H.R. 741 · Passed House · Native Americans

Stronger Engagement for Indian Health Needs Act of 2025

Sponsor: Greg Stanton (D-AZ)

What it does

• Elevates the Director of Indian Health Service to an Assistant Secretary-level position within the Department of Health and Human Services.
• Grants the new Assistant Secretary direct reporting authority to the HHS Secretary, improving bureaucratic standing and authority for Indian health programs.
• Expands institutional influence of Indian Health Service leadership within the HHS organizational hierarchy.

Official summary

Stronger Engagement for Indian Health Needs Act of 2025 This bill elevates the current position of the Director of the Indian Health Service within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to Assistant Secretary for Indian Health within HHS.

Latest action

Sep 15, 2026: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Committee: Senate Indian Affairs