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.
Tribal Input Needed on 2026 GASB Technical Agenda Prioritization & Emerging Practices
The Governmental Accounting Standards Advisory Council (GASAC) is seeking feedback on the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB)’s technical agenda for the remainder of 2026 and beyond. The Board’s upcoming discussion of its technical plan will help shape GASB’s priorities for the coming year.
Participating in this survey helps ensure Tribal perspectives are included in the standard-setting process. The survey focuses on two areas:
Technical Agenda Priorities: Where should GASB focus its resources in the coming year?
Emerging Practices: What new or evolving accounting issues may affect Tribal governments?
Please coordinate with your Tribe and/or organization to submit a response. We recommend consulting with relevant finance staff—such as the Tribal treasurer, CFO, and other key financial professionals—before submitting.
Legislation Introduced to Strengthen Tribal Food Systems
U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, and U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at strengthening Tribal food systems and expanding local meat processing capacity in Indian Country.
The legislation — the Promoting Regulatory Independence, Mastery, and Expansion for Meat Processing in Indian Country Act, also known as the PRIME Meat Processing in Indian Country Act — would support Tribal meat processing operations by establishing self-governance authority for the inspection of Tribal meat processing facilities.
Supporters say the measure would allow Tribal governments to conduct inspections themselves, helping keep meat processing local while ensuring facilities operate safely and efficiently.
“Food sovereignty for our Tribal nations and businesses throughout Indian Country is critically important. The limitations of federal resources should not impact their growth,” said Senator Mullin. “Oklahoma is home to four of the twelve Tribal meat processing facilities in the United States. Given their operation in rural areas, these facilities are often booked for months, or even years in advance, leaving few processing options for Tribal producers. Common sense updates to current procedure will help Tribes expand production, capacity, and support a reliable food supply in their communities.”
Smith emphasized that improving access to Indigenous foods is both a health and economic issue for Tribal communities.
“Making Indigenous foods more accessible improves the health and economic well-being of Tribal communities,” Smith said. “Though Tribal Nations in Minnesota have significantly grown their buffalo herds in recent years, it’s very difficult to access meat processing near Tribal lands. This bipartisan bill would support Tribal meat processing by authorizing Tribal inspectors to take on the responsibilities of federal inspectors. This is an efficient use of federal funds that recognizes Tribal governments’ rights to self-governance and self-determination.”
