Defense Community Infrastructure Program Tribal Eligibility Act of 2026

S. 5247, the Defense Community Infrastructure Program Tribal Eligibility Act of 2026, would amend title 10 of the U.S. Code to add Indian Tribes as eligible participants in the Defense Community Infrastructure Program. The program currently allows the Department of Defense to help fund infrastructure projects proposed by state and local governments in communities near military installations; this bill extends that same eligibility to Indian Tribes, and defines "Indian Tribe" using the definition in the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act.

The change affects Indian Tribes located near defense installations, who would become able to apply for and receive Defense Community Infrastructure Program funding on the same basis as state and local governments already can. It does not change the program's purpose or funding levels, only who may participate.

The bill was introduced in the Senate on August 5, 2026, by Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), along with Sen. Lankford, and was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Armed Services. For it to become law, the committee would need to act on it, and it would then need to pass the full Senate, pass the House in identical or reconciled form, and be signed by the President.

Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.