In response to the Trump administration’s proposal to eliminate the Institute of American Indian Arts’ (IAIA’s) federal appropriation, Congress has approved $13.482 million in federal funding for IAIA for fiscal year 2026. The funding is included in H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act.
 
The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives on January 8 by an overwhelming bipartisan margin of 397–28 and was subsequently approved by the U.S. Senate.
 
The $13.482 million appropriation maintains IAIA’s current funding level and underscores Congress’s continued bipartisan support for IAIA’s mission, independent of the administration’s priorities. This action ensures stable federal support for IAIA’s academic programs, student services, and general operations throughout the fiscal year.
 
“This bipartisan funding provides critical stability for our students and for the faculty and staff who support them,” said IAIA president Dr. Shelly C. Lowe (Navajo). “It allows IAIA to continue empowering creativity and leadership in Indigenous arts and cultures through higher education, while affirming the enduring value of Native artists and cultural knowledge in this country. We are grateful to Congress and to New Mexico’s congressional delegation for standing with IAIA and the communities we serve.”
 
Congressman and chairman of the House Appropriations Committee Tom Cole (Chickasaw Nation) said, “Developed through thoughtful, bipartisan, committee-led negotiations, we delivered a full-year spending measure that reduces energy costs, protects America’s public lands, and safeguards important programs that Indian Country relies on. As someone who has always championed both tribal sovereignty and returning the appropriations process to regular order, I am very pleased to see the Interior and Environment bill move through the legislative process, and I thank Subcommittee Chair Mike Simpson for his work on this bill.”
 
Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández of New Mexico stated, “Art is a vital pathway to understand culture, identity, and heritage and IAIA is one of the best institutions in the country doing just that. That’s why I fought so hard to secure this bipartisan funding for this beautiful institution—which elevates Indigenous arts and cultures around the world. President Trump proposed eliminating IAIA’s funding—let’s repeat that—he proposed zero funding. Pushing back against such an extreme attack, Democrats and Republicans came together last week to support Native artists, preserve Indigenous culture, and make sure these stories are carried forward for generations. I will continue working alongside Chairman Cole and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro to keep funding IAIA’s mission.” 
 
This moment reflects the resilience and legacy of IAIA and the enduring commitment of the IAIA community to carry Indigenous creativity, knowledge, and culture forward for generations.