Congress has approved legislation that would extend federal programs aimed at preserving American Indian languages and expand eligibility to more tribes.
The measure is named after Esther Martinez, a traditional storyteller and Tewa language advocate from a northern New Mexico pueblo.
Her family and members of the state's congressional delegation are praising passage of the bill.
The measure now heads to the president's desk.
Dozens of tribes across the country are currently sharing in more than $11 million in grants for language preservation and immersion through the programs.
