New Dems Host Tribal Roundtable Discussion
This week, New Democrat Coalition Vice Chair for Outreach Salud Carbajal (CA-24), alongside Reps. Sharice Davids (KS-03), Raul Ruiz (CA-25) hosted a roundtable discussion between New Dem Members – including Reps. Derek Tran (CA-45) and Jim Costa (CA-21) – and Tribal stakeholders representing a number of interests.
Together, the group discussed priorities in the 119th Congress for Tribal and Native communities, actionable policies New Dems champion in the House, and the importance of continued collaboration to ensure these essential interests are represented in Congress.
“I appreciated hearing from our guest speakers and getting insight on their policy priorities for everything from business development strategies to workforce training programs,” said Vice Chair Salud Carbajal. “As New Dems, we’re always looking for meaningful ways to engage Tribal and Native stakeholders on commonsense solutions that reflect our shared priorities. I’m looking forward to carrying today’s discussion into our ongoing policy work.”
“Listening directly to Tribal leaders is essential to getting policy right. From workforce development and economic growth to housing, they made clear what their communities need and what’s at stake right now,” said Rep. Sharice Davids. “At a time when we’re seeing new challenges to Tribal sovereignty, I take my role as Co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus seriously by making sure those voices aren’t just at the table, but heard, respected, and reflected in the decisions that shape federal policy.”
"Thank you to the New Democrat Coalition for hosting this important Tribal policy roundtable to discuss Tribal sovereignty and economic development,” said Rep. Raul Ruiz.
The group covered a wide range of topics, including economic and business growth in Tribal and Native communities, the need for more federal investment in housing and workforce development, responding to changes in the gaming industry, how federal regulations affect Tribal agricultural producers, and how to best promote Tribal entrepreneurship and innovation.
Roundtable attendees represented the following organizations:
- Indian Gaming Association (IGA)
- Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC)
- National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC)
- National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED)
- National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)
- Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA)
- Native CDFI Network (NCN)
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