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Policy Brief- September 2, 2025

Sep 2, 2025 | Congressional Notes, Featured Article, News, Policy Briefing

Summary

  • Congress is back this week, with government funding likely the focus for legislators in the coming weeks.
  • IFAI has released its analysis of the One Big Beautiful Bill and its impacts on Tribal nations, producers, and citizens. Read IFAI’s summary here.
  • The nomination period for USDA’s Tribal Advisory Committee is closing soon. The deadline is September 22, 2025—don’t miss out!
  • The comment period for the USDA’s re-organization plan has been extended through Sept. 30, 2025. Check out IFAI’s analysis of potential Indian Country impacts here, including a Tribal consultation request draft letter template.

Calendar

GO TO CALENDAR

Tribal Consultation/Listening Sessions/Advisory Committee Meetings:  

  Title of Event: Consultation and Listening Session on Technical Guidelines for Climate-Smart Agriculture Crops Used as Biofuel Feedstocks Interim Final  About: USDA will consult with Tribes and Tribal members about an interim final rule “to establish guidelines for quantifying and reporting the greenhouse gas benefits of crops grown for biofuel production.” 

Congressional Sessions:

 

Looking back: 

Congress was in recess until Sept. 2, 2025.

Looking ahead:

Hearing: House Natural Resources Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee, Sept. 3, 2025 at 2 p.m. EST Topic: Pending legislation – Defending our Dams Act – H.R. 2073

Nominations:

 

Tribal Issues Advisory Group 

Description: This group supports the U.S. Sentencing Commission by advising on federal sentencing issues related to American Indian and Alaska Native defendants and victims, especially for offenses in Indian Country. It also consults with Tribal entities, shares sentencing information, and performs other related tasks as requested by the Commission 

Deadline: September 19, 2025 

 

Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization Consultive Committee 

Description: The purpose of this body is to ensure that the interests of U.S. stakeholders are considered in the development of positions and policy relative to U.S. participation in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO). 

Deadline: Nominations will be accepted at any time 

Regulatory/Rulemaking Actions

Title: Ultra-Processed Foods; Request for Information

  • The US Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration are seeking public input on developing a uniform definition of ultra-processed foods (UPF or UPFs) for human food products in the U.S.
  • The objective is consistency in research and policy work that addresses health concerns regarding UPF consumption.
  • Written and electronic submissions will be accepted by Sept. 23, 2025. Confidential submissions will also be accepted.

Posted: Week of Aug. 25

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Title: Visual Post-Mortem Inspection in Swine Slaughter Establishments

  • USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is seeking comments on a proposed rule that amends current meat inspection regulations related to swine carcasses.
  • FSIS is proposing to end mandatory “mandibular lymph nodes incision and viscera palpation of swine carcasses in all swine slaughter establishments.”
  • It is expected that removing this post-mortem inspection requirement may improve food safety by lessening opportunities for contamination.
  • Comments must be received by Oct. 20, 2025.

Posted: Week of Aug. 25

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