Sponsors (4)
The bill expands and clarifies tribal eligibility for DoD infrastructure grants—broadening access for Indigenous communities—but will increase competition for limited grant funds and may raise administrative costs unless program funding is increased.
Indian tribes will be explicitly eligible to apply for Defense Community Infrastructure Program grants, increasing access to federal infrastructure funding for tribe-serving projects.
Clarifying the statutory definition of 'Indian tribe' reduces legal ambiguity for applicants, likely speeding application review and increasing program participation by tribes and simplifying interactions for local governments.
Local governments and other applicants may face greater competition for a fixed grant pool, potentially reducing award sizes or success rates for non-tribal applicants (including rural communities).
Taxpayers and state governments could see increased DoD administrative and outreach costs if program funding is not adjusted to support effective inclusion of new tribal applicants.
Based on analysis of 4 sections of legislative text.
Adds Indian tribes to eligible grantees and definitions under the Defense Community Infrastructure Program, using the Indian Self-Determination Act definition of "Indian tribe."
Expands eligibility for the Defense Community Infrastructure Program by adding Indian tribes as eligible grantees and by incorporating a statutory definition of “Indian tribe” based on the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. The change updates statutory language so references to eligible governments or local governments also cover Indian tribes, allowing tribes to apply for and receive program assistance for infrastructure projects that support defense communities. The legislation does not appropriate new funds or change program purpose; it amends definitions and eligibility in the existing Defense Community Infrastructure Program statute and directs the Department of Defense to treat tribes as eligible entities under current program rules.
Introduced February 25, 2026 by Emily Randall · Last progress February 25, 2026