[{"_1":2,"_108":-5,"_109":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":71,"_73":71},"mediaId",6346201,"mediaKeyId","2247256-13a9ce1de057d33ba1a836d2e78acc06","parentId",2247256,"title","Tribal advocates and lawmakers back elevating IHS director to assistant secretary to boost Indian health focus","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",3195000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2247256-13a9ce1de057d33ba1a836d2e78acc06&start=3195&end=3195","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2247256-13a9ce1de057d33ba1a836d2e78acc06/thumbnail_3195000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6346201/Tribal-advocates-and-lawmakers-back-elevating-IHS-director-to-assistant-secretary-to-boost-Indian-health-focus","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6346201-36c9778a1e774a4ecb8f770528ca7886/orig.mp4?Expires=1775465385&Signature=HxHpS5sVJUsF8Zq-N5kKNSuTJxxd1vDbccI8EjwGXJTSvRMYKtXe6jbvyy2sKlj6D41jpa1yh9ntA5wQRHkWyRuWd-w3mOTdp79oVD5NhioWEVnBKnCEn1z~XoHrgCD6hQlj-tANWtI7oT-Wcl5JypysbzyUhLpb0fmKnFPNEd7BUSC1EqitDrAr4K3R9o46dZJiB2tWlZabVuhJlMWWwSgsBIlX39SyhB0QTFZaM1YTlHk-FMGpmA~1tq0PhdpTDwPAJkJ8HARmhMixmAESSvoDsom0AqmoEeDdLWgVzuHuF85sd0MJSQvjiLNnwhhE7xkzc5yQpYAmbJIfmTsryQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources","date","2025-02-06T04:51:39Z","article","The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs heard testimony in favor of H.R. 741, the Stronger Engagement for Indian Health Needs Act of 2025, which would elevate the director of the Indian Health Service (IHS) to an assistant secretary position within the Department of Health and Human Services.

A.C. Locklear, identified as Interim Chief Executive Officer of the National Indian Health Board, told the subcommittee that elevating the IHS director “would raise the priority and presence of Indian health matters within HHS and the federal government.” Locklear said the change would make the office a principal advisor to the HHS secretary on Indian health and provide operational authorities — such as hiring and pay flexibilities — that are typically reserved for assistant secretaries.

Locklear and members cited chronic underfunding and workforce shortages at IHS. Testimony described IHS as an agency that oversees roughly 15,000 employees and noted long‑standing health disparities: testimony referenced CDC findings that life expectancy for American Indian and Alaska Native people has declined and cited a 2018 U.S. Commission on Civil Rights finding that federal funding remains inadequate.

Members and witnesses said elevation alone would not solve funding shortfalls. Locklear urged Congress both to elevate the post and to provide appropriate funding so an assistant secretary could carry out expanded coordination and hiring authorities. Committee members noted bipartisan precedent for similar elevations when Congress raised leadership for SAMHSA in 2016.

Lawmakers questioned how an assistant secretary would affect interagency coordination; Locklear said a direct line to the HHS secretary would make it easier to coordinate across HHS divisions and with agencies such as CDC and HRSA on issues ranging from infectious diseases to behavioral health.

The subcommittee held the hearing and solicited written follow‑up but took no final vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Legislative Hearing | Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee","oneSentenceSummary","Supporters of H.R. 741 told a House subcommittee elevating the Indian Health Service director to an assistant secretary position at HHS could give tribal health issues a direct line to the HHS secretary, strengthen hiring and pay authorities, and improve interagency coordination — but proponents said Congress must also fund IHS adequately.","taxTitle","Natural Resources: House Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation, Legislative, Federal","taxId",1983,"location","","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":71,"_73":71},6346206,"Miccosukee chairman urges Congress to add Osceola Camp to reserved area to protect village from flooding",2474,3502000,5976000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2247256-13a9ce1de057d33ba1a836d2e78acc06&start=3502&end=5976","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2247256-13a9ce1de057d33ba1a836d2e78acc06/thumbnail_3502000.jpg","/articles/6346206/Miccosukee-chairman-urges-Congress-to-add-Osceola-Camp-to-reserved-area-to-protect-village-from-flooding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6346206-c062c4616abebae2bdaf92c061430945/orig.mp4?Expires=1775465385&Signature=BvWcOCYHL-c51Hm5-2f~4CPVDjnFxV9scDxX~ZyoRcsScDLdFo00sbfj~~X5oAYEjsjzuluHmOD2GkhyadaIMZvX58c2wuCG1cT76EAbBh9ij1vtb-BKUuj7WKVdUW-Uy0Ct5XEhqw3ftWHbBz9JLaYpMK08DL56zC~HsJINMdplNJYlA6lfMe4D2f~ndyqU2fxdoKEnFWBiJYi0rjs~f1b6~qEkgH5miHuSZAZMDalymZuS16QblFb4a5wvFvfrab8APusH3QFQQgYMI4iZ3BZg8c~o7KHe8NeCHpwPCp8jemGIbN-iWnrvqJQ2zxBTpEjAt5ID9ASDAfGVaNp1DA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Witnesses, tribal leaders and members of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs discussed H.R. 504, the Miccosukee Reserve Area Amendments Act, which would incorporate the Osceola Camp into the Miccosukee Reserved Area (MRA).

Representative Carlos Jimenez, sponsor of H.R. 504, said the bill “ensures that the Miccosukee tribe has the legal authority to manage and protect their land and preserve their traditional way of life.” He said adding Osceola Camp would allow the tribe to optimize water flows and raise structures to guard against flooding.

Talbert Cyprus, introduced as chairman of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, testified that the tribe “strongly support[s] H.R. 5 0 4 which would ensure appropriate governance for the Osceola Camp” and asked the National Park Service to work with the tribe to elevate the camp’s structures under the Central Everglades Planning Project and Tamiami Trail elevation work.

Cyprus described the village as historically inhabited and said the MRA of 1998 created a legal framework that allowed tribal residents to live permanently within Everglades National Park. He said the Osceola Camp remained under a special‑use permit and that adding the camp to the MRA would allow residents to be included as residents of tribal lands, improving access to emergency and infrastructure services.

Witnesses and members discussed rising flood risk as restoration and roadway‑elevation projects proceed; Cyprus said work has begun in cooperation with the Park Service and the Florida Department of Transportation but that without further elevation the village faces “imminent and substantial risk of frequent flooding.”

The subcommittee took testimony and asked for additional follow‑up; no legislative vote was conducted during the hearing.","Miccosukee Tribe leaders and bill sponsor told the subcommittee H.R. 504 would add the Osceola Camp to the Miccosukee Reserved Area, clarify governance, and require National Park Service work to elevate village structures ahead of Everglades restoration flows.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":71,"_73":71},6346211,"Bay Mills leader tells subcommittee title‑insurance confusion blocks tribal land development",2033,2925000,4958000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2247256-13a9ce1de057d33ba1a836d2e78acc06&start=2925&end=4958","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2247256-13a9ce1de057d33ba1a836d2e78acc06/thumbnail_2925000.jpg","/articles/6346211/Bay-Mills-leader-tells-subcommittee-titleinsurance-confusion-blocks-tribal-land-development","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6346211-63f48d8655bdf3841b8462b0dd6c3481/orig.mp4?Expires=1775465385&Signature=FzBxEOxQNk9QIQ6WXtjFg6jjM68QmT5dmjuB~jJaNHOvdbGe3ZfFqR5tnEkLrEXqDruJV6~eHjntEQpXNrv6enVN-Q~~LTnzW3SGbIKUo3Q6~y1PyOcQDCZ3yJDY9HXlFW2TFQFzR4Agn~aw8tgdTrUA4QFFee5HloZWDsnLUMDymU3TUBaSDGAaJONqoSjxmsvXPkevv1YpuJ03trH5Of2NKBPi4HoTDRcoxdiRpFOyQgQICmL5EEw8JGC2CpAsKRqAz50xCJnEeVi4sBpC5Pw~nemkmtKJmFOL9QxRYayX66ceIMmrdZC4et9lXi9VOTKUDFYW7YKmoJxu3BggVg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs heard testimony supporting H.R. 412, legislation to clarify that fee‑simple land owned by the Bay Mills Indian Community may be sold, leased, or encumbered without a separate act of Congress. Chairman Hurd listed the bill among the four measures being considered at the hearing.

Whitney Gravelle, introduced to the panel as president of Bay Mills Indian Community, told the subcommittee that HR 412 “addresses a fundamental issue, the ability of Bay Mills to freely manage and sell our own non trust fee simple lands without unnecessary federal oversight.” She said confusion among title insurance companies has routinely prevented transactions from closing.

Gravelle described attempts to partner with developers and to sell or lease land for housing, manufacturing and public services that stalled when title insurers refused to underwrite transactions. “Without being able to obtain title insurance, the transaction falls through,” she said during questioning, adding that insurers “cite the Nonintercourse Act” in denying coverage.

Committee members noted similar legislation has been enacted for other tribes in Michigan and elsewhere; Gravelle cited prior Congressional acts benefitting the Saginaw Chippewa, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and tribes in Florida, Minnesota, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Oregon. She said Bay Mills has bought land over the last 30 years that often remains undeveloped because sales or long leases are blocked by title insurance opinions.

During questioning, the chair asked whether the waiver would affect trust lands; Gravelle answered that it applies only to lands the tribe owns outright (fee simple) and not to lands held in trust. No vote was taken at the hearing; lawmakers requested additional written materials and said they will work on legislative language to resolve the issue.

The subcommittee record will remain open for follow‑up responses under committee rules.","Bay Mills Indian Community president told the House subcommittee that unclear interpretations of the Nonintercourse Act by title insurers prevent the tribe from selling or leveraging fee‑simple lands, stalling economic projects; H.R. 412 would clarify that fee simple tribal lands do not require Congressional approval to convey.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":42,"_43":101,"_45":101,"_46":102,"_48":103,"_50":104,"_52":105,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":106,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":107,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":71,"_73":71},6346216,"House subcommittee hears push to extend Alaska Native Vietnam-era veterans land‑allotment program",1152000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2247256-13a9ce1de057d33ba1a836d2e78acc06&start=1152&end=1152","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2247256-13a9ce1de057d33ba1a836d2e78acc06/thumbnail_1152000.jpg","/articles/6346216/House-subcommittee-hears-push-to-extend-Alaska-Native-Vietnam-era-veterans-landallotment-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6346216-0d439067e1f7d09f8bdc5670f37530d1/orig.mp4?Expires=1775465385&Signature=MPLs0ZQc627llgDnphFhLfptkvIRTf4jdrZXOCYFfcwBpMsnYDb0heB6A3L-2iURO0j56dFzKVkdGGiMRQs1tQPs-u6ktfUSdtHYO90ZWM9LN4KAc0ZRA-qQNWyXUA1-ZgUiX2vD5w~yVzc6D1fbIe3SgfEG0AQc6R8doSvKPw~jU9FbjSh9mIGomLpXYvsoyDONk0wdjVxgn43J35Xr7PyVEtiveONhTU1wjrQK3~j0PAjdIBBFtcjHQbLcQy9YcNEmPgUR6LgVpNaUIffLG0PQh71lHU9pCulzVlfuZdH8Z4hjoa4OBC4CCXtj38lEiypzUHdCi4rsbvTJ3Avi4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chairman Hurd convened the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs hearing on four bills and described the first measure — H.R. 410, the Alaska Native Vietnam Era Veterans Land Allotment Extension Act of 2025 — as a five‑year extension of a program set to expire on Dec. 29, 2025. The bill was introduced to allow Alaska Native Vietnam‑era veterans more time to apply for allotments created to fulfill promises in the Alaska Native Allotment Act.

Representative Begich, sponsor of H.R. 410, told the subcommittee that “this bill extends the application period for the Alaska Native Vietnam Era Veterans Land Allotment Program by 5 years, ensuring eligible veterans can claim the land they were promised.” He and other members underscored that veterans often could not apply while on active duty and that administrative delays left many veterans and heirs without conveyances.

Nelson Anapak, identified as vice president emeritus of the Alaska Federation of Natives, testified in support of H.R. 410, saying, “AFN is in favor of HR 4 10, the proposed amendments regarding the date that our veterans can apply for allotments.” Anapak told the committee that Alaska Native veterans’ population is declining and urged prompt Congressional action.

Witnesses and members cited Bureau of Land Management data supplied in committee materials: roughly 378 applications are “in process,” the agency lacks postal addresses for about 150 eligible veterans, and the program currently is scheduled to expire Dec. 29, 2025. Representative Begich also noted that, as of January 2025, of more than 2,000 eligible Alaska Native Vietnam‑era veterans, 41 applications had been certified and only 18 conveyances completed.

During questioning, members pressed for causes of delay. Anapak described the practical barrier that many of the lands set aside for application were hundreds of miles from veterans’ home communities, making the allotment selections culturally and logistically impractical for many veterans. Anapak recommended Congress consider making section 11 village withdrawals more available to veterans so they can select lands closer to home.

No committee vote was taken; the hearing served to collect testimony and questions. Members asked witnesses to submit written follow‑up responses to committee questions; the chair said those responses are due under committee rules.","Witnesses and lawmakers urged a five‑year extension of the Alaska Native Vietnam Era Veterans Land Allotment Program so remaining eligible veterans — and heirs — can complete applications and receive conveyances for nearby, culturally meaningful lands before the program expires.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Tribal advocates and lawmakers back elevating IHS director to assistant secretary to boost Indian health focus

Miccosukee chairman urges Congress to add Osceola Camp to reserved area to protect village from flooding

Bay Mills leader tells subcommittee title‑insurance confusion blocks tribal land development

House subcommittee hears push to extend Alaska Native Vietnam-era veterans land‑allotment program