Sponsors (2)
The bill substantially expands and simplifies Tribal access to federal public-health emergency funding—providing predictable, flexible awards and formal Tribal consultation—at the trade-off of reserving funds from the general pool, increasing federal spending, and creating oversight and administrative trade-offs for agencies and other grantees.
Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations gain guaranteed, expanded access to public-health emergency funds: the bill authorizes $750M/year (FY2026–2028) and reserves at least 5% for Tribal awards while requiring at least 10 Tribal cooperative agreements with Secretary-determined minimum awards.
Tribes get more flexible funding use because Tribal award funds remain available until expended for the performance period, enabling multi-year planning and project continuity.
Lower administrative and financial barriers for Tribal applicants through waivers of matching and certain program requirements (while retaining labor/environmental standards) makes it easier for Tribes to participate and implement projects.
Reserving at least 5% of the annual pool for Tribal awards reduces the portion of the $750M available to other eligible non‑Tribal entities competing for the same funds.
Authorizing $750M per year increases potential federal spending and could add to budgetary pressures or taxpayer costs if fully appropriated.
Waiving certain program requirements for Tribal awards may weaken uniform oversight and compliance safeguards, increasing variability or implementation risk across awards.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Directs $750M/year for FY2026–2028 to expand CDC preparedness cooperative agreements to Tribes, reserves ≥5% for Tribal awards, requires Tribal consultation and a report to Congress.
Official title: To improve State, local, and Tribal public health security.
Introduced July 21, 2026 by Melanie Ann Stansbury · Last progress July 21, 2026
Expands CDC cooperative agreement eligibility and funding to directly include Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, Tribal consortia, and Tribal educational agencies for public health security and preparedness. Raises and reauthorizes the program funding to $750 million per year for FY2026–FY2028, reserves at least 5% for Tribal awards, requires minimum Tribal awards and at least 10 Tribal cooperative agreements, allows Tribal award funds to remain available until expended, and directs Tribal consultation plus a report to Congress reviewing implementation and waived requirements.