42 U.S.C. § 2991b-2 : US Code - Section 2991B-2: Establishment of Administration for Native Americans

Search 42 U.S.C. § 2991b-2 : US Code - Section 2991B-2: Establishment of Administration for Native Americans

(a) Establishment
There is established in the Department of Health and Human
Services (referred to in this subchapter as the "Department") the
Administration for Native Americans (referred to in this subchapter
as the "Administration"), which shall be headed by a Commissioner
of the Administration for Native Americans (referred to in this
subchapter as the "Commissioner"). The Administration shall be the
agency responsible for carrying out the provisions of this
subchapter.
(b) Commissioner
The Commissioner shall be appointed by the President, by and with
the advice and consent of the Senate.
(c) Duties
The Commissioner shall -
(1) provide for financial assistance, loan funds, technical
assistance, training, research and demonstration projects, and
other activities, described in this subchapter;
(2) serve as the effective and visible advocate on behalf of
Native Americans within the Department, and with other
departments and agencies of the Federal Government regarding all
Federal policies affecting Native Americans;
(3) with the assistance of the Intra-Departmental Council on
Native American Affairs established by subsection (d)(1) of this
section, coordinate activities within the Department leading to
the development of policies, programs, and budgets, and their
administration affecting Native Americans, and provide quarterly
reports and recommendations to the Secretary;
(4) collect and disseminate information related to the social
and economic conditions of Native Americans, and assist the
Secretary in preparing an annual report to the Congress about
such conditions;
(5) give preference to agencies described in section 2991b(a)
of this title that are eligible for assistance under this
subchapter, in entering into contracts for technical assistance,
training, and evaluation under this subchapter; and
(6) encourage agencies that carry out projects under this
subchapter, to give preference to Native Americans, in hiring and
entering into contracts to carry out such projects.
(d) Intra-Departmental Council on Native American Affairs
(1) There is established in the Office of the Secretary the Intra-
Departmental Council on Native American Affairs. The Commissioner
shall be the chairperson of such Council and shall advise the
Secretary on all matters affecting Native Americans that involve
the Department. The Director of the Indian Health Service shall
serve as vice chairperson of the Council.
(2) The membership of the Council shall be the heads of principal
operating divisions within the Department, as determined by the
Secretary, and such persons in the Office of the Secretary as the
Secretary may designate.
(3) In addition to the duties described in subsection (c)(3) of
this section, the Council shall, within 180 days following
September 30, 1992, prepare a plan, including legislative
recommendations, to allow tribal governments and other
organizations described in section 2991b(a) of this title to
consolidate grants administered by the Department and to designate
a single office to oversee and audit the grants. Such plan shall be
submitted to the committees of the Senate and the House of
Representatives having jurisdiction over the Administration for
Native Americans.
(e) Staffing levels
The Secretary shall assure that adequate staff and administrative
support is provided to carry out the purpose of this subchapter. In
determining the staffing levels of the Administration, the
Secretary shall consider among other factors the unmet needs of the
Native American population, the need to provide adequate oversight
and technical assistance to grantees, the need to carry out the
activities of the Council, the additional reporting requirements
established, and the staffing levels previously maintained in
support of the Administration.