June 15, 2026
Ms. Smith (for herself and Mr. Hoeven) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs
To amend the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to allow the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into self-determination contracts with Tribal organizations to carry out the food distribution program on Indian reservations, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the FDPIR Tribal Food Sovereignty Act of 2026
.
Sec. 2. Self-determination for food distribution program on Indian reservations
Title I of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5321 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
112. Self-determination for food distribution program on Indian reservations
(a) Food distribution program on Indian reservations
The Secretary of Agriculture shall enter into self-determination contracts, in accordance with subsection (b), with Tribal organizations, on the request of any Indian Tribe by Tribal resolution, to carry out the food distribution program on Indian reservations established under section 4(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2013(b)).
(b) Self-Determination contract
A self-determination contract entered into under subsection (a) shall have the same terms and conditions, and be subject to the same procedures, regulations, and requirements, as a self-determination contract entered into under section 102, except that the Secretary of Agriculture and the Department of Agriculture shall be the appropriate Secretary and agency for purposes of a self-determination contract entered into under subsection (a).
(c) Technical assistance
The Office of Self-Governance of the Bureau of Indian Affairs shall provide technical assistance with respect to a self-determination contract authorized under subsection (a)—
(1)
to the Secretary of Agriculture; and
(2)
to Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations that request that assistance.