Durbin Feeling Act (S. 1402)

Summary

Directs the government to study and report on the health of Native American languages to help keep them from disappearing.

What problem does this solve?

Many Native American languages are at risk of being lost forever, and the government lacks current information on their status. This law requires federal agencies to conduct a national survey every five years to gather data, helping to better preserve these languages.

What does this law do?

Requires a national survey of Native American languages

Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a survey every five years to understand the current use of all Native American languages in the United States.

Mandates evaluation of federal agencies

Requires the President to direct federal agencies to evaluate how well their policies comply with the goal of preserving Native American languages.

Requires a report to Congress

The President must submit a report to Congress describing the results of agency evaluations and providing recommendations to improve federal laws and coordination.

Ensures consultation with tribes

The language survey must be designed in consultation with Indian tribes and with feedback from Native American language speakers and experts.

Authorizes funding for the survey

Authorizes $1.5 million to be provided for each fiscal year that a survey is being prepared for and conducted.

Makes participation voluntary

Clarifies that no Indian tribe, Native American language community, or individual speaker is required to participate in the survey.

Who does this affect?

Native American communities
Indian tribes
Federal agencies

What is the real world impact?

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Preserves cultural heritage

Gathers data to help save endangered Native American languages, which are a key part of tribal culture and identity.

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Improves federal support

Requires government agencies to review their programs, find problems, and work better together to help Native American language communities.

When does this start?

This law sets several deadlines for federal agencies to complete evaluations and surveys.

Federal evaluation and report

The President must require an evaluation and submit a report to Congress no later than one year after the law was enacted.

Initial language survey

The first national survey on Native American languages must be conducted within 18 months of the law's enactment.

Recurring language surveys

After the first survey, a new survey must be conducted every five years.

Public survey results

The results of each survey must be made public and sent to Congress within 90 days after the analysis is finished.