Senate Committee on Indian Affairs

The impacts of Typhoon Halong are a stark reminder that disaster doesn’t end when the storm passes. Months later, Alaska Native communities are still displaced and facing the trauma and uncertainty of what comes next. That’s why, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, I hosted a two-part field hearing that included a roundtable in Anchorage and a hearing and Tribal leader listening session in Bethel. Direct input from Alaskans helps ensure communities receive the support and resources they need in the short term, while also helping us better prepare for future disasters.

Chairman @lisamurkowski recently held a two-part field hearing in Alaska. Part one was held in Anchorage and titled, “Alaska Native Voices: A Roundtable with Kipnuk and Kwigillingok on Disaster Impacts, Recovery, and Resilience.”

Chair Sen. Lisa Murkowski began the May 6 hearing of the United States Senate Committee on Indian Affairs in Bethel with an acknowledgment that life still isn't easy for 1,200 people still displaced after ex-typhoon Halong. Via @KYUKNews. knba.org/news/2026-05-1…

Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Billy Kirkland joined tribal leaders and Alaska Native communities during @IndianCommittee field hearings on disaster impacts, recovery and resilience this week. During the hearings, Kirkland announced $20 million in emergency funding for Alaska Native villages. Read more at bia.gov/news/indian-af…

A message from Chairman @lisamurkowski in recognition of the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls #MMIWG

The news of Kelly Hunt, an Alaska Native woman whose body was recently found in Anchorage, is absolutely heartbreaking. It’s unacceptable that cases like Kelly’s continue. Progress has been made in addressing the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, but there is much more to be done. The MMIW crisis is ongoing and it demands our attention and action. My deepest condolences go out to Kelly’s family and her entire community as they navigate this devastating loss. alaskasnewssource.com/2026/04/28/roa…

During NAHASDA’s 30th anniversary year, Chair Murkowski & Vice Chair Schatz introduced the NAHASDA Modernization Act, legislation to reauthorize & modernize federal housing programs serving American Indians, Alaska Natives, & Native Hawaiians. Learn more: indian.senate.gov/newsroom/press…

The Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution led by Chairman @lisamurkowski and Vice Chair @SenBrianSchatz honoring the leadership & contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women during #WomensHistoryMonth. Read more: indian.senate.gov/newsroom/press…

On this day of remembrance, we wear purple to bring awareness to violent crimes committed against children, and to remember one young girl we lost—Ashley Johnson-Barr.

Senate @IndianCommittee hearing on Indian Water Rights Settlement – LIVE online here: c-span.org/event/senate-c…

Today at 2:30 PM ET, Chair @lisamurkowski and Vice Chair @SenBrianSchatz will hold an oversight hearing on federal policies governing Indian water rights settlements and a leg. hearing on the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025. indian.senate.gov/hearings/overs…

Appreciated the opportunity to meet with leaders from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe during their visit to DC.

As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, I recently held a hearing on the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program—a program designed to help Native communities thrive. This isn’t about DEI; it’s Congress fulfilling its constitutional duties and federal trust responsibility to Native peoples. Native entity-owned 8(a) participants reinvest their earnings in their communities—in line with their communities’ needs—practicing economic self-determination and building stronger futures for generations to come. Congress intentionally structured the 8(a) program to ensure these businesses are accountable to their communities while keeping the program transparent and effective. This was the right call—both for Native communities, and for their partners in the federal government.

@NCAI1944 @DHSgov @AVCPAlaska @IndianCommittee “We’re pushing back on this”: In video message, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) vows to keep defending Native 8(a) federal contracting program as chair of Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. @IndianCommittee held hearing. @NCAI1944 @lisamurkowski #DC indian.senate.gov/hearings/overs…

.@SBAgov’s Business Development Program has helped Montana tribes unlock economic opportunity and supports health care, infrastructure, education, and other essential services. Glad to hear more about its impact and advocate for Montana tribal enterprises today.

Principal Chief @ChuckHoskin_Jr is on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., providing testimony before the Senate Committee on @USIndianAffairs about our tribe’s success operating under the Small Business Administration Native 8(a) Program. #SBA #IndianCountry

@NCAI1944 @DeptVetAffairs @IHSgov @RepTeresaLF @TheJusticeDept @USDOT @IndianGaming85 @NATHPO_org @usachp @NativeChildren @NativeFed @NIHB1 @naihc_national Learn about draft Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act from Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. Final language of bill expected in May or June 2026. @NCAI1944 @IndianCommittee #DC #NativeYouth indian.senate.gov/newsroom/press… indian.senate.gov/newsroom/press… indian.senate.gov/newsroom/press…

Reminder: tune in live at 9:30AM ET.

Over the past few years, we’ve built real momentum on bipartisan priorities to build more homes and lower costs for Native families. It was great to join National American Indian Housing Council members to talk about the progress we’ve made so far and the work that is still left to be done. Together, we’re going to keep pushing for strong federal support, safeguard the gains we’ve made, and insist that the trust responsibility is honored.

‼️ TUNE IN: Principal Chief @ChuckHoskin_Jr will provide testimony before the @IndianCommittee on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 8:30 a.m. CT/9:30 a.m. ET, discussing the Small Business Administration Native 8(a) Program. Watch here: tinyurl.com/3m7569fc