Strengthening the Office of Tribal Relations Act of 2023

The Strengthening the Office of Tribal Relations Act of 2023 creates a new Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Tribal Relations position within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This role will oversee the Office of Tribal Relations, coordinate tribal programs across USDA agencies, and ensure tribal input in rulemaking affecting tribal projects. The bill requires the Secretary of Agriculture to prioritize appointing individuals with tribal relations experience and adjusts compensation to reflect this new position. It directly affects the USDA’s operations and its engagement with Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations.