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- By Native News Online Staff
WASHINGTON — The longest federal government shutdown continues into its 40th day Thursday. Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson, (R-LA), has the House of Representatives on recess.
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.
Marketplace Health Coverage and ACA Premium Tax Credit Changes
Enhanced premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are set to expire Dec. 31, 2025, without congressional action.
The enhanced credits, first introduced in 2021 and later extended through 2025, increased the amount of financial assistance available to eligible ACA Marketplace enrollees and expanded eligibility to include more middle-income individuals. The credits have helped reduce the cost of Marketplace health plans.
If the enhanced tax credits expire, American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) enrollees can expect higher premium payments. Now is the time to review your plan, compare coverage options, and check for any upcoming changes to benefits or premiums to ensure your coverage continues to meet your health and financial needs.
Marketplace open enrollment began Nov. 1. Members of federally recognized tribes and Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) shareholders can enroll in a Marketplace plan at any time.
For help with Marketplace enrollment, contact a Tribal Enrollment Assister at your Indian Health Service provider.
Learn more about changes to the premium tax credits [here].
Bureau of Reclamation Awards $62 Million Contract for Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project Pumping Plant
The Bureau of Reclamation announced Friday a nearly $62 million contract award to Ames Federal Contracting Group, LLC for construction of the San Juan Lateral Pumping Plant No. 1 in northwest New Mexico.
The plant is a key component of the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project and will pump water from the project’s Frank Chee Willetto Reservoir to the San Juan Lateral Water Treatment Plant.
When completed, along with other parts of the San Juan Lateral’s raw water system, the facility will convey stored water from the San Juan River to the treatment plant. From there, the water will be treated and distributed through the San Juan Lateral, providing clean drinking water to Navajo communities in northwest New Mexico, the city of Gallup, and Window Rock, Arizona. The project fulfills a commitment under the Navajo San Juan Indian Water Rights Settlement.
Construction of the pumping plant is being funded entirely through the Reclamation Water Settlement Fund, authorized under Public Law 111-11 to supplement congressional appropriations for the project.
The new plant will be the largest on the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project, with a peak capacity of 71 cubic feet per second — enough to fill an Olympic-size swimming pool in just over 20 minutes.
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