Reps. Gallego and Cole, Sen. Warren Reintroduce Bicameral Bill to Guarantee Tribal Health Authorities Access to the Strategic National Stockpile

Statement

Today, Representatives Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Tom Cole (R-OK) and United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) reintroduced the Tribal Medical Supplies Stockpile Access Act, legislation originally introduced in 2020 that would guarantee that the Indian Health Service (IHS), tribal health authorities, and urban Indian organizations have access to the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS), a federal repository of drugs and medical supplies that can be tapped if a public health emergency could exhaust local supplies.

Currently, IHS and tribal health authorities' access to the SNS is limited and is not guaranteed in the SNS statute. In contrast, states' and large municipalities' public health authorities have ready, direct access to the SNS.

"With the omicron variant surging, it is more important than ever that Indian Country has the resources and equipment to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and treat those who are sick. That is why I'm proud to introduce the Tribal Medical Supplies Stockpile Access Act to support IHS and all of Indian Country by ensuring they have direct access to these resources in the Strategic National Stockpile. This bill is a key part of upholding our trust responsibility and will bolster Tribal sovereignty as Tribes navigate a pandemic that has disproportionately impacted Native people," said Congressman Gallego, former Chair of the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the U.S.

"When the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services taps into our Strategic National Stockpile and distributes out to prevent shortages in communities across the nation, it is simply commonsense to include Native communities," said Congressman Cole, Co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus. "As a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma and co-chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus, I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this important legislation that ensures tribal nations and their health organizations are able to request and receive these vital medical supplies and medications in times of national health emergencies."

"As COVID-19 continues to devastate communities, it is critical that Indian Country has access to crucial medical supplies and equipment. That means ensuring IHS, tribal health authorities, and urban Indian organizations have access to the national stockpile of medical supplies. Our bill does exactly that, so IHS, tribal nations, and Native communities are empowered to confront public health crises head-on," Senator Warren said.

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