The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Pub. L. No. 116-260 (Act), created the TBCP, providing new sources of Tribal broadband funding to assist in mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating the digital divide across Indian Country. View the Dear Tribal Leader Letter for detailed information.
Who We Serve
The White House Council on Native American Affair (WHCNAA) Committee on Economic Development, Energy, and Infrastructure serves Tribes and Tribal communities by strengthening and developing federal programs and policies that support prosperous and resilient Tribal communities.
Key Dates
Services We Provide
Events
Committee Members
Leads
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Stephanie Mash Sykes
Director of Intergovernmental Affairs
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Adam Geisler
National Tribal Government Liaison, First Responder Network Authority
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John (“Jack”) Bienko
Deputy for Entrepreneurship Education
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PaaWee Rivera
Director of Tribal Affairs and Senior Advisor
Participants
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White House - Office of the Vice President
About the WHCNAA Committee on Economic Development, Energy and Infrastructure
The White House Council on Native American Affairs (WHCNAA) Committee on Economic Development, Energy, and Infrastructure promotes strong Tribal economies and businesses, green/renewable energy development, and robust infrastructure, including housing, for Tribes. Co-led by the Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of Commerce (DOC), the Small Business Administration (SBA), and the White House - Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, the Committee is currently focusing on:
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Supporting Tribes undergoing transitions to renewable energy
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Coordinating across federal agencies to address wide-ranging aspects of improving infrastructure in Indian Country
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Increasing the number of Native American contractors in the federal contracting sphere
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Developing new tools to assist Native American businesses and contractors, including resources aimed at workforce development and improving technical capacity for Tribes
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Increasing broadband connectivity or Tribes and Tribal communities.
