This edition covers federal and state policy developments from April 1 to June 30, 2025, including analysis of 81 congressional bills and 399 Federal Register notices. This quarter marks the second quarter in a new presidential administration and a new Congress, the 119th, which has seen an exponential rise in executive actions, congressional hearings, and legislation with significant implications for Tribal Nations. During this quarter, the Arizona Legislature adjourned Sine Die on June 27, 2025, marking the conclusion of the Fifty-seventh Legislature's First Regular Session.
Read the fact sheet to learn more.
Summary:
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently released Internet Access Services: Status as of June 20, 2024, estimating 549 million internet connections nationwide with breakdowns by technology type, speed, and state or territory.
On June 6, 2025, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) issued a policy notice amending the Broadband Equity, Access, and Development (BEAD) program requirements.
While the NTIA describes this as a “restructuring,” the amendment significantly departs from the program’s original requirements.
For Tribal Nations, the rise of AI represents a critical juncture. This technology holds potential to expand resources and enhance access across key industries such as healthcare, law and finance. With intentional policy frameworks and proactive Tribal governance, AI could strengthen self-determination and sovereignty. But without strategic oversight and culturally-informed design, it also risks deepening existing disparities; exacerbating employment displacement, cultural misrepresentation and worsening gaps in digital access.
In rural Tribal communities across the United States, public radio is more than a source of news and entertainment; it's a lifeline. These stations deliver critical infrastructure for communication and connection, especially in areas where broadband access and even phone lines remain limited or nonexistent. Tribal radio broadcasts emergency alerts during storms, helps locate missing persons, shares local news, and preserves language, memory, and identity.
Emile Eich (Diné) serves as the Senior Data Analyst at the American Indian Policy
Institute, where she focuses on data analytics and evaluation planning to support
Indigenous-led research, policy, and advocacy efforts. Her work is rooted in community
partnerships and a commitment to using data in ways that strengthens tribal self-
determination, supports digital sovereignty, and reflects Indigenous values and ways of
knowing.