Today, the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs held a legislative hearing on four bills to support Alaska Native veterans, enable economic development, improve flood residency of tribal lands and analyze the administrative structure of the Indian Health Service (IHS). Subcommittee Chair Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.) issued the following statement in response:

“I am honored to serve as Chairman of the Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee and to build upon the great work of Chair Hageman. We gaveled into our first subcommittee hearing to discuss the importance of the Indian Health Service, improve flood resiliency on tribal lands and to protect our Alaska Native Vietnam-era Veterans. I look forward to working with Chairman Westerman and members on the subcommittee.”

Background

H.R. 410, the Alaska Native Vietnam Era Veterans Land Allotment Extension Act of 2025, introduced by U.S. Rep. Nick Begich (R-Alaska), will extend the Alaska Native Vietnam-era Veterans Land Allotment Program for five years through December 29, 2030.

H.R. 412, introduced by U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman (R-Mich.), will ensure the Bay Mills Indian Community can sell, transfer, lease, encumber, or otherwise convey land the tribe owns outright without seeking federal approval. The bill would not affect any land held in trust for the Bay Mills Indian Community.

H.R. 504, the Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Carlos Giménez (R-Fla.), will amend the Miccosukee Reserved Area Act to include the Osceola Camp tribal village as part of the Miccosukee Reserved Area and would direct the Secretary of the Interior to consult with the tribe and take appropriate actions to protect the structures within the village from flooding.

H.R. 741, the Stronger Engagement for Indian Health Needs Act of 2025, introduced by U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.), will elevate the Director of the IHS to the level of Assistant Secretary within the Department of Health and Human Services.