S. 612Passed one chamberFamily & community
Federal grant program for Native tourism gets $35M over five years
Data as of July 11, 2026
S 612 creates a $35M federal grant program from 2025–2029 to fund tourism development in Native American and Native Hawaiian communities.50-second read · 5 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
S 612 amends the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act to establish a formal grant program for Native tourism development. The federal government could award funds directly to tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations. Multiple federal agencies are authorized to distribute the grants, giving applicants several agencies to approach for funding.
Who does it affect?
Federally recognized Native American tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations are the eligible recipients. Members of those communities are the primary people affected by the bill.
Why does it matter?
If funded, grants could support the development of tourism businesses, cultural programs, and visitor experiences in Native communities. The bill also expands public access to Native cultural tourism as a secondary effect.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- Up to $35M authorized total
- Spread across 2025–2029
- 7 agencies can distribute funds
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- Senate committee
- Senate vote
- House — You are here
- President's desk
Right now: it passed the Senate and now goes to the House. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the President.
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Official title
A bill to amend the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act to authorize grants to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations, and for other purposes.
- Introduced:
- February 18, 2025
- Latest action:
- December 17, 2025
Held at the desk.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.