To amend the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act to authorize grants to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 4276, the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act Amendments, aims to authorize grants to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations. The bill amends the existing Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act. It allows the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Office of Native Hawaiian Relations, and other federal agencies to provide grants for purposes outlined in the original Act.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely increase funding and support for tourism-related projects within Native American and Native Hawaiian communities. This could lead to improved infrastructure, enhanced cultural preservation efforts, and increased economic opportunities. The authorized appropriations of $35,000,000 over five years would be distributed through grants.
Potential Benefits
- Increased funding for tourism projects in Native American and Native Hawaiian communities.
- Potential for economic development and job creation within these communities.
- Support for the preservation and promotion of Native American and Native Hawaiian cultural heritage.
- Enhanced collaboration between federal agencies and tribal organizations.
- Improved visitor experiences and increased tourism revenue.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for mismanagement or misuse of grant funds.
- Possible administrative overhead reducing the actual funds available for projects.
- Risk of projects not aligning with the cultural values or environmental sustainability goals of the communities.
- Dependence on continued federal funding, which may be subject to future budget cuts.
- Limited scope, focusing primarily on tourism rather than addressing broader community needs.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) of the Constitution, which allows Congress to provide for the general welfare of the United States. Specifically, this bill targets support to Native American tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations, which falls under the federal government's responsibility and trust relationship with these groups. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).