Summary:

• Farm Bill negotiations remain unsettled – The Senate Agriculture Committee’s failed vote to advance its Farm Bill proposal leaves major questions about conservation programs, specialty crop support, crop insurance, nutrition programs, and rural development funding. The Committee plans to reconvene in September to try to advance the bill, but it remains unclear if the Senate has the votes to advance the legislation amidst other competing priorities. Read more about the updated Senate Farm Bill text and the impact of SNAP cost-share requirements on Tribes here.

• Comment period for SNAP cost share changes extended – USDA is extending the public comment period on a proposed rule that would increase the administrative cost-share of SNAP for States. While Indian Tribal Organizations and State agencies serving Indian reservations would not be subject to the increased cost-share, States will likely need to shift or cut resources to meet the increased costs. Comments are due by Sept. 8.

Congressional Updates: 

Congress is out for the August recess. The House returns to Washington D.C. on Aug. 31, and the Senate returns Sept. 14. 

Regulatory Updates:

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Changes in Federal-State Administrative Cost Sharing

• Agency Implicated: FNA, USDA
• Type of action: Proposed rule, extension of comment period
• Summary: This proposed rule would codify the reduction of the amount of the Federal Government’s share of annual SNAP State administrative costs from 50% to 25%, effective beginning in FY27. The Department estimates the total decrease in Federal administrative spending associated with this proposed rule to be approximately $16.9 billion over FYs 2027 to 2031, averaging $3.4 billion per year, with States’ administrative spending to increase by the same amount. USDA assumes a “negligible impact” on SNAP benefits (i.e., no change in benefit administration). The rule will not impact State agencies or ITOs administering SNAP on reservations. FNA will continue to pay these entities 75% of all approved administrative costs. USDA requests comments on ways in which this shift in spending from the Federal Government to the States could change overall program spending or program operations.
• Tribal impact: While Indian Tribal Organizations and State agencies serving Indian reservations will not be impacted, there will likely be indirect impacts on Tribal Nations as States shift or cut resources to meet the increased costs. Tribes located in States where SNAP is administered by counties are more likely to experience impacts, as administrative cost-share increases may be shifted to counties with limited resources.
• Deadline: Comments are due Sept. 8, 2026.

Identifying Aquaculture Opportunity Areas in U.S. Waters

• Agency Implicated: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce
• Type of action: Notice; request for information.
• Summary: NOAA is seeking input from the public to help identify U.S. coastal and offshore regions that should be evaluated for potential Aquaculture Opportunity Areas (AOAs). AOAs are designated geographic zones that NOAA recognizes as suitable for commercial aquaculture in terms of environmental, economic, and social factors.
• Tribal impact: Tribes engaged in aquaculture may wish to offer comment.
• Deadline: Written comments are due on or before September 13, 2026. Three webinar listening sessions are scheduled for Aug. 6 at 6 – 7pm PDT, Aug. 13 at 12-1pm HST, and Aug. 31 at 3-4pm EDT. Webinar information can be found here.