Executive Director's Corner | |
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Yá’át’ééh!
It's time for another edition of the Wááshindoon Weekly, bringing you the latest news and insights on the most pressing issues of our time. This week, we delve into the aftermath of a significant Supreme Court decision, the ongoing political turmoil within the US House of Representatives, and a nationwide push to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day.
The Supreme Court Decision on the Congressional Review Act (CRA):
Last week, the highest court in the land declined to review lawmakers' 2017 use of the Congressional Review Act to kill an Obama-era rule aimed at protecting streams and waterways from coal mining pollution, denying a petition from advocacy groups that argued the act unconstitutionally empowers Congress to roll back executive branch decisions.
Political Turmoil in the US House of Representatives:
Turning our attention to Capitol Hill, the US House of Representatives continues to grapple with political divisions that have left the chamber without a Speaker. With the absence of a Speaker, the House finds itself in a state of legislative limbo, unable to carry out its crucial duties. The ongoing power struggle among party factions has hindered the selection of a unifying figure who can rally members and steer the ship of legislation. As constituents, it is essential for us to urge our elected representatives to put aside their differences, prioritize the needs of the nation, and select a Speaker who can lead with integrity and efficiency.
The Movement to Replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day:
In recent years, there has been a growing movement across the country to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day. Advocates argue that honoring Christopher Columbus perpetuates a distorted narrative of history, overlooking the centuries of Indigenous peoples' presence and the harmful consequences of colonization. This week, we are witnessing renewed efforts to recognize and celebrate the rich cultures, contributions, and resilience of Indigenous communities that have shaped our nation. By embracing Indigenous Peoples Day, we can foster inclusivity, healing, and a more accurate understanding of our shared heritage.
In conclusion, this week's news highlights the critical role of our institutions and the ongoing challenges we face as a nation. The Supreme Court decision on the Congressional Review Act pulls into question the powers of congressional oversight, while the political battles within the House of Representatives remind us of the significance of effective leadership. Lastly, the movement to replace Columbus Day recognizes the need to acknowledge the historical experiences and contributions of Indigenous peoples. As engaged citizens, it is our duty to stay informed, participate in the democratic process, and advocate for a more just and inclusive society.
Remember, knowledge and dialogue are the cornerstones of progress. Until next time, stay curious, stay informed, and stay engaged.
Ahéheeʼ
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U.S. Supreme Court Declines to Take Up Congressional Review Act Case
The United States Supreme Court recently declined to review a case concerning the Congressional Review Act (CRA) of 1996, a decision emanating from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit in Colorado. The CRA, a law designed to increase accountability within federal agencies, mandates that all regulatory rules must be submitted to Congress for review before they can be implemented. Congress then has 60 legislative days to express disapproval of the rule through a joint resolution. If the resolution is passed and signed by the president, or if Congress successfully overrides a presidential veto, the rule is precluded and cannot be considered again in the future.
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The Search for a New U.S. House Speaker
On October 3, the U.S. House of Representatives ousted Kevin McCarthy (CA-R) from the Speaker's office. This followed the procedures established after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, which incorporated a line of succession for the Speaker's Office into the House Rules under Section 8(b)(3)(A) of Rule I. This provision enables an elected House Speaker to nominate a list of members to serve as Speaker pro tempore should the Speaker's Office be vacated.
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Indigenous Peoples Day
On October 12, 2023, the 25th Navajo Nation Council Naa'bik'iyati' Committee passed resolution 0236-23, supporting Senate Bill 2970 and House Resolution 5822, which propose to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day. This decision followed a letter sent by President Nygren to Congresswoman Torres and Senator Heinrich, expressing support for their efforts to reintroduce and pass the Indigenous Peoples' Day Act.
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Additional News and Updates | |
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Presidential Declaration of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the Navajo Nation
This is a Notice of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for Public Assistance Only for the Navajo Nation (FEMA–4703–DR), dated 04/11/2023.
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Proposed Reallotment of Fiscal Year 2022 Funds for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Community Service (OCS), Division of Energy Assistance announces a preliminary determination that funds from the Federal fiscal year (FFY) 2022 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are available for reallotment to States, Territories, Tribes, and Tribal organizations that received FFY 2023 direct LIHEAP grants. The purpose of this award is to redistribute FFY 2022 annual LIHEAP funds that grant recipients were unable to obligate or carry over to FFY 2023. No sub-recipients of these grant recipients or other entities may apply for these funds.
Comment Deadline: October 26, 2023
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HUD-ONAP National Tribal Housing Summit
October 31 - November 2, 2023
The Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) and the National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC) is hosting the HUD-ONAP National Tribal Housing Summit at the Intercontinental St. Paul Riverfront in St. Paul, Minnesota.
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80th Annual Convention & Marketplace
November 12-17, 2023
This November, NCAI will be hosting the 80th Annual Convention and Marketplace to provide an opportunity to work collaboratively on protecting and advancing tribal sovereignty. Tribal leaders, NCAI members, Native youth, and partners from across Indian Country will gather in-person to discuss critical issues, develop strategy, and to embark upon a new era of Nation-to-Nation engagement.
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U.S. Department of the Interior/Fish and Wildlife Service
The National Wildlife Refuge System Planning Policies (602 FW 1-4) for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Comment Deadline: October 16, 2023
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U.S. Department of Health & Human Services/Administration for Community Living
Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Assessing ACL's American Indian, Alaskan Natives and Native Hawaiian Programs (OMB Control Number 0985-0059).
Comment Deadline: October 17, 2023
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U.S. Department of the Interior/Bison Working Group
October 18, 2023
Tribal Consultation on the development of a Bison Shared Stewardship Strategy (Stewardship Strategy).
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U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration
Request for Nominations for Membership on the Native American Employment and Training Council.
Comment Deadline: October 18, 2023
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U.S. Department of Commerce/National Telecommunications and Information Administration
October 19, 2023
Tribal consultations on three grant programs authorized by the Digital Equity Act (DEA).
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Solicitation of Nominations for the Appointment to the Advisory Committee on Tribal and Indian Affairs.
Comment Deadline: October 20, 2023
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Federal Communications Commission
Connect America Fund: A National Broadband Plan for Our Future High-Cost Universal Service Support; ETC Annual Reports and Certifications; Telecommunications Carriers Eligible To Receive Universal Service Support; Connect America Fund-Alaska Plan; Expanding Broadband Service Through the ACAM Program.
Comment Deadline: October 23, 2023
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U.S. Department of the Treasury/Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Program
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Program and Native American CDFI Assistance (NACA) Program Applications.
Comment Deadline: October 23, 2023
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U.S. Department of the Interior/Fish and Wildlife Service
Written comments due regarding Endangered Wildlife; Recovery Permit Applications.
Comment Deadline: October 25, 2023
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U.S. Department of the Interior/Bureau of Indian Education
Tribal Consultation on the Implementation of Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Comment Deadline: October 25, 2023
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U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development/Office of Public and Indian Housing
Written comments due regarding the Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records.
Comment Deadline: October 26, 2023
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U.S. Department of Health & Human Services/Indian Health Service
Written comments due regarding the Tribal Consultation on Medical Priority Levels.
Comment Deadline: October 27, 2023
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U.S. Department of the Interior/Bureau of Indian Affairs
Written comments due regarding Agency Information Collection Activities; Individual Indian Money (IIM) Instructions for Disbursement of Funds and Change of Address.
Comment Deadline: October 30, 2023
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U.S. Department of Health & Human Services/The Administration for Children and Families
October 30, 2023
Tribal Consultation on Foster Care Legal Representation.
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U.S. Department of the Treasury
Written comments due regarding the Increased Credit or Deduction Amounts for Satisfying Certain Prevailing Wage and Registered Apprenticeship Requirements under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
Comment Deadline: October 30, 2023
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The Internal Revenue Service
Proposed amendments to regulations applicable to affiliated groups of corporations that file consolidated Federal income tax returns.
Comment deadline: November 6, 2023.
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Contract Support Costs (CSC) for Tribes with Self-Governance Funding Agreements
November 1, 2023
A tribal consultation on the calculation and distribution process of Contract Support Costs (CSC) for Tribes with self-governance funding agreements with the Department of the Interior (Department) and Indian Affairs. The CSC is vital funding to Indian Country, and the Department is committed to ensuring calculations are accurate and paid according to law.
Comment Deadline: December 29, 2023
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Indian Health Service (IHS)
November 8, 2023
Hosting a series of consultations on the Health Information Technology (IT) Modernization Program. Virtual consultations will take place on November 8, 2023 and will cover different aspects of the Modernization effort.
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Contract Support Costs (CSC) for Tribes with Self-Governance Funding Agreements
November 29, 2023
A tribal consultation on the calculation and distribution process of Contract Support Costs (CSC) for Tribes with self-governance funding agreements with the Department of the Interior (Department) and Indian Affairs. The CSC is vital funding to Indian Country, and the Department is committed to ensuring calculations are accurate and paid according to law.
Comment Deadline: December 29, 2023
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Health and Human Services, Office of Child Care
Requesting public comment on the rules and regulations of the Tribally administered Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program as part of the Administration for Children and Families' (ACF) commitment to creating partnerships with Tribal Nations to identify and implement solutions that transcend traditional program boundaries.
Comment deadline: January 2, 2024.
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U.S. Department of Commerce/National Telecommunications and Information Administration
October 17, 2023
Tribal consultations on three grant programs authorized by the Digital Equity Act (DEA).
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U.S. Department of the Treasury/The Internal Revenue Service
Requirements Related to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act.
Comment Deadline: October 17, 2023
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U.S. Department of the Interior/Bureau of Indian Education
October 18, 2023
Tribal Consultation on the Implementation of Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
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U.S. Department of the Interior/Bureau of Indian Education
October 18, 2023
Tribal Consultation on Five-Year Strategic Direction.
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U.S. Department of the Interior/Bureau of Indian Education
October 19, 2023
Indian School Equalization Program Tribal Listening Session.
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U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency
October 19, 2023
Tribal Consultation update of FEMA’s Tribal Mitigation Planning Policy.
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U.S. Department of Health & Human Services/Indian Health Service
Information Collection: Indian Health Service Forms to Implement the Privacy Rule.
Comment Deadline: October 20, 2023
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Tribal Data Priorities
To make progress on this need for improved data, an Indian Country Data Working Group (ICDWG) was established among Federal Agencies to identify shared goals and actions which could be presented to Tribes in consultation. The goals and actions address a spectrum of efforts including: ensuring Tribal sovereignty is recognized upfront in all our practices, improving quality of existing data, creating new data sources, increasing capability to integrate data, and producing new data driven research products.
Comment deadline: October 20, 2023
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Federal Communications Commission
Establishing a 5G Fund for Rural America.
Comment Deadline: October 23, 2023
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U.S. Department of Health & Human Services/Food and Drug Administration
October 24, 2023
Listening Session: FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) to learn about FDA’s nutrition initiatives.
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U.S. Commission on Civil Rights
Notice of Public Meeting of the New Mexico Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.
Comment Deadline: October 25, 2023
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U.S. Department of the Interior/Bison Working Group
October 25, 2023
Tribal Consultation on the development of a Bison Shared Stewardship Strategy (Stewardship Strategy).
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National Endowment for the Arts
October 25, 2023
Tribal Consultation on The National Endowment for the Arts.
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U.S. Department of the Treasury/Internal Revenue Service
Written comments due regarding the Federal Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) Process Administrative Fee and Certified IDR Entity Fee Ranges.
Comment Deadline: October 26, 2023
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U.S. Senate/Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D.
Written comments due regarding feedback on reformations to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Comment Deadline: October 27, 2023
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Social Security Administration
Written comments due regarding SSA policies, procedures, and priorities and to assist in providing strong consultations, round table discussions, and listening sessions.
Comment Deadline: October 30, 2023
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U.S. Department of Health & Human Services/Indian Health Service
Written comments due regarding Information Collection: Application for Participation in the IHS Scholarship Program.
Comment Deadline: October 30, 2023
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U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency
Tribal Consultation on the Tribal Cybersecurity Grant Program.
Comment Deadline: November 1, 2023
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U.S. Department of Transportation/Federal Transit Administration
Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program; Tribal Transit Program.
Comment Deadline: November 2, 2023
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Proposed rule for Tree Care Operations
November 9, 2023
The agency currently applies a patchwork of standards and the OSH Act’s general duty clause, 29 U.S.C. 654(a)(1), to attempt to address these hazards. However, the relatively high frequency of fatalities and injuries for workers facing these hazards indicates that further regulation may be needed. OSHA is therefore considering whether it should promulgate a new Tree Care Operations standard for both general industry and construction work.
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Held a listening session and tribal consultation on July 27, 2023 to begin the process to update FEMA’s tribal mitigation planning policy.
Comment deadline: November 30, 2023.
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IHS Health Information Technology Modernization
Announcing an opportunity for interested Tribal and Urban Indian Organization sites to become directly involved in the collaborative planning for the new IHS enterprise electronic health record (EHR) solution.
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For more information regarding topics provided in the newsletter, please contact NNWO at info@nnwo.org. | | |
Navajo Nation Washington Office | www.nnwo.org | | | | |
