Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB1361

Introduced
4/27/23  

Caption

A bill to amend the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to provide for floodplain easement restoration and management, and for other purposes.

Impact

The proposed amendments would grant the Secretary increased authority to enter into partnerships with landowners and government entities, facilitating the management of vegetative cover and wetland restoration efforts. The overarching objective of the bill is to enhance the effectiveness of floodplain management, thereby potentially reducing flood risks and preserving ecosystem services. Furthermore, it reflects a recognition of the essential role that healthy wetlands play in agriculture and environmental conservation.

Summary

SB1361 is a legislative proposal aimed at amending the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978. The bill seeks to empower the Secretary of Agriculture to implement measures for floodplain easement restoration and management. This includes the provision of both financial and technical assistance to restore the hydrologic functions and values of wetlands on floodplain easements, which are lands typically associated with flooding. By enhancing these natural resources, the bill aims to contribute to ecological health and agricultural sustainability.

Contention

While the bill offers several benefits related to wetland and floodplain management, there may be points of contention regarding the extent of authority granted to the Secretary of Agriculture. Stakeholders might express concerns over the possible implications for land management practices and the balance of local versus federal control in agricultural matters. Additionally, the financial commitments necessary for effective implementation of the restoration efforts could also lead to debates over budget allocations within the agricultural sector.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SB2706

A bill to amend the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into cooperative agreements relating to drought prevention, preparedness, response, and mitigation, and for other purposes.

US HB10529

To provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2029, and for other purposes.

US HB5257

To amend the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 to enhance the long-term protection of watersheds, and for other purposes.

US HB679

To amend the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to waive the matching funds requirement under the specialty crop research initiative, and for other purposes.

US SB68

Foreign Adversary Risk Management Act or the FARM Act This bill places the Secretary of Agriculture on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. It also requires the committee to review any investment that could result in foreign control of any U.S. agricultural business. Further, the bill includes agricultural systems and supply chains in the definitions of critical infrastructure and critical technologies for the purposes of reviewing such investments. The Department of Agriculture and the Government Accountability Office must each analyze and report on foreign influence in the U.S. agricultural industry.

US SB2341

A bill to amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to authorize grants for eligible institutions to carry out agriculture workforce training programs, and for other purposes.

US SB433

A bill to require the Secretary of Agriculture to convene a blue ribbon panel to review the forest inventory and analysis program of the Forest Service, and for other purposes.

US HB934

To require the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out activities to suppress wildfires, and for other purposes.

US HB1789

To amend the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 to increase the minimum amount of a civil penalty imposed for violating such Act, and for other purposes.

US HB6841

To amend the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to allow the Secretary of Commerce to establish a Coastal and Estuarine Resilience and Restoration Program, and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.