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119-hr-6415119th Congress

Native American Seeds Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Representative Torres, Norma J. [D-CA-35]

In Committee

Summary

Protecting Native American seeds by setting up a federal process to identify seeds of cultural or traditional significance and to support tribal seed banks and traditional farming systems. The bill would require the Secretary of the Interior to work with Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations and to complete initial determinations within 1 year.

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  • Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations would get a formal role to identify which seeds are Native American seeds and to seek support for protecting those seeds.
  • Native American seed banks and related facilities would be eligible for support, and tribal traditional agriculture systems that nurture and harvest those seeds would be included.
  • Tribal data marked culturally sensitive, proprietary, or confidential would be protected from disclosure and courts would defer to the Secretary's reasonable interpretations. The bill also states that no additional funds are authorized and that activities depend on available appropriations.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Support and protect tribal seeds

If enacted, the Secretary of the Interior would work with Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations to identify which seeds are Native American seeds. The bill would direct the department to support tribal efforts to protect seeds, Native American seed banks and related facilities, and traditional tribal agriculture that nurtures and harvests those seeds. The bill would define "Native American seed" as a seed of traditional or cultural significance and use existing law to define "Indian Tribe" and "Tribal organization." Tribes could mark information they provide as culturally sensitive, and the Secretary would not disclose it. No new funds are authorized; these activities would depend on appropriations provided in advance by Congress.

Courts defer to Interior Secretary

If enacted, the bill would require courts to defer to the Interior Secretary's reasonable interpretation of any unclear part of this Act. This rule would limit judicial review of ambiguous provisions and make the Secretary's readings more likely to stand in litigation. The change would take effect upon enactment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Torres, Norma J. [D-CA-35]

CA • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. LaMalfa, Doug [R-CA-1]

    CA • R

    Sponsored 12/3/2025

  • Rep. Simpson, Michael K. [R-ID-2]

    ID • R

    Sponsored 4/28/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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