Senators Defend 'Transformative' Native Contracting Program

Murkowski and bipartisan allies push back against efforts to curb the Small Business Administration's 8(a) program.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a Senate hearing, Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski and other lawmakers defended the Small Business Administration's 8(a) program, which has been vital for Indigenous communities and businesses. The program has faced heightened scrutiny and criticism from the Trump administration, with some officials calling it a 'discriminatory' diversity initiative. Murkowski and others argued the program is a success story that has enabled economic development and self-sufficiency for tribal nations.

Why it matters

The 8(a) program has evolved from a Civil Rights-era initiative to a key mechanism for Indian tribes, Alaska Native corporations, and Native Hawaiian organizations to build successful businesses through federal contracting. Recent attacks on the program by the Trump administration threaten the economic progress and self-determination of Indigenous communities across the country.

The details

The Senate hearing featured testimony from representatives of Alaska Native corporations and the Cherokee Nation, who emphasized the 'transformative' impact of the 8(a) program on their communities. They pushed back against claims that the program is a 'racial preference scheme' or rife with fraud, arguing it has enabled tangible investments and economic development. However, the Trump administration has taken steps to limit the program, including suspending hundreds of firms registered with it.

  • The Senate hearing took place on February 10, 2026.
  • In late January 2026, the Small Business Administration suspended about 25% of firms registered in the 8(a) program, citing failure to provide required documents.
  • Just days before the hearing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized the 8(a) program as an 'oldest DEI program' and promised changes at the Pentagon.

The players

Sen. Lisa Murkowski

The Republican senator from Alaska who chaired the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing and defended the 8(a) program.

Katherine Carlton

The president of Chugach Alaska Corporation, an Alaska Native corporation that testified about the importance of the 8(a) program.

Polly Watson

The vice president of operations at Bristol Bay Native Corporation, another Alaska Native corporation that testified.

Chuck Hoskin Jr.

The principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, who called the 8(a) program 'transformational' for tribal economic self-determination.

Kelly Loeffler

The Trump-appointed SBA administrator who criticized the 8(a) program as benefiting 'favored minority groups' at the expense of 'white Americans.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This isn't a new topic for oversight. We have regularly conducted oversight of this program, and that remains important because 8(a), in this senator's view, is a success story. It's not a fraud, as some have mistakenly alleged. And quite honestly that's terminology that I would categorically reject.”

— Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Senator (adn.com)

“Today, Indian Country stands at a critical crossroads. For decades, the federal government has recognized that Tribal self-determination requires economic self-sufficiency. That long-standing principle is now facing renewed and unprecedented pushback — pushback that threatens the progress Tribal Nations have worked decades to achieve.”

— Chuck Hoskin Jr., Principal Chief, Cherokee Nation (adn.com)

“The 8(a) Program was abused during the Biden Administration to benefit favored minority groups at the expense of every other legitimate small business owner in America, including white Americans. The Trump Administration has acted from Day One to dismantle the discriminatory agenda that put white small business owners at a disadvantage, and to crack down on the fraud and corruption that proliferates within DEI programs.”

— Kelly Loeffler, SBA Administrator (adn.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.