Bill would elevate top Indian Health Service leader to Assistant Secretary
Passed one chamberH.R. 741Latest action
Sponsor: Greg Stanton · Representative · AZ
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Stronger Engagement for Indian Health Needs Act of 2025
119th Congress
Topics: Family & community
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
HR 741 would rename and elevate the IHS Director to Assistant Secretary for Indian Health within HHS.
40-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill upgrades the top leadership position of the Indian Health Service from "Director" to "Assistant Secretary for Indian Health" within HHS, giving the role higher rank and direct reporting within HHS's chain of command. It also lets the new Assistant Secretary appoint a Deputy Assistant Secretary and other staff, updates pay to match other HHS Assistant Secretaries, and applies existing laws and references to the old title automatically to the new one.
Who does it affect?
IHS leadership and staff, tribal governments and communities relying on IHS services, and HHS's organizational structure are directly affected.
Why does it matter?
The change alters how much authority and visibility Indian health programs' leadership has within federal decision-making, without changing the agency's day-to-day functions.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJan 28, 2025
- House committee
- House vote
- SenateYou are here · Sep 15, 2026
- The president's desk
Right now: it passed the House, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.