Don Young Doug LaMalfa Indian Buffalo Management Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Hurd, Jeff [R-CO-3]
- Committees
- Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 15, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to empower Indian Tribes to restore and manage buffalo populations for cultural, spiritual, subsistence, and economic development purposes, reinforcing the government-to-government relationship.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to work with Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations to promote and develop their capacity to manage buffalo and buffalo habitat. It authorizes contracts, cooperative agreements, and grants for buffalo restoration, management, and related commercial activities, and allows for the transfer of surplus federal buffalo to Indian land. The Act has a 7-year sunset clause.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill is crucial for honoring treaty obligations and supporting Tribal sovereignty by enabling Indian Tribes to restore a culturally and economically vital species. They emphasize the historical connection between buffalo and Tribes, and the potential for improved health, cultural revitalization, and economic development through self-determined management.
Opponents contend
No organized opposition is immediately apparent for this bill, which focuses on Tribal self-determination and conservation. Potential concerns, if any, might revolve around the cost of implementation or potential conflicts with existing land management practices, though these are not explicitly stated in the bill or common discourse around similar legislation.
The bill is concise and clearly written, allowing for a quick and comprehensive understanding of its provisions.
Section 2
Congressional Findings and Purposes
This section lays out Congress's understanding of the historical, cultural, spiritual, and economic importance of buffalo to Indian Tribes. It states the bill's goals, which include fulfilling government-to-government relationships, promoting Tribal capacity in buffalo management, protecting buffalo, and supporting Tribal economic development and inclusion in decision-making.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue these findings correctly frame the historical context and the necessity of the bill, providing a strong rationale for federal action to support Tribal buffalo restoration efforts and honor treaty obligations.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against foundational statements of purpose that align with established federal Indian policy and conservation goals.
Tradeoffs
No significant tradeoffs or tensions in this section; it sets the stage for the bill's actions.
Section 4(a)
Secretary's Direction for Coordination
This subsection directs the Secretary of the Interior to actively work with Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations. The goal is to promote their ability to manage buffalo and habitat, protect and enhance Tribal-owned buffalo populations, facilitate economic development through buffalo, and ensure Tribal inclusion in Departmental and broader decision-making forums regarding buffalo.
Section 4(b)
Financial Assistance for Buffalo Programs
This subsection authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts and cooperative agreements and award grants to Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations. These funds can be used for planning, conducting, or implementing buffalo restoration and management programs, executing commercial activities related to buffalo, supporting mobile meat processing facilities, and other related activities. It also clarifies that existing federal or state laws regarding diseased or escaped buffalo are not diminished.
Section 4(c)
Technical Assistance for Tribal Programs
This subsection mandates that the Secretary provide technical assistance to Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations that receive contracts, cooperative agreements, or grants under this Act. This assistance is intended to help them carry out buffalo or buffalo habitat restoration and management programs and implement commercial or other related activities.
Section 5
Ongoing Tribal Consultation and Policy Development
This section requires the Secretary to consult with Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations on an ongoing basis regarding Department initiatives affecting buffalo or habitat, including disease management. It also mandates the development of a Departmental policy for buffalo and habitat management on Indian land, aligning with Tribal-approved management programs and Tribal laws.
Section 7
Transfer of Surplus Federal Buffalo to Indian Land
This section authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations to transfer surplus buffalo from federal land administered by the Department to Indian land. It allows Tribes to apply for these buffalo and permits the Secretary to waive associated charges, including deposits or payments for services.
This section mandates that the Secretary shall not disclose any information provided by an Indian Tribe or Tribal organization that is identified by them as culturally sensitive, proprietary, or otherwise confidential.
Section 6
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for protecting sensitive information, especially in the context of government-to-government relations with Tribes. It ensures trust and encourages information sharing without fear of inappropriate disclosure, which is crucial for effective collaboration.
Case for: Proponents argue this is vital for fostering trust and ensuring Tribes feel secure sharing sensitive cultural, economic, or ecological data with the federal government, which is necessary for effective collaboration and respect for Tribal sovereignty.
Case against: Critics might argue that broad confidentiality clauses could hinder transparency or public oversight, though the context of Tribal sovereignty and sensitive information is generally respected in federal Indian law.
Estimated impact: Enhances data security and trust in federal-Tribal partnerships, facilitating more robust information exchange for buffalo management and other initiatives.
The authority provided by this Act ceases to be effective 7 years after the date of its enactment.
Section 9
Why it matters:A sunset clause is a common legislative mechanism to ensure that programs are reviewed and reauthorized periodically, allowing Congress to assess effectiveness and make adjustments. It's not necessarily evasive but can limit the long-term impact if not reauthorized.
Case for: Proponents of sunset clauses argue they promote accountability and allow for legislative review and adaptation based on program performance and evolving needs, ensuring federal programs remain relevant and effective.
Case against: Critics might argue that a 7-year sunset period is too short for long-term conservation and economic development projects like buffalo reestablishment, which require sustained commitment beyond a single legislative cycle. It could create uncertainty for Tribes planning multi-year initiatives.
Estimated impact: Limits the duration of the Act's authorities, requiring future legislative action for continuation beyond 7 years.