On September 1, Representatives Sharice Davids (D-KS) and Nick Langworthy (R-NY) introduced the bipartisan REACH Our Tribes Act (H.R. 10205), a bill intended to strengthen Tribal participation in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) budgeting and improve Tribal access to federal economic development programs. The bill revives legislation introduced in the 118th Congress. A Senate version (S. 5240) was introduced on August 4, 2026, by Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM). H.R. 10205 has been referred to the House Agriculture, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Financial Services Committees.
Formal USDA budget consultation. The bill would require the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with USDA’s Office of Tribal Relations and Office of Budget and Program Analysis, to establish a formal process for consultation with Tribal Governments at least annually on USDA budget requests and multi-year reauthorization legislation, including the Farm Bill. USDA would have to provide at least 30 days’ notice of consultations and report on the issues discussed, Tribal comments received, and steps taken or planned in response. The consultation process could include USDA programs that affect Tribes even when those programs are not Tribal-specific.
Tracking USDA funding to Tribes. The legislation would also require USDA, in consultation with Tribal Governments, to develop a plan for analyzing and publicly reporting funding provided through USDA programs for which Tribal entities are eligible. USDA would be directed to identify ways to improve assistance, including additional outreach and technical assistance for programs that are underutilized by Tribal entities.
Reducing barriers to economic development programs. The bill would establish an interagency task force led by USDA, with the Departments of Housing and Urban Development and Commerce, to review economic development program requirements and reduce duplicative administrative and planning burdens. It would also direct Commerce to create and regularly update a public repository of federal economic development programs available to Tribal entities, drawing information from agencies including USDA, the Small Business Administration, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Education.
Please let us know if you would like assistance in drafting a letter of support for this legislation.
###
Inquiries may be directed to:
Autumn Parrott (aparrott@hobbsstraus.com)
