Earlier this week, on March 18th, NAFOA Board Treasurer Amy Minnear (Pechanga Band of Indians) testified before the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies for their Fiscal Year 2027 American Indian and Alaska Native Public Witness Days. NAFOA’s testimony focused on key policy priorities that strengthen Tribal economies and uphold federal treaty and trust obligations.
In her testimony, Treasurer Minnear highlighted the importance of investing in Tribal Nations:
“The evidence is clear: when Tribal Nations have the policy tools, capital access, and institutional support to develop their economies, their communities thrive — and so does the national economy. Honoring Tribal sovereignty and investing in Tribal economic development is not charity. It is responsible governance.”
Watch A Recording of NAFOA’s Testimony →
Key Highlights of NAFOA’s Testimony:
Tribal Economic Development Programs
NAFOA urged Congress to act on recommendations in the Government Accountability Office (GAO) report documenting the challenges Tribes face in accessing and implementing programs. These recommendations aim to improve Tribal access to federal economic development programs, including reducing administrative burdens, improving technical assistance, and designing programs in coordination with Tribes from the outset.
Tribal Tax and Investment Reform Act (H.R 7705)
The bipartisanTribal Tax and Investment Reform Act of 2026 (TTIRA), H.R. 7705, was recently introduced by Representatives Gwen Moore (D-WI) and David Schweikert (R-AZ). This critical legislation is a policy priority for NAFOA and seeks to address long-standing inequities in the federal tax code that currently disadvantage Tribal Nations compared to state and local governments. H.R. 7705 builds on previous bipartisan efforts, including H.R. 8318 from the 118th Congress and S. 2022 in the Senate, introduced by Senators Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Murkowski (R-AK). NAFOA strongly encourages Congress to pass this vital bill.
Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee
NAFOA strongly urged Congress to make the Treasury Department’s Office of Tribal and Native Affairs (OTNA) permanent and to ensure the continuation of the Tribal Treasury Advisory Committee (TTAC).
Carcieri Fix
NAFOA expressed support for H.R. 5257 (Chairman Cole, R-OK), which would reaffirm the land-into-trust status for all federally recognized Tribes and reduce costly litigation stemming from the Supreme Court’s Carcieri decision.
Appropriations Reclassification
NAFOA recommended reclassifying Contract Support Costs and Payments for Tribal Leases under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) as mandatory appropriations, aligning funding mechanisms with existing legal obligations and improving long-term Tribal budget planning.
Indian Loan Guarantee Program
NAFOA urged Congress to expand the Indian Loan Guarantee Program (ILGP) and fix the current prohibition on combining ILGP financing with the New Markets Tax Credit — a straightforward legislative fix that would meaningfully expand Tribal access to capital.
If you have any questions or need additional information, contact Nicholas Lovesee, Policy Director at nicholas@nafoa.org, or Marisa Joseph, Policy Specialist, at marisa@nafoa.org.
