SA 3657. Mr. PRYOR (for himself and Mrs. LINCOLN) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill H.R. 2419, to provide for the continuation of agricultural programs through fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

On page 1362, between lines 19 and 20, insert the following:
SEC. 11072. REGULATIONS TO IMPROVE MANAGEMENT AND OVERSIGHT OF CERTAIN REGULATED ARTICLES.
(a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations--
(1) to implement, as appropriate, each issue identified in the document entitled ``Lessons Learned and Revisions under Consideration for APHIS' Biotechnology Framework'', dated October 4, 2007; and
(2) to improve the management and oversight of articles regulated under the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.).
(b) Inclusions.--In promulgating regulations under subsection (a), the Secretary shall include provisions that are designed to enhance--
(1) the quality and completeness of records;
(2) the availability of representative samples;
(3) the maintenance of identity and control in the event of an unauthorized release;
(4) corrective actions in the event of an unauthorized release;
(5) protocols for conducting molecular forensics;
(6) clarity in contractual agreements;
(7) the use of the latest scientific techniques for isolation and confinement;
(8) standards for quality management systems and effective research (including laboratory, greenhouse, and field research); and
(9) the design of electronic permits to store documents and other information relating to the permit and notification processes.
(c) Consideration.--In promulgating regulations under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consider--
(1) establishing--
(A) a level of potential risk presented by each regulated article (including unintended release);
(B) a means to identify regulated articles (including the retention of seed samples); and
(C) scientifically valid and proven isolation and containment distances; and
(2) requiring permit holders--
(A) to maintain a positive chain of custody;
(B) to provide for the maintenance of records;
(C) to provide for the accounting of material;
(D) to conduct periodic audits;
(E) to establish an appropriate training program;
(F) to provide contingency and corrective action plans; and
(G) to submit reports as the Secretary considers to be appropriate.


(As printed in the Congressional Record for the Senate on Nov 14, 2007.)