December 3, 2025
Mrs. Torres of California (for herself and Mr. LaMalfa) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
To assist Indian Tribes in protecting Native American seeds.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as Native American Seeds Act of 2025
.
Sec. 2. Definitions
In this Act:
(1) Indian Tribe
The term Indian Tribe has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
(2) Native American seed
The term Native American seed means a seed of traditional or cultural significance to an Indian Tribe.
(3) Secretary
The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.
(4) Tribal organization
The term Tribal organization has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
Sec. 3. Protection of Native American seeds
(a) In general
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall work with Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations to—
(1)
determine which seeds are Native American seeds; and
(2)
support—
(A)
efforts of Indian Tribes to protect Native American seeds;
(B)
Native American seed banks and related facilities; and
(C)
traditional agriculture systems of Indian Tribes that provide for the nurturing and harvesting of Native American seeds.
(b) Protection of information
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall not disclose or cause to be disclosed any information that is—
(1)
provided to the Secretary by an Indian Tribe for the purposes of this Act; and
(2)
identified by the Indian Tribe as culturally sensitive, proprietary, or otherwise confidential.
Sec. 4. Judicial review
Notwithstanding section 706 of title 5, United States Code, a court shall defer to the Secretary’s reasonable interpretation of any ambiguous provision of this Act.
Sec. 5. No additional funds authorized
No additional funds are authorized to carry out the requirements of section 3, and the activities authorized by section 3 are subject to the availability of appropriations made in advance for such purposes.