Native News Weekly (April 26, 2026): D.C. Briefs

WASHINGTON —  In addition to articles already covered by Native News Online, here is a roundup of other news released from Washington, D.C. that impacts Indian Country recently.

Agua Caliente Water Rights Deal Advances with Federal Legislation

U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) have introduced legislation to ratify a landmark water rights agreement involving the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the federal government, and local Coachella Valley water agencies. Companion legislation has been introduced in the House by Representatives Ken Calvert (R-Calif.) and Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.).

Finalized in May 2025, the agreement resolves longstanding water rights issues and aims to strengthen Tribal sovereignty while securing sustainable water resources in the Coachella Valley.

“This legislation is the culmination of decades of work by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians to secure their rightful authority over their water resources,” Padilla said, adding it is “past time to finalize this settlement and ensure the Tribe has the tools and resources to manage its water for generations to come.”

Schiff emphasized access to clean water, calling it “a basic right for all communities.”

Tribal Chairman Jeff Grubbe said the agreement “reflects a strong spirit of partnership” and affirms the Tribe’s authority to manage its water resources while supporting long-term regional sustainability.

The legislation would ratify the Tribe’s water rights, establish a $500 million settlement trust fund for infrastructure and water management, and place 2,742 acres of federal land into trust for the Tribe.

Lifeline Introduces a Tribal Lands Verification Tool for Consumers 

• On March 26, 2026, the Lifeline Program launched the Lifeline Tribal Lands Verification Tool to help consumers check whether their home address is located on qualifying Tribal lands.  Consumers who live on qualifying Tribal lands may be eligible to receive an enhanced Tribal benefit of up to $34.25 per month towards the cost of internet, phone, or bundled services, as well as a one-time Link Up discount of up to $100.  
• This tool is for informational purposes only and does not determine a consumer’s eligibility for the Lifeline benefit.  Consumers must apply for the Lifeline benefit and have an approved application before enrolling with a phone or internet company to begin receiving the benefit.  Consumers who do not live on qualifying Tribal lands may still qualify for the standard Lifeline benefit of up to $9.25 per month.  
• Service providers and consumer advocates are encouraged to inform consumers who live on Tribal lands about the availability of the tool.  
• >>> Read More Here 

Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee Holds First 2026 Meeting, Sets Policy Priorities

The Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee (TTAC) held its first public meeting of 2026 at the U.S. Department of the Treasury in Washington, D.C., convening Tribal leaders and federal officials to address key tax and economic policy issues impacting Tribal nations.

The meeting reached quorum with six Tribal leaders in attendance, alongside representatives from the Treasury Department, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the White House.

Discussions centered on implementing finalized regulations for the Tribal General Welfare Exclusion (GWE) and tax treatment of wholly owned Tribal corporations, as well as developing training for IRS field agents. Leaders emphasized strengthening collaboration between Tribal nations and federal agencies to support economic development.

TTAC Chairman W. Ron Allen praised federal partners for finalizing long-awaited rules, while IRS CEO Frank Bisignano reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to government-to-government relations with Tribal nations.

Key policy priorities included clarifying tax treatment for partially owned Tribal corporations, expanding access to tax-exempt bonds, achieving excise tax exemption parity, and ensuring Tribal general welfare benefits do not affect Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility.

Treasury officials also highlighted new child savings accounts, with Tribal leaders expressing interest in promoting them to support long-term financial security in Native communities.

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