Bill Summary
The legislation amends the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act by establishing a grant program aimed at supporting Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations. The amendment allows the Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Director of the Office of Native Hawaiian Relations to provide grants to these entities for tourism-related initiatives. Additionally, it permits other federal agency heads to offer grants for similar purposes. The bill authorizes $35 million in funding for these programs over the fiscal years 2025 through 2029, with the goal of enhancing visitor experiences and promoting tourism in Native American and Native Hawaiian communities.
Possible Impacts
The legislation described in the provided text has the potential to affect people in several ways. Here are three examples:
1. **Economic Development for Tribal Communities**: By authorizing grants to Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations, the legislation can lead to increased funding for tourism-related projects. This can create jobs within these communities, enhance local businesses, and promote sustainable economic development, ultimately improving the quality of life for residents.
2. **Cultural Preservation and Promotion**: The grants may provide resources for initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting Native American and Native Hawaiian cultures. This could include funding for cultural festivals, educational programs, and heritage sites, allowing these communities to share their histories and traditions with visitors, fostering greater understanding and respect for their cultures.
3. **Improved Visitor Experiences**: With the focus on improving visitor experiences, the legislation can lead to enhancements in infrastructure and services within tribal and Native Hawaiian tourism sectors. This might include better facilities, guided tours, and informational resources, which can attract more tourists. An increase in tourism can benefit local economies but also requires careful management to ensure that it respects and protects the cultures and environments of these communities.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 4276 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 4276
To amend the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience
Act to authorize grants to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and
Native Hawaiian organizations, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
July 2, 2025
Mr. Case introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on
Energy and Commerce, and House Administration, 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
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience
Act to authorize grants to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and
Native Hawaiian organizations, 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. NATIVE AMERICAN TOURISM GRANT PROGRAMS.
The Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act
(25 U.S.C. 4351 et seq.) is amended--
(1) by redesignating section 6 (25 U.S.C. 4355) as section
7; and
(2) by inserting after section 5 (25 U.S.C. 4354) the
following:
``SEC. 6. NATIVE AMERICAN TOURISM GRANT PROGRAMS.
``(a) Bureau of Indian Affairs Program.--The Director of the Bureau
of Indian Affairs may make grants to and enter into agreements with
Indian tribes and tribal organizations to carry out the purposes of
this Act, as described in section 2.
``(b) Office of Native Hawaiian Relations.--The Director of the
Office of Native Hawaiian Relations may make grants to and enter into
agreements with Native Hawaiian organizations to carry out the purposes
of this Act, as described in section 2.
``(c) Other Federal Agencies.--The heads of other Federal agencies,
including the Secretaries of Commerce, Transportation, Agriculture,
Health and Human Services, and Labor, may make grants under this
authority to and enter into agreements with Indian tribes, tribal
organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations to carry out the
purposes of this Act, as described in section 2.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $35,000,000 for the period of
fiscal years 2025 through 2029.''.
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