Don Nickles: “The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma has brought to my attention concerns relating to the Food Distribution Program for Indian…”

“The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma has brought to my attention concerns relating to the Food Distribution Program for Indian Reservation (FDPIR) program administered by the Department of Agriculture. Specifically, USDA regulations prohibit Oklahoma Indian tribes distributing commodity goods under FDPIR to tribal members in population area that exceed 10,000 persons. I have been made aware this prohibition does not exist in other states. As a result, Oklahoma tribes are placed in a different category from tribes administering FDPIR commodity programs. To address the concerns raised by the Choctaw Nation, I would request the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the appropriate Oklahoma state agencies, review the current regulations with respect to the FDPIR program in Oklahoma and take any necessary regulatory action to ensure tribal members receive adequate commodity services from the most appropriate provider.”