Rep. Gabe Vasquez Champions Bicameral Push Urging President Trump to Reinstate Executive Order Supporting Tribal Self-Determination

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, U.S Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02)joined a bicameral coalition of 52 Members of Congress in a letter to President Trump urging him to reinstate Biden-era Executive Order 14112, titled "Reforming Federal Funding and Support for Tribal Nations to Better Embrace Our Trust Responsibilities and Promote the Next Era of Tribal Self-Determination."

President Trump's decision to revoke the Self-Determination executive order reversed a significant policy designed to empower Tribal Nations by improving their access to federal funding and reducing bureaucratic hurdles. Signed in 2023, the executive order aimed to reduce government interference on Tribal funding, and to make sure federal agencies meet their legal obligations for tribes.

"The federal government has a responsibility to support Tribal Nations, and should not create unnecessary obstacles that make it harder for them to access the resources they need," said Vasquez."This executive order was critical in ensuring that Tribes in New Mexico and across the country could navigate federal funding processes more effectively. Its revocation creates even more instability and uncertainty for Tribal communities that are already facing funding and staffing cuts under this administration."

The Self-Determination executive order had tangible positive impacts, including facilitating federal support for tribal emergency response efforts and funding critical infrastructure projects such as fisheries management and broadband connectivity. It also established the Tribal Access to Capital Clearinghouse, a centralized hub for Native businesses to navigate federal funding opportunities. Its revocation creates uncertainty for Tribal Nations, potentially reinstating restrictive barriers to funding and creating instability in federally supported tribal programs.

The letter also demands an explanation of why the executive order was rescinded. The lawmakers stressed that "Tribal Nations have a legal, government-to-government relationship with the United States" and that their inherent sovereignty is recognized in the U.S. Constitution, treaties, and federal law. They also emphasized that Tribal Nations should not be included in any efforts to target diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, stating, "Tribal Nations have legal status as a political, not racial class, and the United States has a trust responsibility to them."

The letter pointed to key provisions of the rescinded executive order that aligned with the administration's stated goals, including increasing "accessibility, flexibility, and utility of Federal funding and programs for Tribal Nations, while increasing the transparency, and efficiency of Federal funding processes," said the Members. The lawmakers warned that removing these provisions will exacerbate challenges that already hinder Tribal Nations' ability to meet their communities' needs.

"Too often, federal funding processes impose unnecessary barriers for Tribal Nations, including restrictive limitations and burdensome reporting requirements," they wrote. "Without the coordination and efficiency processes established under the Tribal Self-Determination EO, these challenges will only grow, creating uncertainty and instability that directly undermines tribal self-determination."

Vasquez and his colleagues are calling on the administration to immediately reinstate Executive Order 14112 and engage in meaningful consultation with Tribal Nations moving forward.

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