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Bill

S 3478

Indian Buffalo Management Act

119th Congress Introduced by Martin Heinrich and 3 co-sponsors

Bill grants tribes expanded authority over bison management on Indian lands to support food sovereignty and cultural restoration while coordinating with federal wildlife resources.

Introduced in Senate
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 3478

Legislative bill overview

S 3478 establishes a framework for managing American bison (buffalo) populations on Indian lands and tribal territories. The bill grants tribes greater authority over bison management decisions and may coordinate federal resources with tribal conservation efforts.

Why is this important

Bison management directly affects tribal economies, food sovereignty, and cultural practices, as these animals hold significant ecological and spiritual importance to Native American communities. The bill recognizes tribal sovereignty in wildlife management and could restore bison populations on tribal lands while supporting indigenous self-determination.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding allocation: Unclear how federal resources will be distributed among tribes and whether funding is adequate for large-scale bison restoration
  • Federal vs. tribal authority: Potential jurisdictional conflicts between federal wildlife agencies and tribal governments over management decisions and enforcement
  • Land access and boundaries: Questions about which lands qualify for the program and how land boundaries affect bison movement across tribal and federal territories
  • Environmental impact: Concerns from ranchers or competing land users about bison population growth and rangeland effects
  • Implementation specifics: Missing details on timelines, permitting processes, and coordination mechanisms between multiple stakeholders

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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