Fort Hall Business Council maintains vigilance of effects from potential federal funding pause
By THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
FORT HALL — On Wednesday, January 29 President Trump rescinded his order to attempt to freeze federal financial assistance after it was temporarily paused by a federal judge on Tuesday afternoon.
Despite this new development, the situation in Washington D.C. remains fluid and unpredictable. The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes’ Fort Hall Business Council will diligently work to protect and preserve the rights granted by the 1868 Fort Bridger Treaty and hold the Federal government to its trust responsibilities to recognize and respect Tribal sovereignty. It will aggressively monitor any actions by the new administration and continue informing Tribal members, its workforce, and the Fort Hall community on issues of concern.
The Tribal Government will move forward with a directive to identify any program with funding at risk and provide the impacts for the Council to advocate on behalf of Tribal members.
Programs at risk target diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and environmental justice or “Green New Deal program” initiatives, Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Act funding, and the Infrastructure Reduction Act.
Any concerns about a future funding freeze should not impact direct support to individuals, including Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and SNAP funding. Funds for small businesses, farmers, Pell grants, Head Start, rental assistance, and other similar programs are also exempt. Tribal government staff are assessing these programs to identify any situation where funding for these programs may be erroneously blocked.
The FHBC sent an initial inquiry to Idaho’s Congressional Delegation who are seeking clarification on actions taken by the new administration. Chairman Lee Juan Tendoy will lead a delegation to Washington D.C. to advocate for the Tribes’ funding needs. Likewise, Council Treasurer Sammy Matsaw Jr. is currently attending the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) to address concerns. The Tribes are also collaborating with the Coalition of Large Tribes (COLT), and other organizations as they engage congressional members and coordinate discussions with the White House to express concerns and for Tribal exemptions.
FHBC Chairman Tendoy assured the Tribes will endure and is focused and proactive in protecting the health, safety, and well-being of the people, lands, waterways, and wildlife. The Council will continue to stand up for people’s rights as members of a Sovereign Nation.
