This bill, known as the "Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) Act of 2025," amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to significantly enhance tribal self-governance. It authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to negotiate and enter into self-determination contracts and self-governance agreements with Indian entities, including Tribes and Tribal Organizations. These agreements empower Indian entities to directly administer the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) by purchasing agricultural commodities and managing related program operations for their communities. Commodities purchased must be domestically produced, maintain similar or higher nutritional value or cultural significance, and not materially alter the total food amount provided. The legislation establishes eligibility criteria based on the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act and ensures that the agreements are governed by its principles, with adaptations requiring negotiated consent and liberal interpretation for the benefit of the Indian entity. This bill also mandates annual reporting to Congress on these activities and transitions from a prior demonstration program to a permanent framework for tribal self-governance in food distribution.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Native Americans
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-3956| House
| Updated: 6/12/2025
This bill, known as the "Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) Act of 2025," amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to significantly enhance tribal self-governance. It authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to negotiate and enter into self-determination contracts and self-governance agreements with Indian entities, including Tribes and Tribal Organizations. These agreements empower Indian entities to directly administer the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) by purchasing agricultural commodities and managing related program operations for their communities. Commodities purchased must be domestically produced, maintain similar or higher nutritional value or cultural significance, and not materially alter the total food amount provided. The legislation establishes eligibility criteria based on the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act and ensures that the agreements are governed by its principles, with adaptations requiring negotiated consent and liberal interpretation for the benefit of the Indian entity. This bill also mandates annual reporting to Congress on these activities and transitions from a prior demonstration program to a permanent framework for tribal self-governance in food distribution.