MURKOWSKI CONGRATULATES INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE DIRECTOR MARK CRUZ ON SENATE CONFIRMATION

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, congratulated the Senate's confirmation of Mark Cruz to serve as Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as part of an en bloc package of nominations on August 7, 2026.

"I congratulate Mark Cruz on his confirmation to serve as Indian Health Service Director. Throughout the confirmation process, Mr. Cruz demonstrated a strong understanding of the challenges facing Tribal communities and a commitment to improving Native health outcomes," said Chairman Murkowski. "I look forward to working with Mr. Cruz as he delivers on his commitments to strengthen the Indian Health Service and improve health outcomes for Tribal communities."

Background: Cruz's confirmation follows his nomination hearing before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, where Chairman Murkowski expressed her support for his nomination and emphasized the importance of strong leadership at the Indian Health Service. During the hearing, Cruz committed to working with Tribal leaders and Congress to strengthen Tribal consultation, improve accountability, and address longstanding challenges facing IHS, including infrastructure needs and resource constraints.

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