IHS Director Nominee faces Critical Questions at Senate Confirmation Hearing

6/26/2026

WASHINGTON, D.C.   –  On June 24, 2026, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held a hearing to consider the nomination of Mark Cruz to serve as the Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS). Cruz currently serves as a Senior Advisor to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Cruz is an enrolled member of the Klamath Tribes. His written testimony is available here, and the full hearing can be viewed on the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs’ website here.

The Committee opened the hearing with testimony from Congressman Tom Cole. Congressman Cole strongly supported the nomination and spoke about first meeting Cruz as a High School Teacher on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. Cruz later served as a Legislative Fellow in the Congressman’s Office. Congressman Cole is an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation and currently serves as the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.

In her opening statement, Chairman Lisa Murkowski told the Committee that Cruz discussed with her that “Tribal consultation is a process, not an event.” She agreed and emphasized the importance of meaningful consultation, ongoing engagement, trust, and accountability. She also noted Cruz’s comment that IHS is a federal agency that touches the lives of Native people from birth to death. Chairman Murkowski felt that this comment reflected the importance of IHS and said that IHS needs a confirmed Director to do this work.

Several committee members, including Vice Chairman Brian Schatz, raised concerns regarding the ongoing staffing crisis within IHS. Vice Chairman Schatz asked Cruz for his commitment to addressing workforce shortages. In response, Cruz affirmed his commitment to meeting these challenges and putting together a robust hiring plan.

If confirmed, Cruz plans to serve in a dual capacity as both a Senior Advisor to Secretary Kennedy and as Director of IHS. During the hearing, Committee members questioned whether Cruz could effectively fulfill both responsibilities including the sprawling mission of HHS which includes critical programs like LIHEAP and Head Start. In response, Cruz noted the importance of the IHS Director having a strong relationship with the HHS Secretary and the ability to address Tribal health issues across HHS.

Tribes are encouraged to stay in contact with their Congressional Delegations to prevent the President’s FY 2027 cuts and advocate for needed funding increases.

Skenandore Wilson LLP is dedicated to the representation of Tribal Nations, Tribal entities, and individual Tribal members throughout Indian Country.  Our mission is to support and advance the sovereignty, self-sufficiency, and self-governance of our Tribal clients.  To learn more about how we can assist you, contact us at info@skenandorewilson.com or 608-608-1210.