Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024
This act provides FY2024 appropriations for several federal departments and agencies. It also extends several expiring programs and authorities, including various public health programs.
Specifically, the act includes 6 of the 12 regular FY2024 appropriations bills:
The act also modifies the Compacts of Free Association that govern the relationship between the United States and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.
(Sec. 3) This section provides that references to this Act included in any division of this act refer only to the provisions of that division unless the act expressly provides otherwise.
(Sec. 4) This section provides that the explanatory statement regarding this act that was printed in the Congressional Record has the same effect as a joint explanatory statement of a conference committee.
(Sec. 5) This section specifies that the sums in this act are appropriated for FY2024.
(Sec. 6) This section specifies that funds designated by this division as emergency spending are only available if the President subsequently designates all of the funds as emergency spending and transmits the designations to Congress.
DIVISION A--MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024
Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024
This division provides FY2024 appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies.
TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
This title provides appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for Military Construction for
The title also provides appropriations to DOD for the (1) North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program, and (2) the DOD Base Closure Account.
The title provides appropriations to DOD for Construction and Operation and Maintenance of Family Housing for
The title provides appropriations to DOD for (1) the Family Housing Improvement Fund, and (2) the Military Unaccompanied Housing Improvement Fund.
(Sec. 101) This section prohibits funds provided by this title from being used for payments exceeding $25,000 under a cost-plus-a-fixed-fee contract for construction in the United States without a specific DOD approval in writing. The section includes an exception for work that is to be performed in Alaska.
(Sec. 102) This section permits construction funds provided by this title to be used for hiring passenger motor vehicles.
(Sec. 103) This section permits construction funds provided by this title to be used for advances to the Federal Highway Administration for the construction of access roads DOD has certified as important to national defense.
(Sec. 104) This section prohibits funds provided by this title from being used to begin construction of new bases in the United States without a specific appropriation.
(Sec. 105) This section prohibits funds provided by this title from being used to purchase land or land easements in excess of 100% of the value as determined by the Army Corps of Engineers or the Naval Facilities Engineering Command. The section includes exceptions for (1) determinations of value by a federal court, (2) purchases negotiated by the Department of Justice, (3) values less than $25,000, and (4) purchases that are otherwise determined by DOD to be in the public interest.
(Sec. 106) This section prohibits funds provided by this title from being used to acquire land, provide for site preparation, or install utilities for family housing, except housing for which appropriations have been provided.
(Sec. 107) This section prohibits funds provided by this title for minor construction from being used to transfer or relocate any activity from one base or installation to another without notifying Congress in advance.
(Sec. 108) This section prohibits funds provided by this title from being used to procure steel for construction unless American producers, fabricators, and manufacturers have been allowed to compete for the procurement.
(Sec. 109) This section prohibits funds provided to DOD for military construction or family housing during the current fiscal year from being used to pay real property taxes in any foreign nation.
(Sec. 110) This section prohibits funds provided by this title from being used to initiate a new installation overseas without notifying Congress in advance.
(Sec. 111) This section prohibits funds provided by this title from being used for architect and engineer contracts estimated to exceed $500,000 for projects in Japan, NATO member countries, or countries bordering the Arabian Gulf unless the contracts are awarded to U.S. firms or U.S. firms in joint ventures with host nation firms.
(Sec. 112) This section prohibits funds provided by this title for military construction in U.S. territories and possessions in the Pacific and on Kwajalein Atoll, or in countries bordering the Arabian Gulf, from being used to award a contract over $1 million to a foreign contractor. The section also includes exceptions.
(Sec. 113) This section requires DOD to notify Congress in advance of the plans and scope of any proposed military exercise involving U.S. personnel if the construction costs are anticipated to exceed $100,000.
(Sec. 114) This section permits funds appropriated to DOD for construction in prior years to be used for construction projects authorized during the current session of Congress.
(Sec. 115) This section permits expired or lapsed funds to be used to pay for supervision, inspection, overhead, engineering, and design costs for military construction or family housing projects being completed with lapsed or expired funds.
(Sec. 116) This section permits funds provided for the construction of military projects to be available for five years if the funds for the project (1) are obligated from funds available for military construction, and (2) do not exceed the amount appropriated or permitted by law for the project.
(Sec. 117) This section permits the following transfers if Congress is notified and specified conditions are met:
The section also specifies that the transferred funds shall be available for DOD loans or loan guarantees pertaining to alternative means of acquiring and improving military family housing, military unaccompanied housing, and supporting facilities.
(Sec. 118) This section permits the transfer of funds from the DOD Base Closure Account to the fund established to pay expenses associated with the Homeowners Assistance Program under the Demonstration Cities and Metropolitan Development Act of 1966.
(Sec. 119) This section specifies that funds for operation and maintenance of family housing in this title shall be the only source of funds for repair and maintenance of all family housing units, including general or flag officer quarters. It also sets forth limitations and requirements for expenditures for maintenance and repair of general or flag officer quarters.
(Sec. 120) This section appropriates funds contained in the Ford Island Improvement Account and permits the funds to remain available until expended or transferred.
(Sec. 121) This section permits the transfer of unobligated balances of expired military construction and family housing funds into the Foreign Currency Fluctuations--Construction--Defense account.
(Sec. 122) This section permits funds provided to an account in this title to be transferred among projects and activities within the account, subject to specified DOD reprogramming guidelines for military and family housing construction.
(Sec. 123) This section prohibits funds provided by this title from being used for the planning, design, and construction of projects at Arlington National Cemetery.
(Sec. 124) This section provides specified additional funds to remain available through FY2028 for unfunded military construction priorities.
(Sec. 125) This section requires specified military construction appropriations that are appropriated pursuant to authorizations in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 to be immediately available and allotted to contract for the full scope of authorized projects.
(Sec. 126) This section permits specified funds to be obligated before October 1, 2025, for FY2017, FY2018, and FY2019 military construction projects for which the project authorizations have not lapsed or for which authorizations were extended for FY2024 by a National Defense Authorization Act.
(Sec. 127) This section defines congressional defense committees to include the House and Senate Armed Services Committees and Appropriations Subcommittees on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs.
(Sec. 128) This section provides additional appropriations for planning and design, and unspecified minor construction, for improving military installation resilience.
(Sec. 129) This section provides additional appropriations for planning and design and unspecified minor construction for construction improvements to DOD laboratory facilities.
(Sec. 130) This section provides additional military construction appropriations to the Air Force for expenses incurred as a result of natural disasters.
(Sec. 131) This section provides additional military construction appropriations to the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and the Air Force for the planning and design of child development centers.
(Sec. 132) This section provides additional military construction appropriations to the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and the Air Force for the planning and design of barracks.
(Sec. 133) This section provides additional appropriations to the Air Force for cost increases identified subsequent to the FY2024 budget request for authorized major construction projects.
(Sec. 134) This section provides additional appropriations for unspecified minor construction for demolition.
(Sec. 135) This section requires DOD to transfer specified funds from the Family Housing Improvement Fund to the Navy.
(Sec. 136) This section provides additional appropriations for military construction projects authorized by the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2024.
(Sec. 137) This section provides additional appropriations to the Air National Guard for planning and design and authorized major construction projects at future foreign military training sites.
(Sec. 138) This section prohibits funds provided by this division from being used to carry out the closure or realignment of the U.S. Naval Station at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
This title provides appropriations to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA budget includes both discretionary spending and mandatory spending (i.e., appropriated entitlements).
The title provides appropriations to the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) for
The title provides appropriations to the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) for
The title provides appropriations to the National Cemetery Administration.
The title provides appropriations to the VA for Departmental Administration, including
(Sec. 201) This section specifies transfer authorities and requirements for the VBA.
(Sec. 202) This section specifies transfer authorities and requirements for the VHA.
(Sec. 203) This section permits appropriations provided by this title for salaries and expenses to be used for employment of temporary or intermittent experts and consultants, hire of passenger vehicles, lease of a facility or land or both, and uniforms.
(Sec. 204) This section prohibits appropriations in this title other than Construction--Major Projects and Construction--Minor Projects funds from being used for the purchase of any site for or toward the construction of any new hospital or home.
(Sec. 205) This section requires the VA to be reimbursed for medical services it provides to any person not defined as a beneficiary under specified laws.
(Sec. 206) This section permits appropriations provided by this title for Compensation and Pensions, Readjustment Benefits, and Veterans Insurance and Indemnities to be used for payment of prior year accrued obligations required to be recorded by law against the corresponding prior year accounts within the last quarter of FY2023.
(Sec. 207) This section permits appropriations provided by this title to be used to pay specified prior year obligations. Obligations from trust fund accounts may only be paid from the Compensation and Pensions account.
(Sec. 208) This section requires the VA to use surplus earnings from the National Service Life Insurance Fund, the Veterans' Special Life Insurance Fund, and the United States Government Life Insurance Fund to reimburse the General Operating Expenses--Veterans Benefits Administration and Information Technology Systems accounts for the costs to administer the insurance programs.
(Sec. 209) This section permits amounts deducted from enhanced-use lease proceeds to reimburse an account for expenses incurred by that account during a prior fiscal year for providing enhanced-use lease services to remain available until expended.
(Sec. 210) This section permits funds provided by this title for salaries and other administrative expenses to be used to reimburse the following offices for services provided, subject to specified limits:
(Sec. 211) This section requires the VA to collect third-party reimbursement information prior to providing hospital care, nursing home care, or medical services for certain non-service-connected disabilities. It also permits the VA to recover reasonable charges for care from anyone who has not provided the required disclosures.
(Sec. 212) This section permits enhanced-use leasing revenues to be deposited into the Construction--Major Projects and Construction--Minor Projects accounts to be used for construction, alterations, and improvements of VA medical facilities.
(Sec. 213) This section permits funds provided for Medical Services to be used for (1) furnishing recreational facilities, supplies, and equipment; and (2) funeral and burial expenses for beneficiaries receiving care from the VA.
(Sec. 214) This section permits funds deposited in the Medical Care Collections Fund to be transferred to the Medical Services and Medical Community Care accounts and remain available until expended for the purposes of those accounts.
(Sec. 215) This section permits the VA to enter into agreements with Federally Qualified Health Centers in Alaska and Indian tribes and tribal organizations which are party to the Alaska Native Health Compact with the Indian Health Service to provide health care, including behavioral health and dental care, to veterans in rural Alaska. It defines rural Alaska as those lands which are not within the boundaries of the municipality of Anchorage or the Fairbanks North Star Borough.
(Sec. 216) This section permits funds deposited into the Department of Veterans Affairs Capital Asset Fund to be transferred to the Construction--Major Projects and Construction--Minor Projects accounts to remain available until expended for the purposes of those accounts.
(Sec. 217) This section requires the VA to report quarterly to Congress on the financial status of the VA.
(Sec. 218) This section permits specified FY2024 VA funds to be transferred to or from the Information Technology Systems account if the transfer is approved by Congress.
(Sec. 219) This section permits specified FY2024 VA funds provided for medical accounts, Construction--Minor Projects, and Information Technology Systems to be transferred to the Joint Department of Defense-Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund and used for the operation of combined federal medical facilities.
(Sec. 220) This section permits specified FY2025 VA funding provided for medical accounts to be transferred to the Joint Department of Defense-Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund and used for the operation of combined federal medical facilities.
(Sec. 221) This section permits transfers from the Medical Care Collections Fund to the Joint Department of Defense-Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund and for the operation of combined federal medical facilities.
(Sec. 222) This section requires specified funds from medical accounts to be transferred to the DOD-VA Health Care Sharing Incentive Fund to remain available until expended.
(Sec. 223) This section prohibits VA funds from being used to replace the current system that the Veterans Integrated Service Networks use to select and contract for diabetes monitoring supplies and equipment.
(Sec. 224) This section directs the VA to notify Congress of all bid savings in major construction projects that total at least $5 million or 5% of the programmed amount of the project, whichever is less.
(Sec. 225) This section prohibits funds provided for the Construction--Major Projects account from being used to increase the scope of a project above the original budget request without congressional approval.
(Sec. 226) This section requires the VA to submit to Congress quarterly reports containing performance measures and data from each VBA regional office.
(Sec. 227) This section directs the VA to notify Congress before organizational changes that result in the transfer of 25 or more full-time equivalent staff from one organizational unit to another.
(Sec. 228) This section requires the VA to report to Congress quarterly regarding any single national outreach and awareness marketing campaign with obligations that exceed $1 million.
(Sec. 229) This section permits the VA to transfer funds to the Medical Services account if the transfer is necessary to address the needs of the VHA, meets specified requirements, and is approved by the Office of Management and Budget and Congress.
(Sec. 230) This section permits FY2024 funds provided for the Board of Veterans Appeals and General Operating Expenses--Veterans Benefits Administration to be transferred between those accounts if Congress approves the transfer.
(Sec. 231) This section prohibits the VA from reprogramming more than $7 million in funds among major construction projects or programs without congressional approval.
(Sec. 232) This section requires the VA to ensure that the toll-free suicide hotline authorized under current law (1) provides individuals who contact the hotline with immediate assistance from a trained professional, and (2) adheres to all requirements of the American Association of Suicidology.
It also prohibits funds provided by this division from being used to enforce or otherwise carry out any executive action that prohibits the VA from appointing an individual to occupy a vacant civil service position, or establishing a new civil service position, with respect to the hotline.
Finally, the section requires the VA to study the effectiveness of the hotline based on an analysis of national suicide data and data collected from the hotline.
(Sec. 233) This section requires the VA to use the breast cancer screening guidelines issued on May 10, 2017, by the VHA National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.
(Sec. 234) This section permits VA Medical Services funds to be used to provide (1) fertility counseling and treatment using assisted reproductive technology to a covered veteran or the spouse of a covered veteran, or (2) adoption reimbursement to a covered veteran. A covered veteran is a veteran who has a service-connected disability that results in the inability of the veteran to procreate without the use of fertility treatment.
(Sec. 235) This section prohibits the VA from using funds in a manner that is inconsistent with specified provisions under current law that restrict certain activities and studies related to the conversion of activities of an executive agency to contractor performance.
(Sec. 236) This section specifies that certain restrictions and requirements that apply to the use of funds to convert an activity of an executive agency to contractor performance do not apply to the conversion of an activity or function of the VHA, VBA, or National Cemetery Administration to contractor performance by a business concern that is at least 51% owned by one or more Indian Tribes or one or more Native Hawaiian Organizations.
(Sec. 237) This section requires the VA to discontinue collecting and using Social Security numbers to authenticate individuals in all information systems of VA not later than September 30, 2024.
The section includes exceptions that allow the VA to collect and use Social Security numbers if the use is necessary to
(Sec. 238) This section applies to FY2024 and FY2025 VA Medical Services funds a requirement for the VA to treat a marriage and family therapist that meets specified educational and licensing requirements as qualified to serve as a VA therapist.
(Sec. 239) This section prohibits the VA from transferring funds from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund to any other VA account.
(Sec. 240) This section permits FY2024 and FY2025 Medical Services funds to be used to carry out and expand the pilot program for providing child care assistance to veterans receiving health care.
(Sec. 241) This section prohibits the VA from using funds provided by this title to enter into an agreement related to resolving a dispute or claim with an individual that would restrict the individual from speaking to Members of Congress or their staff on any topic not otherwise prohibited from disclosure by federal law or required by executive order to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs.
(Sec. 242) This section applies to FY2024 and FY2025 VA funds a requirement for certain details to be included in the budget justification documents submitted to Congress for the Construction--Major Projects account.
(Sec. 243) This section requires departments and agencies funded by this division to provide an Inspector General (IG) funded by this division with timely access to records, documents, or other materials available to the department or agency over which the IG has responsibility. It also requires each IG to comply with specified statutory limitations on disclosure of the information provided.
(Sec. 244) This section prohibits funds provided by this division from being used in a manner that would increase wait times for veterans seeking care at VA medical facilities.
(Sec. 245) This section prohibits VHA funds provided by this division from being used in FY2024 to convert any program which received specific purpose funds in FY2023 to a general purpose funded program unless Congress is notified in advance and approves the proposal.
(Sec. 246) This section applies to FY2024 and FY2025 VA funds a provision that specifies documentation that DOD may accept to verify that a coastwise merchant seaman performed active duty service under honorable conditions.
(Sec. 247) This section establishes restrictions and requirements regarding the use of VA funds for conducting certain research that uses any canine, feline, or non-human primate. Specifically, the section prohibits such research that does not meet specified requirements, establishes reporting requirements regarding the research and violations of certain laws and policies related to animal research, requires the VA to submit to voluntary Department of Agriculture inspections of research facilities, and requires the VA to implement a plan to eliminate the research within two years.
(Sec. 248) This section permits the VA to use funds provided by this title to ensure that the ratio of veterans to full-time employment equivalents within any rehabilitation program does not exceed 125 veterans to one full-time employment equivalent. It also requires the VA to report to Congress on rehabilitation programs, including (1) an assessment of the veteran-to-staff ratio for each program, and (2) recommendations to reduce the veteran-to-staff ratio for each program.
(Sec. 249) This section permits FY2024 and FY2025 funds provided for the Medical Community Care Account to be used for expenses that would otherwise be paid from the Veterans Choice Fund.
(Sec. 250) This section allows obligations and expenditures applicable to the Medical Services account in FY2017-FY2019 for aid to state homes to remain in the Medical Community Care account.
(Sec. 251) This section makes specified funds from the medical accounts available for gender-specific care and programmatic efforts to deliver care for women veterans.
(Sec. 252) This section allocates specified funds from the Recurring Expenses Transformational Fund for constructing, altering, extending, and improving VHA medical facilities.
(Sec. 253) This section requires the VA to submit quarterly reports regarding the status of the Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program, which was established by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to provide educational assistance to certain unemployed veterans.
(Sec. 254) This section requires the VA to submit an expenditure plan for the FY2024 funds provided for the Cost of Water Toxic Exposures Fund by the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. The VA must also submit quarterly reports regarding the status of the funds.
(Sec. 255) This section permits certain contributions from other federal agencies to VA nonprofit corporations for research under an order placed with the VA to remain available for the liquidation of valid obligations incurred by the corporation during the period of performance of the order if the VA determines that the amounts need to remain available.
(Sec. 256) This section rescinds specified unobligated funds that were provided for the Veteran Electronic Health Record by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023.
(Sec. 257) This section prohibits funds from being used to close certain VA medical facilities, conduct an environmental assessment, or diminish services at certain existing VA medical facilities as part of a planned realignment of VA services until the VA submits a report to Congress with specified details regarding the planned realignment of services.
(Sec. 258) This section permits unobligated balances from the VA construction accounts to be used to support construction projects under the Communities Helping Invest through Property and Improvements Needed for Veterans Act of 2016, which authorized the VA to accept donations of real property and facilities from certain nonfederal entities.
(Sec. 259) This section rescinds specified unobligated funds that were provided to the VHA.
(Sec. 260) This section rescinds specified unobligated funds from several VA accounts.
(Sec. 261) This section requires certain unobligated VA funds that were transferred to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a major construction project in Alameda, California, to be returned to the VA.
TITLE III--RELATED AGENCIES
This title provides appropriations for related agencies, including
(Sec. 301) This section permits funds from concessions at Army National Military Cemeteries to be used to support activities at the cemeteries.
TITLE IV--GENERAL PROVISIONS
(Sec. 401) This section prohibits the obligation of funds in this division beyond the current fiscal year unless the obligation is expressly permitted in this division.
(Sec. 402) This section prohibits funds provided by this division from being used for programs, projects, or activities that are not in compliance with federal laws related to risk assessment, the protection of private property rights, or unfunded mandates.
(Sec. 403) This section encourages all departments and agencies funded in this division to expand their use of e-commerce technologies and procedures in the conduct of their business practices and public service activities.
(Sec. 404) This section specifies the congressional committees that are to receive all reports and notifications required by this division.
(Sec. 405) This section prohibits funds provided by this division from being transferred to any part of the U.S. government without authority provided by an appropriations act.
(Sec. 406) This section prohibits funds provided by this division from being used for a project or program named for an individual serving as a Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner of the House of Representatives.
(Sec. 407) This section requires agencies to post reports submitted to Congress on the public website of the agency. Exceptions are included for national security and confidential or proprietary information.
(Sec. 408) This section prohibits the use of funds provided by this division for a computer network unless pornography is blocked, with the exception of law enforcement, prosecution, or adjudication activities.
(Sec. 409) This section prohibits the use of funds provided by this division for first-class travel by an employee of the executive branch in contravention of specified federal regulations.
(Sec. 410) This section prohibits the use of funds provided by this division for any contract where the contractor has not complied with E-Verify requirements for verification of eligibility for employment.
(Sec. 411) This section prohibits the use of funds provided by this division to construct facilities on military installations that do not meet resiliency standards.
(Sec. 412) This section prohibits the use of funds provided by this division for the renovation, expansion, or construction of any facility in the United States to house certain individuals detained at the U.S. Naval Station at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for the purposes of detention or imprisonment in the custody or under the control of DOD. An exception is included for modifications to the facility at Guantanamo Bay.
(Sec. 413) This section prohibits the VA from using funds provided by this division to report certain veterans who are deemed mentally incapacitated, mentally incompetent, or to be experiencing an extended loss of consciousness to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) without a judicial determination that the person is a danger to himself, herself, or others. (The NICS conducts background checks on potential buyers or owners of firearms.)
DIVISION B--AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024
This division provides FY2024 appropriations for the Department of Agriculture (USDA), except for the Forest Service, which is included in Division E (the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024).
The division also provides appropriations for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Farm Credit Administration, and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
The division includes both discretionary and mandatory funding. The mandatory funding levels are generally set by authorizing legislation, such as the farm bill, and are frequently limited in the agriculture appropriations bill.
TITLE I--AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS
This title provides appropriations for the following agricultural programs and services
TITLE II--FARM PRODUCTION AND CONSERVATION PROGRAMS
This title provides appropriations for farm production and conservation programs, including
The title also provides appropriations for (1) the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund, and (2) the Commodity Credit Corporation Fund.
TITLE III--RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
This title provides appropriations for rural development programs, including
TITLE IV--DOMESTIC FOOD PROGRAMS
This title provides appropriations for the Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services.
The title also provides appropriations to the Food and Nutrition Service for
TITLE V--FOREIGN ASSISTANCE AND RELATED PROGRAMS
The title provides appropriations to the Office of the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs.
It also provides appropriations to the Foreign Agricultural Service for
TITLE VI--RELATED AGENCIES AND FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
This title provides appropriations to
TITLE VII--GENERAL PROVISIONS
(Sec. 701) This section permits USDA to use funds provided by this division to purchase passenger motor vehicles and specifies requirements and restrictions for the purchases.
(Sec. 702) This section permits USDA to transfer unobligated funds to the Working Capital Fund for the acquisition of certain property or equipment, and systems related to the delivery of financial, administrative, and information technology services. It also specifies requirements and restrictions for the transfers.
(Sec. 703) This section prohibits appropriations provided by this division from remaining available for obligation beyond the current fiscal year unless the division expressly provides otherwise.
(Sec. 704) This section limits negotiated indirect costs on cooperative agreements or similar arrangements between USDA and nonprofit institutions to 10% of the total direct cost of the agreement when the purpose of the agreement is to carry out programs of mutual interest between the two parties.
(Sec. 705) This section permits appropriations for direct and guaranteed loans to remain available until expended to disburse obligations made in the current fiscal year for (1) the Rural Development Loan Fund program account, (2) the Rural Electrification and Telecommunication Loans program account, and (3) the Rural Housing Insurance Fund program account.
(Sec. 706) This section prohibits USDA from using funds provided by this division to acquire new information technology systems or significant upgrades without approval of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and the Executive Information Technology Investment Review Board. It also (1) prohibits the transfer of funds made available by this division to the Office of the Chief Information Officer without prior approval of Congress, and (2) prohibits funds from being used for specified information technology projects without the approval of the CIO.
(Sec. 707) This section permits specified funds provided under the Federal Crop Insurance Act for the Agricultural Management Assistance Program in the current fiscal year to remain available until expended to disburse obligations made in the current fiscal year.
(Sec. 708) This section makes a former Rural Utility Service borrower who has repaid or prepaid a loan under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 or any not-for-profit utility qualified to receive a loan under the act eligible for rural economic development and job creation assistance in the same manner as a borrower.
(Sec. 709) This section permits specified unobligated balances of appropriations provided by this division for salaries and expenses of the Farm Service Agency to remain available through FY2025 for information technology expenses.
(Sec. 710) This section prohibits funds provided by this division from being used for first-class travel by employees of agencies funded by this division in contravention of specified regulations.
(Sec. 711) This section provides that (1) Commodity Credit Corporation funds authorized or required to be used for specified programs included in the Agricultural Act of 2014 or a successor to the act shall be available for salaries and administrative expenses associated with the programs without regard to allotment and transfer limits, and (2) the use of the funds for this purpose shall not be considered to be a fund transfer or allotment for purposes of applying the limits.
(Sec. 712) This section limits funds available for USDA advisory committees, panels, commissions, and task forces, except for panels used to comply with negotiated rulemakings or to evaluate competitively awarded grants.
(Sec. 713) This section prohibits funds provided by this division from being used for a computer network unless pornography is blocked, with the exception of law enforcement, prosecution, or adjudication activities.
(Sec. 714) This section limits the amount of Section 32 funds that may be used for certain domestic food assistance programs, including
(Section 32 is a program created to assist producers of agricultural commodities not supported by other mandatory farm support programs. It is funded by a permanent appropriation of a portion of the previous year's customs receipts less certain mandatory transfers to child nutrition and other programs.)
This section also prohibits the use of Section 32 funds to reestablish farmers' purchasing power by making payments in connection with the normal production of any agricultural commodity for domestic consumption. It includes an exception for a limited amount of carryover funds.
(Sec. 715) This section prohibits funds from being used to prepare proposals for the President's budget that are for programs funded in this division and assume savings from certain user fee proposals without identifying additional spending reductions that should occur if the proposals are not enacted.
(Sec. 716) This section sets forth procedures, requirements, and restrictions for reprogramming and transferring funds provided by this division.
(Sec. 717) This section permits USDA to assess a one-time fee for any guaranteed business and industry loan and limits the fee to 3% of the guaranteed principal portion of the loan.
(Sec. 718) This section prohibits funds from being used to provide reports, questions, or responses to questions that are a result of information requested for the appropriations hearing process to anyone who is not employed by USDA, the Department of Health and Human Service, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or the Farm Credit Administration.
(Sec. 719) This section prohibits any executive branch agency from using funds provided by this division to produce a prepackaged news story for U.S. broadcast or distribution unless the story includes a clear notification indicating that it was prepared or funded by the agency.
(Sec. 720) This section prohibits USDA employees from being detailed or assigned to any other USDA agency or office for more than 60 days in a fiscal year unless the individual's employing agency is reimbursed by the receiving agency for the salary and expenses of the employee during the period of assignment.
(Sec. 721) This section directs the agencies funded by this division to submit spending plans to Congress.
(Sec. 722) This section prohibits funds provided by this division from being used for regulations to allow or require information intended for a prescribing health care professional, in the case of a drug or biological product, to be distributed to the professional electronically (in lieu of in paper form) until a federal law is enacted to allow or require electronic distribution.
(Sec. 723) This section prohibits USDA from including incarcerated prison populations to determine eligibility or the level of program assistance for Rural Housing Service programs.
(Sec. 724) This section permits USDA to increase the program level by up to 25% for certain loans and loan guarantees that do not require budget authority and have program levels established by this division. USDA must notify Congress before implementing an increase under this section.
(Sec. 725) This section provides that certain credit card refunds or rebates transferred to the Working Capital Fund (1) shall not be available for obligation without congressional approval; and (2) shall only be available for specified purposes, including acquiring property or equipment necessary for the delivery of financial, administrative, and information technology services of primary benefit to USDA agencies.
(Sec. 726) This section prohibits funds provided by this division from be used for the variety requirements of the final USDA rule titled Enhancing Retailer Standards in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) until USDA amends the definition of variety to increase the number of items that qualify as acceptable varieties in each staple food category so that the total number of such items in each staple food category exceeds the number of such items in each staple food category included in the final rule.
Until the amendments are promulgated, USDA must apply the requirements regarding acceptable varieties and breadth of stock to SNAP retailers that were in effect on the day before the enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014.
(Sec. 727) This section sets forth the authorities that apply to USDA to carry out the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program. (Under the program USDA's Rural Housing Service guarantees loans made by approved private lenders to eligible low- and moderate-income households to purchase homes to be used as principal residences.)
(Sec. 728) This section prohibits funds provided by this division from being used for regulations that establish certain new user fees.
(Sec. 729) This section rescinds specified unobligated funds that were provided for the Broadband Treasury Rate Loan program.
(Sec. 730) This section allows the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to charge establishments for the cost of inspection services provided outside of an establishment's approved inspection shifts and for inspection services provided on federal holidays. The section also specifies the amounts charged (1) shall be considered overtime pay or holiday pay, and (2) may be used by FSIS without further appropriations to fund all costs associated with inspections.
(Sec. 731) USDA must conduct audits in a manner that evaluates the following factors in the country or region being audited
This section also requires USDA to (1) make the final reports of the audits publicly available, and (2) apply these requirements in a manner that is consistent with U.S. obligations under international trade agreements.
(Sec. 732) This section rescinds specified unobligated funds that were provided for the Rural Development Voucher Program, which provides rental assistance vouchers to eligible tenants.
(Sec. 733) This section rescinds specified unobligated funds that were provided to the Rural Cooperative Development Grant program for Agriculture Innovation Centers.
(Sec. 734) This section prohibits funds provided for the rural water, waste water, waste disposal, and solid waste management programs authorized by the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act from being used for the construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of a public water or wastewater system unless all of the iron and steel products used in the project are produced in the United States. The section also (1) specifies exceptions and waiver procedures, and (2) allows USDA to retain specified funds for management and oversight of the requirements of this section.
(Sec. 735) This section prohibits funds provided by this division from being used to influence congressional action on any legislation or appropriations matters pending before Congress.
(Sec. 736) This section requires at least 10% of the funds provided by this division for direct loans and grants under specified programs to be allocated for assistance in persistent poverty counties. A persistent poverty county is a county that has had at least 20% of its population living in poverty over the past 30 years, as measured by the 1990 and 2000 decennial censuses, and 2007-2011 American Community Survey 5-year average, or any U.S. territory or possession.
(Sec. 737) This section prohibits the FDA from acknowledging applications for an exemption for investigational use of a drug or biological product in research in which a human embryo is intentionally created or modified to include a heritable genetic modification. Such a submission must be deemed to have not been received, and the exemption may not go into effect.
(Sec. 738) This section prohibits funds from being used to enforce the FDA rule titled Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption with respect to the regulation of entities that grow, harvest, pack, or hold wine grapes, hops, pulse crops, or almonds.
(Sec. 739) This section prohibits funds provided by this division from being used to implement or enforce a portion of a School Breakfast Program regulation that imposes restrictions on the substitution of certain types of vegetables for fruits.
(Sec. 740) This section prohibits funds provided by this division from being used (1) in contravention of specified laws that permit certain activities regarding hemp, including the transportation or shipment of hemp or hemp products in interstate commerce if certain requirements are met; or (2) to prohibit the transportation, processing, sale, or use of industrial hemp, or seeds of such plant, that is grown or cultivated in accordance with the laws, within or outside the state in which it is grown or cultivated.
(Sec. 741) This section permits USDA to waive the matching funds requirement for the Specialty Crop Research Initiative.
(Sec. 742) This section establishes reporting requirements related to foreign investments in agricultural land in the United States, including the impact that foreign ownership has on family farms, rural communities, and the domestic food supply.
(Sec. 743) This section provides appropriations for a pilot program for USDA to award grants to nonprofit organizations and public housing authorities to provide technical assistance to Rural Housing Service (RHS) multi-family housing borrowers to facilitate the acquisition of RHS multi-family housing properties in areas where there is a risk of loss of affordable housing. The grants must be used to assist acquisitions by nonprofit housing organizations and public housing authorities that commit to keeping the properties in the RHS multi-family housing program for a period of time determined by USDA.
(Sec. 744) This section rescinds specified unobligated funds that were provided to the Rural Housing Assistance Grants account for housing repair grants.
(Sec. 745) This section specifies that, after the effective date of an FDA final rule regarding food labeling requirements and nutritional claims for the term "healthy," manufacturers may also continue to comply with the previous FDA requirements for the implied nutrient content claim healthy through the compliance date FDA provides in the final rule. Any food product manufactured and labeled as "healthy" during the compliance period shall also not be subject to state requirements that are not identical to either the prior or the updated FDA requirements in the final rule if the updated requirements go into effect during the compliance period.
(Sec. 746) This section specifies that funds made available under Title II of the Food for Peace Act may only be used to provide assistance to recipient nations if adequate monitoring and controls are in place to ensure that emergency food aid is received by the intended beneficiaries in areas affected by food shortages and not diverted for unauthorized or inappropriate purposes.
(Sec. 747) This section prohibits funds provided by this division from being used to procure raw or processed poultry products or seafood from China for the National School Lunch Program, the Child and Adult Food Care Program, the Summer Food Service Program, or the School Breakfast Program.
(Sec. 748) This section provides that, for the 2024-2025 school year, only school food authorities with a negative balance in the nonprofit school food service account as of June 30, 2022, are required to establish a price for paid lunches using the formula specified under current law (known as Paid Lunch Equity requirements).
(Sec. 749) This section permits specified funds to be made available for grants for biotechnology risk assessment research.
(Sec. 750) This section prohibits USDA funds from being used to move any staff office or any agency from the mission area in which it was located on August 1, 2018, to any other mission area or office within USDA unless specific legislation affirming the move is enacted.
(Sec. 751) This section permits the Natural Resources Conservation Service to use funds provided for the Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations Program, the Watershed Rehabilitation Program, and the Emergency Watershed Protection Program to provide technical services for the programs using the Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services Program.
(Sec. 752) The section modifies the eligibility requirements for the ReConnect Program to allow USDA to consider providing assistance in communities that are Areas Rural in Character. Under current law, the program provides loans, grants, and loan-grant combinations to facilitate broadband deployment in rural areas that currently do not have sufficient access to broadband.
(Sec. 753) This section provides appropriations to remain available until expended for implementing non-renewable agreements for wetlands preservation on eligible lands, including flooded agricultural lands, under the Water Bank Act.
(Sec. 754) This section requires the FDA to revise the advice provided in the notice of availability titled Advice About Eating Fish, From the Environmental Protection Agency and Food and Drug Administration; Revised Fish Advice; Availability in a manner that is consistent with nutrition science recognized by the FDA on the net effects of seafood consumption.
(Sec. 755) This section provides additional appropriations for the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program to award grants to processors of invasive, wild-caught catfish.
(Sec. 756) This section directs USDA to set aside specified additional funds for Rural Economic Area Partnership (REAP) Zones.
(Sec. 757) This section prohibits USDA from using funds provided by this division to allow banks for cooperatives (e.g., CoBank) to make certain loans for water and waste disposal facilities in rural areas under the Farm Credit Act of 1971 in a manner that is inconsistent with the definition of rural area included in the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (i.e., areas and towns with populations of 10,000 or less).
(Sec. 758) This section provides additional funding for a pilot program to award grants to eligible entities (e.g., Indian tribes, tribal organizations, or tribal educational agencies) to operate and implement the National School Lunch Program, the Child and Adult Food Care Program, the Summer Food Service Program, or the School Breakfast Program in either a Bureau of Indian Affairs-funded school, a school on or near an Indian reservation, or an early child care and education facility.
(Sec. 759) This section prohibits the FDA from using funds provided by this division to issue or promote any new guidelines or regulations applicable to food manufacturers for Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) until the FDA considers the available new science in developing a specified Compliance Policy Guide regarding Lm in low-risk foods.
(Sec. 760) This section extends the repayment period from two to five years for USDA self-help housing land development loans. (The program provides funds to eligible private and public nonprofit organizations to purchase and develop building sites for housing for participants in self-help housing programs.)
(Sec. 761) This section extends the repayment period from two to five years for USDA site development loans, which are used to purchase and develop building sites for low- or moderate-income households.
(Sec. 762) This section amends the Multifamily Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1981 to align USDA's foreclosure authorities with authorities that are provided under that act for the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
(Sec. 763) This section prohibits the FDA from using funds provided by this division to develop, issue, promote or advance any final guidelines or new regulations applicable to food manufacturers for long-term population-wide sodium reduction actions until an assessment is completed on the impact of the short-term sodium reduction targets.
(Sec. 764) This section provides appropriations for the Agricultural Marketing Service to develop and maintain a Bison Production and Marketing Grant Program that is similar to the existing Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program. The program must prioritize grants to national nonprofits and federally chartered tribal organizations that have expertise in bison production or marketing.
(Sec. 765) This section provides additional appropriations to the Food Safety and Inspection Service to cover voluntary meat inspection fees for the slaughtering or processing of bison/buffalo at Native American- owned establishments or establishments operating on tribal lands.
(Sec. 766) This section rescinds specified unobligated balances that were provided to the Natural Resources Conservation Service for the Rural Water Operation Program.
(Sec. 767) This section exempts premium pay that is for services performed by Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service employees in response to an animal disease outbreak and is funded through reimbursement from certain pay limitations.
(Sec. 768) This section prohibits funds from being used to inspect horses for slaughter purposes.
(Sec. 769) This section requires any rule, notice, or guidance regarding USDA's proposed rule titled Child Nutrition Programs: Revisions to Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans to allow and provide reimbursement for flavored milk in (1) the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program for grades K-12, (2) the Child and Adult Care Food Program for participants who are six years of age and older, and (3) any other program complying with the meal pattern requirements covered by the final rule.
(Sec. 770) This section requires the sodium limits for child nutrition meal patterns that are in effect for the 2023-2024 school year to remain in effect through the 2026-2027 school year. It also specifies that, after the 2026-2027 school year, the sodium limits included in any rulemaking, notice, or guidance regarding the proposed rule titled "Child Nutrition Programs: Revisions to Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for American" may not be more restrictive than the Target 2 sodium levels published in the final rule titled "Nutrition Standards in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs" and published by USDA on January 26, 2012.
(Sec. 771) This section provides appropriations for the Wetland Mitigation Banking Program, which provides grants to support the establishment of wetland mitigation banks. (Under a wetland mitigation banking program, a wetland is created, enhanced, or restored, and a credit for those efforts is sold to others as compensation for the loss of impacted wetlands at other locations). USDA must prioritize the wetland compliance needs of areas with significant numbers of individual wetlands, wetland acres, and conservation compliance requests.
(Sec. 772) This section provides appropriations for the Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance Grant Program, which provides funding for shelter, transitional housing, and other assistance for domestic violence survivors with pets.
(Sec. 773) This section requires USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services to consider the findings and recommendations of a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine report on alcohol consumption in the development of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The departments must also ensure that the alcohol consumption recommendations in the guidelines are based on the preponderance of scientific and medical knowledge.
(Sec. 774) This section makes funding that was provided for the Rural Community Facilities Program Account by the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023 available for grants to repair or replace essential community facilities damaged by a disaster that occurred in calendar year 2023.
(Sec. 775) This section rescinds specified unobligated funds that were provided for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
(Sec. 776) This section rescinds specified unobligated funds that were provided to the FDA by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for activities related to COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics, and medical devices.
(Sec. 777) This section rescinds specified unobligated funds that were provided to the Nutrition Programs Administration account for relocation expenses, the alteration and repair of buildings, and improvements.
(Sec. 778) This section allows certain unobligated funds from the Nonrecurring Expenses Fund to be used for specified purposes, including for (1) grants for rural community facilities programs, and (2) expenses under the Food for Peace Act for commodities supplied in connection with dispositions abroad.
(Sec. 779) This section expands the authorized uses of the Nonrecurring Expenses Fund to allow the funds to be used for (1) facilities infrastructure generally (rather than only facilities infrastructure capital acquisition under current law), and (2) information technology services.
(Sec. 780) This section requires USDA to use specified funds that were provided for rural development loans and grants for Rural Business Development Grants.
(Sec. 781) This section requires the acceptable market name of any engineered animal approved prior to the effective date of the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (February 19, 2019) to include the word genetically engineered prior to the existing acceptable market name.
(Sec. 782) This section provides appropriations to continue the Institute for Rural Partnerships. The institute must continue to dedicate resources to researching the causes and conditions of challenges facing rural areas, and develop community partnerships to address such challenges.
(Sec. 783) This section provides appropriations for a working group established by USDA, in coordination with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to study and report to Congress on specified issues relat