Rounds introduces bipartisan bill to help tribes self-govern federal food program

U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) on Sept. 20 unveiled a bipartisan bill that would give Native American tribes more control over how a federal food program is administered in their communities.

The SNAP Tribal Food Sovereignty Act of 2021, S. 2757, which Sen. Rounds cosponsored with bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) and several other members on the U.S. Senate Indian Affairs Committee, would let tribal governments administer the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through self-governance contracts with USDA. 

“I am glad to join Senator Smith to remove some of the federal bureaucracy that hinders tribal communities in South Dakota and across the nation,” said Sen. Rounds.

If enacted, S. 2757 would ensure that SNAP may be run in a culturally appropriate way that promotes the health and economic well-being of tribal communities, many of which heavily rely on government food assistance, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers. 

“Our legislation would allow tribes the ability to administer SNAP to meet the specific needs of their communities,” Sen. Rounds said. “This added flexibility would create additional opportunities for tribes to strengthen local food economies and promote the inclusion of indigenous foods.”

The bill, which has garnered support from the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Association, the Native Farm Bill Coalition, MAZON, and the Four Bands Community Fund, is under consideration in the Senate Indian Affairs Committee.