Congresswoman Harriet Hageman, Chair of the House Committee on Natural Resources’ Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs, announced a hearing scheduled for July 24, 2024, at 10:15 AM to consider four bills related to Indian Lands in Alaska and the Indian Health Service (IHS).

1. The “Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act of 2023” (H.R. 6489)

Introduced by Rep. Mary Peltola (D-AK), it would amend the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) to remove provisions requiring Alaska Native Village Corporations to convey land to the State of Alaska to be held in State Trust for future municipal governments. The Act would also allow Alaska Native Village Corporations to dissolve ANCSA State Trusts and regain title to those lands.

2. The “Improving Tribal Cultural Training for Providers Act of 2024” (H.R. 8942)

Introduced by Chairwoman Hageman (R-WY), it would amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to ensure that certain actors associated with the IHS receive educational training in the history and culture of the Tribes they serve.

3. The “IHS Provider Integrity Act” (H.R. 8955)

Introduced by Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), it would amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to ensure that whenever the IHS undertakes an investigation into the professional conduct of a licensee of a State, the IHS notifies the relevant State medical board.

4. The “Uniform Credentials for IHS Providers Act of 2024” (H.R. 8956)

Introduced by Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), it would amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act for development and implementation of a centralized system to credential licensed health professionals who seek to provide health care services at any IHS service unit.

We anticipate the customary opportunity to submit written testimony following the hearing.