NCUIH Endorses Bicameral Bill to Improve Public Health Emergency Preparedness for Indian Health Care Providers
On July 21, 2026, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-NM-01), Representative Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM-03) introduced the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Tribal Public Health Security and Preparedness Act (S.5056/ H.R.9820). The bill would allow Tribes to apply directly to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) program funds. Currently, only states and certain local entities may apply for PHEP funds to respond to public health emergencies. The bill authorizes $750 million for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2028 for the PHEP program 5% tribal set-aside of the total CDC PHEP funds. Additionally, urban Indian organizations (UIOs) are included in several important consultation provisions in the bill that would ensure they are included in crafting public health plans.
“The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) is pleased to endorse the CDC Tribal Public Health Security and Preparedness Act which provides Tribes access to Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) program funds and includes urban Indian organization input on the development of public health plans. This bill’s equitable access to critical preparedness funds will ensure Indian Country will be better prepared to respond to future public health emergencies.” – Francys Crevier (Algonquin), CEO, NCUIH.
The CDC Tribal Public Health Security and Preparedness Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Ill.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
The bill has been endorsed by leading Native American advocacy groups— including the National Congress of American Indians, National Indian Health Board, and NCUIH. It currently awaits consideration.
