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Last month, the House and Senate passed concurrent budget resolutions, setting up the next step in the reconciliation process. Lawmakers are now determining what will be included in the reconciliation package.

NAFOA is monitoring the markup activity across congressional committees and provide insights on developments that may impact Tribes as information becomes available.

Much of the markup activity is centered on advancing the President’s stated agenda on energy, defense, immigration, and government efficiency. Tribes may take particular interest in proposals that impact the use of public lands. Tribes must insist that the Administration continue Tribal Consultation on energy initiatives and the use of public lands, especially for those Tribes engaged in energy projects or whose Tribal lands are impacted by decisions regarding the use of public lands. Other proposals could affect higher education, veterans affairs, housing, transportation, and the workforce. NAFOA encourages Tribes to continue to follow information provided by NAFOA and our partner Tribal Organizations for more in-depth analysis and calls to action.

Read the Policy Alert

On May 8th, 2025, the Native CDFI Network (NCN) and 66 Native CDFIs and other key partners delivered a powerful message to Capitol Hill, calling on Congress to reject the proposed defunding of the Native American CDFI Assistance (NACA) Program in President Trump’s FY 2026 Discretionary Budget Request.

Their joint letter was sent this morning to Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Representative Tom Cole (R-OK), Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. Also receiving the letter were all 29 members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, all 28 members of the Senate Community Development Finance Caucus, and all 63 members of the House Appropriations Committee.

This action builds on NCN’s advocacy campaign launched earlier this week, following President Trump’s release of his FY 2026 budget proposal that calls for near-total elimination of the CDFI Fund – a move that would devastate Native-led economic development. The letter stresses the NACA Program’s unique role in supporting Native CDFIs, which deliver homeownership, small business financing, clean energy investments, and essential community development in some of the most underserved areas of the country. It also calls for continued, increased funding for the NACA Program to meet the demonstrated needs of Native CDFIs.

Source: Native CDFI Network Read the Full Letter

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) is seeking nominations for up to five positions on its Tribal and Indigenous Advisory Council (TIAC). The Council was formed in 2022 to provide insights and recommendations and help guide GAO’s future work on critical issues affecting Tribal Nations and their citizens.

“The Tribal and Indigenous Advisory Council has provided valuable input and insight into the challenges facing tribal communities,” said Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States and head of the GAO. “We are excited to continue our work with new members that will bring a diverse range of perspectives.”

GAO’s oversight of federal programs that serve Tribes and their citizens aims to help Congress determine how best to meet the government’s longstanding commitments to federally recognized Tribes.

GAO is now accepting nominations for up to five TIAC positions to be effective September 2025. Nominations must be submitted to TAC@gao.gov no later than June 6, 2025.

Source: U.S Government Accountability Office Learn More and Apply

The Tribal Leadership Academy (TLA) at Dartmouth College provides a place for up to 25 newly elected or appointed tribal governmental leaders to engage with each other and with experienced faculty presenters on governance matters of vital importance to tribal nations. Applications are due on Friday, May 16. Applicants will be notified of acceptance on or before June 6, 2025.

The 2025 Edition of the TLA will operate from July 28 – August 1, 2025, on the Dartmouth College campus in Hanover, New Hampshire. Each day hosts two sessions, with ample time for discussion, team-building, and time for reflection.

Source: Tribal Leadership Academy at Dartmouth Learn More & Apply

The employee occupying this position is responsible for planning and administering, directing, supervising, and coordinating all phases of the PRCI Housing Department operations, to included operations and maintenance, grant management, housing development, and all regulations related to the Housing Department, and the Indian Housing Block Grant Program (NAHASDA).

Additionally, the Housing Director must assess housing needs, develop a strategy, and solidify plans to meet the identified housing needs of the Tribe. The position requires management of PRCI approved housing programs and budgets and/or monitors the work of the qualified specialists.