Sponsors
The bill provides coordinated federal funding to help tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations grow tourism, jobs, and cultural programs, but it is a relatively small appropriation that increases taxpayer cost, may yield modest per-tribe support, and adds administrative burdens for tribal applicants.
Indigenous tribal communities and small-business owners receive federal grants (total $35M over five years) to develop and promote tourism, increasing local revenue and job opportunities.
Native Hawaiian organizations gain targeted funding to support cultural preservation through visitor programs and related infrastructure, helping sustain traditions and cultural education.
Federal coordination across Commerce, Transportation, Agriculture, HHS, and Labor and a predictable multi-year funding stream supports integrated marketing, transport, health/safety, and workforce efforts—helping state and rural governments and tribes plan tourism projects.
All taxpayers fund the $35M appropriation, which competes with other federal budget priorities.
The total funding spread over five years and across many tribes means per-tribe awards may be modest, limiting the ability to finance large or long-term projects.
Grant application and administration requirements could create additional administrative burdens on tribal organizations with limited capacity.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates a new federal grant program to support Native American and Native Hawaiian tourism activities by authorizing Federal agencies to make grants and enter into agreements with Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations. Authorizes $35 million in appropriations to carry out the program across fiscal years 2025–2029 and redesignates an existing related provision accordingly.
Introduced July 2, 2025 by Ed Case · Last progress July 2, 2025