New 638 Opportunities in the Upcoming Farm Bill

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As part of the upcoming Farm Bill negotiations, members on both sides of the aisle have heard the requests of Indian Country to make the 638 pilot programs authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill permanent and to expand 638 authority more broadly at USDA. As part of these efforts, members have introduced bipartisan bills to support the expansion of 638 authority to the following programs:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), including all nutrition education and training programs and functions supported through the USDA;

• Any program, function, service, or activity of the FS (e.g., recreational, visitor centers, trails, boat launches, etc.);

• Any program function, service, or activity provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS); and

• Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS) to allow Tribal governments to inspect beef, bison, chicken, and other products put into their food programs.

 

Additionally, several members of Congress are advocating for the creation of an Office of Self-Governance, which would help USDA build the institutional knowledge to utilize 638 authority throughout the Department.