A Call for Parity: The Disparity in Foreign Spending and the Need for Native Communities
We have been closely monitoring the financial decisions made by our government, both domestically and internationally.
Foreign Spending Breakdown
The fiscal year 2023 Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations bill provides $61.758 billion, which is an increase of $3.76 billion above fiscal year 2022.
Recently, Congress approved more than $113 billion of aid and military assistance to support the Ukrainian government and allied nations. While this support is vital for global stability, it raises a crucial question: What about the parity needed for Native communities?
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________Funding for Native Communities
In contrast to foreign spending, let’s examine the funding proposed for programs that benefit Native Americans:
- Fiscal Year 2022 President’s Budget: $28.8 billion requested by 31 federal agencies.
- Federally Recognized Tribes (as of April 2022): 574
- Population (as of 2019): Over 5.6 million people identified as American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN).
For more insights, refer to the GAO report, which provided seven recommendations emphasizing transparency, collaboration, and responsiveness. You can read further below.
Comparison with Funding for Ukraine
- Total Funding for Ukraine (2022): $113 billion
- Full Funding for Native American Programs (2022): $28.8 billion
The disparity in funding is evident, with foreign aid to Ukraine exceeding the total budget for Native American programs.
More About the GAO Study
In the GAO report, Tribal Funding: Actions Needed to Improve Information on Federal Funds That Benefit Native Americans GAO-22-104602, seven recommendations focused on enhancing transparency, collaboration, and responsiveness in federal funding for Native American programs.
The GAO urges the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue clear guidance for data collection and reporting in the Native American Crosscut, publish detailed information about its purpose and methods, and establish a formal process to regularly solicit feedback from tribal stakeholders.
The GAO recommendations also emphasize the need for meaningful and timely input from tribal officials in formulating budget requests and program proposals. The Department of Transportation, Department of Education, and Department of Agriculture are called upon to develop formal processes to ensure tribal officials have a voice in these critical decisions.
By recognizing the unique insights and perspectives of tribal leaders, these recommendations foster a collaborative approach that honors the federal government’s trust responsibility to tribes and Native communities, creating a more equitable and responsive system.
The allocation of $113 billion to aid Ukraine is a testament to our nation’s need to protect foreign borders. We must also be vocal about our needs within our boundaries. We agree with the GAO’s letter of recommendations. The disparity in funding between foreign spending and Native communities calls for immediate attention and action. Let us stand together, ask the hard questions, and work towards a future where parity and equality are ideals and realities for Native communities.
What Can We Do?
As members of Native communities and allies, we must:
- Educate Ourselves and Others: Understand the funding allocations and needs of Native communities. Share this knowledge to create awareness.
- Contact Elected Officials: Ask about the disparity in funding and what they are doing to remedy this inequality.
- Advocate for Parity: Support policies and initiatives that promote equal financing and opportunities.
- Join Hands with Organizations: Collaborate with groups like Native Americans for Sovereignty and Preservation.
