Federal Actions - What We're Tracking

FEDERAL ALERT

At CILS, we are tracking major activities at the federal and state levels that could impact Tribes and Native peoples living in California. Please read below for a short excerpt on each activity we’ve identified and click on the link(s) to access our “What We’re Watching” webpage for more information.

FY 2027 Tribal Budget and Appropriations [New]

The President’s FY 2027 budget request proposes major reductions and restructurings across non-defense programs, including programs affecting Tribal housing, education, health, economic development, natural resources, and public services. Because Congress will decide final appropriations, this is one of the most important federal processes for Tribes to watch in the coming months.

340B Drug Pricing [Update]

Federal officials are still exploring a shift from upfront 340B drug discounts to a rebate system—an approach that could force clinics to front higher costs and wait for reimbursement. For Tribal and Urban Indian health providers, that cash‑flow change could translate into real limits on pharmacy access and program stability.

Changes for Federal Grants [Major Update]

The federal grants issue has expanded beyond SAM registration. OMB has proposed broad revisions to governmentwide rules for discretionary federal grants and cooperative agreements, including provisions tied to pre-approval review by “political appointees,” expanded agency discretion over award suspension or termination, DEI, “gender ideology,” subrecipient monitoring, and recipient compliance. For Tribes and Tribal nonprofits, vague funding conditions could affect access to federal awards unless federal agencies clearly protect Tribal sovereignty, Tribal political status, Indian preference, and trust-responsibility funding.

Rewriting History in National Parks [Major Update]

Litigation over the removal of historical and scientific materials from national parks is moving quickly. A federal district court ordered NPS to restore removed materials, but the First Circuit has now paused that restoration order while the appeal proceeds. Tribes with ties to national park units should continue watching how federal agencies handle Indigenous history, consultation, and public interpretation.

Risks to Childcare and Family Assistance Funding [Update]

The earlier federal freeze of TANF, CCDF, and social services funding remains blocked, but the childcare issue has widened. HHS’s new CCDF rule takes effect July 13, 2026, and rescinds several 2024 requirements related to family copays and provider payments. For Tribal childcare programs and families served through state and Tribal systems, the practical question is whether “flexibility” results in less predictable affordability, provider stability, and access.

Offshore Wind [Major Update]

BOEM continues to implement the federal offshore wind pause, and DOI has announced settlement-based lease cancellations for two California offshore wind leases near Morro Bay. Humboldt leases have not been cancelled, and local port planning continues, but federal reversals create uncertainty around consultation, fisheries impacts, mitigation, cultural resources, and promised community benefits.

SAVE Act Impacts on Voters [Update]

The SAVE Act/SAVE America Act has not been enacted, but it remains politically active. In late June, House hardliners disrupted NDAA proceedings to push proof-of-citizenship and voter ID legislation, while a federal court separately blocked expanded use of the federal SAVE database for voter citizenship checks. Native voting advocates continue to warn that documentary proof-of-citizenship requirements would disproportionately burden Native voters.

Our Mission at CILS is to protect and advance Indian rights, Indian self-determination, and Tribal nation-building.

If you have federal or state actions you think CILS should be tracking, please email those to info@calindian.org.

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