Policy Update

June 2025

Senate reconciliation package includes ag provisions, but Tribal producers need a full Farm Bill

Today, the Senate is considering a wide-ranging domestic policy bill that could significantly impact Tribal farmers, ranchers, and families.

The massive bill included many provisions that are typically handled in the Farm Bill, including, for example:

• Increasing federal support for crop insurance, commodity support programs, and other farm assistance programs. Notably, it expands coverage under the Livestock Indemnity Program and increases eligibility for the Livestock Forage Disaster Program.

• Reauthorizing and extending conservation programs, including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), the Agriculture Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).

• Extending funding for certain food and agriculture research programs

• Extending funding for certain plant and animal pest and disease prevention

While the Senate reconciliation bill includes these and other provisions that may benefit Tribal farmers, a full and comprehensive Farm Bill reauthorization is necessary for the future of Tribal agriculture. Tribal Nations still need parity for USDA programs, expanded 638 authority for nutrition and forestry programs, and improved access to essential farm loan and conservation programs, among other priorities.

NFBC secures SNAP work requirements exemption for Tribes

NFBC advocates helped secure a new provision in the Senate reconciliation bill that would exempt individuals who are Indians, Urban Indians, and California Indians from work requirements to access nutrition benefits. Under current law, Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) must meet certain work requirements to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for longer than three months. These work requirements can be very challenging, if not impossible, for Tribal citizens to meet due to significantly higher rates of unemployment and lack of job opportunities in Indian Country compared to other regions. 

NFBC Co-Chairs endorse bipartisan legislation to expand 638 FDPIR authority

NFBC Co-Chairs Cole Miller and Kari Jo Lawrence endorsed new legislation expanding 638 authority to the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR). Introduced by Representatives Sharice Davids (D-Kan) and Frank Lucas (R-Okla.), the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) Act of 2025 (H.R.3956) provides Tribal governments the option to take over administration of the FDPIR program for their Tribe. Read the NFBC’s full statement on the bill here.