H.R. 9887 — Introduced in House

I 118th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 9887 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES September 27, 2024Mrs. Torres of California (for herself and Mr. LaMalfa) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned A BILL To assist Indian Tribes in protecting Native American seeds. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as Native American Seeds Act of 2024. 2. Definitions In this Act: (1) Indian Tribe The term Indian Tribe has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304). (2) Native American seed The term Native American seed means a seed of traditional or cultural significance to an Indian Tribe. (3) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior. 3. Protection of Native American seeds (a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with Indian Tribes, shall establish a program within the Department of the Interior to— (1) determine which seeds are Native American seeds; and (2) support— (A) efforts of Indian Tribes to protect Native American seeds; (B) Native American seed banks and related facilities; and (C) traditional agriculture systems of Indian Tribes that provide for the nurturing and harvesting of Native American seeds. (b) Protection of information Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall not disclose or cause to be disclosed any information that is— (1) provided to the Secretary by an Indian Tribe for the purposes of this Act; and (2) identified by the Indian Tribe as culturally sensitive, proprietary, or otherwise confidential. 4. Judicial review Notwithstanding section 706 of title 5, United States Code, a court shall defer to the Secretary’s reasonable interpretation of any ambiguous provision of this Act. 5. Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act.