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Call to Action: Urging Congress to Support Funding for Tribal Programs in the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget
BACKGROUND:
The Trump Administration’s Budget Request for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 includes deep cuts to programs serving Indian Country, including, but not limited to, core trust and treaty obligations delivered through Indian Affairs at the Department of the Interior.
The House Native American Caucus is circulating a “Dear Colleague” sign-on letter for Members of the U.S. House of Representatives to express support for Tribal programs throughout the federal government to the leadership of the House Appropriations Committee.
We strongly urge outreach to House Members encouraging their sign-on, with a particular desire for Republican Members of Congress. The letter is being led by Native Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Sharice Davids (KS-03-D) and Vice-Chair, Rep. Nick Begich (AK-At Large-R). Questions can be directed to Vittoria Casey (Vittoria.casey@mail.house.gov) in Rep. Davids’ office or James Lundquist (James.Lundquist@mail.house.gov) in Rep. Begich’s office.
Deadline for sign on by your members of Congress is Friday, June 27th, close of business. We recommend emailing or calling your Congressional offices immediately.
For more information on the President’s Skinny Budget Request and impacts to Tribal Programs and Services, please view The Coalition for Tribal Sovereignty’s “Analysis of the President’s Budget Request to Congress.” To view additional resources—such as tool kits, talking points, briefings, and letters—please view The Coalition for Tribal Sovereignty’s webpage by clicking here.
ACTION STEPS & TEMPLATE SCRIPT:
Resources:
Find your Representative(s) HERE
Template Script:
Hello Representative [NAME] , on behalf of [YOUR TCU] we urge you to protect and hold harmless all Tribal programs and programs that benefit Tribal Nations and citizens during the FY 2026 appropriations process by signing onto the House Native American Caucus Dear Colleague letter led by Reps. Begich and Davids expressing support for Tribal programs to the leadership of the House Appropriations Committee.
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