FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Shoshone-Bannock Tribes activate Contingency Plan following federal government shutdown
By ROSELYNN YAZZIE
OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
FORT HALL – With Congress unable to reach an agreement on a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the federal government, the federal shutdown is now in effect as of October 1, 2025.
The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes have activated their contingency plan to ensure essential services continue without disruption. Tribal government operations will remain open during normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, through October 18, 2025, after that the plan will progress into its next phase, with additional measures to sustain essential services.
The Tribes’ plan prioritizes continuity of government operations. Critical services, including the Fort Hall Police Department, Fort Hall Fire & EMS, Tribal Courts, and primary health and social programs will remain active. Departments have been directed to coordinate with federal and state partners to confirm approval for continued operations and to guarantee reimbursement during the shutdown.
Program Updates:
Health & Human Services expect minimal disruptions. The Fort Hall Service Unit will continue providing health care delivery and services to Shoshone-Bannock members and eligible patients, supported by advance appropriations to Indian Health Service for Fiscal Year 2026.
For Tribal 477 Programs. services will continue, though some minor disruptions may occur.
Head Start & Schools will remain open.
The Fort Hall BIA Agency has been instructed to implement the BIA Shutdown Contingency Plan. During the shutdown, no services will be available at the Fort Hall Agency. A limited number of key and essential personnel have been deemed exempted and excepted and will be reporting to work under limited working conditions. Wildland Fire and Fort Hall Irrigation staff will continue to report to work as well.
Tribal departments have been directed to limit their purchases to essential, non-discretionary spending. The Executive Office and Finance Department will oversee all expenditures to ensure fiscal stability.
The Fort Hall Business Council is coordinating with national tribal advocacy organizations, such as the Coalition of Large Tribes (COLT), to ensure tribal voices are heard in Washington. In addition to keeping updated from the support communicated by federal lobbyists, Mapetsi, and state lobbyists Youde & Associates.
Fort Hall Business Council Chairwoman Donna Thompson stated, “Even with the uncertainty in Washington, our people can be confident the Tribes are prepared. Protecting the health, safety, and stability of our community remains our top priority.”
Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Policy Analyst, Michael Steele, emphasized, “A short-term shutdown should have minimal impacts, but the longer it continues, the more lasting consequences it may bring. This plan ensures the Tribes are prepared to protect the Tribal members and Tribal sovereignty.”
If the shutdown persists beyond October 18, 2025, the Fort Hall Business Council will release further updates and guidance.