Lino and Elvis Armando Garcia; and (D) the May 3, 2016, armed attack on Felix Molina; (2) investigated and successfully prosecuted members of military and police forces who are credibly found to have violated human rights, and ensured that the military and police cooperated in such cases, and that such violations have ceased; (3) withdrawn the military from domestic policing, in accordance with the Honduran Constitution, and ensured that all domestic police functions are separated from the command and control of the Armed Forces of Honduras and are instead directly responsible to civilian authority; (4) established that it protects effectively the rights of trade unionists, journalists, human rights defenders, Indigenous, Afro-Indigenous, small-farmer, and LGBTI activists, critics of the government, and other civil society activists to operate without interference; and (5) taken effective steps to fully establish the rule of a law and to guarantee a judicial system that is capable of investigating, prosecuting, and bringing to justice members of the police and military who have committed human rights abuses.

Summary: Berta Caceres Human Rights in Honduras Act This bill prohibits funds from being made available to Honduras for the police or military (including for equipment and training), and directs the Department of the Treasury to instruct U.S. representatives at multilateral development banks to vote against any loans for the police or military of Honduras, until the Department of States certifies that the government of Honduras has: prosecuted members of the military and police for human rights violations and ensured that such violations have ceased; established the rule of law and guaranteed a judicial system capable of bringing to justice members of the police and military who have committed human rights abuses; established that it protects the rights of trade unionists, journalists, human rights defenders, government critics, and civil society activists to operate without interference; withdrawn the military from domestic policing; and brought to trial and obtained verdicts against those who ordered and carried out the attack on Felix Molina and the killings of Berta Caceres, Joel Palacios Lino, Elvis Armando Garcia, and over 100 small-farmer activists in the Aguan Valley.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Higher Education Investment Act of 1995''. SEC. 2. CREDIT FOR INTEREST ON EDUCATION LOANS. (a) In General.--Subpart A of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to nonrefundable personal credits) is amended by inserting after section 22 the following new section: ``SEC. 23. INTEREST ON EDUCATION LOANS. ``(a) Allowance of Credit.--In the case of an individual, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year an amount equal to 20 percent of the interest paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year on any qualified education loan. ``(b) Maximum Credit.-- ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the credit allowed by subsection (a) for the taxable year shall not exceed $500 ($1,000 in the case of 2 or more individuals with qualified higher education expenses paid by any qualified education loan). ``(2) Limitation based on modified adjusted gross income.-- ``(A) In general.--If the modified adjusted gross income of the taxpayer for the taxable year exceeds $40,000 ($60,000 in the case of a joint return), the amount which would (but for this paragraph) be allowable as a credit under this section shall be reduced (but not below zero) by the amount which bears the same ratio to the amount which would be so allowable as such excess bears to $15,000. ``(B) Modified adjusted gross income.--The term `modified adjusted gross income' means adjusted gross income determined-- ``(i) without regard to sections 135, 911, 931, and 933, and ``(ii) after application of sections 86, 219, and 469. ``(C) Inflation adjustment.--In the case of any taxable year beginning after 1996, the $40,000 and $60,000 amounts referred to in subparagraph (A) shall be increased by an amount equal to-- ``(i) such dollar amount, multiplied by ``(ii) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section (1)(f)(3) for the calendar year in which the taxable year begins, except that subparagraph (B) of subsection (1)(f)(3) shall be applied by substituting `1995' for `1992'. ``(D) Rounding.--If any amount as adjusted under subparagraph (C) is not a multiple of $50, such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $50 (or, if such amount is a multiple of $25, such amount shall be rounded to the next highest multiple of $50). ``(c) Limitation on Taxpayers Eligible for Credit.--No credit shall be allowed by this section to an individual for the taxable year if a deduction under section 151 with respect to such individual is allowed to another taxpayer for the taxable year beginning in the calendar year in which such individual's taxable year begins. ``(d) Limit on Period Credit Allowed.-- ``(1) Taxpayer and taxpayer's spouse.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), a credit shall be allowed under this section only with respect to interest paid on any qualified education loan during the first 60 months (whether or not consecutive) in which interest payments are required. For purposes of this paragraph, any loan and all refinancings of such loan shall be treated as 1 loan. ``(2) Dependent.--If the qualified education loan was used to pay education expenses of an individual other than the taxpayer or the taxpayer's spouse, a credit shall be allowed under this section for any taxable year with respect to such loan only if-- ``(A) a deduction under section 151 with respect to such individual is allowed to the taxpayer for such taxable year, and ``(B) such individual is at least a half-time student with respect to such taxable year. ``(e) Definitions.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) Qualified education loan.--The term `qualified education loan' means any indebtedness incurred to pay qualified higher education expenses-- ``(A) which are incurred on behalf of the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, or a dependent of the taxpayer, ``(B) which are paid or incurred within a reasonable period of time before or after the indebtedness is incurred, and ``(C) which are attributable to education furnished during a period during which the recipient was at least a half-time student. Such term includes indebtedness used to refinance indebtedness which qualifies as a qualified education loan. The term `qualified education loan' shall not include any indebtedness owed to a person who is related (within the meaning of section 267(b) or 707(b)(1)) to the taxpayer. ``(2) Qualified higher education expenses.--The term `qualified higher education expenses' means the cost of attendance (as defined in section 472 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, 20 U.S.C. 1087ll, as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act) of the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, or a dependent of the taxpayer at an eligible educational institution. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term `eligible educational institution' has the same meaning given such term by section 135(c)(3), except that such term shall also include an institution conducting an internship or residency program leading to a degree or certificate awarded by an institution of higher education, a hospital, or a health care facility which offers postgraduate training. ``(3) Half-time student.--The term `half-time student' means any individual who would be a student as defined in section 151(c)(4) if `half-time' were substituted for `full- time' each place it appears in such section. ``(4) Dependent.--The term `dependent' has the meaning given such term by section 152. ``(f) Special Rules.-- ``(1) Denial of double benefit.--No credit shall be allowed under this section for any amount for which a deduction is allowable under any other provision of this chapter. ``(2) Married couples must file joint return.--If the taxpayer is married at the close of the taxable year, the credit shall be allowed under subsection (a) only if the taxpayer and the taxpayer's spouse file a joint return for the taxable year. ``(3) Marital status.--Marital status shall be determined in accordance with section 7703.'' (b) Reporting Requirement.-- (1) In general.--Subpart B of part III of subchapter A of chapter 61 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to information concerning transactions with other persons) is amended by inserting after section 6050P the following new section: ``SEC. 6050Q. RETURNS RELATING TO EDUCATION LOAN INTEREST RECEIVED IN TRADE OR BUSINESS FROM INDIVIDUALS. ``(a) Education Loan Interest of $600 or More.--Any person-- ``(1) who is engaged in a trade or business, and ``(2) who, in the course of such trade or business, receives from any individual interest aggregating $600 or more for any calendar year on any qualified education loan, shall make the return described in subsection (b) with respect to each individual from whom such interest was received at such time as the Secretary may by regulations prescribe. ``(b) Form and Manner of Returns.--A return is described in this subsection if such return-- ``(1) is in such form as the Secretary may prescribe, ``(2) contains-- ``(A) the name and address of the individual from whom the interest described in subsection (a)(2) was received, ``(B) the amount of such interest received for the calendar year, and ``(C) such other information as the Secretary may prescribe. ``(c) Application to Governmental Units.--For purposes of subsection (a): ``(1) Treated as persons.--The term `person' includes any governmental unit (and any agency or instrumentality thereof). ``(2) Special rules.--In the case of a governmental unit or any agency or instrumentality thereof-- ``(A) subsection (a) shall be applied without regard to the trade or business requirement contained therein, and ``(B) any return required under subsection (a) shall be made by the officer or employee appropriately designated for the purpose of making such return. ``(d) Statements To Be Furnished to Individuals With Respect to Whom Information Is Required.--Every person required to make a return under subsection (a) shall furnish to each individual whose name is required to be set forth in such return a written statement showing-- ``(1) the name and address of the person required to make such return, and ``(2) the aggregate amount of interest described in subsection (a)(2) received by the person required to make such return from the individual to whom the statement is required to be furnished. The written statement required under the preceding sentence shall be furnished on or before January 31 of the year following the calendar year for which the return under subsection (a) was required to be made. ``(e) Qualified Education Loan Defined.--For purposes of this section, except as provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary, the term `qualified education loan' has the meaning given such term by section 23(e)(1). ``(f) Returns Which Would Be Required To Be Made by 2 or More Persons.--Except to the extent provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary, in the case of interest received by any person on behalf of another person, only the person first receiving such interest shall be required to make the return under subsection (a).'' (c) Clerical Amendments.-- (1) The table of sections for subpart A of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 22 the following new item: ``Sec. 23. Interest on education loans.'' (2) The table of sections for subpart B of part III of subchapter A of chapter 61 of such Code is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 6050P the following new item: ``Sec. 6050Q. Returns relating to education loan interest received in trade or business from individuals.'' (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to any qualified education loan (as defined in section 23(e)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by this section) incurred on, before, or after the date of the enactment of this Act, but only with respect to any loan interest payment due after December 31, 1995, and before the termination of the period described in section 23(d)(1) of such Code.

Summary: Higher Education Investment Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual a credit of 20 percent of the interest paid on any qualified education loan. Limits the maximum credit allowable to $500 for an individual and $1,000 for two or more individuals. Imposes a limit on the amount of credit based on modified adjusted gross income of the taxpayer over $40,000 ($60,000 for a joint return). Limits the period the credit is allowed to a taxpayer or spouse to the first 60 months in which interest payments are required. Provides that any loan and all refinancings of any loan shall be treated as one loan. Allows a credit, if the education loan was used to pay the education expenses of an individual other than the taxpayer or the taxpayer's spouse, for certain dependents. Defines qualified education loan and qualified higher education expenses. Allows a credit to a married couple only if such couple files a joint return. Requires that an individual engaged in a trade or business who receives from any individual interest aggregating $600 or more on any qualified education loan, make a return with respect to each individual from whom such interest was received. Directs that in the case of returns which would be required to be made by two or more persons, only the person first receiving such interest shall be required to make the return.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Patient Access to Durable Medical Equipment Act of 2016''. SEC. 2. EXTENSION OF THE TRANSITION TO NEW PAYMENT RATES FOR DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT UNDER THE MEDICARE PROGRAM. The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall extend the transition period described in clause (i) of section 414.210(g)(9) of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, from June 30, 2016, to June 30, 2017 (with the full implementation described in clause (ii) of such section applying to items and services furnished with dates of service on or after July 1, 2017). SEC. 3. FLOOR ON BID CEILING FOR COMPETITIVE ACQUISITION FOR DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT UNDER THE MEDICARE PROGRAM. Section 1847(b)(5) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w- 3(b)(5)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A)-- (A) by inserting ``, subject to subparagraph (E),'' after ``subsection (a)(2)''; and (B) by inserting ``, subject to subparagraph (E),'' after ``Based on such bids''; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(E) Floor on bid ceiling for durable medical equipment.-- ``(i) In general.--The ceiling for a bid submitted for applicable covered items may not be less than the fee schedule amount that would otherwise be determined under section 1834(a), section 1834(h), or section 1842(s) for such items furnished on July 1, 2016 (determined as if section 2 of the Patient Access to Durable Medical Equipment Act of 2016 had not been enacted). ``(ii) Applicable covered items defined.-- For purposes of this subparagraph, the term `applicable covered items' means competitively priced items and services described in subsection (a)(2) that are furnished with respect to rounds of competition that begin on or after January 1, 2017.''. SEC. 4. REQUIREMENTS IN DETERMINING ADJUSTMENTS USING INFORMATION FROM COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROGRAMS. (a) In General.--Section 1834(a)(1)(G) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(a)(1)(G)) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: ``In the case of items and services furnished on or after January 1, 2019, in making any adjustments under clause (ii) or (iii) of subparagraph (F), under subsection (h)(1)(H)(ii), or under section 1842(s)(3)(B), the Secretary shall-- ``(i) solicit and take into account stakeholder input; and ``(ii) take into account the highest amount bid by a winning supplier in a competitive acquisition area and a comparison of each of the following with respect to non-competitive acquisition areas and competitive acquisition areas: ``(I) The average travel distance and cost associated with furnishing items and services in the area. ``(II) Any barriers to access for items and services in the area. ``(III) The average delivery time in furnishing items and services in the area. ``(IV) The average volume of items and services furnished by suppliers in the area. ``(V) The number of suppliers in the area.''. (b) Conforming Amendments.--(1) Section 1834(h)(1)(H)(ii) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(h)(1)(H)(ii)) is amended by striking ``the Secretary'' and inserting ``subject to subsection (a)(1)(G), the Secretary''. (2) Section 1842(s)(3)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(s)(3)(B)) is amended by striking ``the Secretary'' and inserting ``subject to section 1834(a)(1)(G), the Secretary''. SEC. 5. REPORTS ON THE RESULTS OF THE MONITORING OF ACCESS OF MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES TO DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND OF HEALTH OUTCOMES. Not later than October 1, 2016, January 1, 2017, April 1, 2017, and July 1, 2017, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall publish on the Internet website of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services the results of the monitoring of access of Medicare beneficiaries to durable medical equipment and of health outcomes, as described on page 66228 in the final rule published by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services on November 6, 2014, and entitled ``Medicare Program; End- Stage Renal Disease Prospective Payment System, Quality Incentive Program, and Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies'' (79 Fed. Reg. 66120-66265). SEC. 6. REVISION OF EFFECTIVE DATE OF PROVISION LIMITING FEDERAL MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT TO STATES FOR DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT (DME) TO MEDICARE PAYMENT RATES. (a) In General.--Section 1903(i)(27) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396b(i)(27)) is amended by striking ``January 1, 2019'' and inserting ``October 1, 2018''. (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section 503 of division O of Public Law 114-113. Passed the Senate June 21, 2016. Attest: JULIE E. ADAMS, Secretary.

Summary: Patient Access to Durable Medical Equipment Act of 2016 (Sec. 2) This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to delay by one year the full implementation of new Medicare payment rates for durable medical equipment (such as wheelchairs). (Sec. 3) In addition, the bill specifies that the bid ceiling for durable medical equipment items under Medicare's competitive acquisition program (through which rates are set according to a bidding process rather than by an established fee schedule) shall not be less than the fee schedule amount that would otherwise be determined for those items. (Sec. 4) Under current law, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) must use payment information from competitive acquisition programs to make payment adjustments for durable medical equipment items furnished in areas outside of such programs. Current law also allows, but does not require, CMS to make such adjustments with respect to certain orthotics (such as splints and braces) and parenteral and enteral nutrients, equipment, and supplies (such as feeding tubes). The bill requires CMS, in making these adjustments, to account for stakeholder input. In addition, CMS must account for a comparison of competitive acquisition areas and other areas with respect to the following factors: average travel distance and cost associated with furnishing items and services, barriers to access, average delivery time, average volume of items and services furnished by suppliers, and number of suppliers. (Sec. 5) In four quarterly reports, CMS must publish on its website the results of the monitoring of health outcomes and Medicare beneficiaries' access to durable medical equipment. (Sec. 6) The bill accelerates the applicability, from January 1, 2019, to October 1, 2018, of provisions of current law that limit federal Medicaid reimbursement to states for durable medical equipment to Medicare payment rates.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Opioids and STOP Pain Initiative Act''. SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT. There is established an Opioids and STOP Pain Initiative, to be administered by the Director of the National Institutes of Health, in coordination with other agencies, as appropriate, which shall include efforts to support research on the following: (1) Section 108 of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016 (42 U.S.C. 284q-1), known as the STOP Pain Act, which directs the National Institutes of Health to intensify and coordinate fundamental, translational, and clinical research with respect to-- (A) the understanding of pain; (B) the discovery and development of therapies for chronic pain; and (C) the development of alternatives to opioids for effective pain treatments. (2) Developing improved options and evidence for medication-assisted treatment. (3) Developing improved options and evidence for opioid overdose reversal treatments. (4) The Federal Pain Research Strategy, including research that focuses on-- (A) novel drugs, non-addictive, and non- pharmacological treatments for pain; (B) screening tools and outcome measures for assessments across the continuum of pain; (C) national registries, datasets, and research networks; (D) effective models of care delivery for pain management; and (E) precision medicine methodology to prevent and treat pain. (5) The components of the Department of Health and Human Services five-point strategy to address the opioid crisis that states: ``Providing support for cutting edge research on pain and addiction''. (6) The pain therapy screening program established under section 4. (7) Other elements that the Secretary of Health and Human Services may designate, in consultation with the Director of the National Institutes of Health. SEC. 3. FUNDING FOR THE OPIOIDS AND STOP PAIN INITIATIVE. (a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated, and there is appropriated, $5,000,000,000, to be used during the 5-fiscal year period beginning in the fiscal year in which such funds are appropriated, to the National Institutes of Health Innovation Account to be used to administer the Opioids and STOP Pain Initiative established under section 2. (b) Emergency Spending.-- (1) In general.--Amounts appropriated under subsection (a) are designated as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 4(g) of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (2 U.S.C. 933(g)). (2) Designation in the senate.--In the Senate, amounts appropriated under subsection (a) are designated as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 403(a) of S. Con. Res. 13 (111th Congress), the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2010. SEC. 4. PAIN THERAPY SCREENING PROGRAM. (a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the ``Secretary'') shall carry out through the National Institutes of Health a program to be known as the ``Pain Therapy Screening Program'' that focuses on the development of pain therapeutics. (b) Grants.--The Secretary shall award grants under the program under subsection (a) to eligible public and private nonprofit entities to support the development of new pre-clinical models for pain disorders, and the application of these models in drug, device, or other therapy screening. (c) Model.--The program under this section shall be modeled after the Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program carried out by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (d) Fees.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services may assess reasonable fees on private pharmaceutical or medical device industry entities that utilize the program under this section to screen proprietary molecular compounds and devices. Such fees shall be paid to the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health and transferred to the NIH Innovation Account to be used for the Opioids and STOP Pain Initiative established under section 2. (e) Funding.--The Director of the National Institutes of Health shall determine the amount, and allocate, funds from the amount appropriated under section 3, to carry out this section. SEC. 5. FUNDING PROVISIONS. (a) Supplement Not Supplant.--Amounts appropriated in this Act (including the amendments made by this Act) shall be used to supplement, not supplant, current funding for pain and opioid research at the National Institutes of Health. (b) Acceptance of Donations.--Notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, the Secretary of Health and Human Services may accept donations (including from the pharmaceutical and medical device industries) to be used to assist in carrying out programs and activities under this Act (and the amendments made by this Act). Such donations shall be paid to the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health and transferred to the NIH Innovation Account to be used for the Opioids and STOP Pain Initiative established under section 2. (c) Inclusion of Contribution Amounts in Basic Research for Purposes of Research Credit.-- (1) In general.--Paragraph (6) of section 41(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(E) Opioids and stop pain initiative.--The National Institutes of Health, if the payment is made in support of the Opioids and STOP Pain Initiative, as established by the Opioids and STOP Pain Initiative Act.''. (2) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection shall apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 6. AUTHORITY. Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, the Director of the National Institutes of Health may use funds available under section 3 to enter into transactions (other than contracts, cooperative agreements, or grants) to carry out research identified pursuant to the Opioids and STOP Pain Initiative established under section 2. SEC. 7. REPORTS. (a) Annual Reports.--Not later than October 1 of each of fiscal years 2019 through 2026, the Director of the National Institutes of Health shall submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives, a report that includes-- (1) the amount obligated or expended in the fiscal year prior to the fiscal year in which the report is being submitted for each program or activity described in this Act (or an amendment made by this Act); (2) a description of all such programs or activities carried out using funds provided under this Act (or amendments); and (3) a description of how such programs or activities are advancing public health, including the impact on treating pain and addressing opioid misuse in the United States. (b) Additional Reports.--At the request of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions or the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, or the Committee on Energy and Commerce or the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives, the Director of the National Institutes of Health shall provide to the relevant Committee an update in the form of testimony and additional reports concerning the allocation of funding under this Act (or the amendments made by this Act) or the description of the programs and activities carried out with such funding.

Summary: Opioids and STOP Pain Initiative Act This bill establishes and provides funds for the Opioids and STOP Pain Initiative at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support pain-related research, including: understanding pain, therapies for chronic pain, and alternatives to opioids for pain treatment as directed in the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016; improving options and evidence for medication-assisted treatment and opioid overdose reversal treatments; and supporting the Federal Pain Research Strategy. NIH must establish the Pain Therapy Screening Program to award grants to support the development of new pre-clinical models for pain disorders, and the application of these models in drug, device, or other therapy screening.


to provide for annexing the Hawaiian Islands to the United States of July 7, 1898 (30 Stat. 750), and which were later transferred to the State of Hawaii in the Act entitled ``An Act to provide for the admission of the State of Hawaii into the Union'' approved March 18, 1959 (Public Law 86-3; 73 Stat. 4). (4) Indigenous, native people.--The term ``indigenous, native people'' means the lineal descendants of the aboriginal, indigenous, native people of the United States. (5) Interagency coordinating group.--The term ``Interagency Coordinating Group'' means the Native Hawaiian Interagency Coordinating Group established under section 5. (6) Native hawaiian.-- (A) Prior to the recognition by the United States of the Native Hawaiian governing entity, the term ``Native Hawaiian'' means the indigenous, native people of Hawaii who are the direct lineal descendants of the aboriginal, indigenous, native people who resided in the islands that now comprise the State of Hawaii on or before January 1, 1893, and who occupied and exercised sovereignty in the Hawaiian archipelago, including the area that now constitutes the State of Hawaii, and includes all Native Hawaiians who were eligible in 1921 for the programs authorized by the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act (42 Stat. 108, chapter 42) and their lineal descendants. (B) Following the recognition by the United States of the Native Hawaiian governing entity, the term ``Native Hawaiian'' shall have the meaning given to such term in the organic governing documents of the Native Hawaiian governing entity. (7) Native hawaiian governing entity.--The term ``Native Hawaiian governing entity'' means the governing entity organized by the Native Hawaiian people. (8) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior. SEC. 3. UNITED STATES POLICY AND PURPOSE. (a) Policy.--The United States reaffirms that-- (1) Native Hawaiians are a unique and distinct, indigenous, native people, with whom the United States has a political and legal relationship; (2) the United States has a special trust relationship to promote the welfare of Native Hawaiians; (3) Congress possesses the authority under the Constitution to enact legislation to address the conditions of Native Hawaiians and has exercised this authority through the enactment of-- (A) the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920 (42 Stat. 108, chapter 42); (B) the Act entitled ``An Act to provide for the admission of the State of Hawaii into the Union'', approved March 18, 1959 (Public Law 86-3; 73 Stat. 4); and (C) more than 150 other Federal laws addressing the conditions of Native Hawaiians; (4) Native Hawaiians have-- (A) an inherent right to autonomy in their internal affairs; (B) an inherent right of self-determination and self-governance; and (C) the right to reorganize a Native Hawaiian governing entity; and (5) the United States shall continue to engage in a process of reconciliation and political relations with the Native Hawaiian people. (b) Purpose.--It is the intent of Congress that the purpose of this Act is to provide a process for the recognition by the United States of a Native Hawaiian governing entity for purposes of continuing a government-to-government relationship. SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OFFICE FOR NATIVE HAWAIIAN RELATIONS. (a) In General.--There is established within the Office of the Secretary the United States Office for Native Hawaiian Relations. (b) Duties of the Office.--The United States Office for Native Hawaiian Relations shall-- (1) effectuate and coordinate the trust relationship between the Native Hawaiian people and the United States, and upon the recognition of the Native Hawaiian governing entity by the United States, between the Native Hawaiian governing entity and the United States through the Secretary, and with all other Federal agencies; (2) continue the process of reconciliation with the Native Hawaiian people, and upon the recognition of the Native Hawaiian governing entity by the United States, continue the process of reconciliation with the Native Hawaiian governing entity; (3) fully integrate the principle and practice of meaningful, regular, and appropriate consultation with the Native Hawaiian governing entity by providing timely notice to, and consulting with the Native Hawaiian people and the Native Hawaiian governing entity prior to taking any actions that may have the potential to significantly affect Native Hawaiian resources, rights, or lands; (4) consult with the Interagency Coordinating Group, other Federal agencies, and with relevant agencies of the State of Hawaii on policies, practices, and proposed actions affecting Native Hawaiian resources, rights, or lands; and (5) prepare and submit to the Committee on Indian Affairs and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate, and the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives an annual report detailing the activities of the Interagency Coordinating Group that are undertaken with respect to the continuing process of reconciliation and to effect meaningful consultation with the Native Hawaiian governing entity and providing recommendations for any necessary changes to existing Federal statutes or regulations promulgated under the authority of Federal law. SEC. 5. NATIVE HAWAIIAN INTERAGENCY COORDINATING GROUP. (a) Establishment.--In recognition of the fact that Federal programs authorized to address the conditions of Native Hawaiians are largely administered by Federal agencies other than the Department of the Interior, there is established an interagency coordinating group to be known as the ``Native Hawaiian Interagency Coordinating Group''. (b) Composition.--The Interagency Coordinating Group shall be composed of officials, to be designated by the President, from-- (1) each Federal agency that administers Native Hawaiian programs, establishes or implements policies that affect Native Hawaiians, or whose actions may significantly or uniquely impact on Native Hawaiian resources, rights, or lands; and (2) the United States Office for Native Hawaiian Relations established under section 4. (c) Lead Agency.--The Department of the Interior shall serve as the lead agency of the Interagency Coordinating Group, and meetings of the Interagency Coordinating Group shall be convened by the lead agency. (d) Duties.--The responsibilities of the Interagency Coordinating Group shall be-- (1) the coordination of Federal programs and policies that affect Native Hawaiians or actions by any agency or agencies of the Federal Government which may significantly or uniquely impact on Native Hawaiian resources, rights, or lands; (2) to assure that each Federal agency develops a policy on consultation with the Native Hawaiian people, and upon recognition of the Native Hawaiian governing entity by the United States, consultation with the Native Hawaiian governing entity; and (3) to assure the participation of each Federal agency in the development of the report to Congress authorized in section 4(b)(5). SEC. 6. PROCESS FOR THE RECOGNITION OF THE NATIVE HAWAIIAN GOVERNING ENTITY. (a) Recognition of the Native Hawaiian Governing Entity.--The right of the Native Hawaiian people to organize for their common welfare and to adopt appropriate organic governing documents is hereby recognized by the United States. (b) Process for Recognition.-- (1) Submittal of organic governing documents.--Following the organization of the Native Hawaiian governing entity, the adoption of organic governing documents, and the election of officers of the Native Hawaiian governing entity, the duly elected officers of the Native Hawaiian governing entity shall submit the organic governing documents of the Native Hawaiian governing entity to the Secretary. (2) Certifications.-- (A) In general.--Within 90 days of the date that the duly elected officers of the Native Hawaiian governing entity submit the organic governing documents to the Secretary, the Secretary shall certify that the organic governing documents-- (i) establish the criteria for citizenship in the Native Hawaiian governing entity; (ii) were adopted by a majority vote of the citizens of the Native Hawaiian governing entity; (iii) provide for the exercise of governmental authorities by the Native Hawaiian governing entity; (iv) provide for the Native Hawaiian governing entity to negotiate with Federal, State, and local governments, and other entities; (v) prevent the sale, disposition, lease, or encumbrance of lands, interests in lands, or other assets of the Native Hawaiian governing entity without the consent of the Native Hawaiian governing entity; (vi) provide for the protection of the civil rights of the citizens of the Native Hawaiian governing entity and all persons subject to the authority of the Native Hawaiian governing entity, and ensure that the Native Hawaiian governing entity exercises its authority consistent with the requirements of section 202 of the Act of April 11, 1968 (25 U.S.C. 1302); and (vii) are consistent with applicable Federal law and the special trust relationship between the United States and the indigenous native people of the United States. (B) By the secretary.--Within 90 days of the date that the duly elected officers of the Native Hawaiian governing entity submit the organic governing documents to the Secretary, the Secretary shall certify that the State of Hawaii supports the recognition of the Native Hawaiian governing entity by the United States as evidenced by a resolution or act of the Hawaii State legislature. (C) Resubmission in case of noncompliance.-- (i) Resubmission by the secretary.--If the Secretary determines that the organic governing documents do not address the criteria described in subparagraph (A) or that the organic governing documents, or any part thereof, are not consistent with other applicable Federal law, the Secretary shall resubmit the organic governing documents to the duly elected officers of the Native Hawaiian governing entity along with a justification for each of the Secretary's findings as to why the provisions are not consistent with such law. (ii) Amendment and resubmission by the native hawaiian governing entity.--If the organic governing documents are resubmitted to the duly elected officers of the Native Hawaiian governing entity by the Secretary under clause (i), the duly elected officers of the Native Hawaiian governing entity shall-- (I) amend the organic governing documents to ensure that the documents comply with applicable Federal law and address the criteria described in subparagraph (A); and (II) resubmit the amended organic governing documents to the Secretary for certification in accordance with the requirements of this paragraph. (D) Certifications deemed made.--The certifications authorized in subparagraph (A) shall be deemed to have been made if the Secretary has not acted within 90 days of the date that the duly elected officers of the Native Hawaiian governing entity have submitted the organic governing documents of the Native Hawaiian governing entity to the Secretary. (3) Federal recognition.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, upon the election of the officers of the Native Hawaiian governing entity and the certifications by the Secretary required under paragraph (2), the United States hereby extends Federal recognition to the Native Hawaiian governing entity as the representative governing body of the Native Hawaiian people. SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the activities authorized in this Act. SEC. 8. REAFFIRMATION OF DELEGATION OF FEDERAL AUTHORITY; NEGOTIATIONS. (a) Reaffirmation.--The delegation by the United States of authority to the State of Hawaii to address the conditions of the indigenous, native people of Hawaii contained in the Act entitled ``An Act to provide for the admission of the State of Hawaii into the Union'' approved March 18, 1959 (Public Law 86-3; 73 Stat. 5) is hereby reaffirmed. (b) Negotiations.--Upon the Federal recognition of the Native Hawaiian governing entity by the United States, the United States is authorized to negotiate and enter into an agreement with the State of Hawaii and the Native Hawaiian governing entity regarding the transfer of lands, resources, and assets dedicated to Native Hawaiian use to the Native Hawaiian governing entity. Nothing in this Act is intended to serve as a settlement of any claims against the United States. SEC. 9. APPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN FEDERAL LAWS. (a) Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.--Nothing contained in this Act shall be construed as an authorization for the Native Hawaiian governing entity to conduct gaming activities under the authority of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (25 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.). (b) Bureau of Indian Affairs.--Nothing contained in this Act shall be construed as an authorization for eligibility to participate in any programs and services provided by the Bureau of Indian Affairs for any persons not otherwise eligible for such programs or services. SEC. 10. SEVERABILITY. In the event that any section or provision of this Act is held invalid, it is the intent of Congress that the remaining sections or provisions of this Act shall continue in full force and effect.

Summary: Establishes the United States Office for Native Hawaiian Relations within the Office of the Secretary of the Interior.(Sec. 5) Establishes the Native Hawaiian Interagency Coordinating Group to: (1) coordinate Federal programs and policies or actions that may significantly or uniquely affect Native Hawaiian resources, rights, or lands; (2) assure that each Federal agency develops a policy on consultation with Native Hawaiians; and (3) assure the participation of such agencies in the development of an annual report to Congress.(Sec. 6) Recognizes the right of the Native Hawaiian people to adopt organic governing documents, to be submitted to the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to certify that: (1) such documents meet specified certifications; and (2) the State of Hawaii supports the recognition of such Native Hawaiian government as evidenced by a resolution or act of the Hawaiian State legislature. Extends Federal recognition to such government as the representative governing body of the Native Hawaiian people upon election of officers and certification by the Secretary.(Sec. 7) Authorizes appropriations.(Sec. 8) Reaffirms the delegation by the United States of authority to the State of Hawaii to address the conditions of the indigenous, native people of Hawaii. Permits the United States, upon Federal recognition of the Native Hawaiian government, to enter into an agreement with the State and such government regarding the transfer of lands, resources, and assets dedicated to Native Hawaiian use.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Organic Farmer and Consumer Protection Act of 2017''. SEC. 2. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM. Subsection (b) of section 2123 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6522) is amended to read as follows: ``(b) National Organic Program.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in order to carry out activities under the national organic program established under this title, there are authorized to be appropriated-- ``(1) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2018; ``(2) $16,500,000 for fiscal year 2019; ``(3) $18,000,000 for fiscal year 2020; ``(4) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2021; ``(5) $22,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; and ``(6) $24,000,000 for fiscal year 2023.''. SEC. 3. MODERNIZATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS AND DATA COLLECTION. Section 2123 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6522) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(d) Modernization and Improvement of International Trade Technology Systems and Data Collection.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall modernize international trade tracking and data collection systems of the national organic program. ``(2) Activities.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall modernize trade and transaction certificates to ensure full traceability without unduly hindering trade, such as through an electronic trade document exchange system. ``(3) Funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2019 for the purposes of-- ``(A) carrying out this subsection; and ``(B) maintaining the database and technology upgrades previously carried out pursuant to subsection (c). ``(4) Availability.--The amount made available under paragraph (3) is in addition to any other funds made available for the purposes specified in such paragraph and shall remain available until expended.''. SEC. 4. RECORDKEEPING, INVESTIGATION, AND ENFORCEMENT. (a) In General.--Section 2120 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6519) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(d) Collaborative Investigations and Enforcement.-- ``(1) Information sharing during active investigation.--In carrying out this title, all parties to an active investigation (including certifying agents, State organic certification programs, and the national organic program) may share confidential business information with Federal and State government officers and employees and certifying agents involved in the investigation as necessary to fully investigate and enforce potential violations of this title and regulations issued under this title. ``(2) Access to data documentation systems.--The Secretary shall have access to available data from cross-border documentation systems administered by other Federal agencies, including-- ``(A) the Automated Commercial Environment system of the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol; and ``(B) the Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance and Tracking system of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. ``(3) Additional documentation and verification.--The Secretary, acting through the national organic program, has the authority, and shall grant an accredited certifying agent the authority, to require increased additional documentation or verification before granting certification, in the case of a known area of risk or when there is a specific area of concern, as determined by the Secretary or the certifying agent.''. (b) Modification of Regulations on Exclusions From Certification.-- Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall issue regulations to limit the type of operations that are excluded from certification under section 205.101 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, and any other corresponding sections. SEC. 5. ADDITIONAL ACCREDITATION AUTHORITY. Section 2115 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6514) is amended-- (1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and (2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following: ``(c) Satellite Offices and Overseas Operations.--As part of the accreditation of certifying agents under this section, the Secretary-- ``(1) has oversight and approval authority over any certifying agent operating in a foreign country; and ``(2) shall require an annual authorization for each certifying agent that intends to operate in any foreign country.''. SEC. 6. ANNUAL REPORT. Section 2122 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6521) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(c) Annual Report.--Not later than March 1, 2019, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report describing national organic program activities with respect to all domestic and overseas investigations and compliance actions taken pursuant to this title during the preceding year.''.

Summary: Organic Farmer and Consumer Protection Act of 2017 This bill amends the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 to reauthorize through FY2023 and modify the Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP). USDA must modernize the international trade tracking and data collection systems of the NOP, which must include ensuring that trade and transaction certificates are fully traceable without unduly hindering trade. The bill authorizes mandatory funding to be used for this purpose and for maintaining previous database and technology upgrades. The bill modifies requirements for recordkeeping, investigations, and enforcement with respect to the organic certification process to: allow parties to an active investigation to share confidential business information with government officers or employees and certifying agents involved in the investigation, require federal agencies that administer cross-border documentation systems to provide USDA with access to the data from the systems, allow the NOP to grant an accredited certifying agent the authority to require additional documentation or verification before granting certification, and require USDA to issue regulations limiting the type of operations that are excluded from certification. With respect to the accreditation process for certifying agents, the bill: (1) authorizes USDA to oversee and approve certifying agents operating in a foreign country, and (2) requires certifying agents that intend to operate in a foreign country to be annually authorized.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Survivor Benefits Improvement Act of 2013''. SEC. 2. EXTENSION OF INITIAL PERIOD FOR INCREASED DEPENDENCY AND INDEMNITY COMPENSATION FOR SURVIVING SPOUSES WITH CHILDREN. Section 1311(f)(2) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking ``two-year'' and inserting ``five-year''. SEC. 3. ELIGIBILITY FOR DEPENDENCY AND INDEMNITY COMPENSATION, HEALTH CARE, AND HOUSING LOANS FOR SURVIVING SPOUSES WHO REMARRY AFTER AGE 55. Subparagraph (B) of section 103(d)(2) of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``(B) The remarriage after age 55 of the surviving spouse of a veteran shall not bar the furnishing of benefits specified in paragraph (5) to such person as the surviving spouse of the veteran.''. SEC. 4. BENEFITS FOR CHILDREN OF CERTAIN THAILAND SERVICE VETERANS BORN WITH SPINA BIFIDA. (a) In General.--Subchapter III of chapter 18 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``Sec. 1822. Benefits for children of certain Thailand service veterans born with spina bifida ``(a) Benefits Authorized.--The Secretary may provide to any child of a veteran of covered service in Thailand who is suffering from spina bifida the health care, vocational training and rehabilitation, and monetary allowance required to be paid to a child of a Vietnam veteran who is suffering from spina bifida under subchapter I of this chapter as if such child of a veteran of covered service in Thailand were a child of a Vietnam veteran who is suffering from spina bifida under such subchapter. ``(b) Spina Bifida Conditions Covered.--This section applies with respect to all forms and manifestations of spina bifida, except spina bifida occulta. ``(c) Veteran of Covered Service in Thailand.--For purposes of this section, a veteran of covered service in Thailand is any individual, without regard to the characterization of that individual's service, who-- ``(1) served in the active military, naval, or air service in Thailand, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, during the period beginning on January 9, 1962, and ending on May 7, 1975; and ``(2) is determined by the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, to have been exposed to a herbicide agent during such service in Thailand. ``(d) Herbicide Agent.--For purposes of this section, the term `herbicide agent' means a chemical in a herbicide used in support of United States and allied military operations in Thailand, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, during the period beginning on January 9, 1962, and ending on May 7, 1975.''. (b) Clerical Amendments.-- (1) Subchapter heading.--The heading for subchapter III of chapter 18 of such title is amended by inserting ``AND THAILAND'' after ``KOREA''. (2) Table of sections.--The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 18 of such title is amended-- (A) by striking the item relating to subchapter III and inserting the following new item: ``subchapter iii--children of certain korea and thailand service veterans born with spina bifida''; and (B) by inserting after the item relating to section 1821 the following new item: ``1822. Benefits for children of certain Thailand service veterans born with spina bifida.''. SEC. 5. PILOT PROGRAM ON GRIEF COUNSELING IN RETREAT SETTINGS FOR SURVIVING SPOUSES OF VETERANS WHO DIE WHILE SERVING ON ACTIVE DUTY IN THE ARMED FORCES. (a) Pilot Program Required.-- (1) In general.--Commencing not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out, through the Readjustment Counseling Service of the Veterans Health Administration, a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing grief counseling services described in subsection (b) in group retreat settings to surviving spouses of veterans who die while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces. (2) Participation at election of surviving spouse.--The participation of a surviving spouse in the pilot program under this section shall be at the election of the surviving spouse. (b) Covered Services.--The services provided to a surviving spouse under the pilot program shall include the following: (1) Information and counseling on coping with grief. (2) Information about benefits and services available to surviving spouses under laws administered by the Secretary. (3) Such other information and counseling as the Secretary considers appropriate to assist a surviving spouse under the pilot program with adjusting to the death of a spouse. (c) Locations.--The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program at not fewer than six locations as follows: (1) Three locations at which surviving spouses with dependent children are encouraged to bring their children. (2) Three locations at which surviving spouses with dependent children are not encouraged to bring their children. (d) Duration.--The pilot program shall be carried out during the two-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the pilot program. (e) Reports.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the completion of the first year of the pilot program and not later than 180 days after the completion of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the pilot program. (2) Contents.--Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall contain the findings and conclusions of the Secretary as a result of the pilot program, and shall include such recommendations for the continuation or expansion of the pilot program as the Secretary considers appropriate. (f) Definitions.--In this section, the terms ``active duty'', ``surviving spouse'', and ``veteran'' have the meanings given such terms in section 101 of title 38, United States Code.

Summary: Survivor Benefits Improvement Act of 2013 - Allows dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) paid through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to the surviving spouses of veterans to be increased for months occurring during the five-year (under current law, two-year) period beginning on the date of entitlement. Provides that the remarriage after age 55 of the surviving spouse of a veteran shall not bar the furnishing of VA DIC, health care, educational assistance, and housing loans. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide, to any spina bifida-affected child of a veteran who served on active duty in Thailand beginning on January 9, 1962, and ending on May 7, 1975, and was exposed to a herbicide agent during such service, the same health care, vocational training and rehabilitation, and monetary allowance required to be paid to a similarly-affected child of a Vietnam veteran. Directs the Secretary to carry out a two-year pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing grief counseling services for the surviving spouses of veterans who die while serving on active duty.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans Tobacco Trust Fund Act of 1998''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) A consensus exists within the scientific and medical communities that tobacco products are inherently dangerous and cause cancer, heart disease, emphysema, and other serious illnesses. (2) Tobacco advertising and marketing has for decades contributed significantly to the use of tobacco products by adolescents and young adults, and, particularly, members of the Nation's uniformed services. (3) Reliable studies indicate that 75 percent of World War II veterans began smoking as young adults, and today large numbers of veterans are smokers. (4) Smoking related illnesses are highly prevalent among the more than 3,000,000 veterans who use the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system annually. (5) The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that it spent $3,600,000,000 in 1997 to treat smoking-related illnesses and that over the next five years it will spend $20,000,000,000 on such care. (6) Congress established the Department of Veterans Affairs in furtherance of its constitutional power to provide for the national defense in order to provide benefits and services to veterans of the uniformed services. (7) There is in the Department of Veterans Affairs a health care system which has as its primary function to provide a complete medical and hospital service for the medical care and treatment of such veterans as can be served through available appropriations. (8) The sale, distribution, marketing, advertising, and use of tobacco products has substantially and adversely impaired the ability of the Department of Veterans Affairs to carry out its health care mission because of the prevalence of smoking- related illnesses among veterans. (9) The Federal Government, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, has lacked the means to prevent the onset of smoking-related illnesses among veterans and has had no authority to deny needed treatment to any veteran on the basis that an illness is or might be smoking-related. (10) With some 20 percent of its health care budget absorbed in treating smoking-related illnesses, the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system has lacked resources to provide needed nursing home care, home care, community-based ambulatory care, and other services to tens of thousands of other veterans. (11) The network of academically affiliated medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs provides a unique system within which outstanding medical research is conducted and which has the potential to expand significantly ongoing research on tobacco-related illnesses. (12) It is in the public interest for Congress to enact legislation requiring that a portion of any amounts received from manufacturers of tobacco products be used to meet the costs of (A) treatment for diseases and adverse health effects associated with the use of tobacco products by those who served their country in uniform, and (B) medical and health services research relating to prevention and treatment of, and rehabilitation from, tobacco addiction and diseases associated with tobacco use. SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF TRUST FUND. (a) In General.--Chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1729A the following new section: ``Sec. 1729B. Veterans Tobacco Trust Fund ``(a) There is established in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the `Veterans Tobacco Trust Fund', consisting of such amounts as may be appropriated, credited, or donated to the trust fund. ``(b) If a law is enacted that provides for the allocation of funds received from tobacco product manufacturers for programs to reduce use of tobacco products by minors and for health-care research, among other purposes, there shall be credited to the trust fund from amounts received by the United States pursuant to that law, without further appropriation, the amount of $3,000,000,000. ``(c) Amounts in the trust fund shall be available, without fiscal year limitation, to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the following purposes: ``(1) Furnishing medical care and services under this chapter, to be available during any fiscal year for the same purposes and subject to the same limitations (other than with respect to the period of availability for obligation) as apply to amounts appropriated from the general fund of the Treasury for that fiscal year for medical care. ``(2) Conducting medical research, rehabilitation research, and health systems research, with particular emphasis on research relating to prevention and treatment of, and rehabilitation from, tobacco addiction and diseases associated with tobacco use.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.-- The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1729A the following new item: ``Sec. 1729B. Veterans Tobacco Trust Fund.''.

Summary: Veterans Tobacco Trust Fund Act of 1998 - Establishes in the Treasury the Veterans Tobacco Trust Fund. Provides that if a law is enacted that provides for the allocation of funds received from tobacco product manufacturers for programs to reduce the use of tobacco products by minors and for health-care research, then there shall be credited to the Fund, without further appropriation, the amount of $3 billion. Makes such amount available to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for: (1) furnishing veterans' medical care and services; and (2) conducting medical, rehabilitation, and health systems research, with particular emphasis on research relating to the prevention and treatment of, and rehabilitation from, tobacco addiction and diseases associated with tobacco use.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Medicaid Directory of Caregivers Act'' or the ``Medicaid DOC Act''. SEC. 2. REQUIRING PUBLICATION OF FEE-FOR-SERVICE PROVIDER DIRECTORY. (a) In General.--Section 1902(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396a(a)) is amended by inserting after paragraph (77) the following new paragraph: ``(78) provide that, not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, in the case of a State plan that provides medical assistance on a fee-for-service basis or through a primary care case-management system described in section 1915(b)(1) (other than a primary care case management entity (as defined by the Secretary)), the State shall publish (and update on at least an annual basis) on the public Website of the State agency administering the State plan, a directory of the providers (including, at a minimum, primary and specialty care physicians) described in subsection (ll) that includes-- ``(A) with respect to each such provider-- ``(i) the name of the provider; ``(ii) the specialty of the provider; ``(iii) the address of the provider; and ``(iv) the telephone number of the provider; and ``(B) with respect to any such provider participating in such a primary care case-management system, information regarding-- ``(i) whether the provider is accepting as new patients individuals who receive medical assistance under this title; and ``(ii) the provider's cultural and linguistic capabilities, including the languages spoken by the provider or by the skilled medical interpreter providing interpretation services at the provider's office;''. (b) Directory Providers Described.--Section 1902 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396a) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(ll) Directory Providers Described.--A provider described in this subsection is-- ``(1) in the case of a provider of a provider type for which the State agency, as a condition on receiving payment for items and services furnished by the provider to individuals eligible to receive medical assistance under the State plan, requires the enrollment of the provider with the State agency, a provider that-- ``(A) is enrolled with the agency as of the date on which the directory is published or updated (as applicable) under subsection (a)(78); and ``(B) received payment under the State plan in the 12-month period preceding such date; and ``(2) in the case of a provider of a provider type for which the State agency does not require such enrollment, a provider that received payment under the State plan in the 12- month period preceding the date on which the directory is published or updated (as applicable) under subsection (a)(78).''. (c) Rule of Construction.-- (1) In general.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall not be construed to apply in the case of a State in which all the individuals enrolled in the State plan under title XIX of the Social Security Act (or under a waiver of such plan), other than individuals described in paragraph (2), are enrolled with a medicaid managed care organization (as defined in section 1903(m)(1)(A) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1396b(m)(1)(A))), including prepaid inpatient health plans and prepaid ambulatory health plans (as defined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services). (2) Individuals described.--An individual described in this paragraph is an individual who is an Indian (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1603)) or an Alaska Native. (d) Exception for State Legislation.--In the case of a State plan under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.), which the Secretary determines requires State legislation in order for the respective plan to meet one or more additional requirements imposed by amendments made by this section, the respective plan shall not be regarded as failing to comply with the requirements of such title solely on the basis of its failure to meet such an additional requirement before the first day of the first calendar quarter beginning after the close of the first regular session of the State legislature that begins after the date of enactment of this section. For purposes of the previous sentence, in the case of a State that has a 2-year legislative session, each year of the session shall be considered to be a separate regular session of the State legislature.

Summary: Medicaid Directory of Caregivers Act or the Medicaid DOC Act This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require a state to publish and annually update a directory of providers that participate in the state plan for medical assistance on a fee-for-service basis or through a primary care case-management system. The directory must include each provider's name, specialty, address, and telephone number. In addition, with respect to a provider that participates in a primary care case-management system, the directory must specify: (1) the provider's language capabilities, and (2) whether the provider is accepting new Medicaid patients.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``United States Specialty Crop Export Opportunities Act of 2007''. SEC. 2. REGULATION OF EXPORTS OF PLANTS, PLANT PRODUCTS, BIOLOGICAL CONTROL ORGANISMS, AND NOXIOUS WEEDS. (a) In General.--Subtitle A of title IV of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 420. REGULATION OF EXPORTS OF PLANTS, PLANT PRODUCTS, BIOLOGICAL CONTROL ORGANISMS, AND NOXIOUS WEEDS. ``(a) In General.--The Secretary may regulate plants, plant products, biological control organisms, and noxious weeds for export purposes. ``(b) Duties.--The Secretary shall-- ``(1) coordinate fruit and vegetable market analyses with the private sector and the Administrator of the Foreign Agricultural Service; and ``(2) make publicly available on an Internet website-- ``(A) the status of all export petitions; ``(B) to the greatest extent possible, an explanation of the sanitary or phytosanitary issues associated with each pending export petition; and ``(C) to the greatest extent possible, information on the import requirements of foreign countries for fruits and vegetables. ``(c) Regulations.--The Secretary may issue regulations to implement this section.''. (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 note) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 419 the following new item: ``Sec. 420. Regulation of exports of plants, plant products, biological control organisms, and noxious weeds.''. SEC. 3. RESTORATION OF IMPORT AND ENTRY AGRICULTURAL INSPECTION FUNCTIONS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. (a) Repeal of Transfer of Functions.--Section 421 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 231) is repealed. (b) Conforming Amendment to Function of Secretary of Homeland Security.--Section 402 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 202) is amended-- (1) by striking paragraph (7); and (2) by redesignating paragraph (8) as paragraph (7). (c) Transfer Agreement.-- (1) In general.--Not later than the effective date described in subsection (g), the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall enter into an agreement to effectuate the return of functions required by the amendments made by this section. (2) Use of certain employees.--The agreement may include authority for the Secretary of Agriculture to use employees of the Department of Homeland Security to carry out authorities delegated to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service regarding the protection of domestic livestock and plants. (d) Restoration of Department of Agriculture Employees.--Not later than the effective date described in subsection (e), all full-time equivalent positions of the Department of Agriculture transferred to the Department of Homeland Security under section 421(g) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 231(g)) (as in effect on the day before the effective date described in subsection (g)) shall be restored to the Department of Agriculture. (e) Authority of APHIS.-- (1) Establishment of program.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall establish within the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service a program, to be known as the ``International Agricultural Inspection Program'', under which the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (referred to in this subsection as the ``Administrator'') shall carry out import and entry agricultural inspections. (2) Information gathering and inspections.--In carrying out the program under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall have full access to-- (A) each secure area of any terminal for screening passengers or cargo under the control of the Department of Homeland Security on the day before the date of enactment of this Act for purposes of carrying out inspections and gathering information; and (B) each database (including any database relating to cargo manifests or employee and business records) under the control of the Department of Homeland Security on the day before the date of enactment of this Act for purposes of gathering information. (3) Inspection alerts.--The Administrator may issue inspection alerts, including by indicating cargo to be held for immediate inspection. (4) Inspection user fees.--The Administrator may, as applicable-- (A) continue to collect any agricultural quarantine inspection user fee; and (B) administer any reserve account for the fees. (5) Career track program.-- (A) In general.--The Administrator shall establish a program, to be known as the ``import and entry agriculture inspector career track program'', to support the development of long-term career professionals with expertise in import and entry agriculture inspection. (B) Strategic plan and training.--In carrying out the program under this paragraph, the Administrator, in coordination with the Secretary of Agriculture, shall-- (i) develop a strategic plan to incorporate import and entry agricultural inspectors into the infrastructure protecting food, fiber, forests, bioenergy, and the environment of the United States from animal and plant pests, diseases, and noxious weeds; and (ii) as part of the plan under clause (i), provide training for import and entry agricultural inspectors participating in the program not less frequently than once each year to improve inspection skills. (f) Duties of Secretary.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in this subsection as the ``Secretary'') shall-- (A) develop standard operating procedures for inspection, monitoring, and auditing relating to import and entry agricultural inspections, in accordance with recommendations from the Comptroller General of the United States and reports of interagency advisory groups, as applicable; and (B) ensure that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has a national electronic system with real-time tracking capability for monitoring, tracking, and reporting inspection activities of the Service. (2) Federal and state cooperation.-- (A) Communication system.--The Secretary shall develop and maintain an integrated, real-time communication system with respect to import and entry agricultural inspections to alert State departments of agriculture of significant inspection findings of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. (B) Advisory committee.-- (i) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a committee, to be known as the ``International Trade Inspection Advisory Committee'' (referred to in this subparagraph as the ``committee''), to advise the Secretary on policies and other issues relating to import and entry agricultural inspection. (ii) Model.--In establishing the committee, the Secretary shall use as a model the Agricultural Trade Advisory Committee. (iii) Membership.--The committee shall be composed of members representing-- (I) State departments of agriculture; (II) directors of ports and airports in the United States; (III) the transportation industry; (IV) the public; and (V) such other entities as the Secretary determines to be appropriate. (3) Report.--Not less frequently than once each year, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report containing an assessment of-- (A) the resource needs for import and entry agricultural inspection, including the number of inspectors required; (B) the adequacy of-- (i) inspection and monitoring procedures and facilities in the United States; and (ii) the strategic plan developed under subsection (e)(5)(B)(i); and (C) new and potential technologies and practices, including recommendations regarding the technologies and practices, to improve import and entry agricultural inspection. (4) Funding.--The Secretary shall pay the costs of each import and entry agricultural inspector employed by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service-- (A) from amounts made available to the Department of Agriculture for the applicable fiscal year; or (B) if amounts described in subparagraph (A) are unavailable, from amounts of the Commodity Credit Corporation. (g) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act. SEC. 4. REPORTS OF TRADE ADVISORY COMMITTEES. Whenever the Agricultural Policy Committee on Trade or the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee on Trade in Fruits and Vegetables, established under section 135 of the Trade Act of 1974, provides any recommendations to the United States Trade Representative, that committee shall at the same time provide those recommendations to the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and to the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Finance of the Senate. SEC. 5. REPORT ON FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICE STAFFING LEVELS FOR MONITORING OTHER COUNTRIES' COMPLIANCE WITH TRADE AGREEMENTS. Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to Congress a report-- (1) evaluating the ability of the Foreign Agricultural Service to adequately monitor other countries' compliance with the terms of the Uruguay Round Agreements and the terms of other agreements (including NAFTA and other bilateral agreements) to ensure that the United States realizes the full benefits of these agreements as they relate to agricultural commodities; and (2) containing the recommending of the Secretary regarding whether current vacancies in the monitoring office of the Foreign Agricultural Service should be filled. SEC. 6. FEASIBILITY REPORT REGARDING EXPORT INDEMNIFICATION FOR UNSUBSIDIZED COMMODITIES. Not later than January 1, 2008, the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to Congress a report evaluating the feasibility and cost of establishing an indemnity program for exporters of articles classified under chapters 7 and 8 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States that will provide compensation to those exporters when they comply fully with United States export and foreign country import requirements for the articles, but the articles are wrongfully denied entry into the foreign country. SEC. 7. TREATMENT OF UNSUBSIDIZED COMMODITIES UNDER AGREEMENT ON AGRICULTURE. The United States Trade Representative shall propose in the Doha Round of negotiations conducted under the auspices of the World Trade Organization that all articles classified under chapters 7 and 8 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States be excluded from coverage under article 13 of the Agreement on Agriculture referred to in section 101(d)(2) of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (19 U.S.C. 3511(d)(2)). SEC. 8. SPECIAL EXPORT CREDIT GUARANTEE PROGRAM. The Secretary of Agriculture shall establish and maintain a program of export credits that is, as nearly as may be, identical to the program administered under sections 1493.400 through 1493.530 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, except that-- (1) either an exporter to, or an importer in, a foreign place shall be eligible for a credit guarantee; (2) the guarantee shall be for a period of 45 days beginning on the date of issuance of the guarantee; and (3) the cost of the guarantee shall not exceed 45 cents for each $100 of coverage purchased. SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION LEVELS FOR EMERGING MARKET CREDIT PROGRAM. Section 1542 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5622 note) is amended-- (1) in subsections (a) and (d)(1)(A)(i) by striking ``2007'' and inserting ``2013''; and (2) in subsections (a) and (d) (1)(H) by striking $10,000,000'' and inserting ``$20,000,000''. SEC. 10. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) NAFTA.--The term ``NAFTA'' means the North American Free Trade Agreement. (2) Uruguay round agreements.--The term ``Uruguay Round Agreements'' means the agreements referred to in section 101(d) of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (19 U.S.C. 3511(d)).

Summary: United States Specialty Crop Export Opportunities Act of 2007 - Amends the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to regulate plants, plant products, biological control organisms, and noxious weeds for export purposes. Directs the Secretary to: (1) coordinate fruit and vegetable market analyses with the private sector and the Administrator of the Foreign Agricultural Service; and (2) make publicly available on an Internet website the status of all export petitions and an explanation of the sanitary or phytosanitary issues associated with each pending export petition, and information on the import requirements of foreign countries for fruits and vegetables. Amends the Homeland Security Act to repeal the transfer of agricultural import and entry inspection functions from the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) within the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service the international agricultural inspection program to carry out import and entry agricultural inspections; (2) a federal-state agricultural inspection communications system; (3) the International Trade Inspection Advisory Committee; and (4) a special export credit guarantee program. Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to extend: (1) the promotion of agricultural exports to emerging markets program; and (2) the E. (Kika) de la Garza Agricultural Fellowship program.