CATTARAUGUS TERRITORY, IRVING, N.Y. – President J. Conrad Seneca and officials of the Seneca Nation have been closely monitoring the Trump Administration’s recent decision to suspend certain federal grant funding. In a positive development, we have just learned that the White House has withdrawn the suspension memo, allowing all normal federal funding to resume.
Over the past 36 hours, it has been confirmed that no specific funds for the Seneca or other Tribal governments were targeted. However, access to some federal funds experienced temporary disruptions. Our Treasurer, Al George, along with our fiscal team, diligently monitored the situation’s impact on Nation funds, as did the Seneca Nation Foreign Relations Committee.
The US Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has clarified that no individual benefits are subject to freezing. Essential programs such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and Food Stamps remain unaffected. With the withdrawal of the memo, these benefits are fully secure.
In discussions regarding this matter, President Seneca engaged with Congressman Nick Langworthy, who took immediate action to ensure that Seneca Nation funds were not specifically targeted. This included outreach to Rep. Tom Cole, the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.
Additionally, President Seneca voiced concerns to Congressman Langworthy regarding enhanced border enforcement and its potential impact on Native people. Congressman Langworthy expressed confidence that there should be no significant effects but assured that concerns would be conveyed to the Department of Homeland Security.
To facilitate smooth border crossings for all Senecas, the President recommends carrying two forms of identification. Please ensure that you and your children’s tribal ID cards are up to date.
We encourage any Seneca who receives notice from a federal agency regarding a disruption of their payments or issues with border crossings to contact Bethany Johnson at the President’s Office at b.johnson@sni.org.