ICYMI: Big Beautiful Bill Will Have Devastating Impacts on Indigenous Communities in Montana

Helena, MT – Lee Newspapers is reporting today that indigenous communities in Montana will be negatively affected by the Trump-inspired, billionaire-first Big Beautiful Bill Act, thanks to the support of Montana’s all-Republican congressional delegation and Trump’s Republican stooges in Congress.

Tribal Nations in Montana are bracing for impact as the sweeping cuts from health and education programs threaten to reduce services or close rural clinics near reservations, as well as gut funding towards tribal colleges on Montana’s reservations.

Lee Newspapers reports Rep. Jade Sootkis, a Democrat from the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, said, “Indian Country's livelihoods will be severely affected.”

“We know indigenous communities and rural Montana will be disproportionately affected by the devastating cuts and slashes imposed by Republicans, and tribal leaders and advocates are already sounding the alarm,” said Interim Executive Director of the Montana Democratic Party Justin Ailport. “Leaders like Senator Daines, Congressman Zinke, and Congressman Downing betrayed Indian Country and rural Montana, and MDP will continue to fight like hell to make sure they’re held accountable for their actions in 2026.”