Congressional Native American Caucus Highlights Priorities for Tribal Governments and Native American Families in House-Passed Appropriations Bills

Strategic Insights -

In a significant move towards addressing the long-standing disparities faced by Native American communities, the Congressional Native American Caucus, led by Co-Chairs Deb Haaland (NM-01) and Tom Cole (Okla.-04), has highlighted key priorities included in House-passed appropriations bills for fiscal year 2021. These proposals aim to provide critical funding for healthcare, education, economic development, housing, and more to Indian Country.

The proposed federal investments, as outlined by Co-Chair Emeritus Betty McCollum (Minn.-04), Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, are designed to address the trust and treaty responsibilities of the federal government to Native American communities. McCollum emphasized the need for bipartisan support to ensure the passage of these bills, which would provide essential funding for education, healthcare, and public safety.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed federal investments in healthcare, education, economic development, housing, and more are critical to Indian Country.
  • The Indian Health Service (IHS) received $6.49 billion in overall funding, with $66.1 million allocated for Urban Indian Health, an increase of $8.4 million above FY 2020 funding.
  • The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) received $180,739,000 in funding, with an additional $1.5 billion in emergency infrastructure funding for school construction, infrastructure grants, and construction of healthcare facilities.
  • The Community Development Financial Institutions Program received $16 million, while the Entrepreneurial Development Programs received $2 million for economic development.
  • A provision was included urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to increase access to broadband on rural Tribal lands and support consultation with federally recognized Indian Tribes.
  • Other infrastructure appropriations provide nearly $12 billion in state and Tribal assistance grants, with $6.3 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and $3.9 billion for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.

Statistics:

  • $6.49 billion: Overall funding allocated to the Indian Health Service (IHS)
  • $66.1 million: Funding allocated for Urban Indian Health, an increase of $8.4 million above FY 2020 funding
  • $180,739,000: Funding allocated to the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)
  • $1.5 billion: Emergency infrastructure funding allocated to BIE and IHS for school construction, infrastructure grants, and construction of healthcare facilities
  • $16 million: Funding allocated to the Community Development Financial Institutions Program
  • $2 million: Funding allocated to the Entrepreneurial Development Programs for economic development
  • $12 billion: Total infrastructure appropriations for state and Tribal assistance grants
  • $6.3 billion: Funding allocated for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund
  • $3.9 billion: Funding allocated for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund

Sources:

  • United States House of Representatives -- Congresswoman Deb Haaland (NM-01) Washington, D.C.
  • Congressional Native American Caucus