Telehealth Modernization Act

Senate Bill

S. 2709

119th Congress

Telehealth Modernization Act

In Committee

Introduced:Sep 9, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Martin Heinrich

Senator

Democratic

NM

Cosponsors

0

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Native Americans

Summary

The Strengthening the Office of Tribal Relations Act of 2023 would establish a new Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Tribal Relations position within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This official would be responsible for coordinating USDA's policies and programs that serve Native American tribes and overseeing the department's Office of Tribal Relations.

Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

The Strengthening the Office of Tribal Relations Act of 2023 would establish a new Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Tribal Relations position within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This official would be responsible for coordinating USDA's policies and programs that serve Native American tribes and overseeing the department's Office of Tribal Relations.

Last updated: 12/29/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Strengthening the Office of Tribal Relations Act of 2023 This bill establishes the position of Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Tribal Relations within the Department of Agriculture (USDA). This position may be responsible for (1) overseeing USDA's Office of Tribal Relations; (2) planning, coordinating, and implementing USDA's policies and programs serving Indian tribes and tribal organizations; (3) coordinating tribal programs and activities in all of USDA's offices and agencies; and (4) participating in negotiated rulemakings associated with USDA's tribal programs.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Creates a new Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Tribal Relations position within the USDA
This official would be tasked with overseeing the USDA's Office of Tribal Relations and coordinating the department's tribal programs and policies
The Assistant Secretary would participate in rulemaking processes related to USDA's tribal initiatives

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

If passed, this bill would directly impact Native American tribes and tribal organizations by giving them a higher-level advocate within the USDA. It could lead to improved coordination and implementation of USDA programs and services that benefit Native communities, such as agricultural assistance, food distribution, and rural development initiatives.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Native Americans

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

2709, 119th Congress (2025). "Telehealth Modernization Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-2709