US NATIONAL NEWS

President Biden Signs Historic Executive Order on Next Era of Tribal Self-Determination

Published

3 years ago

December 6, 2023

Today, as part of the White House Tribal Nations Summit, President Biden will sign a historic Executive Order on Reforming Federal Funding and Support for Tribal Nations to Better Embrace Our Trust Responsibilities and Promote the Next Era of Tribal Self Determination. This Executive Order demonstrates the Biden-Harris Administration’s respect for Tribal sovereignty, and commitment to ushering in the next era of Tribal self-determination by ensuring that Tribal Nations have greater autonomy over how they invest federal funding.

Historically, federal policies of past eras were attacks on Native people’s basic rights to self-governance and caused lasting damage to Tribal communities, economies, and governments. Beginning in the 1970s, the federal government reversed course and championed Tribal self-determination through policies and programs that have helped rebuild Tribal governments and economies, while supporting Tribal Nations in taking increased ownership over the services their citizens need and deserve.

Today, Tribal Nations still face many barriers to fully exercise their inherent sovereignty, especially in federal funding programs. Far too many of the federal funding and support programs that Tribes rely on are difficult to access, have overly burdensome federal reporting requirements, have unnecessary limitations, or impose requirements on Tribes that drain Tribal resources and undermine their ability to make their own decisions about where and how to meet the needs of their communities.

To address these challenges, today President Biden will sign an Executive Order to reform how the federal government funds and supports Tribal Nations. This Executive Order demonstrates the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to ushering in the next era of federal policies that support Tribal self-determination and defines this next era as one that should be grounded in even greater respect for Tribal sovereignty and the autonomy of Tribal Nations, because the last 50 years has proven that a strong Tribal Nation is the most important factor in ensuring the economic, political, and cultural well-being of Native people. The Executive Order affirms that Tribal self-governance is about the fundamental right of a people to determine their own destiny and to prosper and flourish on their own terms. It also affirms that Tribal governments must be treated as permanent, equal, and vital parts of America’s overlapping system of government. To fulfill this promise, the Executive Order:

Requires federal agencies to take action to ensure federal funding for Tribes is accessible, flexible, and equitable. The Executive Order directs all federal agencies to better live up to the federal government’s trust responsibilities and support Tribal self-determination by reforming federal funding programs that support Tribes. It moves federal funding programs closer to the model of the Indian Self-Determination and Educational Assistance Act, which has allowed Tribal Nations to build and run their own hospitals, schools, and police forces to better meet the needs of their communities using the same federal dollars. It also directs federal agencies, in coordination with the White House Council on Native American Affairs, to redesign or administer programs in a manner that reflects trust in Tribal priorities and deference to Tribal decision-making, recognizing that Tribal governments bring invaluable expertise in how to effectively meet the needs of their citizens and steward their ancestral homelands. Agencies are directed to pursue compacting, contracting, co-management, co-stewardship, and other agreements with Tribal Nations that allow them to better partner with the federal government to administer federal programs and services. Agencies are also directed to identify programs where Tribal set-asides can be established, streamlined applications for funding to reduce the burden on Tribal governments can be identified, unnecessary restrictions on how Tribes can spend federal funds can be removed, and cost-sharing requirements for Tribal governments can be mitigated. As a result of this Executive Order, Tribes will spend less of their resources cutting through bureaucratic red-tape to apply or comply with federal administrative requirements and use federal dollars more effectively. No longer will Tribes be faced with seemingly unnecessary and arbitrary limitations when they are accessing critical funding for public safety, infrastructure, education, energy, and much more.
Creates a one-stop-shop for federal funding available to Tribes. The Tribal Access to Capital Clearinghouse will be launched at the Tribal Nations Summit to provide a one-stop-shop for Tribes and Native businesses to find federal funding.
Better embraces our trust responsibilities by assessing unmet federal obligations to support Tribal Nations. The Executive Order directs the White House Council on Native American Affairs, the Office and Management and Budget, and the White House Domestic Policy Council to work across the Federal Government to measure the chronic funding shortfalls of existing federal funding for Tribes and develop recommendations for what additional funding and programming is necessary. On an annual basis moving forward, federal agencies will be required to report on their progress implementing those recommendations.

The Executive Order signed today is the third Order President Biden has signed to strengthen our nation-to-nation relationship, strengthen Tribal consultation, and deepen the federal government’s respect for Tribal sovereignty. This Executive Order also builds on the historic investments President Biden has made in Indian Country, including:

$32 billion in the American Rescue Plan, the largest direct federal investment in Tribal Nations in history.
$13 billion in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to build high-speed internet, roads, bridges, public transit, clean water, and improve sanitation in Tribal communities.
$700 million in the Inflation Reduction Act, to invest in Native communities for climate resilience and adaptation programs, drought mitigation, home electrification, and clean energy development.
Sending billions of federal contract dollars—and significant percentages of their overall procurement dollars—to Native-owned or controlled businesses through the Buy Indian Act, a law that has been re-invigorated under the Biden-Harris Administration. In FY 2023, the Indian Health Service (IHS) awarded $444 million (30.6%), the Department of Health and Human Services awarded $1.55 billion (3.8%), the Department of the Interior awarded over $1.4 billion (16.9%), and Interior’s Indian Affairs Bureaus awarded $626 million (74.6%) of eligible contract dollars to Native-owned and controlled businesses.
Securing the first ever advance appropriations for IHS, which was the only major federal healthcare system that was funded through discretionary appropriations and therefore more likely to be cut every year. These advance appropriations bring much needed stability to IHS and ensure that IHS hospitals can stay open to provide lifesaving care in the event of a lapse in government appropriations.

Related Topics:White House Tribal Nations Summit

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Trump Targets Birthright Citizenship, ‘Birth Tourism’ in New Immigration Actions

Published

4 hours ago

August 7, 2026

FNN NEWS

WASHINGTON (FNN NEWS) — President Donald Trump announced new executive actions Thursday aimed at restricting birthright citizenship and curbing so-called “birth tourism,” renewing his administration’s effort to narrow who automatically becomes a U.S. citizen at birth.

Trump said he was signing two immigration-related actions, including one seeking to limit automatic U.S. citizenship for certain people born in the United States and another targeting foreign visitors who travel to the country for the purpose of giving birth.

The latest move represents another attempt by the Trump administration to reshape the application of birthright citizenship, a contentious constitutional issue that has generated extensive litigation.

New Order Takes Narrower Approach

The executive order released Thursday appears narrower than Trump’s previous attempt to restrict birthright citizenship.

The new action focuses on specific categories, including children born to certain people connected to foreign embassies or international organizations and those considered “alien enemies” of the United States.

The order also seeks to restrict automatic citizenship in cases involving parents who the administration determines “engaged in fraudulent activity to obtain citizenship.”

Trump said he believes the new approach is constitutional.

The latest action is expected to face close legal scrutiny over how far presidential authority extends in determining citizenship rights under the Constitution and federal law.

Trump Targets ‘Birth Tourism’

A separate executive action seeks to tighten restrictions on foreign visitors who obtain visas with the intention of traveling to the United States to give birth.

Trump described the practice as “birth tourism.”

The administration’s action seeks additional restrictions aimed at preventing visitors from using temporary entry into the United States primarily to secure U.S. citizenship for a child born while they are in the country.

Constitutional Fight Could Continue

Birthright citizenship is rooted in the 14th Amendment, which states that people born or naturalized in the United States “and subject to the jurisdiction thereof” are citizens of the United States and the state where they reside.

The meaning and reach of that provision are central to the continuing legal debate over whether a president can restrict birthright citizenship through executive action without congressional legislation or a constitutional amendment.

It remains uncertain whether Trump’s latest approach will survive expected legal challenges.

The administration’s renewed effort signals that birthright citizenship will remain a significant part of Trump’s broader immigration agenda as the White House seeks to change how federal immigration and citizenship laws are applied.

Sports

Talladega Superspeedway Announces 2027 NASCAR Race Dates as The Chase Returns

Published

4 hours ago

August 7, 2026

FNN SPORTS

TALLADEGA, Ala. (FNN SPORTS) — Talladega Superspeedway will once again play a pivotal role in NASCAR’s championship battle, with two race weekends scheduled for April and October 2027 at the legendary Alabama track.

NASCAR will return to Talladega April 24-25 and Oct. 29-31, 2027, giving fans two opportunities to experience racing on the superspeedway’s iconic high banks.

The October weekend will carry major championship implications as all three NASCAR national series compete at Talladega during The Chase.

Talladega’s Spring 2027 Weekend

Talladega’s traditional spring race weekend returns April 24-25, featuring the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Cup Series.

The weekend will provide drivers with an early-season opportunity to secure valuable points in one of NASCAR’s most unpredictable superspeedway races.

The schedule includes:

Saturday, April 24: NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and ARCA Menards Series races

Sunday, April 25: NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link’s 500

The Chase Returns to Talladega in October

The stakes will increase significantly when NASCAR returns to Talladega from Oct. 29-31, 2027, with championship contenders battling for position late in the season.

All three NASCAR national series will compete during the weekend, which is expected to play an important role in determining the drivers who remain in contention for their respective championships.

The October schedule includes:

Friday, Oct. 29: NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Love’s RV Stop 225

Saturday, Oct. 30: NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series The Progress Group 250

Sunday, Oct. 31: NASCAR Cup Series YellaWood 500

“It’s an honor for Talladega Superspeedway to continue to have two race weekends giving our fans multiple opportunities to experience high-stakes action at this incredible venue,” said Josh Harris, region president of Talladega Superspeedway and Darlington Raceway.

“Looking up into the grandstands and seeing the passion the fans have for NASCAR in the heart of Alabama is extremely rewarding and we look forward to seeing action-packed racing return next spring and fall.”

Carson Hocevar Earned Breakthrough Talladega Victory

Earlier this year, Spire Motorsports driver Carson Hocevar captured his first career NASCAR Cup Series victory at Talladega, edging Chris Buescher in a dramatic finish.

The 23-year-old Michigan native celebrated the milestone by sitting on the window ledge of the No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet during a victory pass in front of the Talladega grandstands.

2026 YellaWood 500 Weekend Still Ahead

Before attention turns to 2027, Talladega will host another major weekend of racing this fall as part of The Chase.

The action begins Friday, Oct. 23, with the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Love’s RV Stop 225.

The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series follows with The Progress Group 250 on Saturday, Oct. 24, before NASCAR Cup Series drivers take on Talladega’s famous 33-degree banking in the YellaWood 500 on Sunday, Oct. 25.

Business

U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Brings 47th Annual National Conference to Fort Worth Sept. 14-16

Published

4 hours ago

August 7, 2026

FNN NEWS

FORT WORTH, Texas (FNN NEWS) — The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will bring its 47th Annual National Conference to Fort Worth, Texas, Sept. 14-16, 2026, convening Hispanic business leaders, corporate executives, policymakers and entrepreneurs from across the country.

The three-day conference will be held at the Fort Worth Convention Center and is expected to serve as a major national platform for business development, networking, economic opportunity and deal-making.

Nearly five decades after its launch, the USHCC National Conference has grown into what the organization describes as the nation’s largest gathering of Hispanic business decision-makers.

The selection of Fort Worth highlights the North Texas city’s growing position as a center for business, entrepreneurship and culture while providing a national stage for Hispanic-owned businesses and their economic impact.

Fort Worth Selected to Host 2026 National Conference

USHCC announced Fort Worth as the 2026 host following its 46th Annual National Conference in Atlanta.

“We are thrilled to bring the USHCC National Conference to Fort Worth in 2026,” said Jackie Puente, vice president of external affairs at Comcast and chairwoman of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “This city showcases the innovation, diversity, and economic impact of Hispanic-owned businesses nationwide. At Comcast, we are proud to support the USHCC’s mission of opening doors and creating opportunities for our community to thrive.”

Fort Worth business leaders also welcomed the opportunity to host the national gathering.

“Fort Worth is proud to host the USHCC National Conference in 2026,” said Ericka Garza, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “This event highlights our city’s vibrant culture and the impact of Hispanic-owned businesses in driving economic growth.”

Connecting Hispanic Businesses With Opportunities

Connection building will be a major focus of the 2026 conference, with programming designed to bring business owners directly together with corporate executives, policymakers, industry leaders and potential partners.

Through curated networking opportunities and informal gatherings, participants will have opportunities to establish relationships that could lead to collaborations, contracts, partnerships and long-term business growth.

The conference also provides companies and organizations seeking to expand their engagement with Hispanic-owned businesses an opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs and business leaders from markets across the United States.

National Leaders Take the Main Stage

The conference’s main-stage sessions will feature influential leaders and nationally recognized voices discussing major issues affecting business, entrepreneurship and economic advancement.

Sessions are expected to provide perspectives on economic trends, public policy, market opportunities and emerging challenges facing businesses.

The discussions are designed to help entrepreneurs and executives better understand changing markets and position their organizations for future opportunities.

Breakout Sessions Focus on Business Growth

Attendees will also have access to industry-focused breakout sessions featuring subject-matter experts addressing specific business challenges and opportunities.

The interactive sessions are designed to provide participants with practical strategies, tools and information they can apply to their companies and organizations.

Topics and speakers for the 2026 conference are expected to be announced as the event approaches.

Hispanic Businesses Take Center Stage in Fort Worth

The conference comes as Hispanic-owned businesses continue to play an increasingly important role in entrepreneurship, job creation and economic development across the United States.

For Fort Worth, hosting the national conference provides an opportunity to showcase the city’s business community while connecting local entrepreneurs with corporate and government decision-makers from across the country.

47th Annual USHCC National Conference
Dates: Sept. 14-16, 2026
Location: Fort Worth Convention Center
City: Fort Worth, Texas