US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB2200

Introduced
3/29/23  
Refer
3/29/23  

Caption

To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for US Department of Agriculture, Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment for fiscal year 2024.

Impact

The proposed funding limitation could significantly affect the operations and initiatives managed by the Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment. With this reduced financial support, the agency may struggle to fulfill its mandate related to managing natural resource conservation and environmental protection programs. The bill's supporters contend that this measure is necessary to ensure that taxpayer money is spent efficiently and effectively, while critics may argue that it undermines vital programs related to environmental stewardship and natural resource management.

Summary

House Bill 2200 seeks to impose a limitation on the availability of funds for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment for the fiscal year 2024. This bill sets a strict cap of $875,000 for the budget allocated to this office, signaling a potential shift in federal funding policies for departments concerned with natural resources and environmental conservation. Proponents of the bill argue that it promotes fiscal responsibility by controlling governmental expenditures, particularly within agencies that have been perceived as overspending.

Contention

Notable points of contention around HB 2200 include the balance between fiscal austerity and the necessary funding for environmental programs. Opponents of the funding cap may fear that such limitations could lead to a decline in environmental protection standards and a decrease in the ability of the Department of Agriculture to respond adequately to environmental challenges. Furthermore, this bill has sparked discussions about the budget allocation priorities within the federal government, drawing attention to the ongoing debate about the appropriate level of funding for agricultural versus environmental initiatives.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SB118

In powers and duties of the Department of Environmental Resources, its officers and departmental and advisory boards and commissions, providing for Office of Environmental Justice.

US HB1649

An Act For The Department Of Agriculture - Arkansas Natural Resources Commission Appropriation For The 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.

US HB0005

Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environmental Quality Base Budget

US SB0005

Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environmental Quality Base Budget

US HB188

Proven Forest Management Act of 2022 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA), when conducting a forest management activity on National Forest System land, to coordinate with impacted parties to increase efficiency and maximize the compatibility of management practices across such land. USDA shall conduct such an activity on National Forest System land in a manner that attains multiple ecosystem benefits, including reducing forest fuels and maintaining biological diversity. However, a forest management activity shall not be conducted if the costs associated with attaining such benefits are excessive. Additionally, the USDA shall (1) establish any post-program ground condition criteria for a ground disturbance caused by a forest management activity required by the applicable forest plan, and (2) provide for monitoring to ascertain the attainment of relevant post-program conditions. The bill categorically excludes certain forest management activities for reducing forest fuels from certain environmental impact requirements. USDA or the Department of the Interior, as appropriate, in conjunction with land adjustment programs, may enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with a qualified entity to provide for fuel reduction, erosion control, reforestation, Stream Environment Zone restoration, and similar management activities on federal lands and nonfederal lands within such programs.

US HB215

Working to Advance Tangible and Effective Reforms for California Act or the WATER for California Act This bill addresses the operation of the Central Valley Project (CVP), a federal water project in California owned and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation, and the California State Water Project (SWP), which is operated jointly with the CVP. Specifically, the bill requires that Reclamation operate the CVP and SWP pursuant to a specified alternative to a proposed action in a final environmental impact statement and 2019 agency published Biological Opinions (BiOps). The bill also requires Reclamation and the Department of Commerce to submit a justification to Congress that meets certain requirements prior to requesting or completing a reinitiation of consultation that will result in new BiOps. This bill also requires Reclamation to allocate water to existing agricultural water service contractors within the CVP's Sacramento River Watershed based on the water year type (e.g., dry, wet). These allocations must not affect the United States' ability or obligations to deliver water under other designated contracts. Further, the bill repeals certain eligibility requirements for water infrastructure construction funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to make the Shasta Dam and Reservoir Enlargement Project in California eligible for funding. The bill also requires that Reclamation funds made available but not used for this project in previous appropriations years be made available to the project. Finally, the bill reauthorizes Reclamation's support for the construction or expansion of water storage projects.

US SR118

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Transfer Active Agricultural Land Leases Under The Jurisdiction Of The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To The Department Of Agriculture To Support Agriculture In The State.

US HB128

Defund Planned Parenthood Act of 2023 This bill restricts federal funding for Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc. or any of its affiliates or clinics for one year. Specifically, it prohibits funding those entities unless they certify that the affiliates and clinics will not perform, and will not provide funds to entities that perform, abortions during that year. If the certification requirement is not met, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture must recoup any federal assistance received by those entities. However, the bill's funding restriction does not apply to abortions performed in cases of rape or incest or when necessary to resolve a physical condition that endangers a woman's life. The bill also provides additional funding for community health centers for the one-year period. These funds are subject to the same abortion-related restrictions and exceptions.

US SB0172

Appropriations: department of natural resources; appropriations for fiscal year 2025-2026; provide for. Creates appropriation act.

US HB1200

An Act For The Department Of Energy And Environment - Division Of Environmental Quality Appropriation For The 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.