Native American Legislative Update

Cherokee Nation Citizen Markwayne Mullin Named Department of Homeland Security Secretary

Cherokee Nation citizen Markwayne Mullin was sworn in on March 24, 2026, as the ninth Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). A former U.S. senator from Oklahoma and longtime member of Congress, Mullin’s confirmation followed his nomination by President Donald Trump and a Senate vote earlier in March.

Truth and Healing Commission Bill Reintroduced in the House 

On February 3, Representatives Tom Cole (OK-4) and Sharice Davids (KS-3) reintroduced the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act (H.R. 7325, S.761) in the House. The Truth and Healing bill is FCNL’s Native American Advocacy lobbying priority.

House and Senate Pass Interior Appropriations Bill, Reject Most Proposed Cuts for Indian Country

On January 15, 2026, the Senate passed H.R. 6938 (Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026). This bill funds three areas of government, including the Department of the Interior, through September 30, 2026.

Halito F/friends!

From all of us at FCNL, we hope you had a peaceful holiday season. In this delayed issue of December’s Native American Legislative Update, we are looking back at a year of federal policy wins. While a new Congress and administration have brought trouble and uncertainty, tribal advocates have successfully secured major wins for Indian Country. If you’d like to support our work, consider making a donation here.

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.

Senate Probes Impact of HHS Cuts on Non-Indian Health Service Programs

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.