U.S. Code > Title 7 Agriculture > CHAPTER 55—DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (§§ 2201—2279h) > § 2209j. Permanent debarment from participation in Department of Agriculture programs for fraud

§ 2209j. Permanent debarment from participation in Department of Agriculture programs for fraud

(a) In general
Subject to subsection (b), the Secretary of Agriculture shall permanently debar an individual, organization, corporation, or other entity convicted of a felony for knowingly defrauding the United States in connection with any program administered by the Department of Agriculture from any subsequent participation in Department of Agriculture programs.
(b) Exceptions
(1) Secretary determination
The Secretary may reduce a debarment under subsection (a) to a period of not less than 10 years if the Secretary considers it appropriate.
(2) Food assistance
A debarment under subsection (a) shall not apply with respect to participation in domestic food assistance programs (as defined by the Secretary).