REACH Our Tribes Act

(c) Budgetary Tribal Government consultation process

(1) In general. Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of the Rural Economic-development Assistance and Consultation to Help Our Tribes Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the Office of Tribal Relations and the Office of Budget and Program Analysis of the Department of Agriculture, shall establish, finalize, and implement a formal process for consultation with Tribal Governments on at least an annual basis, on—

(A) annual budget requests; and

(B) bills proposing the reauthorization of certain Department of Agriculture programs over a period of multiple years with budgetary impacts, including bills providing for the reauthorization of Department of Agriculture programs (commonly known as farm bills).

(2) Notice. The consultation process under paragraph (1) shall require the Secretary to provide notice to Tribal Governments of a consultation not later than 30 days before the date on which such consultation is to occur.

(3) Reporting. The Secretary, in consultation with Tribal Governments, shall develop and implement a mechanism for reporting on any consultation that occurs pursuant to paragraph (1). Such a report shall include—

(A) a summary of issues consulted on;

(B) comments received during that consultation from Tribal Governments; and

(C) if applicable, steps taken, or to be taken, by the Secretary in response to such consultation.

(4) Scope. The consultation process under paragraph (1) shall not be limited only to programs that are specific to Indian Tribes, but may include programs that may impact Indian Tribes and Tribal entities.

(5) Rule of construction. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as limiting the Secretary from—

(A) conducting other consultations with Tribal Governments or other entities, as specified under another provision of Federal law; or

(B) advancing other practices to conduct such consultations.