PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 81 · Passed House without amendment · Sep 12, 2016
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on April 25, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act or the NATIVE Act
(Sec. 4) This bill requires the Department of Commerce, the Department of the Interior, and federal agencies with recreational travel or tourism functions to update their management plans and tourism initiatives to include Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
The plans must outline proposals to:
improve travel and tourism data collection and analysis,
increase the usability of public information and federal websites,
support national tourism goals,
identify programs that could support tourism infrastructure in Native American communities,
develop visitor portals and assets that showcase and respect the diversity of Native Americans,
share local Native American heritage through the development of bilingual signage, and
improve access to transportation programs for building capacity for Native American community tourism and trade.
Interior and Commerce must: (1) work with a facilitator to provide technical assistance to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations regarding participation in the tourism industry, and (2) report on departmental efforts supporting such participation.
(Sec. 5) Federal agencies must: (1) support Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations in showcasing their history, culture, and continuing vitality, enhancing or maintaining their distinctive cultural features, and providing authentic and respectful visitor experiences; (2) assist in interpreting the connections between Native Americans and the national identity of the United States; (3) enhance efforts to promote understanding and respect for diverse cultures in the United States and the relevance of those cultures; and (4) ensure that travelers at airports and ports of entry are welcomed in a manner that both showcases and respects the diversity of Native American communities.
Grants relating to travel, recreation, or tourism for which Indian tribes, tribal organizations, or Native Hawaiian organizations are eligible may be used to: (1) support their efforts to present their story and culture, (2) revitalize Native American communities using the arts and humanities, and (3) carry out this Act.
The Smithsonian Institution must work with Indian tribes, tribal organizations, Native Hawaiian organizations, and nonprofits to share collections and conduct joint research and projects with museums, educational organizations, and cultural organizations.
People & committees
Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI] · D–HI
Legislative record
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Became Public Law No: 114-221.
Became Public Law No: 114-221.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5290-5291)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H5290-5291)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1579.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5289-5292)
Mrs. Radewagen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 559.
Committee on House Administration discharged.
Committee on House Administration discharged.
Committee on Energy and Commerce discharged.
Committee on Energy and Commerce discharged.
Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 114-721, Part I.
Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 114-721, Part I.
Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Subcommittee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs Discharged.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs.
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S2423)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 345.
Committee on Indian Affairs. Reported by Senator Barrasso without amendment. With written report No. 114-201.
Committee on Indian Affairs. Reported by Senator Barrasso without amendment. With written report No. 114-201.
Committee on Indian Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Mar 4, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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