Jacqueline Pata explained what the “fiscal cliff” and sequestration could mean to Native American communities, and she responded to telephone calls and electronic communications. She also discussed priorities for the lame-duck session of Congress including the Violence Against Women Act, the Stafford Act and the Farm Bill. She also addressed controversies over mascots, the 2012 election, and the upcoming White House Tribal Nations Conference. 
“Fiscal cliff” referred to the impending tax increases and budget cuts at the end of 2012 if Congress failed to reach a budget agreement.