Bills · HR 7954
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 7954Federal-Indian relationsWildlife conservation and habitat protection
Don Young Doug LaMalfa Indian Buffalo Management Act
INTRO MAR 17· LAST ACTION MAY 21
READING
6MIN
COSPONSORS
15BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it addresses a long-standing desire among many Native American tribes to restore buffalo, an animal central to their history, culture, spirituality, and sustenance. For many tribes, the reintroduction of buffalo is not just an environmental effort but a crucial step towards cultural revitalization and self-sufficiency. If this bill becomes law, it would provide concrete federal support to make these goals a reality, potentially improving tribal health, economic well-being, and cultural continuity.
Without this bill, tribes would continue to face significant financial and logistical hurdles in their buffalo restoration efforts, relying solely on existing, potentially fragmented, programs or their own limited resources. The bill ensures a more coordinated and supported approach from the federal government, acknowledging and upholding the government-to-government relationship with tribes in managing this vital resource. This could mean a more vibrant future for buffalo populations and for the tribes deeply connected to them.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
The bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide grants, contracts, and technical assistance to Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations for buffalo restoration and management programs.
This provision offers crucial financial and expert support, empowering tribes to actively reestablish and manage buffalo on their lands.
PROVISION 02
The Secretary must consult with Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations on an ongoing basis regarding Department of the Interior initiatives that affect buffalo or buffalo habitat.
This ensures tribal voices are heard and incorporated into federal decision-making processes concerning buffalo, respecting tribal sovereignty.
PROVISION 03
The bill allows the Secretary to enter into agreements with tribes to transfer surplus buffalo from federal land to Indian land.
This provides a direct mechanism for tribes to acquire buffalo needed for reestablishment efforts, sourcing animals from existing federal herds.
PROVISION 04
The Secretary is prohibited from disclosing information provided by an Indian Tribe that is identified as culturally sensitive, proprietary, or otherwise confidential.
This protects tribal interests and encourages open communication by ensuring sensitive cultural or business information remains private.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 15
R· Colorado
YRS IN OFFICE
1
BILLS LED
27
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 93%
DEM 7 REP 8 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
6 EVENTSMAY 21
Subcommittee Hearings Held
MAY 12
Referred to the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs.
MAR 17
Introduced in House
MAR 17
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 7954
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMar 17, 2026
Last actionMay 21, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAR 17, 2026
House BillHR 7954Federal-Indian relationsWildlife conservation and habitat protection
Don Young Doug LaMalfa Indian Buffalo Management Act
INTRODUCED MAR 17, 2026· LAST ACTION MAY 21, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
6 min
COSPONSORS
15
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
