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Stronger Engagement for Indian Health Needs Act of 2025

USA119th CongressHR-741| House 
| Updated: 2/5/2025
Greg Stanton

Greg Stanton

Democratic Representative

Arizona

Cosponsors (2)
David P. Joyce (Republican)Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican)

Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee, Energy and Commerce Committee, Natural Resources Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill, titled the "Stronger Engagement for Indian Health Needs Act of 2025," aims to significantly elevate the leadership of the Indian Health Service (IHS). It proposes to change the position of Director of the IHS to an Assistant Secretary for Indian Health within the Department of Health and Human Services. This new Assistant Secretary would report directly, signifying a higher level of authority and direct accountability within the department. The legislation also authorizes the appointment of a Deputy Assistant Secretary to support the administration of the Service's activities. To implement this change, the bill amends various sections of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, replacing all references to the "Director" with "Assistant Secretary." Furthermore, it clarifies that any existing federal law, executive order, or regulation referring to the Director of the Indian Health Service will automatically apply to the new Assistant Secretary. The bill also adjusts the Executive Schedule pay grades, moving the position from Level V to Level IV, reflecting its increased organizational standing and importance.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-6406
Stronger Engagement for Indian Health Needs Act of 2022

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-2535
Stronger Engagement for Indian Health Needs Act of 2023
Jan 28, 2025
Introduced in House
Jan 28, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Jan 29, 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs.
Feb 5, 2025
Subcommittee Hearings Held
Feb 3, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-3767
Introduced in Senate
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-6406
    Stronger Engagement for Indian Health Needs Act of 2022


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-2535
    Stronger Engagement for Indian Health Needs Act of 2023


  • January 28, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • January 28, 2025
    Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.


  • January 29, 2025
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs.


  • February 5, 2025
    Subcommittee Hearings Held


  • February 3, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-3767
    Introduced in Senate

Native Americans

Administrative remediesDepartment of Health and Human ServicesExecutive agency funding and structureFederal officialsGovernment employee pay, benefits, personnel management

Stronger Engagement for Indian Health Needs Act of 2025

USA119th CongressHR-741| House 
| Updated: 2/5/2025
This bill, titled the "Stronger Engagement for Indian Health Needs Act of 2025," aims to significantly elevate the leadership of the Indian Health Service (IHS). It proposes to change the position of Director of the IHS to an Assistant Secretary for Indian Health within the Department of Health and Human Services. This new Assistant Secretary would report directly, signifying a higher level of authority and direct accountability within the department. The legislation also authorizes the appointment of a Deputy Assistant Secretary to support the administration of the Service's activities. To implement this change, the bill amends various sections of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, replacing all references to the "Director" with "Assistant Secretary." Furthermore, it clarifies that any existing federal law, executive order, or regulation referring to the Director of the Indian Health Service will automatically apply to the new Assistant Secretary. The bill also adjusts the Executive Schedule pay grades, moving the position from Level V to Level IV, reflecting its increased organizational standing and importance.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-6406
Stronger Engagement for Indian Health Needs Act of 2022

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-2535
Stronger Engagement for Indian Health Needs Act of 2023
Jan 28, 2025
Introduced in House
Jan 28, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Jan 29, 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs.
Feb 5, 2025
Subcommittee Hearings Held
Feb 3, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-3767
Introduced in Senate
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-6406
    Stronger Engagement for Indian Health Needs Act of 2022


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-2535
    Stronger Engagement for Indian Health Needs Act of 2023


  • January 28, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • January 28, 2025
    Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.


  • January 29, 2025
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs.


  • February 5, 2025
    Subcommittee Hearings Held


  • February 3, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-3767
    Introduced in Senate
Greg Stanton

Greg Stanton

Democratic Representative

Arizona

Cosponsors (2)
David P. Joyce (Republican)Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican)

Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee, Energy and Commerce Committee, Natural Resources Committee

Native Americans

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Administrative remediesDepartment of Health and Human ServicesExecutive agency funding and structureFederal officialsGovernment employee pay, benefits, personnel management