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119-hr-2412119th CongressWALLET

Indigenous Diplomacy and Engagement Act

Sponsored By: Representative Case, Ed [D-HI-1]

Introduced

Summary

Creates a dedicated Office for Indigenous Affairs and an Ambassador-level Coordinator to centralize U.S. diplomacy with Indigenous peoples worldwide. The bill would set a five-year international strategy, require interagency coordination, and add training plus an advisory commission to guide policy.

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  • Indigenous communities: Would steer U.S. diplomatic resources toward Indigenous health, education, economic development, international human rights, and protection in humanitarian crises. The required strategy must identify 10 to 20 countries and outline specific programs and annual resource needs.
  • Federal agencies: Would give the Coordinator authority to coordinate policies, programs, and funding across the Department of State, USAID, the Department of the Interior, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and the Development Finance Corporation. It authorizes appropriations for the Office and says funds should be used to supplement existing programs.
  • Advisory commission and training: Would create an 18-member Advisory Commission with appointees and tribal organization representatives to advise the Coordinator and issue annual recommendations. It would also require pre-posting training for Foreign Service officers on the history and engagement of nearby Indigenous communities.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Advisory commission on Indigenous diplomacy

If enacted, the State Department would create an Advisory Commission on Indigenous Peoples, chaired by the Coordinator. The Secretary would appoint 8 members who are not federal employees; congressional leaders would appoint 6; and 3 Indigenous organizations would each name one representative. Appointments would be due within 120 days. Members would serve 3‑year terms, may be reappointed once, and could receive travel and per diem. The Commission would advise the Secretary each year and send a report by April 1 to the President, the Secretary, and Congress.

New office and 5-year Indigenous diplomacy plan

If enacted, the State Department would set up an Office for Indigenous Affairs. The President would appoint an Ambassador‑at‑Large Coordinator, confirmed by the Senate, who reports to the Secretary of State. The bill would allow "such sums as may be necessary," available until spent, to support this work and add to, not replace, other funds. Within 1 year, the Coordinator would create a 5‑year plan naming 10–20 countries, key programs, agencies, and yearly resource needs, and update it every 5 years. The Secretary would send a report to Congress 1 year after the plan and then every 4 years, listing goals, results, and who receives U.S. funds. The bill would define who counts as domestic and international Indigenous peoples and let the Coordinator designate other distinct groups.

Training on Indigenous communities for diplomats

If enacted, diplomats posted overseas would get new pre‑departure training. Chiefs of mission, deputy chiefs, and other officers would learn about local Indigenous history and culture near their post. The training would give guidance on how to engage with and support people from those communities.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Case, Ed [D-HI-1]

HI • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2]

    MA • D

    Sponsored 3/27/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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