HR 2004 IH

To provide for the establishment of a Department of Agriculture research program to enhance and develop the nitrogen-fixing ability of legumes and other commercial crops.

May 24, 2001

Mr. SMITH of Michigan introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture

To provide for the establishment of a Department of Agriculture research program to enhance and develop the nitrogen-fixing ability of legumes and other commercial crops.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE RESEARCH PROGRAM ON NITROGEN-FIXING BY PLANTS.

(a) RESEARCH PROGRAM- The Secretary of Agriculture shall make it a priority to establish a research program, directly or through grants--

(1) to enhance the nitrogen-fixing ability and efficiency of legumes;

(2) to develop new varieties of legumes that fix nitrogen more efficiently; and

(3) to develop new varieties of other commercially important crops that potentially are able to fix nitrogen.

(b) FUNDING SOURCE- From funds available to the Secretary for agricultural research, the Secretary shall use not less than $5,000,000 to carry out this section.

END