On August 6, 2026, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry marked up its proposal to reauthorize the Farm Bill, the Agricultural Act of 2026. After considering numerous amendments, the Committee voted 10-11 against advancing the bill to the full Senate. Members remained divided over nutrition policy, particularly a new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit cost-share for states. Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) proposed additional state flexibility before the markup, while Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) said the changes did not sufficiently address concerns about shifting SNAP costs to states and counties. Negotiations will continue after the August recess. The House already passed H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, by a 224-200 vote on April 30.
The Senate proposal includes several provisions relevant to Indian Country. It would extend the Traditional and Locally- and Regionally-Grown Food Fund under the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) through 2031; require the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to consult with Tribes and Tribal organizations and incorporate their feedback into FDPIR contract evaluations; and allow direct payments or reimbursements to Tribes and Tribal organizations administering FDPIR to purchase food during certain supply-chain disruptions.
The Native Farm Bill Coalition (NFBC) has encouraged Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Tribal producers to urge Senators to support amendments advancing Tribal priorities, such as making the FDIPR “638” self-determination demonstration project permanent so that Tribes can procure culturally relevant, nutritional foods. NFBC has also urged support for two, no-cost priorities for Tribal Colleges and Universities: allowing 1994 land-grant institutions to use Research and Extension Program funds for equipment, facilities, and land acquisition; and waiving non-federal matching requirements under the Research Facilities Act and New Beginnings for Tribal Students programs.
Because the Senate bill did not advance, there remains an opportunity to shape the next version of the legislation. We encourage Tribal representatives to contact their congressional delegation, particularly Senate Agriculture Committee members, to urge the inclusion of additional Tribal priorities as negotiations continue. Please let us know if you would like assistance in reaching out to your congressional delegation.
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Inquiries may be directed to:
Lexie Holden (aholden@hobbsstraus.com)
Autumn Parrott (aparrott@hobbsstraus.com)
