| CTS Convenes in Washington, DC The Coalition held its second in-person meeting of the year in Washington, DC this week, bringing together member organizations to advance shared priorities and strengthen coordination across the Coalition. The meeting focused on aligning strategies to advocate and uplift Tribal Nations and Native peoples, with discussions centered on key policy priorities and opportunities for collective engagement and collaboration in the months ahead. As advocacy efforts continue to evolve, CTS remains committed to fostering strong partnerships and advancing policies that support Tribal sovereignty and the well-being of Native communities. |
| Trump Nominates Mark Cruz to Lead Indian Health Service President Trump has nominated Mark Cruz, a citizen of the Klamath Tribes, to serve as Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS). Cruz currently serves as Senior Advisor to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., making him one of the highest-ranking Native officials within the department. He holds degrees from Pepperdine University and Brown University. The IHS Director position has been vacant since the resignation of former Director Roselyn Tso, with Chief of Staff Clayton Fulton serving in an acting capacity since December 2025. If confirmed, Cruz would oversee a nationwide system providing health care services to American Indians and Alaska Natives through IHS, Tribal, and urban Indian health programs. Stakeholders have emphasized the importance of permanent leadership at IHS. Cruz’s nomination now moves to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA), where lawmakers will consider the appointment before a potential floor vote. |
| Senate Targets Mid-June Release for Farm Bill Text Senate Agriculture Chair John Boozman (R-AR) is aiming to release the Senate’s long-awaited Farm Bill text by mid-June, signaling renewed momentum after months of delays. Boozman noted the committee is awaiting final Congressional Budget Office scores before unveiling the draft, with timing contingent on those cost estimates. The House passed its version of the Farm Bill in late April, but significant political hurdles remain in the Senate. While the legislation has historically advanced with bipartisan support, Democrats have raised concerns over Republican-led changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enacted through last year’s tax and policy package. Some lawmakers are calling for those changes to be revisited or paused as a condition for supporting the broader bill. The Senate draft will be a key test of whether negotiators can bridge divisions over nutrition policy while advancing broader agriculture priorities. With current farm bill authorities already extended, pressure is mounting forCongress to move toward final passage this year. |
| NCUIH Community of Learning: Strengthening Vaccine Confidence – Closing Session Coalition member the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) will host a Community of Learning session, “Strengthening Vaccine Confidence in Native Communities: Listening Back and Looking Forward,” on June 17, 2026, from 2:00–2:45 p.m. ET. This 45‑minute virtual gathering will close NCUIH’s four‑part series on vaccine confidence by reflecting on key lessons learned and effective approaches shared across the collaborative. During the session, participants will take part in a facilitated discussion and open forum to share priorities, strategies, and next steps for strengthening immunization efforts in their communities, with an option to submit comments anonymously to encourage candid dialogue and peer‑supported problem solving. The conversation will be guided by Alyssa Smith‑Longee, MPH, BSN, RN, Certified Pediatric Nurse (Assiniboine/Sioux – Fort Peck), who will help attendees: Discuss key takeaways and best practices from the full Community of Learning series Review how social media toolkits can bolster outreach and community engagement Explore opportunities for ongoing peer learning, collaboration, and support around immunizations Urban Indian Organization staff and leadership are encouraged to attend and help shape the path forward for vaccine confidence work in Native communities. Learn more and register here. |
| Bipartisan Bill Aims to Strengthen Tribal Child Welfare and Family Services Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) have introduced the Promoting Strong Native Families and Children Act (S. 4638), bipartisan legislation aimed at expanding Tribal access to federal human services funding and strengthening child welfare systems in Tribal communities. The bill would increase funding for Tribal human services programs by $94 million, adjust grant formulas to better reflect administrative costs and community needs, and improve coordination between states and Tribes when Native children are placed in state child welfare systems. It also seeks to provide Tribes with greater flexibility and support to meet federal program requirements in ways that align with local conditions. Tribal Nations play a critical role in delivering services that protect children, elders, and other vulnerable populations, yet continue to face longstanding barriers to accessing federal funding and programs. Where funding is available, it often falls short of actual need, limiting the effectiveness of Tribal social services and court systems. Supporters say the legislation would help close these gaps by providing more equitable and flexible funding, enabling Tribes to expand proven programs and deliver culturally appropriate services to their communities. For more information, click here. To take action, click here. |