Randall, Wittman Introduce DCIP Tribal Eligibility Act to Increase Funding Opportunities for Tribes Neighboring Military Bases

Washington, D.C. - Yesterday, Congresswoman Emily Randall (D, WA-06) and Congressman Robert J. Wittman (R, VA-01), introduced legislationto make Tribal governments eligible to apply for grants under the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP). Currently, Tribal governments are ineligible to apply for funding under DCIP's grant authority, despite their role in supporting military installations and defense communities nationwide.

"In Washington's 6th district, collaboration and partnerships between local military installations and Tribal Nations are vital for military readiness,"said Rep. Randall. "Tribal Nations do critical work to support Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Naval Base Kitsap, and other military installations. This legislation would correct a long-standing inequity and open up new funding opportunities for Tribal governments to continue these key partnerships."

"I am proud to support the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP) Tribal Eligibility Act - legislation that will benefit Tribal Nations and our nation's security infrastructure," said Rep. Wittman. "It's important that we work together to advance our shared interests, like military readiness and lethality, by promoting cooperation between Tribal Nations and the Pentagon. Expanding access to DCIP programs will enable Tribal Nations to compete for grants that improve military infrastructure."

"Tribal Nations are proud partners in our nation's defense. By ensuring tribal governments are eligible for the Defense Community Infrastructure Program, Congress is strengthening military readiness and reinforcing the government-to-government relationship between Tribal Nations and the United States. The Suquamish Tribe strongly supports this legislation. The Tribe has long partnered with the three installations that comprise Naval Base Kitsap, located within our aboriginal homelands, and looks forward to continued collaboration to advance critical infrastructure, regional stability, and mission success. We would like to thank Representative Randall and Representative Wittman for their leadership," said Josh Bagley, Vice Chair of the Suquamish Tribe.

"The Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe supports Congressman Wittman and Congresswoman Randall's introduction of the Defense Community Infrastructure Program Tribal Eligibility Act. Ensuring Tribal governments are explicitly eligible under DCIP strengthens our ability to contribute meaningfully to national defense readiness and regional resilience.

"Tribal communities are uniquely positioned to support defense infrastructure, workforce development, and mission-critical capabilities surrounding military installations. Expanding eligibility affirms the important role Tribes play in America's defense ecosystem.

"As part of our commitment to long-term economic development and national service, the Upper Mattaponi Tribe established UMIT Technologies as a tribally owned enterprise to drive long-term economic growth and national service. UMIT Technologies is growing as a defense contractor and stands ready to support this expanded opportunity by delivering secure, reliable IT and cybersecurity services that strengthen defense community infrastructure and operational readiness.

"We appreciate the leadership of Congressman Wittman and Congresswoman Randall in advancing legislation that recognizes Tribal governments as strategic contributors to our nation's defense," said Chief W. Frank Adams, Chief of the Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe

Historically, the DCIP provides grants to state and local governments for off-base infrastructure that supports military installations. These investments strengthen military readiness and benefit service members and their families by improving transportation, schools, utilities, hospitals, and other essential infrastructure.

Tribal nations who neighbor military bases are often already doing this work to support critical infrastructure projects that support military communities. This bill would amend the current language to include Tribal governments as eligible, "state and local," entities in order to apply for DCIP grants.

The full bill text is available HERE.