Sen. Moran Introduces Bill to Give Tribal Universities a Stronger Voice in Education Funding

Press Release

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) recently joined his colleagues in introducing the National Advisory Council on Indian Education Improvement Act, to give Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) greater input over federal funding discussions that impact them.

"When funding decisions are made in Washington, D.C., it's important that tribal colleges have a seat at the table," said Sen. Moran. "Tribal universities, like Kansas' own Haskell Indian Nations University, should have the opportunity to share specific needs and ideas that can better help direct federal resources to our tribal colleges."

The Department of Education's tribal advisory group -- the National Advisory Council on Indian Education (NACIE) -- advises the Secretaries of Education and Interior on programs serving tribes and their members. NACIE releases an annual report, but the Department of Education does not have a process for considering NACIE's report when developing its budget request.

Additionally, Department of Education tribal consultation sessions often do not provide the opportunity for TCU leaders to provide direct input.

The National Advisory Council on Indian Education Improvement Act would address these challenges by:

Requiring at least one of NACIE's members be the president of a Tribal College or University.
Requiring the Secretaries of Education and Interior to consider NACIE's annual report when preparing their budgets each year.

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