Making Federal Economic Development Programs Work in Indian Country

Today, the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs held an oversight hearing on how federal economic development programs can better serve Indian Country. Subcommittee Chairman Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.) issued the following statement in response:

"Congress has created plenty of economic development tools for Tribal Nations. The problem isn't a lack of programs. It's a fragmented federal system that's hard to navigate. When tribes face duplicative rules, offices, and timelines, the real barrier isn't funding, it's bureaucracy. Today's hearing is about identifying those obstacles, respecting tribal sovereignty, and making federal programs actually work in Indian Country."

Background

Federal economic development programs affecting Indian Country are administered across numerous federal agencies, each with its own rules, timelines and approval processes. As a result, tribes often face duplicative requirements, causing lengthy delays and inconsistent standards when working with federal agencies. It also harms their ability to access capital, procurement opportunities and technical assistance.

Procedural and regulatory barriers, rather than a lack of available programs, frequently pose the greatest obstacles to tribal economic growth. By improving coordination, streamlining processes and removing unnecessary federal barriers, tribes will have the critical support for long-term economic self-sufficiency.