The term “Indian tribe” has the meaning given the term in section 5304 of title 25.
The term “tribal organization” has the meaning given the term in section 5304 of title 25.
The Committee shall facilitate, but not supplant, government-to-government consultation between the Department of Agriculture (referred to in this subsection as the “Department”) and Indian tribes.
To the maximum extent feasible, the Secretary shall ensure that the members of the Committee represent a diverse set of expertise on issues relating to geographic regions, Indian tribes, and the agricultural industry.
No member of the Committee shall be an officer or employee of the Federal Government.
The first 3 appointments by the Secretary under paragraph (3)(A)(i) shall be for a 2-year term.
Not fewer than 1 representative from the Office of Tribal Relations of the Department shall be present at each meeting of the Committee.
The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs of the Department of the Interior (or a designee) shall be present at each meeting of the Committee.
Members of the Committee shall be compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5 for each day (including travel time) during which the member is engaged in the performance of the duties of the Committee.
Section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Committee.