Bill > HR3956

This bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to expand the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) by allowing Indian Tribes and Tribal Organizations to enter into self-determination contracts and self-governance agreements with the Secretary of Agriculture. Under these agreements, Indian entities can purchase and administer agricultural commodities for their reservations, with specific requirements that the commodities be domestically produced, maintain similar nutritional value to existing food packages, and potentially include items of tribal significance. The bill establishes eligibility criteria based on the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, requiring consultation with tribes to determine participation processes. The Secretary of Agriculture must submit annual reports to congressional agriculture committees detailing the activities under these agreements. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the negotiation and administration of these agreements will be governed by existing Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act provisions, with adaptations made to agricultural programs, and mandates that any ambiguities should be interpreted in favor of the Indian entity. The bill also terminates previous demonstration projects related to the food distribution program once current tribal contracts expire.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3956/all-info