Policy Brief- July 20

Summary:

Join IFAI for a webinar on the Senate Farm Bill! The webinar will be held on July 27 at 1-2pm CT on Teams. IFAI policy staff will break down key provisions affecting Indian Country and share insights on what the proposal could mean for Tribal food and agriculture programs. Register here to join!

New legislation supporting Tribal food sovereignty. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced the Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act, a comprehensive package to improve the wellbeing of Native families and children. Among other changes, the bill would advance Tribal sovereignty by establishing new demonstration projects for Tribes to administer SNAP and child nutrition programs. Stay tuned for IFAI’s analysis!

Government Funding. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and House Republicans last week introduced a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government through the midterms. The measure would continue current funding levels through Dec. 4, heading off a potential government shutdown when the 2026 fiscal year ends on Sept. 30. The CR is expected to pass the House this week, ahead of the August recess. Last year, a record-breaking government shutdown threatened SNAP benefits.

USDA Farm Service Agency County Committees Nominations Open. Applications are open until August 3, 2026.

Hearing: House Committee on Natural Resources – Tuesday, July 21 at 2:00 p.m. ET Legislative Hearing on H.R. 7466- SAFE CATTLE Act, H.R. 9621- Northwest Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act of 2026

Hearing: House Committee on Agriculture – Wednesday, July 22 at 10:00 a.m. ET “For the Purpose of Receiving Testimony from Chief Tom Schultz, U.S. Forest Service.”

Description: Nominations are open for Farm Service Agency (FSA) County committees. These committees make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. Contact your local FSA office for more information about your county’s election.

Description: The Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee was established to facilitate meaningful dialogue between Interior and tribes to address evolving issues related to the Department’s programs, responsibilities and proposed policies. DOI will appoint representatives from each of the 12 BIA regions and seeks applicants who bring strong leadership and expertise related to the Administration’s priorities. In addition to appointees for each region, DOI seeks nominations for individuals with strong experience in advancing economic development in Tribal communities; enhancing Tribal self-sufficiency through energy development; strengthening public safety in Tribal communities; improving educational outcomes for our students; and streamlining and modernizing the probate process for trust assets.

Deadline: Nomination packets are due July 31, 2026 at 11:59 pm ET and should be submitted via email to oiea@ios.doi.gov.

Summary: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA) provided new funding for the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP), which provides cost-share assistance to producers and handlers of agricultural products for the costs of obtaining or maintaining organic certification under the National Organic Program (NOP). There is $8 million in funding available until 2031. FSA county offices will accept applications for OCCSP payments from producers and handlers for the 2025 and 2026 program years until December 31, 2026.

Impact in Indian Country: Any organic producers can receive financial assistance for their USDA organic certification costs.

Programs implicated: Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP), the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP), the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), the Tree Assistance Program (TAP), the Marketing Assistance Loan (MAL) and Loan Deficiency Payments (LDP) Programs, and the Sugar Program.

Summary: This rule updates several USDA farm programs so they match the changes required by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). It expands disaster assistance (including new coverage for fish, honeybees, livestock, and trees), raises loan rates for major crops through 2031, and updates program rules. The rule also makes small administrative fixes to improve clarity and program integrity. Among other changes, the rule –

For ELAP, adds new coverage for bird depredation losses for freshwater farm‑raised fish, with a minimum payment rate of $600 per acre;

For LFP, lowers the drought eligibility threshold from 8 consecutive weeks of D2 drought to 4 weeks for a one‑month payment; 7 of 8 weeks for a two‑month payment;

For LIP, establishes new compensation for unborn livestock death losses, retroactive to January 1, 2024 and compensates predation losses at 100% of market value (previously 75%).

Impact in Indian Country: The changes to these programs expand eligibility, provide access to faster payments, better reflect actual losses and regional market conditions, provide more stable financing, and reduce administrative hurdles. Producers should see more timely, accurate, and increased support during disasters and market downturns.

Agency Implicated: Bureau of Indian Affairs, DOI, Office of Indian Services, Division of Workforce Development

Summary: The IGNITE grant pilot program will support Tribal workforce development strategies that prepare Tribal participants for employment in construction and infrastructure trades and in emerging technology sectors, including advanced manufacturing, digital fabrication, artificial intelligence, drone and geospatial systems, and STEM-based workforce training. Funding will be awarded directly to Tribes and Tribal organizations through 638 contracts or compacts. The BIA anticipates making approximately 18 to 22 awards, with individual awards ranging from $100,000 to $300,000, for a one-year period of performance. The IGNITE grant pilot program will support implementation-ready workforce programs leading directly to employment, apprenticeship placement, or industry-recognized credentials. Funding can be requested to support program execution and implementation.

Eligible applicants: Federally Recognized Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations