Bill · H.R. 3956· House(119-HR-3956)
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 6/12/2025
- Last activity
- 6/12/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- Sponsored by
- Sharice Davids
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) Act of 2025 seeks to amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008. It authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into self-determination contracts or self-governance agreements with Indian entities. These agreements allow Indian entities to administer food distribution programs on Indian reservations. The bill also covers the purchase of agricultural commodities under these programs. Additionally, it establishes rules for commodity quality and reporting requirements. Finally, it mandates the termination of certain demonstration projects.
Yes· 3 of 9
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+9
The bill significantly empowers Indian entities through self-determination and enhanced food quality control.
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?+7
The bill enhances tribal sovereignty and control over food programs for Indian entities.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+5
It enhances the administration of food distribution programs which serve low-income populations.
The opposite
Does this give the federal government more power?-2
While empowering tribes, it still operates under federal USDA/Secretary authority.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Tribal Control over Food Programs: The Secretary is required to negotiate and enter into contracts or agreements at the request of an Indian entity to administer programs, functions, services, or activities related to the food distribution program. (Section 2(B))
-
Presumption of Eligibility: The Secretary shall presume an Indian entity is eligible to purchase commodities and assume administration if they meet specific requirements under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975. (Section 2(C)(i))
-
Food Quality Protections: Purchased agricultural commodities must be of similar or higher nutritional value than what would be supplanted, or be a commodity with Tribal significance to that entity. (Section 2(D)(iii))
-
Protection of Food Volume: The bill ensures that the purchase of commodities by an Indian entity shall not result in a material increase or decrease in the total amount of food in the food package compared to the FDPIR Guide Rate. (Section 2(D)(ii))
-
Legal Protections for Indian Entities: Provisions under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act shall be liberally construed for the benefit of the Indian entity, and any ambiguity shall be resolved in favor of the Indian entity. (Section 3)
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Requirement for Domestic Production: Any agricultural commodities purchased by an Indian entity under this subsection must be domestically produced. (Section 2(D)(i))
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Native Americans+9Good For Low Income Households+5Good For Children+3Good For Rural Residents+3Good For Farmers+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+7Improves Poverty Reduction+5
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2Increases Federal Power-2
- 7/16/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/24/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/12/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Tom ColeRepublican · Oklahoma
Frank LucasRepublican · Oklahoma
Chellie PingreeDemocrat · Maine