The Don Young Doug LaMalfa Indian Buffalo Management Act (H.R. 7954) is a bipartisan bill introduced in March 2026 to support Native American tribes in restoring and managing buffalo populations on tribal lands. The bill directs the Department of the Interior to collaborate with tribes, providing grants, contracts, and technical assistance for buffalo restoration and habitat management. It also allows the transfer of surplus buffalo from federal lands to tribal lands and protects culturally sensitive information shared by tribes. The bill emphasizes the cultural, spiritual, and economic significance of buffalo to Native American communities and aims to strengthen tribal sovereignty in wildlife management.
H.R. 7954 was introduced in the 119th Congress by Jeff Hurd (Republican) and is currently listed as “Reported by Committee”. It is classified under the Native Americans policy area, one of 78 bills in that area we track this Congress.
Jeff Hurd is the sponsor of 13 bills in our database this Congress, so H.R. 7954 is part of a broader legislative agenda rather than a one-off proposal.
Our conflict-of-interest analysis rates H.R. 7954 2/10 (low risk), higher than 76% of analyzed bills; the average in Native Americans is 3.4/10.
Media coverage has highlighted the bill as a significant step toward recognizing the cultural importance of buffalo to Native American tribes. Supporters, including the National Wildlife Federation, commend the legislation for affirming the federal government's trust obligation to support tribal management of buffalo and their habitats. The bill is seen as a means to enhance conservation efforts, promote food sovereignty, and strengthen tribal self-determination.
While the bill has received bipartisan support, some critics express concerns about potential federal overreach in tribal land management and question whether the legislation adequately addresses broader issues such as habitat loss and environmental challenges facing buffalo herds. There are also apprehensions regarding the bill's effectiveness in providing comprehensive wildlife protection and its potential to create new federal costs and administrative complexities.
The analysis of H.R. 7954, the Don Young Doug LaMalfa Indian Buffalo Management Act, shows no direct industry overlaps between the sponsor Jeff Hurd's top donor industries and the subject matter of the bill. This indicates a low potential for conflicts of interest, as the financial interests of the sponsor's donors do not appear to influence the legislative agenda related to buffalo management or Native American affairs. Without significant financial ties to the industries affected by this legislation, it is unlikely that the bill is being driven by donor interests rather than public policy needs. Voters should feel reassured that the sponsor's financial backers do not have a vested interest in the outcomes of this bill.
What does H.R. 7954 do?
The Don Young Doug LaMalfa Indian Buffalo Management Act (H.R. 7954) is a bipartisan bill introduced in March 2026 to support Native American tribes in restoring and managing buffalo populations on tribal lands. The bill directs the Department of the Interior to collaborate with tribes, providing grants, contracts, and technical assistance for buffalo restoration and habitat management. It also…
Has H.R. 7954 received a floor vote?
No roll-call vote on H.R. 7954 is recorded in our database yet. Its current status is “Reported by Committee”.
Does H.R. 7954 have a conflict of interest?
Our conflict-of-interest analysis rates H.R. 7954 2/10 (low risk), higher than 76% of analyzed bills; the average in Native Americans is 3.4/10. This score reflects overlap between the sponsor’s campaign funding, lobbying activity, and the industries the bill affects. It is a transparency indicator, not an accusation.
What is the status of H.R. 7954?
H.R. 7954 is currently “Reported by Committee” as of our last update on September 17, 2026.
Who sponsored H.R. 7954?
H.R. 7954 was sponsored by Jeff Hurd (Republican).
