Tribal Policy Pulse Episode 2: Updates in federal policy and legislation that impacts Tribal Nations
In this episode of the Tribal Policy Pulse we cover:
- 2027 federal budget proposal (0:00:54)
- OMB's proposed overhaul of financial assistance (0:23:56)
- Proposed changes to the E-Rate program (0:53:55)
- Updates in Tribal broadband and new funding opportunities (1:13:26)
- An overview of prediction markets and Tribal gaming (1:28:33)
Note: updates as of August 31, 2026
Resources from the episode:
Understanding appropriations
NIHB: nihb.org/category/government-affairs/ihs-appropriations
Congress: congress.gov/crs-product/R49049
TNPI: tnpi.asu.edu/blog/2025/06/explainer-annual-appropriations-process-executive-branch-budget
OMB updates
Federal Register: federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/29/2026-10817/regulation-for-federal-financial-assistance
NAFOA: nafoa.org/category/policy (search: OMB)
NCAI: ncai.org/event/register-now-overview-of-omb-rule-proposing-significant-changes-to-financial-assistance (slide deck)
E-Rate Program updates
Federal Register: federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/14/2026-16590/fcc-to-review-e-rate-program-to-ensure-congresss-vision
TNPI: tnpi.asu.edu/blog/2026/08/fact-sheet-fcc-notice-proposed-rulemaking-questions-e-rate-programs-future
FCC electronic comments filing: fcc.gov/ecfs/search/search-filings
26-133
13-184
21-93
21-455
Tribal broadband
Broadband funding post-COVID: tnpi.asu.edu/blog/2026/02/examination-federal-tribal-broadband-funding-post-covid
History of advocacy: tnpi.asu.edu/blog/2026/02/history-advocacy-tribal-telephony-and-telecommunications-1980-2020
New funding explainer: tnpi.asu.edu/blog/2026/08/fact-sheet-ntia-announces-new-funding-opportunities-tribal-broadband
2025 TBCP reforms: tnpi.asu.edu/blog/2025/11/fact-sheet-ntia-issues-press-release-announcing-tribal-broadband-connectivity-program
Prediction markets & Tribal gaming
TNPI: tnpi.asu.edu/blog/2026/08/explainer-prediction-markets-and-future-indian-gaming
Update: Ninth Circuit ruling backs Tribal Nations (9/1): tribalbusinessnews.com/sections/gaming/15752-ninth-circuit-ruling-backs-tribal-state-authority-over-kalshi-sports-contracts
NCAI: ncai.org/news/ncai-sends-letter-to-cftc-chairman-requesting-formal-tribal-consultation
Native News Online: nativenewsonline.net/currents/murkowski-schatz-urge-cftc-to-consult-tribes-and-extend-comment-period-on-prediction-markets-rule/