Editor’s note: The Chairman’s Report will resume in a future issue of Siletz News.
“One Big Beautiful Bill” could hurt programs in Indian Country
could bring major cuts to important
programs that serve Native people.
The new law keeps funding the
same for many Tribal programs,
without any increases. But as costs go
up, staying at the same funding level
means programs will have to do more
with less. That could hurt services
that people depend on every day.
President Trump signed the
“One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) into
law. This bill is the first step in setting
the federal budget for 2026, which
begins on October 1. Tribal leaders
are speaking out because this bill
How OBBB may impact
Indian Country
Less Money for Services: Most
Tribal programs will not get more
money in 2026. Without increases,
Tribes may have to find other ways
to pay for basic services or cut back.
Contact methods
for the Public
Information team:
Email: PIAS@ctsi.nsn.us
Siletz News
P.O. Box 549
Siletz, OR 97380-0549
For questions, call
541-444-8293
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Siletz News
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August 2025
Deadline for the September
issue is August 11. Submission of
articles and photos is encouraged.
Please check the Passages
Policy on page 24 when submit-
ting items for Passages.
Changes to Medicaid and SNAP
(Starting January 2027): Medicaid
funding will go down. Many states
could respond by making it harder
for people to qualify. This could mean
fewer patients at Tribal clinics and
less income to support them.
People who get Medicaid or
SNAP will also have to reapply every
6 months instead of once a year.
New work requirements will apply to
some people—but Native people who
are eligible for Indian Health Service
(IHS) are exempt.
Cuts to Education: Some edu-
cation programs will lose funding.
This will make it harder for Native
students to go to college and get the
training they need for good jobs.
While the bill protects funding
for Indian Health Service and some
education programs, many Tribal
leaders say that’s not enough.
As Congress begins deciding how
to divide the federal budget, Tribal
leaders will be asking for full consul-
tation and fair treatment.
Tribes across the country are
working together to contact members
of the House and Senate—protecting
Tribal Sovereignty and reminding
lawmakers of their responsibilities
under our treaties.