Indigenous News Weekly (December 7, 2025): D.C. Briefs

WASHINGTON Beyond the stories previously featured by Native News Online, heres a summary of other recent developments from Washington, D.C. that are relevant to Indian Country.

Interior Department Lowers Fees for Christmas Trees and Firewood

The Interior Department announced on Friday a seasonal program to make holiday activities more affordable while encouraging safe forest management. Starting immediately, the Bureau of Land Management will charge only $1 per Christmas tree or per cord of firewood until January 31, 2026.

New cutting zones in overstocked forests have been opened to expand access for families to gather trees and firewood. Officials emphasized that this initiative supports forest thinning and reduces wildfire risks, while also providing cost savings for families enjoying public lands during the winter season.

FCC Schedules Tribal Consultations on Environmental Policy Rule Changes

The Federal Communications Commission announced two virtual consultation sessions with Tribes regarding potential revisions to its National Environmental Policy Act rules. Updated guidance and timelines have been issued in the agencys framing paper.

• December 11, 2025, 14 p.m. ET
• January 14, 2026, 14 p.m. ET

Federally recognized Tribes and Native Hawaiian Organizations wishing to participate should email Native@fcc.gov with the subject line indicating their chosen date: Consultation December 11 or Consultation January 14.

The FCC noted that comments or meetings may be submitted anytime following the reply comment deadline, consistent with ex parte rules. Sessions may be recorded and transcribed.

CMS Issues Bulletin on Tribal Exceptions for Medicaid and CHIP

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released a bulletin highlighting updates under the Working Families Tax Cut legislation, focusing on Tribal exceptions within Medicaid and the Childrens Health Insurance Program. Relevant provisions are summarized on page 32 of the bulletin.

CMS continues to study the laws impact on American Indian and Alaska Native Medicaid recipients and reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with Tribes as new guidance is developed. The full bulletin is available online.

Author: Ava Mitchell