Bill · H.R. 4085· House(119-HR-4085)
Haskell Indian Nations University Improvement Act
- Introduced
- 6/23/2025
- Last activity
- 6/23/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Tracey Mann
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill seeks to establish Haskell Indian Nations University as a federally chartered corporation. This change aims to provide the University with independence from the Bureau of Indian Education. The new structure includes an independent Board of Trustees to oversee the institution. It also grants the University the tax status of a charitable organization to accept private donations. The Act intends to fulfill the Federal Government's treaty and trust responsibilities to Indian nations. Finally, it outlines the establishment of an endowment program to support the University's mission.
Yes· 3 of 4
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+9
The bill provides significant benefits to Indian nations, including educational autonomy, preference in hiring, and financial stability for the university.
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?+7
The bill supports Indian nations by providing independence to Haskell Indian Nations University and fulfilling federal trust responsibilities.
Does this make college cost less?+6
The bill supports tuition-free higher education and creates an endowment to support the University's mission.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Improved Educational Quality: The bill aims to provide the University with independence from the Bureau of Indian Education to improve the ability to provide a high-quality education to Indian students (Section 3, Purpose 2).
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Expanded Funding Opportunities: By establishing the University with the tax status of a charitable organization, it can accept private donations to support its educational mission (Section �3, Purpose 3).
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Financial Stability through Endowments: The creation of a program enhancement endowment and a trust fund allows the University to invest funds to defray expenses such as operations, maintenance, and student services (Section 20, Purpose 4).
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Employment Preferences: The University can develop policies to extend preference for employment to members of Indian Tribes (Section 14, Purpose 1, B).
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Tuition-Free Higher Education: The University's primary function remains to provide tuition-free, scholarly study for Indians (Section 6, Purpose 1).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Loss of Civil Service Status: On the date of enactment, any position at the University occupied by an individual in the civil service will terminate (Section 12, subsection g).
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Management Transitions: The transition involves shifting from the Bureau of Indian Education to a Board of Trustees, which may impact how the University is administered (Section 3, Purpose 2).
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Liability Limitations: The University's liability relating to tort claims is limited to the extent a Federal agency is subject to such liability (Section 16, subsection a, 1).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Native Americans+9Good For Students+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+7
- Education And Technology
- Improves College Affordability+6
- 9/2/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/27/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/23/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Paul GosarRepublican · Arizona
Michael GuestRepublican · Mississippi
Derek SchmidtRepublican · Kansas