S. 784Senate113th Congress (2013-2015)In Committee

Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans Act

Legislative Activity

Stay on top of the latest movement without scrolling through every action

2 earlier actions

SenateIntro Referral Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee

April 23, 2013

View full timeline

SenateIntro Referral

Introduced in Senate

April 23, 2013

SenateIntro Referral

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2901)

April 23, 2013

SenateIntro Referral

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee

April 23, 2013

Floor Debate

3 members

What members said about S. 784 on the floor

3 Democrats

Sen. Ron WydenD-OR · Apr 23, 2013

Mr. President, today Senator Murkowski and I are introducing the Helium Stewardship Act of 2013. This legislation is designed to establish a responsible management strategy for the Federal Helium…

Mr. President, today Senator Murkowski and I are introducing the Helium Stewardship Act of 2013. This legislation is designed to establish a responsible management strategy for the Federal Helium Reserve that will prevent the disruption of the entire helium supply chain that impacts major parts of the U.S. economy.

Helium is a valuable national resource that is used for a wide range of applications such as a coolant for magnetic resonance imagining machines, semiconductor manufacturing, military aviation, aerospace, and Federal R&D; pressurizing and purging systems; leak detection; welding; and breathing mixtures. Helium uses are diverse. Substitutes are often unavailable. The current global supply is constrained.

The Federal Government has long been in the helium business. In the 1920s, helium was used to float blimps or national defense purposes. Since that time the Federal Government has continued to play a significant role in the production, refining, and storing of helium. This has included establishing a U.S. underground stockpile known as the Federal Helium Reserve located just outside of Amarillo, TX. The Reserve currently supplies 40 percent of the domestic and 30 percent of global helium demand. Eventually, the helium supplies in the Reserve will become too depleted to be used, but for now they provide a critical source of supply.

Current law requires the Federal government to sell off the crude helium remaining in the Federal Helium Reserve in order to repay the U.S. Treasury the $1.3 billion debt incurred creating it. That debt will be fully repaid this fiscal year. As a result, the helium program will terminate in October absent Congressional action. The result, if Congress does not extend operation of the Reserve, will be significant disruption in sector after sector of economy--everything from medical imaging to semiconductor manufacturing.

We need to act. It is important that we act now.

Our bottom line goal is to keep the Federal Helium Reserve open, until new sources of supply can be developed, and prevent significant disruptions to a number of critical U.S. industries.

This bipartisan bill has two primary objective; one is to ensure helium market stability for end-users, and to ensure a fair return on this Federal asset to American taxpayers. We believe that it is essential that there be an adequate price discovery mechanism for the sale price of helium to nongovernmental organizations. Our bill would require the Secretary of Interior to establish an auction process to ensure that government prices for helium reflect its value in the marketplace based on an initial auction of 10 percent of supply and increasing that amount by an additional 10 percent a year. But it is also important to keep in mind that the Reserve currently provides major shares of the domestic and global helium supply and we do not want this legislation to disrupt the many industrial and heath care activities that are dependent on helium.

I believe this legislation strikes the right balance. The bill provides for an orderly, gradual transition among three phases, resulting in minimal market disruption to end users. It introduces a price discovery mechanism and transparency measures that will increase the taxpayer return and stimulate investment in private-sector sources. It further gives priority to meeting the needs of Federal users at Federal agencies, national laboratories, and universities. This legislation maintains access to crude helium for Federal users to perform the experiments that lead to the discoveries that drive economic growth, while requiring the development of a long-term plan for Federal helium purchases.

Helium may not be the most high profile natural resources, but it is one resource that is central to our economy. This legislation is urgent, critical, and necessary to ensure that we continue on a trajectory for economic growth that protects the jobs of domestic manufacturers and industrial partners as well as Federal users across the Nation.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Sen. Max BaucusD-MT · Apr 23, 2013

Mr. President, in 1787, Thomas Jefferson wrote a letter to George Washington in which he wrote ``Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good…

Sen. Max BaucusD-MT · Apr 23, 2013

Mr. President, in 1787, Thomas Jefferson wrote a letter to George Washington in which he wrote ``Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good…

Sen. Harry ReidD-NV · Apr 23, 2013

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Bill Text

Latest available legislative text

Reading Mode

Raw Text PDF XML

Introduced in SenateIssued April 23, 2013

113th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. 784

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

April 23, 2013

Mr. Baucus (for himself and Mr. Johanns) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry

A BILL

To expand agricultural opportunities for military veterans, and for other purposes.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans Act .

Value-added agricultural market development program grants

Section 231(b) of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C. 1632a(b)) is amended—

(1)

in paragraph (6)—

(A)

in subparagraph (B), by striking and at the end;

(B)

in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and

(C)

by adding at the end the following:

(D)

veteran farmers or ranchers (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e))).

; and

(2)

in paragraph (7)(B), by striking 2012 and inserting 2017.

Outreach and assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers

(a)

Outreach and assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers

Section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279) is amended—

(1)

in the section heading, by inserting and veteran farmers and ranchers after ranchers;

(2)

in subsection (a)—

(A)

in paragraph (2)(B)(i), by inserting and veteran farmers or ranchers after ranchers; and

(B)

in paragraph (4)—

(i)

in subparagraph (A)—

(I)

in the heading, by striking Fiscal years 2009 through 2012 and inserting Mandatory funding;

(II)

in clause (i), by striking and at the end;

(III)

in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and

(IV)

by adding at the end the following:

(iii)

$5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.

; and

(ii)

by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following:

(B)

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.

;

(3)

in subsection (b)(2), by inserting or veteran farmers and ranchers after socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers; and

(4)

in subsection (c)—

(A)

in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting veteran farmers or ranchers and before members; and

(B)

in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting veteran farmers or ranchers and before members.

(b)

Definition of veteran farmer or rancher

Section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(7)

Veteran farmer or rancher

The term veteran farmer or rancher means a farmer or rancher who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released from the service under conditions other than dishonorable.

Beginning farmer and rancher development program under Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002

Section 7405 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3319f) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (c)(8)—

(A)

in subparagraph (B), by striking and at the end;

(B)

in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and

(C)

by adding at the end the following:

(D)

beginning farmers and ranchers who are veterans (as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code).

; and

(2)

by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (i);

(3)

by inserting after subsection (g) the following:

(h)

State grants

(1)

Definition of eligible entity

In this subsection, the term eligible entity means—

(A)

an agency of a State or political subdivision of a State;

(B)

a national, State, or regional organization of agricultural producers; and

(C)

any other entity determined appropriate by the Secretary.

(2)

Grants

The Secretary shall use such sums as are necessary of funds made available to carry out this section for each fiscal year under subsection (i) to make grants to States, on a competitive basis, which States shall use the grants to make grants to eligible entities to establish and improve farm safety programs at the local level.

; and

(4)

in subsection (i) (as redesignated by paragraph (2))—

(A)

in paragraph (1)—

(i)

in the heading, by striking for fiscal years 2009 through 2012;

(ii)

in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end;

(iii)

in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and

(iv)

by adding at the end the following:

(C)

$17,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017, to remain available until expended.

;

(B)

in paragraph (2)—

(i)

in the heading, by striking for fiscal years 2009 through 2012; and

(ii)

by striking 2012 and inserting 2017; and

(C)

by striking paragraph (3).

Military veterans agricultural liaison

(a)

In general

Subtitle A of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 is amended by inserting after section 218 (7 U.S.C. 6918) the following:

219.

Military veterans agricultural liaison

(a)

Authorization

The Secretary shall establish in the Department the position of Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison.

(b)

Duties

The Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison shall—

(1)

provide information to returning veterans about, and connect returning veterans with, beginning farmer training and agricultural vocational and rehabilitation programs appropriate to the needs and interests of returning veterans, including assisting veterans in using Federal veterans educational benefits for purposes relating to beginning a farming or ranching career;

(2)

provide information to veterans concerning the availability of and eligibility requirements for participation in agricultural programs, with particular emphasis on beginning farmer and rancher programs;

(3)

serving as a resource for assisting veteran farmers and ranchers, and potential farmers and ranchers, in applying for participation in agricultural programs; and

(4)

advocating on behalf of veterans in interactions with employees of the Department.

(c)

Contracts and cooperative agreements

For purposes of carrying out the duties under subsection (b), the Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison may enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with the research centers of the Agricultural Research Service, institutions of higher education, or nonprofit organizations for—

(1)

the conduct of regional research on the profitability of small farms;

(2)

the development of educational materials;

(3)

the conduct of workshops, courses, and certified vocational training;

(4)

the conduct of mentoring activities; or

(5)

the provision of internship opportunities.

(b)

Conforming amendments

Section 296(b) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 7014(b)) is amended—

(1)

in paragraph (6)(C), by striking the or at the end;

(2)

in paragraph (7), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or; and

(3)

by adding at the end the following:

(8)

the authority of the Secretary to establish in the Department the position of Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison in accordance with section 219.

Conservation reserve program transition incentive program

(a)

In general

Section 1235(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3835(f)) is amended—

(1)

in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by inserting , a veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e))), before or socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher; and

(2)

by adding at the end the following:

(3)

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.

Environmental quality incentives program

Section 1240B(d)(4)(A) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa–2(d)(4)(A)) is amended in the matter preceding clause (i) by inserting , a veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e))), before or a beginning farmer or rancher.

Reservation of funds to provide assistance to certain farmers or ranchers for conservation access

Section 1241(g) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(g)) is amended—

(1)

in paragraph (1), by striking 2012 and inserting 2017; and

(2)

by adding at the end the following:

(4)

Preference

In providing assistance under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give preference to a veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e))) that qualifies under subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1).

Administrative requirements for conservation programs

Section 1244(a)(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844(a)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(E)

Veteran farmers or ranchers (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e))).