CDC Tribal Public Health Security and Preparedness Act

Key Points

• The bill adds Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and consortiums as entities that can apply directly for CDC public health emergency preparedness cooperative agreements, a funding stream currently reserved mainly for states and certain localities.
• Total program funding rises to $750 million a year for fiscal years 2026 through 2028, up from $685 million, with at least 5 percent set aside each year specifically for Tribal awards.
• The Secretary must award at least 10 cooperative agreements to Tribal entities, and unlike states, these entities are not required to provide matching funds to receive the money.
• Health officials are directed to waive or modify program rules, except those covering labor standards or the environment, when needed to make the grants work for Tribal governments.
• The bill requires ongoing consultation with Tribal leaders on program design and a report to Congress within two years covering which Tribes got funding, what waivers were issued, and what infrastructure gaps remain.