Senate Committee to Consider IHS Director, Tribal Housing Bill

Why It Matters

The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs will meet on July 22 to consider the nomination of Mark Cruz as new director of the Indian Health Service, and legislation to expand Native American housing programs. The Indian Health Service reported a nearly 30% vacancy rate in 2026, even as it launched what it described as the largest hiring effort in agency history. Confirming a director could shape how the agency addresses staffing shortages while lawmakers also consider legislation affecting federal housing assistance for tribal communities.

The Nominee

Senators previously held a nomination hearing on June 24 where Cruz outlined his vision for leading the agency.

The Indian Health Service's nearly 30% vacancy rate highlights ongoing workforce challenges across the agency's facilities and programs. How Cruz addresses recruitment and retention could influence the agency's ongoing hiring effort.

Expanding Native American Housing

The meeting will also include a hearing on S. 4276, the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Modernization Act of 2026. The bill would reauthorize the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 through 2033.

S. 4276 would modernize federal housing assistance programs for Native Americans, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians by expanding access to funding and streamlining program administration. Among other provisions, it increases flexibility for tribes and tribal housing entities in using technical assistance funds, expands eligibility for housing counseling grants and homeless assistance programs, and raises government guarantees to 100% for certain Indian home loans and Native Hawaiian housing loans.

The bill was introduced on March 26 by Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI). It has seven cosponsors: Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ).

Sen. Daines said the bill would help ensure tribal communities have the resources and flexibility needed to address housing shortages in Indian Country. A companion House bill was introduced by Rep. Troy Downing (R-MT).

Hearing Details

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) chairs the committee, and Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) serves as vice chair.

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