WASHINGTON, D.C.— The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) supports the efforts of U.S. Senators, including Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada), in working together in a bipartisan manner to find a path forward to a continuing resolution that would reopen the federal government. Their leadership and collaboration in this critical moment are deeply appreciated across Indian Country.

Government shutdowns have a devastating and disproportionate impact on Native American communities. Tribal Nations have a unique government-to-government relationship with the United States, and many essential services in Tribal communities are directly funded and administered through federal agencies. When the federal government shuts down, it delays critical infrastructure projects, interrupts food assistance programs, and stalls law enforcement and public safety operations on and around Tribal lands.

“These disruptions are not just inconvenient — they are harmful and, in many cases, life-threatening,” said Larry Wright Jr., Executive Director of NCAI. “A lapse in federal funding undermines Tribal self-governance, strains already under-resourced programs, and creates uncertainty for thousands of Native families who depend on federally funded services to meet basic needs.”

We urge all members of Congress to continue working toward a long-term funding solution that respects treaty and trust obligations to Tribal Nations and ensures the stability and continuity of services our communities rely upon.

Again, we thank the Senators from both sides of the aisle for prioritizing the well-being of Native Americans and Alaska Natives and taking meaningful steps to end this harmful shutdown.

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About the National Congress of American Indians:

Founded in 1944, the National Congress of American Indians is the oldest, largest, and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization in the country. NCAI advocates on behalf of tribal governments and communities, promoting strong tribal-federal government-to-government policies and a better understanding among the general public regarding American Indian and Alaska Native governments, people, and rights.