§2991b–2 Establishment of Administration for Native Americans

Summary

Creates an Administration for Native Americans inside the Department of Health and Human Services. The Administration is led by a Commissioner who is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Commissioner must run the programs in this law, give money, loans, training, technical help, and run research and demonstration projects. The Commissioner must speak up for Native Americans inside HHS and with other federal agencies, coordinate policies and budgets with a special council, send quarterly reports to the Secretary, collect and share information about Native American social and economic conditions, help with an annual report to Congress, prefer certain eligible agencies for contracts (see section 2991b(a)), and encourage hiring and contracting that benefits Native Americans. A council called the Intra-Departmental Council on Native American Affairs is set up in the Secretary’s office. The Commissioner is the chair and the Director of the Indian Health Service is the vice chair. The Secretary picks other members from HHS division heads. Within 180 days after September 30, 1992, the Council must make a plan so tribes and other listed organizations can combine grants and have one office manage and audit them, and send that plan to the Senate and House committees in charge. The Secretary must provide enough staff and support for the Administration, taking into account unmet needs, oversight, Council work, new reporting, and past staffing levels.