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.
cultural and historical contributions to the United States. From serving in our military and protecting the environment and sacred sites to much more, they are our trusted neighbors—deeply woven into the fabric of South Texas. It is long overdue for Congress to officially recognize this Tribe and expand their access to federal support and resources,” said Congressman Gonzalez.
“Introduction of this legislation marks a historic step forward for the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas. For centuries, our people have maintained our community, culture, and identity, with our ancestors having relationships with Spain, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, and the United States. We are grateful to Congressman Vicente Gonzalez for his leadership. Today brings us one important step closer to the federal recognition our people have long deserved,” said Bernard F. Barcena, Jr., Chairman of The Lipan Apache Tribe.
“For generations, the Lipan Apache people have fought to preserve our faith, ceremonies, and sacred traditions. I know personally what it means to have to fight for the freedom to practice our religion simply because our Tribe lacks federal recognition. While that fight secured important protections for some of our people, religious freedom should not depend on a court case. This legislation is an important step toward ensuring that all enrolled members of the tribe can practice our faith and preserve our sacred traditions with the dignity and freedom they deserve,” said Dr. Robert Soto, Vice-Chairman of The Lipan Apache Tribe.
The Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas is the successor to historic Lipan Apache bands that maintained an independent Tribal identity and political organization within present-day Texas for centuries before and after Spanish, Mexican, Republic of Texas, and United States sovereignty.
Lipan Apache Tribe Seeks Federal Recognition Through New Congressional Bill
Ahead of the Lipan Apache Tribe’s 2026 Veterans Powwow in Corpus Christi on Saturday, U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas) introduced legislation that would grant the Tribe federal recognition.
H.R. 10435, the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas Recognition Act, would extend to the Tribe and its enrolled citizens the rights, services and benefits available to federally recognized Indian Tribes.
“The Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas has made significant cultural and historical contributions to the United States,” Gonzalez said. “From serving in our military and protecting the environment and sacred sites to much more, they are our trusted neighbors—deeply woven into the fabric of South Texas.”
Lipan Apache Tribal Chairman Bernard F. Barcena Jr. called the bill a “historic step forward” for the Tribe, noting that its people have maintained their community, culture and identity through relationships with Spain, Mexico, the Republic of Texas and the United States.
“We are grateful to Congressman Vicente Gonzalez for his leadership,” Barcena said. “Today brings us one important step closer to the federal recognition our people have long deserved.”
Tribes Participate in a DOJ Roundtable on Public Safety
Tribal leaders met with senior U.S. Department of Justice officials for a roundtable focused on public safety, justice and the resilience of Tribal communities, according to the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI).
NCAI President Mark Macarro said the discussion addressed gaps in Tribal justice systems and the need for Tribal Nations to have the authority, resources and federal partnerships necessary to protect their communities.
Key issues included Tribal sovereignty and jurisdiction, law enforcement and justice infrastructure, Tribal-federal coordination, violence against Native people, Missing and Murdered Indigenous People cases, access to criminal justice information and technology, and Tribally led prevention and healing efforts.
NCAI said the roundtable reflects the importance of sustained government-to-government engagement between Tribal Nations and the federal government.
Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Examines Native Housing Needs, NAHASDA Reauthorization
The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on Wednesday held a hearing September 16 examining housing needs in Native communities and legislation to reauthorize and modernize the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA).
The hearing, held as NAHASDA approaches its 30th anniversary, focused on housing affordability, limited housing supply and challenges facing Tribal communities, including geographic isolation and severe weather.
Bryan Warner, deputy principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, testified alongside officials from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Government Accountability Office. He said NAHASDA provides Tribes flexibility to address housing priorities, including construction, rehabilitation, homeownership, veterans and elders.
Warner also urged Congress to advance S. 5354, the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Modernization Act of 2026, which was introduced by Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaiʻi). The bill would reauthorize NAHASDA and make changes to Tribal housing programs.
The committee is scheduled to consider S. 5354 at a business meeting on September 23.
