Every week, Native News Online brings you the latest Indian Country news and moves from Washington, D.C.
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Selected as New FAA Drone Test Site
The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma has been chosen as one of two new test sites for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
The Choctaw Nation is one of the first new UAS testing grounds in nearly a decade.
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In 2017, the FAA launched the UAS Integration Pilot Program, giving additional state, local and tribal governments the opportunity to partner with private companies and the agency to advance drone policy and support more complex operations.
Congress built on that effort in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 by creating the Section 44803(c) waiver, known as the “Charlie Waiver.” The Choctaw Nation received one of the waivers that to its selection for the new test site.
HHS Repeals Provisions of the Nursing Home Staffing Rule to Expand Access to Rural and Tribal Healthcare
The Department of Health and Human Services said the move follows a determination that a final rule issued by the previous administration placed disproportionate burdens on facilities, particularly those serving rural and tribal communities, and threatened patients’ access to care.
The change repeals federal minimum staffing requirements for nursing homes and long-term care facilities that had required 3.48 hours of nursing care per resident per day, including at least 0.55 hours from a registered nurse and 2.45 hours from a nurse aide. It also removes the requirement that facilities have a registered nurse on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while leaving in place facility assessment and Medicaid transparency requirements.
“Safe, high-quality care is essential, but rigid, one-size-fits-all mandates fail patients,” HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said.
Tribes are encouraged to submit comments during the public comment period for the interim final rule, which closes Feb. 2, 2026, according to the Federal Register.
Senator Mullin Appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors
U.S. Sen, Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has been appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors, along with Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Ted Budd (R-NC). Mullin is a tribal citizen of the Cherokee Nation.
Senator Mullin joins the Board at a critical time as it prepares to deliver its comprehensive report to the Secretary of War in the coming weeks.
“It is both an honor and a privilege to join the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors. As our nation faces unprecedented challenges from our adversaries, it is critically important that our Airmen have the utmost elite training and tools needed to meet those threats head-on,” said Senator Mullin. “I am looking forward to working with the board to ensure our Air Force Academy Cadets are prepared to enter the most lethal and #1 fighting force in the world.”