Summary
- This week, the Senate Indian Affairs Committee will meet on Sept. 25 to discuss pending legislation, including items on buffalo management and Tribal forest protection.
- USDA says it is planning an additional Tribal FDPIR Consultation for Oct. 9, 2024, in Auburn, Washington during the NAFDPIR conference.
- Nominations for the USDA Growing Climate Solutions Act Advisory Council remain open until Oct. 15, 2024. Tribal applicants are encouraged to apply.
- Join IFAI’s growing, dynamic team. Current job openings include: Senior Managing Director and Strategic Programs Manager.
Calendar

Tribal Consultation/Listening Sessions/Advisory Committee Meetings
USDA Tribal Consultation Oct. 9 — Tribal Consultation on FDPIR during NAFDPIR Conference
About: This formal consultation is intended to be a follow-up to the emergency consultation held in September about the FDPIR warehouse delivery delays.
Consultation Date(s):
- October 9, 2024, in Auburn, WA. More information and registration details are to be provided at a later date.
Congressional updates
Looking Back:
Hearing: Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee– Wednesday, September 18 at 2:00 p.m. eastern
Topic: National School Lunch/Breakfast Program
Highlights:
- Witnesses testified about the success and need for greater support of the USDA’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), Farm to School initiatives, as well as Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Programs.
- Senator Debbie Stabenow said that she is determined to do everything in her power to pass a Farm Bill by the end of the year.
Looking ahead:
Hearing:
Senate Indian Affairs Committee- Wednesday, September 25 at 2:30 p.m. eastern
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
Nomination opportunities:
USDA Growing Climate Solutions Act Advisory Council
Description: The Growing Climate Solutions Act program aims to simplify access to carbon credit markets for farmers and landowners by connecting them with qualified providers and third-party verifiers. The Advisory Council will help farmers, especially small, mid-sized, and underserved groups, participate in verified environmental credit markets, supporting climate-smart agriculture and creating new income opportunities. The credits will represent genuine, long-term emissions reductions or removals.
Deadline: October 15, 2024
Regulatory/Rulemaking Actions
Title: Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection re Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Livestock and Dairy Herd
- USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is requesting public comments on its extension of approval of an information collection regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza.
- APHIS is encouraging farmers and veterinarians to report cattle illnesses quickly and implement biosecurity measures.
- The Federal Order which went into effect on April 24, 2024, requires lactating dairy cattle be tested before interstate movement and laboratories report positive Influenza A cases in livestock. APHIS is asking the Office of Management and Budget to approve our use of this information collection activity for 3 years.
- Comments submitted by October 28, 2024, will be considered
Posted: Week of September 2, 2024