This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning tribal affairs, the BIA, reservation lands, tribal statistical areas, and treaty rights. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Dates: 2026-03-15 to 2026-03-21

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates

Federal Government News

ANA Solicits Public Comment on FY 2026 Program Policies and Procedures

The Administration for Native Americans (ANA) at HHS issued a public comment notice regarding proposed interpretive rules and statements of policy for FY 2026 Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs). Core updates include replacing Social and Economic Development Strategies (SEDS/SEDS-AK) with Economic Advancement Grants for Local Empowerment (EAGLE) and the AI Action Institute, as well as consolidating training and technical assistance contracts into a single cooperative agreement to improve integration and operational agility. Program areas in the EAGLE NOFO address greenhouses, microgrids, employment skills, elder mentorship, and community-driven projects. ANA also outlines eligibility and funding ceilings for these new grant formats and encourages comments on capacity-building and project sustainability requirements by April 20, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

BIA Information Collection Renewal: Tribal Energy Resource Agreements

The Bureau of Indian Affairs posted a Federal Register notice seeking comment about the renewal of information collection for Tribal Energy Resource Agreements (TERA), required under 25 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. The collection covers federally recognized Tribes applying for, implementing, rescinding, or reassuming TERAs. Average annual respondents are one Tribe, with 2,960 annual burden hours and $18,100 in estimated costs. Comments may be submitted until April 20, 2026, and must address necessity, accuracy, utility, and burden minimization.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Indian Child Welfare Act Proceedings in States: Information Collection Review

The Bureau of Indian Affairs announced a proposed renewal of information collection related to Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) proceedings in State courts, as required under 25 U.S.C. and the Paperwork Reduction Act. The collection involves determining Indian child status, notification processes, and record-keeping requirements by State and Tribal agencies. The notice reports an estimated 7,556 respondents and 98,069 annual responses, totaling 301,811 burden hours and estimated non-hour costs of $286,362. Comments are open until April 20, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Application to Withdraw Tribal Funds from Trust Status: Information Collection

The Bureau of Trust Funds Administration within Interior posted a notice regarding renewal of information collection for Tribal applications to withdraw funds from federal trust status. Tribes must provide management plans for handling funds upon withdrawal, as authorized by the Indian Trust Fund Management Reform Act of 1994. Average response is one Tribe every three years, with an estimated 750 hours per response and no additional non-hour costs. Comment period is open until April 20, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Senator Markwayne Mullin Nominated Secretary of Homeland Security

President Trump nominated Sen. Markwayne Mullin as Secretary of Homeland Security. The nomination drew bipartisan support from Congress, tribal leaders including Cherokee Nation Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., law enforcement, and industry groups. Mullin's track record in federal Indian policy and national security sectors is cited by stakeholders. The nomination is pending Senate confirmation.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Legislative Updates

Buffalo Management and Habitat Reestablishment Bill

Bill 7954 was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. The bill would assist Tribal governments in the management of buffalo and their habitat and help reestablish buffalo populations on Indian land.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Resolution Acknowledges Indigenous Women's Contributions

Senate resolution 650, recognizing the heritage, culture, and contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women, was agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Shivwits Band of Paiutes Jurisdictional Clarity Act

Bill 3073 passed the House and was received in the Senate, then referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs. The act proposes clarifying jurisdictional boundaries pertaining to the Shivwits Band of Paiutes.

Sources: www.congress.gov

ARTIST Act Advances to Committee

Bill 5694, the ARTIST Act, was referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries. The bill relates to Native American policy and arts.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Reauthorization of Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System

Bill 7250 was referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries. This bill would reauthorize the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System Act of 2000, impacting water resources development on Tribal lands.

Sources: www.congress.gov

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