Dear USET/USET SPF Family,
This morning, after more than a year-long vacancy, the Biden Administration has nominated a candidate for Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS). The nominee is Ms. Roselyn Tso, a citizen of the Navajo Nation and long-time career employee of IHS who is currently serving as the Director of the Navajo Area IHS. A longer bio can be found at the above link.
The nomination has been transmitted to the Senate, where the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA) will hold a confirmation hearing and will ultimately vote on whether to send the nomination to the full Senate for confirmation. The full Senate will need to confirm Ms. Tso before she can be seated as the permanent Director of the IHS.
In response to the nomination, USET SPF transmitted a letter to the SCIA supporting the steps being taken by the Administration to fill the position and indicating that we look forward to utilizing the confirmation process to learn more about the candidate and her priorities for the agency. Our letter also outlines the following professional qualities and policy priorities the incoming IHS Director must have in order to be successful in the position:
- A commitment to Tribal self-governance;
- Support for full and mandatory funding for IHS;
- A commitment to Tribal consultation;
- Acknowledgement of trust and treaty obligations;
- Strong relationship building skills; and
- The ability to act as a strong advocate for Tribal Nations.
USET SPF will continue to monitor developments as the confirmation process proceeds, and provide updates and further advocacy, as appropriate. For more information, please contact Liz Malerba, USET SPF Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs, at lmalerba@usetinc.org.
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