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Lawmakers and tribal leaders tell House panel federal economic programs are fragmented, hard to access
Summary
Tribal leaders and Native economic organizations told the House Natural Resources Subcommittee that federal programs meant to spur economic development are fragmented across agencies, favor large projects, and often stall because of staffing shortfalls and unclear guidance, leaving small and rural tribes unable to use funding effectively.
Congressional members and tribal leaders opened a House Natural Resources Subcommittee oversight hearing by portraying a federal system of economic development programs that is large in scope but often inaccessible in practice. The hearing focused on how duplicative applications, inconsistent eligibility standards and prolonged agency timelines prevent many tribes from using federal funding to pursue local priorities.
"Tribes must navigate a fragmented federal system," the chair said in opening remarks, citing duplicative reviews and long approval timelines that burden smaller and rural tribes. Chairwoman Hope Silvis of the Shivwits Band of Paiutes described how her band frequently learns about grant opportunities only after application deadlines have passed. "When tribes are unaware of programs, we cannot plan projects, build partnerships in advance, or align our internal priorities with federal funding opportunities," she testified.
Witnesses from tribal finance and business organizations testified that three problems recur: lack of coordinated outreach, program design that favors large-scale projects or requires unrealistic match funding, and insufficient federal staffing and technical assistance to help tribes prepare applications and manage compliance. Rodney Butler of the Native American Finance Officers Association said agency data gaps compound those barriers: without consistent tribal-specific reporting, agencies and Congress cannot measure whether programs are producing results.
Panelists also highlighted federally authorized contracting authorities as a key economic tool for many tribes, particularly in remote regions. Evan (introduced as Haven) Harris of the Bering Straits Native Corporation said federal contracting has delivered dividends, jobs and services in Alaska communities that otherwise lack economic options. "For many, participation in federal contracting has been one of the most effective tools Congress has provided to turn that model into real, measurable outcomes for our communities," he said.
Members pressed witnesses on specific program fixes. Representative Hageman asked whether allowing tribes to lease land for up to 99 years (H.R. 5910) would enable development; Silvis said longer leases would let tribes negotiate terms and attract investment. Members also discussed the Department of Energy's Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program and whether layered financing, reduced pre-construction costs, or direct loans would make the program usable for small tribes.
The hearing closed with committee staff reminding witnesses to submit written responses to follow-up questions and with a bipartisan request that agencies consider codifying practices—such as a centralized clearinghouse and strengthened tribal offices—that witnesses said improved outreach and timelines. The record will remain open for ten business days to accept written materials and responses.
