Yá'át'ééh! Thank you for your readership. NNWO hopes that the information and analysis we provide here every Friday serves you well. |
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Executive Director's Corner |
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Yá'át'ééh!
Congress has entered into its August recess this week, which means things have slowed down a bit at the Capitol Building, as most members have returned home to visit with their constituents. But that doesn’t mean our work is taking a break.
This week, we review the latest status of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, as well as a visit by the Honorable Judge Virginia Yazzie. We are always happy to meet with wonderful Navajo leaders wherever they serve.
We hope our readers have enjoyed the last few days of summer before the start of the new school year. As always, we thank you for your readership.
Warmest regards,
Santee Lewis
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McKinnley County Judge and Staff Visit NNWO |
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Navajo Nation Washington Office staff welcomed Judge Virginia Yazzie and Ms. Shanelle Franklin who visited DC to attend a conference. Photo courtesy of NNWO. |
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Depending upon the lens from which you look at drug and alcohol issues, they can be seen as issues best approached through law enforcement or public health. In reality, they are both. So when McKinnley County Magistrate Judge Virginia Yazzie and staff member Shanell Franklin came to DC to attend the National Association of Drug Court Professionals Conference, they were very interested in visiting the Navajo Nation Washington Office to see what we do at NNWO, to share their passion for developing a mechanism to address addiction in the county, which is almost 75% Native American, and to learn about ways we can assist them.
Drug Courts are specialized programs that target adults charged with or convicted of a crime, youth involved in the juvenile justice system, and parents with pending child welfare cases who have drug and alcohol issues that bring them into the criminal justice system. They attempt to bring to bear stakeholders ranging from law enforcement to social services, to public health to find ways to see and address addiction as the disease it is and intervene in ways that are less punitive and more restorative.
Support from stakeholders representing law enforcement, families, and communities is encouraged through participation in hearings, programming, and events that support sobriety. For both adults and youth, these programs include counseling, education, and other services to promote immediate intervention, treatment; address problems that may contribute to drug use, build skills that increase their ability to lead drug- and crime-free lives, strengthen the family’s capacity to offer structure and guidance; and promote accountability for all involved.
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Infrastructure Bill Waits for Reconciliation |
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Administration is a high priority for the Biden administration and stands to benefit rural America. Photo courtesy of Center for Neighborhood Technology, Creative Comments. |
On August 10th the Senate has passed, 69 to 30 their version of President Biden’s $1 trillion infrastructure package under the title of “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act“ (HR 3684). This comes after months of planning and several weeks of intense negotiation between Senate Republicans and the White House.
Though the original bill was drafted and passed by the House of Representatives, any amendment to the language of the bill means the House will be given an additional opportunity to debate and amend the bill until both the House and the Senate are in agreement down to the last period. While most House Democrats support the infrastructure package, the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, has stated that the House will not even look at the infrastructure bill until the Senate passes a more aggressive $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill with large investments in social spending. Before leaving for their August recess, the Senate voted along party lines (50 to 49) to officially open the reconciliation process, but several Senate Democrats are skeptical of the size of the proposed bill, so negotiations may take months to complete. Senate Majority Leader, Chuck Schumer, has given committees until September 15th to put together their portions of the reconciliation bill, with the Senate set to reconvene for official business on September 20th.
Assuming the Senate can pass an initial reconciliation package, the House is likely to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act without amendment, clearing its way to the White House for signature. However, the Progressive Caucus of the House has 100 members who have promised to use the infrastructure package as leverage to get concessions in the reconciliation package, so even without amendment it could take months before either bill makes its way to the White House.
The infrastructure bill as passed by the Senate focuses much of the spending on transportation, utilities, and environmental protection. Highlights include:
- $110 billion for roads and bridges; $25 billion for airports; and $66 billion for railways.
- $65 billion to bring broadband to rural communities; $55 billion for water infrastructure and $8 billion specifically set aside for projects in Western states.
- $21 billion to clean up abandoned wells, mines, and Superfund sites.
Unlike recent spending packages, such as the CARES Act or American Rescue Plan, there is not a lump sum payout to tribal governments. Most of the money will be spent directly by the federal government or be made available through grants to states and tribes.
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In the early days of the United States, Congress would meet from December through the early spring, attempting to return home to plant crops for the summer and staying until after the fall harvest. As the role of the federal government increased overtime, the Congressional calendar was stretched out until it was no longer practical to think of being a legislator as a part time job.
By 1963, Congress remained in session the entire year, with members remaining in DC, never taking off more than the occasional three-day weekend. However, it remained important for Congressmen to return to the states they represent to listen to their constituents so they can better represent them (and prepare for the next election). So in 1970, Congress passed the Legislative Reorganization Act, which mandated a summer break allowing members of Congress to return home. This summer break has commonly been referred to as the August recess and is characterized by members of Congress returning home to spend time with supporters, donors, and even their families.
Of course, the rules aren’t carved in stone. While the August recess typically begins August 1st and runs through Labor Day, the leaders of the individual chambers have considerable flexibility in moving the dates. For example, this year Leader Schumer did not release the Senate until after two crucial votes to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and to open the reconciliation process. The House will be returning from their recess early to take care of a couple of votes that Speaker Pelosi has set for August 23rd and 24th, to get a jump start on the fall schedule, though their next scheduled vote at the moment isn’t until September 20th. Despite small changes to the schedule, the August recess remains a reminder that everybody needs a vacation once in awhile, even congressional members.
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Are you looking to make a difference in the lives of the Navajo people? Join our team at NNWO. We have the following vacancies:
NNWO serves as the Navajo Nation’s advocate with Congress, the White House, and federal agencies. We monitor and analyze congressional legislation, disseminate information on emerging topics of concern, and we develop strategies and decisions concerning national policies and budgets affecting the Navajo Nation.
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CONSULTATIONS, GRANT OPPORTUNITIES, EVENTS, & FEDERAL NOTICES |
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EVENTS
September 1, 2021
This year, USAC will host free quarterly Lifeline webinars for Tribal partners to enhance collaboration with Tribal communities. During these webinar sessions, Lifeline’s subject matter experts will discuss relevant program changes and provide updates to ensure Tribal partners remain informed and have the tools and information they need to more effectively help eligible Tribal consumers apply for the Lifeline program. Attendees can participate in a live Q&A session built into each webinar.
September 21-25, 2021
The U.S. Department of the Interior and a coalition of federal entities announced that this year's National Tribal Broadband Summit will take place virtually, marking the Biden administration's first year presenting the summit. The Department of the Interior, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Service, and the Department of Commerce's National Telecommunication and Information Administration will host the summit.
September 27-28, 2021
Through its work in growing tribal economies and strengthening tribal finance NAFOA supports the advancement of independent and culturally vibrant American Indian and Alaska Native communities. NAFOA launched over three decades ago as the Native American Finance Officers Association to highlight the role of tribal finance in fostering economic opportunities. Since that time, NAFOA has grown along with tribal economies.
November 4-5, 2021
April 4-5, 2022
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FEDERAL NOTICES
Notice of Funds Availability inviting Applications for grants to support, prepare for, and respond to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic through the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund Rapid Response Program.
The CDFI Rapid Response Program (CDFI RRP) Fund will provide (i) awards of up to $5 million to Certified Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to support, prepare for, and respond to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. All awards provided through this funding notice are subject to funding availability. Please refer to announcement for deadlines.
ONRR is proposing to withdraw the final rule entitled “ONRR 2020 Valuation Reform and Civil Penalty Rule” (“2020 Rule”). This action opens a 60-day comment period to allow interested parties to comment on ONRR's proposed withdrawal of the 2020 Rule.
To be assured consideration, comments must be received by 11:59 p.m. EST on August 10, 2021.
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the opportunity to apply for $10 million in competitive grants for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Public Transportation on Indian Reservations (Tribal Transit) Program. Complete proposals must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST on August 25, 2021.
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For questions or concerns, please contact us at:
Info@nnwo.org or (202) 682-7390
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