CivicIndex

Federal Policy

Native American and Tribal Policy

Federal-tribal policy covers tribal sovereignty, federal recognition, the Indian Health Service, BIA programs, tribal gaming, and treaty rights enforcement. The federal government has a unique trust responsibility to federally recognized tribes that's distinct from state-tribal relations.

Committees with jurisdiction

  • House Committee on Natural Resources
  • Senate Committee on Indian Affairs
  • Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
  • Energy, Natural Resources, and Infrastructure
  • Conservation, Forestry, Natural Resources, and Biotechnology

Members who specialize in this area

Leadership

Committee members

60 more members on jurisdictional committees not shown.

Recent bills in this area

  • HR. 7396 — Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act

    Sponsor:
    Sharice Davids · Democratic · KS
    Latest action:
    Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

  • S. 3041 — Tribal Warrant Fairness Act

    Latest action:
    Held at the desk.

  • S. 3878 — A bill to establish the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians and Jefferson College as affiliated areas of the National Park System, and for other purposes.

    Sponsor:
    Cindy Hyde-Smith · Republican · MS
    Latest action:
    Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.

  • HR. 3925 — Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Land Exchange Act

    Sponsor:
    Jay Obernolte · Republican · CA
    Latest action:
    Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.

  • HR. 8954 — Tribal Regulatory Reform Implementation Act of 2026

    Sponsor:
    Jeff Hurd · Republican · CO
    Latest action:
    Subcommittee Hearings Held

  • HR. 8473 — Veterinary Services to Improve Public Health in Rural Communities Act

    Sponsor:
    Nicholas J. Begich III · Republican · AK
    Latest action:
    Subcommittee Hearings Held

  • S. 630 — Quapaw Tribal Settlement Act of 2025

    Latest action:
    Committee on Indian Affairs. Hearings held.

  • HR. 6162 — Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2025

    Sponsor:
    Melanie A. Stansbury · Democratic · NM
    Latest action:
    Received in the Senate.

Frequently asked

What is the federal trust responsibility?

The federal trust responsibility is a legal and moral obligation the United States has to federally recognized tribes, rooted in treaties and federal law. It shapes how federal agencies must consult with tribes and protect tribal resources.