October 2026: Native American Legislative Update

By Rachel Overstreet | October 28, 2026

Senate Permitting Bill Threatens Tribal Consultation Rights

A wide-ranging Senate infrastructure bill is raising alarms across Indian Country because its provisions would significantly weaken tribal nations’ ability to participate in federal permitting decisions. The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 “BAAJA” (S. 5653) is designed to speed up environmental reviews and project approvals by amending several foundational federal laws.

September 2026: Native American Legislative Update

By Rachel Overstreet | September 30, 2026

Interior Department Audit Finds Severe Backlogs and Staffing Gaps in BIA’s Missing and Murdered Unit

A federal audit released by the Interior Department’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) found that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Missing and Murdered Unit — created in 2021 to address the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples (MMIP) crisis — has been plagued by staffing shortages, case backlogs, a

August 2026: Native American Legislative Update

By Rachel Overstreet | August 31, 2026

Peggy Flanagan Wins Minnesota DFL Senate Primary, Could Become First Native Woman in Senate

Peggy Flanagan, an enrolled citizen of the White Earth Nation and Minnesota’s current Lieutenant Governor, won the Democratic primary to fill the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Senator Tina Smith (MN). Running under the Democratic-Farmer-Labor banner, she captured approximately 59 percent of the vote in a field of six candidates.

July 2026: Native American Legislative Update

By Rachel Overstreet | July 29, 2026

House Subcommittees Examine Technology’s Role in Addressing MMIP Crisis

On July 14, the House Natural Resources Subcommittees on Indian and Insular Affairs and Oversight and Investigations held a joint hearing titled “Leveraging Technology in the Pursuit of Justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons.” The hearing examined how emerging technologies and improved interagency coordination can strengthen law enforcement responses in tribal communities facing the Missing and Murdered

March 2026: Native American Legislative Update

By Rachel Overstreet and Kaylin Henderson | April 1, 2026

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.

January 2026: Native American Legislative Update

By Rachel Overstreet and Kaylin Henderson | February 3, 2026

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.