117 HR 6097 IH: Indigenous Peoples Exchange and Economic Cooperation Act U.S. House of Representatives 2021-11-30 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 6097IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESNovember 30, 2021Mrs. Torres of California (for herself and Mr. Himes) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, 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 concernedA BILLTo facilitate contacts and cooperation, including commercial relationships, between Native American Tribes and Indigenous peoples in the Western Hemisphere, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Indigenous Peoples Exchange and Economic Cooperation Act.

2.

Statement of policy

It is the policy of the United States to facilitate contacts and cooperation, including commercial relationships, between Native American Tribes and Indigenous peoples in the Western Hemisphere, in accordance with regional trade agreements and the Presidential memorandum titled Memorandum on Tribal Consultation and Strengthening Nation-to-Nation Relationships, dated January 26, 2021, which directs executive branches to engage in regular, meaningful, and robust consultation with Tribal officials.

3.

Definitions

In this Act:(1)

Native American Tribes

The term Native American Tribe means any federally recognized Tribe.(2)

Indigenous peoples

The term Indigenous peoples means peoples residing in foreign countries and territories in the Western Hemisphere who have historical ties to a particular territory and are culturally or historically distinct from the politically dominant population.

4.

Strategy

(a)

In general

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with the Secretary of Interior, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a strategy, in consultation with the individuals listed in subsection (b), to promote and facilitate—(1)cross-investments and export opportunities between Native American Tribes and Indigenous peoples in Tribal businesses and commercial enterprises that involve Indigenous peoples, such as sustainable natural resource management, agricultural development, timber, fish and other seafood, energy, handicraft and art production, or entrepreneurship for economic growth and diversification; and(2)the development of supply chains for United States entities that include certified products produced by Native American Tribes and Indigenous peoples.(b)

Consultation required

The individuals referred to in subsection (a) are the following:(1)The President of the Inter-American Foundation.(2)The Secretary of State.(3)The United States Trade Representative.(4)The Secretary of Agriculture.(5)The Secretary of Energy.(6)The Administrator of the Small Business Administration.(7)The Administrator and the Advisor for Indigenous Peoples Issues of the United States Agency for International Development.(8)The Chief Executive Officer of the United States International Development Finance Corporation.(9)The Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation.(10)Representatives of Native American Tribes.(11)Representatives of civil society organizations advocating for the rights or interests of Indigenous peoples.(c)

Appropriate congressional committees

In this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means—(1)the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives; and(2)the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate.

5.

United states assistance to support indigenous peoples

In order to improve the capacity of Indigenous peoples to engage in and benefit from increased trade and investment relationships, the Inter-American Foundation, Secretary of State, United States Agency for International Development, and Millennium Challenge Corporation shall—(1)consult with representatives of civil society organizations, especially organizations comprised of or representing the interests of Indigenous peoples; and(2)provide assistance to countries in the Western Hemisphere in a manner that promotes and facilitates entrepreneurship among Indigenous peoples—(A)by strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations and local governments; and(B)by supporting community-led and community-based projects including sustainable natural resource management, agricultural development, and handicraft production.

6.

Assistance to support activities

There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Commerce $3,000,000 to carry out this Act.