Native News Weekly (May 3, 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.

Bipartisan Bill Seeks to Update Pechanga Water Rights Settlement, Address Modern Water Challenges

U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA), along with Representatives Darrell Issa (R-CA-48) and Ken Calvert (R-CA-41) have introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to update the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Mission Indians Water Rights Settlement Act. The bill aims to make targeted, technical revisions so the agreement reflects the Tribe’s current trust lands and addresses modern water quality challenges, including emerging contaminants like PFAS.

Lawmakers emphasized the importance of the updates for protecting tribal sovereignty and public health. Padilla highlighted the Tribe’s long-standing stewardship of the Santa Margarita River Watershed and said the bill would provide tools to safeguard water resources for future generations. Schiff added that the legislation would strengthen water rights while supporting agriculture, economic stability, and community well-being on tribal lands. Issa underscored the Pechanga Band’s cultural and civic importance in Southern California and praised the collaborative effort behind the bill.

Pechanga Chairman Mark Macarro welcomed the legislation, calling it a “common-sense solution” that honors the original settlement while equipping the Tribe to confront new environmental threats. He stressed that water is central to the Tribe’s identity and future, and expressed appreciation for the bipartisan support to protect this critical resource.

The proposed updates would expand the definition of “Reservation” to include current and future lands taken into trust, ensuring eligibility for water rights. It would also broaden the allowable uses of the water quality fund to address contaminants such as PFAS. The original settlement, authorized under the 2016 WIIN Act and fully enforceable since 2020, established cooperative water management with regional agencies, all of which now support these updates.

The full bill text can be found here.

FCC’s Office of Native Affairs and Policy to Host Webinar

The Federal Communication Commission’s Office of Native Affairs and Policy will host its Quarterly Information Webinar on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.  The agenda will include updates from the Wireline Competition Bureau on rules allowing providers to retire their existing copper line networks designed for legacy voice services; the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) aimed at accelerating the nation’s transition to an all-IP network; and, an NPRM seeking comments on phase-out of the intercarrier compensation regime for voice telecommunications providers. 

The Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau will also join us to discuss the Public Safety License renewal process and the importance of maintaining current contact information with an emphasis on providing an active email account to receive notifications.

Event: FCC’s Office of Native Affairs and Policy Quarterly Informational Webinar

Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Time: 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. Eastern Time

How to join: Click here to register

The briefing will be conducted virtually.  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information on how to join the webinar.

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