USC Subchapter V

7 U.S.C. § 6961 Under Secretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment

(a) AuthorizationThe Secretary is authorized to establish in the Department the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment. (b) Confirmation requiredIf the Secretary establishes the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment authorized under subsection (a), the Under Secretary shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. (c) Functions of Under Secretary(1) Principal functionsUpon establishment, the Secretary shall delegate to the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment those functions under the jurisdiction of the Department that are related to natural resources and environment (except to the extent those functions are delegated under section 6932 of this title). (2) Additional functionsThe Under Secretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment shall perform such other functions and duties as may be required by law or prescribed by the Secretary. (d) SuccessionAny official who is serving as Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment on October 13, 1994, and who was appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall not be required to be reappointed under subsection (b) to the successor position authorized under subsection (a) if the Secretary establishes the position, and the official occupies the new position, within 180 days after October 13, 1994 (or such later date set by the Secretary if litigation delays rapid succession).

7 U.S.C. § 6962a Cooperative agreements

Notwithstanding any other provision of law (including provisions of law requiring competition), the Secretary of Agriculture may on and after October 28, 2000, enter into cooperative agreements (which may provide for the acquisition of goods or services, including personal services) with a State, political subdivision, or agency thereof, a public or private agency, organization, or any other person, if the Secretary determines that the objectives of the agreement will: (1) serve a mutual interest of the parties to the agreement in carrying out the programs administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service; and (2) all parties will contribute resources to the accomplishment of these objectives: Provided, That Commodity Credit Corporation funds obligated for such purposes shall not exceed the level obligated by the Commodity Credit Corporation for such purposes in fiscal year 1998.