7 U.S.C. § 473a — Cotton classification services

(a) In general -- The Secretary must (1) offer cotton classification services to cotton growers, and (2) collect classification fees from growers or agents who voluntarily agree to collect and pass along those fees.

(b) Fees -- (1) Use of fees -- As much as possible, the collected fees and money from selling samples must pay for this service's cost, including administration and supervision. (2) Announcement of fees -- The Secretary must announce a single classification fee, and any extra surcharge, by June 1 of the year it applies.

(c) Consultation -- (1) In general -- Before setting the fee amount, the Secretary must talk with representatives of the U.S. cotton industry. (2) Exemption -- The Federal Advisory Committee rules in chapter 10 of title 5 don't apply to these industry consultations.

(d) Crediting of fees -- Fees collected under this section and under section 473d, late fees, sample-sale proceeds, and any investment interest must (1) go into the account that pays for services under this section and section 473d, and (2) stay available, with no time limit, to pay for those services.

(e) Investment of funds -- These funds can be invested (1) by the Secretary, in insured or fully collateralized interest-bearing accounts, or (2) by the Secretary of the Treasury, in U.S. government debt, if the Secretary of Agriculture chooses that option.

(f) Lease agreements -- Despite any other law, the Secretary may sign long-term leases over five years, or buy property outright, to get offices for cotton classification -- if the Secretary decides that's the best way to serve this chapter's purpose.

(g) Authorization of appropriations -- Congress may appropriate whatever additional money is needed to run this section, beyond what the fees and sample sales bring in.