S. 4945 — Introduced in Senate

II 118th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 4945 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES August 1, 2024Mr. Welch introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry A BILL To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out research, technical studies, demonstrations, and pilot programs to further the mission of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Rural Opportunities and Revitalization Act of 2024. 2. Research, technical studies, demonstrations, and pilot programs to further the mission of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (a) Definition of Secretary In this section, the term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. (b) Authorization The Secretary shall carry out the following activities relating to the mission and programs of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service: (1) Research. (2) Technical studies. (3) Demonstrations. (4) Pilot programs. (c) Special rules (1) Resources In carrying out the activities described in subsection (b), the Secretary shall promote long-term prosperity in rural areas by providing the following resources to help individuals living in rural areas start businesses, grow businesses, or find jobs: (A) Capital. (B) Training. (C) Education. (D) Entrepreneurial skills. (E) Economic development. (2) Demonstrations In carrying out this section, the Secretary may permit demonstrations involving innovative methods of program delivery that do not meet standards, rules, regulations, or policies of the Department of Agriculture if the Secretary determines that— (A) permitting a demonstration is in the best interests of the Federal Government; (B) the health and safety of individuals in the area in which a demonstration is carried out will not be adversely impacted; and (C) deviations from the standards, rules, regulations, or policies do not compromise the core mission of the rural development mission area of promoting rural development, economic growth, and infrastructure development. (d) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each fiscal year.