The Native American Legislative Update is a monthly newsletter on the most important developments on Capitol Hill related to Indian Country.
Halito F/friends!
Happy Native American Heritage Month. This month, and every month, FCNL is proud to advocate alongside our Native community members. We are incredibly grateful for the contributions of Native communities to our work.
Halito F/friends!
The federal government shutdown has continued through October, doing immense damage to federal workers and the American people. While most legislative activity has been put on hold, FCNL continues to find opportunities for action. This month, consider writing Congress and asking them to pass S.761, the Truth and Healing Commission Bill!
On July 15, the House Interior Appropriations subcommittee passed the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies spending bill (H.R.4754). Tribal programs in the bill were largely funded at or above FY25 levels, despite the President’s budget request, which called for deep spending cuts to some Indian Country programs.
On July 15, the House Interior Appropriations subcommittee passed the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies spending bill (H.R.4754). Tribal programs in the bill were largely funded at or above FY25 levels, despite the President’s budget request, which called for deep spending cuts to some Indian Country programs.
During a June hearing, members of the House Natural Resources and Education and Workforce Committees examined longstanding dysfunction at Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU) and the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI), the sole federally operated tribal colleges.
On May 14, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs heard testimony from tribal leaders and advocates on potential harm from the reorganization of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The proposed reorganization would slash funding at HHS and lay off 20% of its workforce.
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has rescinded approximately $1.5 million in grants for digitizing records and collecting testimonies related to U.S. government-run Indian boarding schools. These institutions, operating from approximately 1819 to 1969, aimed to assimilate Native American children by eradicating their cultural identities.
The House of Representatives and the Senate passed recently passed a continuing resolution to extend current federal government funding levels until Sept. 30. Here are two ways that it will impact Native communities:
Last night, a bill was reintroduced in the 119th Congress to appoint a commission to investigate the Indian Boarding School era and the role of the federal government. Learn more.
FCNL is aware of reports that Native Americans have been subject to or targeted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in immigration raids. We remain committed to a just and safe immigration process. If you are concerned about your risk, please reach out to your tribal leadership.
Halito F/friends,
Stay informed and stay active