Senator Cortez Masto Questions IHS on Staffing Shortages and Grant Funding

Grant Funding and Justification Requirements

• 📌 Senator Cortez Masto questioned whether new executive orders are creating additional justifications for drawing down grant funding.
• 💡 Mr. Belmard confirmed an executive order required justification for certain funds but stated a solution is being worked on with the Treasury Department to eliminate this requirement for self-governance funds.
• ✍️ The Senator requested that the written procedure for this new process be shared once finalized.

Indian Health Service Authorities and Education

• 🧠 Mr. Smith explained that the Department of Health and Human Services is educating new leadership on the unique authorities of the Indian Self-Determination Education Assistance Act.
• ⚠️ He clarified that these contracts and compacts are not governed by federal acquisition regulations or standard grants.
• ✅ The education efforts have been helpful, and the agency is working to ensure compliance with the law.

Staffing Shortages and Vacancy Rates

• 📊 Indian Health Services is experiencing a 30% vacancy rate across the board, with employee numbers decreasing from 15,218 in January to 14,613.
• 📉 Despite the decrease in employees, there have been no agency-wide reductions in force, apart from those naturally occurring when tribes assume operations.
• 🎯 The agency is working with HHS and the Office of Personnel Management on limited exemptions to address critical needs and bring in essential employees.

Secretary Kennedy's Involvement

• 🤝 Secretary Kennedy has engaged with the Secretary's Tribal Advisory Committee multiple times, prioritizing Indian Health Service.
• 📢 He has put staff on alert to address critical needs, and the agency is working with HHS and OPM on exemptions for critical employees.

Nevada Urban Indians Grant Termination

• 💔 A grant for the Nevada Urban Indians, providing culturally specific domestic violence and sexual violence services, was terminated by HHS via ACF.
• 📉 This termination has led to layoffs and impeded the organization's ability to offer services to victims of domestic violence.
• ❓ Senator Cortez Masto requested an explanation for the grant termination and an exploration of ways to reinstate it.