Policy Brief – July 23, 2024

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Summary

 

  • The Department of Interior is hosting two virtual consultations and one listening session in August and September about a proposed rule on Federal acknowledgment of Indian tribes. 
  • In Congressional hearings this week, House Rules held a hearing on FY 2025 funding legislation for USDA-FDA and other departments on Monday. House Agriculture Committee will hear from witnesses on financial conditions in farm country (no Tribal-specific witnesses) and on the reauthorization of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Senate Indian Affairs meets on two pieces of legislation but nothing specific to Tribal food/nutrition and agriculture.  
  • There is a federal register notice announcing the call for nominations for the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC). Nominations due by September 5. 

Key Policy-Related Dates

 

 

 

Tribal Consultation/Listening Sessions/Advisory Committee Meetings:    

Title of Event: Tribal Consultation and Listening Session Concerning a Research Study on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) 

About: USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service is conducting a research study in a sample of Territories and ITOs to examine how operations are uniquely different than in other WIC State agencies and determine how this impacts the program experience. Findings from the research study could inform program or policy adjustments to ensure equitable operations and services for all WIC participants. 

Consultation Date(s): 

  • July 29, 2024: 2 – 4 p.m. eastern (zoom login will be available starting at 1:30 p.m. eastern)  
  • The consultation and listening sessions will be done virtually with a registration deadline of Sunday, July 28, 2024.  
  • Click button below to register.
 

Title of Event: Proposed Rule: Federal Acknowledgment of Indian Tribes (25 CFR 83) 

About: Groups petitioning for Federal acknowledgment as Indian Tribes and groups seeking to re-petition for Federal acknowledgment are invited to attend two virtual consultation sessions and one listening session  

Consultation Date(s): 

Listening Session Date(s): 

 

 

Congressional updates   

 

Looking Back:

 

There were no Congressional hearings related to Tribal food and agriculture last week.  

 

Looking Ahead:

Hearing: House Committee on Rules Monday, July 22 at 4 p.m. eastern 

Topic: H.R. 9027 – Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025 

 

Hearing: House Committee on Agriculture Tuesday, July 23 at 10 a.m. eastern.  

Topic: Financial Conditions in Farm Country  

 

Hearing: House Committee on Agriculture Thursday, July 25 at 8:30 a.m. eastern 

Topic: Reauthorizing the CFTC: Stakeholder Perspectives 

 

Hearing: Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Thursday, July 25 at 2:30 p.m. eastern 

Topic: Legislative Hearing to receive testimony on the Tribal Protection Act Amendments Act of 2024 (S.4370) & A bill to approve the settlement of water rights claims of Ohkay Owingeh in the Rio Chama Stream System (S.4505).  

 

Nomination Opportunities:

What is this nomination for? FSA County Committees 

Description: USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees are an important part of the day-to-day operations of FSA. These committees allow grassroots input and location administration of federal farm programs. More than 7,700 dedicated members of the agricultural community serve on FSA county committees across the U.S. The committees are made up of three to 11 members who serve three-year terms. County committees impact the administration of the Farm Service Agency within a community. They help make determinations on programs such as disaster assistance, hiring decisions, and assist with outreach. County committee members can impact producers through their decision-making and help shape the culture of a local FSA office. 

Where can I submit a nomination: Find out where and how to nominate qualified individuals in your FSA Local Administrative Areas (LAA) on FSA’s website here. 

Deadline: Aug. 1, 2024 

What is this nomination for? Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC); 

Description: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting nominations for the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC). This Committee provides policy advice, information, and recommendations to the EPA Administrator on environmental issues and policies. Topics that the Committee addresses may include climate change, water or air quality issues, food loss and waste, environmental justice, and emergency response.  The membership of the FRRCC will include a balanced representation of interested persons that include Tribal agriculture groups and Tribal governments.  

Where can I submit a nomination? Use the Federal Register website. 

Deadline: Nominations should be submitted no later than September 5, 2024.

Regulatory/Rulemaking Actions:   

 

Title: Federal Acknowledgment of American Indian Tribes 

  • The Department of Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs is seeking public comments on a second notice of proposed rulemaking that creates a conditional, time-limited opportunity for denied petitioners to re-petition for Federal acknowledgment as an Indian Tribe. 
  • Groups petitioning for Federal acknowledgment must meet seven mandatory criteria that include: Indian Entity Identification, Community, and Political Authority.  
  • Comments must be received by September 13, 2024. 
  • Posted: Week of July 15