Federal grant program for Native tourism gets $35M over five years

Q: What does it cost, and who pays?

The bill sets aside up to $35 million for grants distributed over five fiscal years, from 2025 to 2029. Participating agencies include the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Office of Native Hawaiian Relations, and the Departments of Commerce, Transportation, Agriculture, Health and Human Services, and Labor.

Passed one chamberS. 612Latest action Dec 17, 2025

Sponsor: Brian Schatz · Senator · HI

AIDecoded by AI · checked against the record

Read the official text

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.

119th Congress

Topics: Family & community

Introduced: February 18, 2025

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

In plain words

The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.

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

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

AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

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IntroducedFeb 18, 2025
Senate committee
Senate vote
HouseYou are here · Dec 17, 2025
The president's desk

Right now: it passed the Senate, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.

Latest action: December 17, 2025 — Held at the desk.

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