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As of midnight on October 1, 2025, the federal government has entered a shutdown due to the failure to pass a funding bill for the new fiscal year. This situation has direct implications for federally funded programs that support our tribal community.
KEY CONCERNS
The shutdown may affect:
- Health Care Services: IHS facilities remain open using advanced appropriations but some services may be delayed.
- Education and Youth Programs: BIE programs are expected to continue, but administrative delays may occur.
- Infrastructure and Housing Projects: Federal funding freezes may halt ongoing projects.
- Social Services: Programs such as WIC and SNAP may face disruptions if the shutdown continues beyond a week.
Federal Student Aid and Higher Education
- Pell Grants and Federal Student Loans will continue to be disbursed.
- FAFSA Processing remains active—students are encouraged to apply early.
- Loan Repayments are still required; however, customer service may be limited.
- Forgiveness Programs may experience delays in processing.
Tribal Leadership Response
We are actively coordinating with our other tribal nations, federal agencies and tribal advocacy organizations to:
- Maintain essential services
- Support tribal staff
- Advocate for tribal sovereignty and funding
All grant drawdowns were done last week which will be enough to sustain the federal programs through the shutdown for only a short period. The last U.S. federal government shutdown before this one began on December 22, 2018, and ended on January 25, 2019. It lasted 35 days, making it the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. That shutdown occurred during President Donald Trump’s first term and was primarily due to a dispute over funding for a border wall. It resulted in:
- Approximately 800,000 federal employees being furloughed or working without pay.
- Delays in federal services and economic losses estimated at $3 billion in GDP
Our current financial status would allow for 3 months of operation. Unfortunately, we still have to pay the hotel and casino loans throughout the shutdown and beyond. To date we are still able to make drawdowns on all of our grants, so drawdowns will continue up until the government disallows or reaches an agreement.
Resources and Contact Information
- Tribal Administration Office: (405) 247-2425
- Wichita Housing Authority: (405) 247-7470
- Mental Health & Crisis Support: 988 or 1-800-522-7233
- Website: www.wichitatribe.com
We will also host a virtual town hall next Wednesday at the scheduled WEC meeting to answer questions and hear your concerns directly if the shutdown is still in effect. Details will be shared via email and social media.
so:ti:cʔa,
Amber Silverhorn-Wolfe
President
Wichita and Affiliated Tribes
