President Biden Makes Historic Proposed Increase in BIA Budget

WASHINGTON - Today, the Biden-Harris Administration submitted President Biden's proposed $5.8 trillion 2023 budget to Congress, with historic investments to Tribal communities. The White House reports that it will direct $18.1 billion to the Department of Interior (DOI), an increase of $2.9 billion, or 19 percent, from the fiscal year 2022. The request for the DOI's Indian Affairs programs is $4.5 billion, a $1.1 billion increase above the 2021 enacted level. This includes $2.8 billion for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, $1.6 billion for the Bureau of Indian Education, and $112.7 million for the Bureau of Trust Funds Administration.

According to the White House, it is the first time in U.S. history that the President's budget reflects direct consultation with Tribal communities. The budget supports a vast and broad government approach to addressing federal responsibilities and Tribal needs in Indian Country.

"We are best served when Tribal governments are empowered to lead their communities and when Federal officials listen to and work together with Tribal leaders when formulating budgets that affect Tribal Nations," said the White House in a press release on Monday.

https://nativenewsonline.net/currents/president-biden-requests-historic-increase-in-bia-budget