Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee

Part B of title II of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 238 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: 249. Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee (a) Establishment (1) In general The Secretary shall establish within the Department of Health and Human Services a committee to be known as the Secretary's Tribal Advisory Committee (referred to in this section as the Committee). (2) Purpose The purpose of the Committee shall be to seek consensus, exchange views, share information, provide advice and recommendations, and facilitate and enhance, but not supplant, government-to-government consultation between the Secretary and Indian Tribes on matters relating to intergovernmental responsibilities or the administration of programs under the Department of Health and Human Services. (b) Membership (1) Composition The Committee shall be composed of 1 representative from each of the 12 service areas of the Indian Health Service. (2) Appointment The Secretary shall appoint the members of the Committee from nominations submitted by Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and national organizations representing American Indians and Alaska Natives. (3) Qualifications With respect to the members of the Committee appointed under paragraph (2)— (A) each such member shall— (i) be an elected Tribal official, acting in their official capacity as an elected official of their Tribe, or be designated by an elected Tribal official, in that official’s elected capacity, with authority to act on behalf of the Tribal official; and (ii) have experience in matters related to programs under the Department; and (B) the members shall together represent diverse geographic regions. (4) Terms (A) In general Each member of the Committee shall be appointed for a term of 2 years. (B) Staggered terms The Secretary shall establish a system of staggered terms to ensure continuity of the Committee. (C) Reappointment Members of the Committee may be reappointed. (5) Tribal technical advisors The Secretary shall ensure that members of the Advisory Committee have the support of Tribal technical advisors to support their work on the Advisory Committee. (c) Duties The Committee shall— (1) identify evolving issues that affect the administration of programs under the Department that serve American Indians and Alaska Natives; (2) propose solutions and provide recommendations— (A) to improve access to, coverage of, and delivery of services; (B) to enhance coordination between the Department and Indian Tribes; and (C) to strengthen Department consultation with Indian Tribes; (3) identify interdepartmental barriers and propose solutions for coordination between the agencies and offices of the Department; and (4) advise on strategies for effective implementation of Department programs and policies in Tribal communities. (d) Meetings (1) In general The Committee shall, to the maximum extent practicable, meet in person not less frequently than twice each year. (2) Agency representation The Secretary or the Secretary's designee shall attend each meeting of the Committee. (3) Requirement At least one meeting per year shall be held in person in Indian country. (e) Reporting (1) Committee reports Not less frequently than every 2 years, the Committee shall submit to the Secretary and the relevant committees of Congress a report on— (A) the activities of the Committee; (B) challenges affecting the government-to-government relationship between the Secretary and Indian Tribes; and (C) recommendations for legislative and administrative actions relating to access, coverage, and delivery of services to American Indian and Alaska Natives, related to programs of the Department of Health and Human Services. (2) Agency response Not later than 45 days after receiving a report under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit a written response to— (A) the Committee; and (B) the relevant committees of Congress. (f) Compensation (1) In general Members of the Advisory Committee shall serve without compensation. (2) Reimbursement Members of the Advisory Committee shall be reimbursed for travel, subsistence, and other necessary expenses incurred in the course of carrying out the duties of the Advisory Committee. (g) Support The Secretary shall provide technical and logistical support to the Committee. (h) Applicability of FACA Chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to as the Federal Advisory Committee Act), shall not apply to the Committee. (i) Definitions In this section: (1) Committee The term Committee means the Secretary's Tribal Advisory Committee established under subsection (a)(1). (2) Department The term Department means the Department of Health and Human Services. (3) Relevant committees of congress The term relevant committees of Congress means— (A) the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate; (B) the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate; and (C) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives. (j) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $200,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2032..