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.
Comments Needed on Proposed Census Rule before Nov. 2
Tribal Nations and Native organizations are being encouraged to submit comments on a proposed rule that could fundamentally change how the U.S. Census Bureau counts people in the 2030 census.
Public comments are due Monday, November 2, 2026. Comments can be submitted electronically through Regulations.gov by searching docket number USBC-2026-0628.
The Census Bureau held a Tribal consultation on October 2, following publication of the proposed rule on September 10. NCAI said the bureau provided only two weeks’ notice for the consultation, rather than its standard 30 days, citing operational deadlines for the 2030 census and ongoing litigation related to the 2020 census.
The National Congress of Americans (NCAI) has requested additional Tribal consultation but has not received a response. The organization is encouraging Tribal Nations and organizations to request further consultation using its letter as a template.
Written comments may also be mailed to:
U.S. Census Bureau
4600 Silver Hill Road
Designation: ADDEMO/FRN
Washington, DC 20746
Kennedy Plans $1.86 Billion Investment in Indian Health Service
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has notified Congress of plans to invest $1.86 billion in Indian Health Service (IHS) infrastructure, including health care facility construction and electronic health records modernization.
In an October 5 letter to Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), ranking member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, Kennedy outlined plans to use the department’s Nonrecurring Expenses Fund for infrastructure investments.
According to the National Indian Health Board, the plan allocates approximately $1.4 billion toward the IHS health care facility construction backlog, established in 1993, and another $410 million for electronic health records modernization.
The proposed investment exceeds the $1 billion previously announced by HHS for the construction backlog. The National Indian Health Board credited Tribal Nations’ advocacy and called the commitment historic as the federal government works to meet its trust and treaty obligations.
The funding plan remains subject to the federal appropriations process, and the amounts may change as implementation proceeds.
HUD Expands Financing Options for Build-to-Rent Housing
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is expanding access to federally insured financing for Build-to-Rent communities, a move intended to increase the supply of rental housing.
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will allow communities consisting of single-family homes, duplexes and triplexes — including manufactured homes — to qualify for financing under two multifamily mortgage insurance programs.
The updated policy applies to FHA’s Section 221(d)(4) program, which supports new construction, and Section 223(f), which covers the acquisition or refinancing of existing rental properties.
HUD Secretary Scott Turner said the policy is intended to remove barriers to housing development, expand rental options and improve affordability for American families. The change takes effect immediately.
