WASHINGTON — Congress has been on a summer recess. The House of Representatives is due to return on August 31 for a short week before Labor Day weekend. The Senate returns Monday, September 14, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., after holding brief pro forma sessions during the early part of September.
In addition to articles already covered by Native News Online, here is a roundup of other news released from Washington, D.C. that impacts Indian Country recently.
DHS to Hold Tribal Drop-In Meeting August 26
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will host its next Tribal Drop-In Meeting on Wednesday, August 26, providing tribal leaders, representatives and citizens of federally recognized Tribal Nations an opportunity to receive federal program updates and raise questions directly with DHS officials.
The virtual meeting will take place from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Eastern Time and 1:30 to 3 p.m. Central Time.
DHS’s Intergovernmental Affairs Tribal Affairs team will host the session alongside representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations/Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, Transportation Security Administration, Federal Protective Service and other federal partners.
According to DHS, the meeting is intended to provide updates on federal programs and resources, gather feedback from Tribal Nations and answer questions from participants.
“Your insights and experiences help us improve our programs and strengthen our partnership,” DHS said in its invitation to tribal leaders.
DHS is encouraging tribal officials and citizens to share the invitation with others who may be interested in participating.
Registration is required to receive the meeting invitation. Questions about the meeting can be directed to Tribal.Affairs@hq.dhs.gov.
BIA Awards $2 Million to Strengthen Native Child Welfare Services
The Bureau of Indian Affairs has awarded $2 million in Indian Child Welfare Act off-reservation grants to seven Native organizations working to strengthen child and family services in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
The competitive grants will support culturally appropriate programs focused on family preservation, preventing unnecessary separation of Native children from their families and ensuring removal occurs only as a last resort.
The awards also support Tribal sovereignty and self-determination by enabling Native organizations to provide child welfare services tailored to the needs and values of their communities.
“These grants strengthen the ability of Indian organizations to provide culturally appropriate services, keep Native children connected to their families and communities, and help families thrive,” said Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Billy Kirkland.
Grant recipients include:
- ICWA Law Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota — $300,000
- Bristol Bay Native Association, Anchorage, Alaska — $300,000
- Rocky Mountain Tribal Leadership Council, Billings, Montana — $280,000
- Nebraska Indian Child Welfare Coalition Inc., Bloomfield, Nebraska — $280,000
- The American Indian Community Center, Spokane, Washington — $280,000
- Cook Inlet Tribal Council Inc., Anchorage, Alaska — $280,000
- Native American Fatherhood & Families Association, Mesa, Arizona — $280,000
The ICWA off-reservation grant program supports services including family preservation and reunification, foster and adoptive home support, counseling, legal representation and assistance in child custody proceedings involving Indian children.
The Interior Department said the grants advance its commitment to Tribal sovereignty, self-determination and the federal trust responsibility while helping preserve Native children’s connections to their families, communities and cultures.
Justice Department Opens $107 Million Tribal Public Safety Grant Opportunity
The U.S. Department of Justice has opened the Fiscal Year 2026 Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation, making more than $107 million in grant funding available to federally recognized Tribal Nations and Tribal consortia to strengthen public safety, justice systems and victim services.
The funding opportunity, administered by the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs and Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, is designed to help Tribal Nations develop comprehensive approaches to public safety and address victimization.
Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. said the grants will help Tribes identify gaps in their justice systems, strengthen coordination and address conditions contributing to criminal and social disorder.
The CTAS program combines multiple Tribal-specific Justice Department funding opportunities into a single solicitation and requires applicants to submit one application, responding to requests from Tribal leaders to simplify the grant process.
Funding can support a broad range of initiatives, including:
- Hiring, training and equipping law enforcement officers;
- Strengthening Tribal justice systems and crime prevention;
- Improving justice system facilities and infrastructure;
- Expanding substance use treatment and recovery services;
- Reducing juvenile delinquency and improving outcomes for Native youth; and
- Providing services to Native victims of child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence and elder abuse.
In Fiscal Year 2025, the Justice Department awarded 108 CTAS grants totaling more than $99 million to Tribes and Tribal consortia nationwide.
The Grants.gov application deadline is October 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Applicants must then complete the JustGrants application by October 22, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
The post Native News Weekly (August 23, 2026): D.C. Briefs appeared first on Native News Online.
