Rep. Gabe Vasquez Leads Bipartisan Push to Safeguard Funding for Tribal Nations

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) joined bipartisan members of the Congressional Native American Caucus in urging House leadership to protect and strengthen federal funding for Tribal programs in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. 

In a letter to House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, the lawmakers called on Congress to fully uphold the United States’ trust and treaty obligations to Tribal Nations by preserving and expanding investments in Tribal health, education, infrastructure, law enforcement, and self-governance programs.

“When America makes a promise,we should keep it. The federal government has a legal and moral obligation to uphold its trust and treaty obligations to Tribal Nations,” said Vasquez. “This funding helps ensure New Mexico’s Tribes and Pueblos receive the full support they deserve so they can keep everything from the Indian Health Service to Tribal schools and justice systems up and running.”

The lawmakers emphasized that funding for Tribal Nations is not discretionary—it is a federal responsibility. The letter highlighted the importance of supporting Tribal Nations and their development by expanding flexible and consistent funding and supporting the federal employees and offices that deliver Tribal services.

Rep. Vasquez continues to champion investments that promote economic growth, improve public safety, and enhance quality of life in Tribal communities — efforts that benefit not only Tribal Nations but all of New Mexico and the country.

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