Bill would help tribes restore buffalo herds on their lands
In markupH.R. 7954Latest action
Sponsor: Jeff Hurd · Representative · CO
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Don Young Doug LaMalfa Indian Buffalo Management Act
119th Congress
Topics: Family & community
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
The bill helps Interior and tribes restore buffalo to tribal lands, with authority expiring after seven years.
35-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
The bill directs the Department of the Interior to help federally recognized tribes manage buffalo herds and habitat, offering contracts, grants, and technical assistance for restoration, buffalo-related businesses, and mobile meat processing. It also allows Interior to transfer surplus federal buffalo to tribal lands, sometimes without normal transfer fees.
Who does it affect?
Federally recognized Indian tribes and tribal organizations working on buffalo restoration, and the Department of the Interior, which gains new coordination duties.
Why does it matter?
The changes could shift how buffalo populations and related resources are managed between federal and tribal authorities, though the bill states it does not alter existing rights. The authority automatically expires seven years after enactment unless Congress renews it.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Introduced in House” text of Mar 17, 2026.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMar 17, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · Sep 15, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.