Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 3956
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Native Americans
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-12: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- Last Updated
- 2025-07-17T11:33:05Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose The legislation amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to allow the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into self-determination contracts and self-governance agreements with Indian entities for administering the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR). It aims to give Indian Tribes and Tribal Organizations greater control over purchasing and managing food distribution on their reservations.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) Act of 2025.
- New Authority in Section 4(b): Adds paragraph (7) to authorize the Secretary to negotiate and enter into agreements at the request of an Indian entity to purchase domestically produced agricultural commodities and administer FDPIR operations.
- Definitions: Defines "Indian entity" as Indian Tribes and Tribal Organizations under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA); references self-determination contracts and self-governance agreements from that Act.
- Eligibility: Presumes eligibility if the Indian entity meets ISDEAA title I or IV requirements; requires consultation with Tribes on Tribal organization participation.
- Commodity Requirements: Purchased items must be domestically produced, maintain similar quantities to the FDPIR Guide Rate, and offer similar or higher nutritional value or have Tribal significance.
- Reporting: Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the House and Senate Agriculture Committees on activities under these agreements.
- Governing Law: Applies ISDEAA title I (contracts) or title IV (agreements) rules, adapted to USDA programs only with the Indian entity's consent; includes a liberal construction rule favoring the Indian entity.
- Termination: Ends existing FDPIR demonstration projects under the 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act once performance periods end.
Significant Changes to Existing Law This bill expands the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 by adding permanent authority for self-determination contracts and self-governance agreements, replacing a prior demonstration program. It integrates ISDEAA processes into USDA FDPIR administration, previously limited to demonstration status.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Shifts some administrative responsibilities from the USDA to participating Indian entities, potentially reducing federal operational involvement while requiring ongoing consultation and reporting.
- Citizens: May allow more culturally relevant food options for residents on Indian reservations through Tribal-managed programs.
- International Relations: No direct impacts identified in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Indian Tribes and Tribal Organizations (primary participants in contracts and agreements).
- The Secretary of Agriculture and USDA (responsible for negotiation, oversight, and reporting).
- Congressional committees on agriculture (recipients of annual reports).
- Individuals and households eligible for FDPIR on Indian reservations.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill extends ISDEAA self-determination principles to a USDA nutrition program, requiring case-by-case adaptations with Tribal consent and resolving ambiguities in favor of Indian entities. It promotes Tribal self-governance in federal program administration without altering broader constitutional frameworks.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Lucas, Frank D. [R-OK-3], Rep. Cole, Tom [R-OK-4], Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-12: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- 2025-06-12: Introduced in House
- 2025-06-12: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) Act of 2025 — issued 2025-06-12 — PDF (6 pages)