Save Our Ships Act

House Bill

H.R. 5970

119th Congress

Save Our Ships Act

In Committee

Introduced:Nov 7, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Donald W. Norcross

Representative

Democratic

NJ-1

Cosponsors

12

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Native Americans

Summary

The SNAP Tribal Food Sovereignty Act of 2023 would allow Indian tribes and tribal organizations to directly manage and operate the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in their communities, rather than relying on the federal government. This would give tribes more control over their food assistance programs and how they are implemented.

Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Foreign Agriculture, and Horticulture.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

The SNAP Tribal Food Sovereignty Act of 2023 would allow Indian tribes and tribal organizations to directly manage and operate the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in their communities, rather than relying on the federal government. This would give tribes more control over their food assistance programs and how they are implemented.

Last updated: 12/29/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

SNAP Tribal Food Sovereignty Act of 2023This bill directs the Department of Agriculture to enter into self-determination contracts, self-governance compacts, and funding agreements with Indian tribes and tribal organizations, upon the request of a tribe, to carry out the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Allows Indian tribes and tribal organizations to request and manage their own SNAP programs through self-determination contracts and agreements with the Department of Agriculture
Aims to give tribes more autonomy and control over food assistance for their communities
Could lead to SNAP programs that are better tailored to the specific needs and cultural traditions of different tribal groups

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

If passed, this bill would impact Native American communities by giving them a greater say in how federal food assistance is provided and administered in their areas. It could lead to SNAP programs that are more responsive to tribal needs and customs, potentially improving food security and nutrition for many indigenous people.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Native Americans

Related Subjects

Food assistance and relief

Indian social and development programs

Poverty and welfare assistance

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

5970, 119th Congress (2025). "Save Our Ships Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-5970