Native American Seeds Act of 2025

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H.R. 6415 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 6415

To assist Indian Tribes in protecting Native American seeds.

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IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

December 3, 2025

Mrs. Torres of California (for herself and Mr. LaMalfa) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

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A BILL

To assist Indian Tribes in protecting Native American seeds.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as ``Native American Seeds Act of 2025''.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act: (1) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian Tribe'' has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self- Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304). (2) Native american seed.--The term ``Native American seed'' means a seed of traditional or cultural significance to an Indian Tribe. (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior. (4) Tribal organization.--The term ``Tribal organization'' has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self- Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).

SEC. 3. PROTECTION OF NATIVE AMERICAN SEEDS.

(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall work with Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations to-- (1) determine which seeds are Native American seeds; and (2) support-- (A) efforts of Indian Tribes to protect Native American seeds; (B) Native American seed banks and related facilities; and (C) traditional agriculture systems of Indian Tribes that provide for the nurturing and harvesting of Native American seeds. (b) Protection of Information.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall not disclose or cause to be disclosed any information that is-- (1) provided to the Secretary by an Indian Tribe for the purposes of this Act; and (2) identified by the Indian Tribe as culturally sensitive, proprietary, or otherwise confidential.

SEC. 4. JUDICIAL REVIEW.

Notwithstanding section 706 of title 5, United States Code, a court shall defer to the Secretary's reasonable interpretation of any ambiguous provision of this Act.

SEC. 5. NO ADDITIONAL FUNDS AUTHORIZED.

No additional funds are authorized to carry out the requirements of section 3, and the activities authorized by section 3 are subject to the availability of appropriations made in advance for such purposes. <all>