Indigenous Students Excel through Parity Act of 2026 (II)
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (27 Jul 2026): Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
What this bill does
H.R. 9973, the Indigenous Students Excel through Parity Act of 2026 (II), directs the Secretary of the Interior, working with the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs and the Director of the Bureau of Indian Education, to update the Indian School Equalization Formula within one year of enactment. The update must consider funding adequacy for Bureau of Indian Education schools, comparable state teacher and staff salaries (aiming toward the highest quartile), weighting for tribally controlled, small, and rural schools, and a specific additional funding factor for Havasupai Elementary School. The Secretary must also report to Congress on the formula's adequacy and recommendations for improvement, in consultation with tribal and student organizations.
The bill primarily affects Bureau of Indian Education schools, tribally controlled schools, their students, and staff, by aiming to align funding and salaries more closely with comparable non-BIE schools and federal pay standards. Once the formula is updated, the bill requires the President's annual budget request to seek full funding for the Indian School Equalization Program, with adjustments for inflation, Department of Defense Education Activity salary schedules, and federal employee pay increases for non-teacher staff at tribally controlled schools.
The bill was introduced on July 27, 2026, by Rep. Melanie Stansbury and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. It has not yet been voted on, and no further action has occurred.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
27 Jul 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9973 do?
- H.R. 9973, the Indigenous Students Excel through Parity Act of 2026 (II), directs the Secretary of the Interior, working with the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs and the Director of the Bureau of Indian Education, to update the Indian School Equalization Formula within one year of enactment. The update must consider funding adequacy for Bureau of Indian Education schools, comparable state teacher and staff salaries (aiming toward the highest quartile), weighting for tribally controlled, small, and rural schools, and a specific additional funding factor for Havasupai Elementary School. The Secretary must also report to Congress on the formula's adequacy and recommendations for improvement, in consultation with tribal and student organizations. The bill primarily affects Bureau of Indian Education schools, tribally controlled schools, their students, and staff, by aiming to align funding and salaries more closely with comparable non-BIE schools and federal pay standards. Once the formula is updated, the bill requires the President's annual budget request to seek full funding for the Indian School Equalization Program, with adjustments for inflation, Department of Defense Education Activity salary schedules, and federal employee pay increases for non-teacher staff at tribally controlled schools. The bill was introduced on July 27, 2026, by Rep. Melanie Stansbury and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. It has not yet been voted on, and no further action has occurred.
- Has H.R. 9973 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 9973. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9973?
- H.R. 9973 was sponsored by Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1] (D-NM), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9973?
- Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. (27 Jul 2026).
Related bills in Native Americans
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Tribal Oral Health Sovereignty Act
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More bills from Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1]
Smithsonian Integrity and Historical Independence Act of 2026
Indigenous Students Excel through Parity Act of 2026
CDC Tribal Public Health Security and Preparedness Act
SNAP BACK Act.
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