Bills · S 3478
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 3478Federal-Indian relationsWildlife conservation and habitat protection
Indian Buffalo Management Act
INTRO DEC 15· LAST ACTION DEC 15
READING
7MIN
COSPONSORS
4BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it supports Native American tribes in restoring a culturally and historically significant animal, the buffalo, to their lands. For many tribes, buffalo are central to their identity, spirituality, and traditional diets, serving as a critical resource that was largely lost due to historical events. If this bill becomes law, it could lead to increased tribal self-sufficiency, improved health outcomes through access to traditional foods, and new economic ventures centered around buffalo products.
Furthermore, this legislation strengthens the government-to-government relationship between the United States and tribal governments by ensuring tribal input and control over buffalo management initiatives. Without this bill, tribes would continue to face significant challenges in funding, coordinating, and acquiring resources for large-scale buffalo restoration efforts, potentially slowing down important cultural and economic revitalization for these communities.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide contracts, grants, and technical assistance to Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations for buffalo restoration, management programs, and commercial activities.
This provides direct financial and practical support for tribes to rebuild buffalo herds and manage their habitats.
PROVISION 02
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to consult with Indian Tribes on Department initiatives affecting buffalo and to develop buffalo management policies that align with tribal goals and laws.
Ensures that tribal perspectives and sovereignty are respected in federal decisions regarding buffalo management.
PROVISION 03
Allows the Secretary to transfer surplus buffalo from federal lands to Indian lands through agreements with Tribes or Tribal organizations.
Provides a source for tribes to acquire buffalo to establish or expand their herds without significant procurement costs.
PROVISION 04
Protects information identified by tribes as culturally sensitive, proprietary, or confidential from public disclosure by the Secretary of the Interior.
Encourages tribes to share necessary information with the government without fear of sensitive data being exposed.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 4
D· New Mexico
YRS IN OFFICE
17
BILLS LED
59
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 50%
DEM 1 REP 3 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSDEC 15
Introduced in Senate
DEC 15
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 3478
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedDec 15, 2025
Last actionDec 15, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · INDIAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED DEC 15, 2025
Senate BillS 3478Federal-Indian relationsWildlife conservation and habitat protection
Indian Buffalo Management Act
INTRODUCED DEC 15, 2025· LAST ACTION DEC 15, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
7 min
COSPONSORS
4
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
