Summary
- While the 2018 Farm Bill’s extension expired September 30, 2024, funding for most Farm Bill programs will continue until the end of the year. Look for updates in future IFAI Policy Briefs and keep track of Indian Country’s Farm Bill priorities through IFAI’s Farm Bill Tracker.
- IFAI is hiring! Check out the open positions on the IFAI job board at bit.ly/IFAIJOBS.
- Last week, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs heard testimony on bills regarding water rights, and the following bills passed through committee: S. 465 , S. 2908, and S. 4370 .
- There are no scheduled Congressional hearings this week.
- On October 9, USDA is holding a follow-up consultation during the NAFDPIR annual conference about the FDPIR supply chain disruptions.
- There are multiple upcoming nominations for agriculture and nutrition-related advisory committees. If you know someone who might be a good fit, reach out to IFAI at agpolicy@uark.edu.
- Nominations for the USDA Growing Climate Solutions Act Advisory Council remain open until Oct. 15, 2024. Tribal applicants are encouraged to apply.
- Public comments highlighting the potential impact of the proposed rule regarding Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) resulted in FNS withdrawing the rule.
Calendar
Tribal Consultation/Listening Sessions/Advisory Committee Meetings
USDA Tribal Consultation Oct. 9 — Tribal Consultation on FDPIR during NAFDPIR Conference
Title of Event: Supply Chain Disruptions Follow-Up Consultation
About: This formal consultation is intended to be a follow-up to the emergency consultation held on September 12, 2024, about the FDPIR warehouse delivery delays and will focus on the short, medium, and long-term response actions.
Congressional updates
Looking Back:
Hearing: Senate Indian Affairs Committee- Wednesday, September 25
Topic: Pending legislation
- S. 4633, Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024
- S. 4643, Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024
- S. 4705, Yavapai Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Act
- S. 4998, Navajo Nation Rio San José Stream System Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024
- S. 465, BADGES for Native Communities Act
- S. 2908, Indian Buffalo Management Act
- S. 4370, Tribal Forest Protection Act Amendments Act of 2024
Highlights:
- The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs heard testimony on bills regarding water rights, each witness providing support for each of the bills discussed.
- The committee S.465, S.2908, and S. 4370 were passed by voice vote.
Looking ahead:
There are no Senate or House hearings to report this week.
Nomination opportunities:
- USDA Growing Climate Solutions Act Advisory Council– Due Oct. 15th
- American Lamb Board– Due 11/30
- Collaborative Forest Restoration Program Technical Advisory Panel- open nominations
- Lake Tahoe Basin Federal Advisory Committee– open nominations
- NIFA Grantmaking Peer Review Panels- open nominations/ volunteer basis
Regulatory/Rulemaking Actions
Title: Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP); Withdrawal notice
- USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service is withdrawing its proposed rule issued on May 10, 2016, which would have established procedures for planning, requesting, and operating D-SNAP.
- Disasters like COVID-19 pandemic showed that the proposed rule would have prevented USDA from adapting and enacting public health emergencies in a timely manner.
- As a result of feedback received through listening sessions and submitted comments, the rule is being withdrawn.
Posted: Week of September 30, 2024