# Native American Millennium Challenge Demonstration Act

This bill creates a new federal program to help remote Native American communities in Alaska and Hawaii develop their economies and reduce poverty. The government would set up what's called the "Native American Millennium Challenge Demonstration Project," which borrows ideas from how the U.S. provides foreign aid to developing countries and applies those same strategies to help struggling Native communities at home.

Here's how it would work in practice: Groups of Native organizations in remote areas would apply to enter into agreements called "compacts" with the federal government. These compacts would be five-year plans where a Native organization consortium and the federal government agree on specific economic goals—like creating jobs, starting businesses, or improving infrastructure—and how to measure progress toward those goals. The bill emphasizes that these communities should have a say in designing their own solutions and that economic development should respect their cultural values. The federal government would provide funding and coordinate assistance from multiple agencies like the Department of Agriculture, Commerce, Energy, and others to avoid duplication and make help more effective.

One significant feature is that eligible entities could consolidate funding from various federal programs into one coordinated effort rather than juggling separate applications and requirements. However, individual tribes in these regions would have to formally agree to let the consortium represent them for this to happen. The bill also allows federal agencies to waive certain rules and regulations that might get in the way of implementing these plans, though they can't waive requirements related to fair treatment, worker protections, or how money gets distributed to states and local areas.

The program would be limited to $8 million per year for six years, with a total cap of $40 million. Each year, participating organizations would have to report on how the money was spent and whether they're meeting their economic goals. If an organization fails to hold up its end of the agreement or acts against the program's purposes, the government could suspend or cut off funding.

Native American Millennium Challenge Demonstration Act

Peltola, Mary Sattler

Native American Millennium Challenge Demonstration Act This bill requires the Department of the Interior to establish the Native American Millennium Challenge Demonstration Project to provide economic development assistance to remote Native American communities. Specifically, an eligible entity (e.g., a consortium of Native organizations in a noncontiguous state) must enter into a five-year binding agreement (i.e., a compact) with the United States to receive assistance. Among other elements, the agreement must contain a description of the specific objectives related to sustainable economic development and poverty reduction that the entity expects to achieve. Further, assistance shall be provided in the form of funding agreements and may not be provided as loans. Additionally, funds may not be used for regulated gaming activities.