Increasing Tribal Input on Nutrition Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9425
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Native Americans
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-24: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-07T18:32:13Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation aims to strengthen Tribal involvement in federal nutrition assistance programs by requiring consultation with Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations. It also addresses disruptions in food supply chains affecting distribution on reservations and in related programs.
Key Provisions
- Tribal Consultation in Contracting: Before evaluating contracts under the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, the Secretary of Agriculture must consult with Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations, integrate their feedback, and consider that input throughout the process.
- Supply Chain Disruptions: Defines a supply chain disruption as a shortage of foods that impedes commodity distribution, including issues from multifood warehouses. If such a disruption occurs, the Secretary must designate an emergency warehouse contractor within 45 days and may provide direct payments or reimbursements to Tribes or Tribal organizations (limited to the amount the Secretary would otherwise spend). Purchased commodities must be domestically produced, supplant rather than supplement existing packages, match or exceed nutritional value, and meet other criteria set by the Secretary.
- Notification Requirements: The Secretary must notify affected Tribes or State agencies and publish the designation and explanation on the Department of Agriculture website.
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program Changes: Requires annual consultations with Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations. State agencies are encouraged to consult Tribes before amending plans and to document those consultations. The Secretary must provide technical assistance on conducting proper consultations. Similar supply chain disruption rules apply, including the 45-day emergency contractor designation and public notification.
- Terminology Update: Replaces "tribal organization" with "Tribal organization" throughout the relevant section.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill amends Section 4(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to add new paragraphs on Tribal inclusion in contracting and supply chain emergencies. It also adds subsections (n) and (o) to Section 5 of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 to mandate consultations and emergency procedures for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. These represent expansions beyond prior requirements for Tribal input.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Increases administrative duties for the Department of Agriculture, including mandatory consultations, technical assistance, and rapid contractor designations during disruptions.
- On citizens: May improve food package relevance and availability for Tribal members by incorporating local input and enabling quicker responses to shortages.
- On international relations: No direct effects identified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations administering or participating in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program.
- State agencies involved in plan amendments for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program.
- The Department of Agriculture and its contractors managing food distribution.
- Recipients of nutrition assistance in Tribal communities.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The legislation reinforces federal consultation practices with Indian Tribes, which aligns with existing government-to-government relationship principles. It introduces specific timelines and procurement conditions that could affect contracting flexibility. No major constitutional issues are apparent from the text, though the payment and waiver provisions grant the Secretary additional discretionary authority.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-24: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- 2026-06-24: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-24: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Increasing Tribal Input on Nutrition Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-24 — PDF (8 pages)