Senate confirms Mark Cruz as Indian Health Service director
The new director takes over an agency serving 2.8 million American Indians and Alaska Natives
The Senate confirmed Mark Cruz, a member of the Klamath Tribes, as Indian Health Service director within the Department of Health and Human Services on Friday, approving him in a 51-47 vote, according to reporting from Underscore Native News. The White House nominated Cruz in early June for a four-year term. The position had two acting directors since Roselyn Tso resigned Jan. 17, 2025.
Cruz testified before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs June 24. The director oversees health care for about 2.8 million American Indians and Alaska Natives from 575 federally recognized tribes under federal treaty and trust responsibilities.
Cruz said in testimony that he would seek to improve care through advance appropriations, fewer staff vacancies, modernized electronic health records and improved purchased/referred care.
- 1.Mark Cruz Confirmed to Lead IHS. Underscore Native News, .
Spotted an error? Suggest a correction.
We provide independent Native-focused reporting that gives our communities the context and the facts they need to make informed decisions.
