Bills · HR 741
PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 741Government employee pay, benefits, personnel managementAdministrative remedies
Stronger Engagement for Indian Health Needs Act of 2025
INTRO JAN 28· LAST ACTION SEP 15
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
3BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it changes how the federal government prioritizes and addresses the health needs of Native Americans. By elevating the leader of the Indian Health Service to an Assistant Secretary position, it gives this role more political weight and direct access to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. This means issues affecting Indian health could be brought to the top decision-makers more quickly and with greater authority.
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to stronger advocacy for Indian health, potentially influencing funding decisions, policy development, and the overall quality of care provided by the IHS. If it doesn't become law, the Director of the IHS would remain at its current level, continuing to report through various layers of bureaucracy within HHS, which many argue limits their ability to effectively champion the needs of Native American communities.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Elevates the position of Director of the Indian Health Service to Assistant Secretary for Indian Health.
This change grants the leader of the Indian Health Service greater authority and a higher-ranking voice within the Department of Health and Human Services.
PROVISION 02
Requires the Assistant Secretary to report directly to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Direct reporting ensures that Indian health issues receive immediate attention from the top leadership of HHS without passing through multiple bureaucratic layers.
PROVISION 03
Authorizes the appointment of a Deputy Assistant Secretary for Indian Health.
This provision strengthens the leadership structure of the Indian Health Service by adding a senior support role.
PROVISION 04
Adjusts the pay grade of the position from Level V to Level IV within the federal executive schedule.
The increased pay grade reflects the elevated status and responsibilities of the new Assistant Secretary role.
PROVISION 05
Ensures that all existing federal laws, orders, and documents referring to the 'Director' will now refer to the 'Assistant Secretary.'
This clarifies the new legal authority and responsibilities of the elevated position across the federal government.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 3
D· Arizona
YRS IN OFFICE
7
BILLS LED
27
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 66%
DEM 1 REP 2 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
39 EVENTSSEP 15
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
SEP 14
Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
SEP 14
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5568-5570)
SEP 14
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 741.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 741
Congress119th
StatusPassed House
IntroducedJan 28, 2025
Last actionSep 15, 2026
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PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS · NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 28, 2025
House BillHR 741Government employee pay, benefits, personnel managementAdministrative remedies
Stronger Engagement for Indian Health Needs Act of 2025
INTRODUCED JAN 28, 2025· LAST ACTION SEP 15, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
3
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
