Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB417

Introduced
1/20/23  

Caption

Tribal Healthcare Careers Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reserve a portion of Health Profession Opportunity Grants for Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and tribal colleges and universities. HHS must award at least 10 grants to tribal applicants.

Impact

The bill stipulates that 15% of the funds under the Health Profession Opportunity Grant program will be specifically reserved for grants aimed at eligible Indian entities. In addition, it guarantees that at least 10 grants will be awarded to qualifying applicants from these tribal entities each fiscal year, ensuring that they have the opportunity to receive essential funding for healthcare education and career development. This change is expected to provide critical resources to improve the capacity and quality of healthcare services within tribal communities.

Summary

House Bill 417, also known as the Tribal Healthcare Careers Act, is designed to enhance healthcare funding for Indian populations by mandating the reservation of a portion of Health Profession Opportunity Grants specifically for Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Tribal Colleges and Universities. This legislative initiative emphasizes the importance of supporting Native populations in accessing healthcare and education in health-related fields, which has been a significant area of need within these communities.

Contention

While the intent of HB 417 is to provide necessary funding and educational opportunities to tribal populations, its implementation could raise questions about the adequacy of the allocated funds and the effectiveness of the grant management process. Stakeholders may debate the sufficiency of this funding in meeting the health profession needs of Indian populations compared to non-tribal funding sources. Furthermore, discussions around how these grants will be administered and the accountability of recipients are likely to arise, highlighting the need for transparent and fair processes in distributing these critical resources.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SB385

A bill to amend the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act to authorize grants to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations, and for other purposes.

US HB3976

To amend the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to authorize grants to Indian Tribes to further achievement of Tribal coastal zone objectives, and for other purposes.

US HR107

Recognizing the importance of Tribal colleges and universities to the United States and expressing support for designating the week beginning February 5, 2023, as "National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week".

US SB5621

A bill to provide grants to States, Indian Tribes, and Tribal organizations for activities to increase the availability of child care options and to support the child care workforce, and for other purposes.

US SB612

A bill to amend the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act to authorize grants to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations, and for other purposes.

US HB3236

Tribal Police Department Parity Act

US HR981

Recognizing the importance of Tribal colleges and universities to the United States and expressing support for designating the week beginning February 5, 2024, as "National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week".

US HB4276

To amend the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act to authorize grants to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations, and for other purposes.

US HB66

Native American Education Opportunity Act This bill addresses education savings account programs and charter schools for tribal students. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Education and the Department of the Interior, at the request of federally recognized Indian tribes, to provide funds to tribes for tribal-based education savings account programs. Tribes must use these funds to award grants to education savings accounts for students who (1) attended or will be eligible to attend a school operated by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE); or (2) will not be attending a school operated by the BIE, receiving an education savings account from another tribe, or attending public elementary or secondary school while participating in the program. Funds may be used for items and activities such as costs of attendance at private schools, private tutoring and online learning programs, textbooks, educational software, or examination fees. The Government Accountability Office must review the implementation of these education savings account programs, including any factors impacting increased participation in such programs. Additionally, the bill authorizes the BIE to approve and fund charter schools at any school that it operates or funds.

US HB5494

Tribal Connect Act of 2023

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.