I 
118TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. R. 7227 
To establish the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School 
Policies in the United States, and for other purposes. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
FEBRUARY 5, 2024 
Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas (for herself and Mr. COLE) introduced the following 
bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Work-
force, and in addition to the Committees on Natural Resources, and En-
ergy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the 
Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within 
the jurisdiction of the committee concerned 
A BILL 
To establish the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian 
Boarding School Policies in the United States, and for 
other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
(a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as the 
‘‘Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding 
School Policies Act of 2024’’. 
(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents for 
this Act is as follows: 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. 
Sec. 2. Purposes. 
Sec. 3. Definitions. 
TITLE I—COMMISSION AND SUBCOMMITTEES 
Subtitle A—Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School 
Policies in the United States 
Sec. 101. Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies 
in the United States. 
Subtitle B—Duties of the Commission 
Sec. 111. Duties of the commission. 
Subtitle C—Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee 
Sec. 121. Survivors truth and healing subcommittee. 
TITLE II—ADVISORY COMMITTEES 
Subtitle A—Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee 
Sec. 201. Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee. 
Subtitle B—Federal Truth and Healing Advisory Committee 
Sec. 211. Federal Truth and Healing Advisory Committee. 
TITLE III—GENERAL PROVISIONS 
Sec. 301. Clarification. 
Sec. 302. Burial management. 
Sec. 303. Co-stewardship agreements. 
Sec. 304. No right of action. 
SEC. 2. PURPOSES. 
The purposes of this Act are— 
(1) to establish a Truth and Healing Commis-
sion on Indian Boarding School Policies in the 
United States, including other necessary advisory 
committees and subcommittees; 
(2) to formally investigate, document, and re-
port on the histories of Indian Boarding Schools, In-
dian Boarding School Polices, and the systematic 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
and long-term effects of those schools and policies 
on Native American peoples; 
(3) to develop recommendations for Federal 
participation based on the findings of the Commis-
sion; and 
(4) to promote healing for survivors of Indian 
Boarding Schools, the descendants of those sur-
vivors, and the communities of those survivors. 
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. 
In this Act: 
(1) COMMISSION.—The term ‘‘Commission’’ 
means the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian 
Boarding School Policies in the United States estab-
lished by section 101(a). 
(2) FEDERAL TRUTH AND HEALING ADVISORY 
COMMITTEE.—The term ‘‘Federal Truth and Heal-
ing Advisory Committee’’ means the Federal Truth 
and Healing Advisory Committee established by sec-
tion 211(a). 
(3) INDIAN.—The term ‘‘Indian’’ has the mean-
ing given the term in section 6151 of the Elemen-
tary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 
U.S.C. 7491). 
(4) INDIAN BOARDING SCHOOL.—The term ‘‘In-
dian Boarding School’’ means— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
(A) a site of an institution that— 
(i) provided on-site housing or over-
night lodging; 
(ii) was described in Federal records 
as providing formal academic or vocational 
training and instruction to American Indi-
ans, Alaska Natives, or Native Hawaiians; 
(iii) received Federal funds or other 
Federal support; and 
(iv) was operational before 1969; 
(B) a site of an institution identified by 
the Department of the Interior in appendices A 
and B of the report entitled ‘‘Federal Indian 
Boarding School Initiative Investigative Re-
port’’ and dated May 2022 (or a successor re-
port); or 
(C) any other institution that implemented 
Indian Boarding School Policies, including an 
Indian day school. 
(5) INDIAN BOARDING SCHOOL POLICIES.—The 
term ‘‘Indian Boarding School Policies’’ means Fed-
eral laws, policies, and practices purported to ‘‘as-
similate’’ and ‘‘civilize’’ American Indians, Alaska 
Natives, and Native Hawaiians that included psycho-
logical, physical, sexual, and mental abuse, forced 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
removal from home or community, and identity-al-
tering practices intended to terminate Native lan-
guages, cultures, religions, social organizations, or 
connections to traditional land. 
(6) INDIAN TRIBE.—The term ‘‘Indian Tribe’’ 
has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the 
Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance 
Act (25 U.S.C. 5304). 
(7) NATIVE
AMERICAN.—The term ‘‘Native 
American’’ means an individual who is— 
(A) an Indian; or 
(B) a Native Hawaiian. 
(8) NATIVE AMERICAN TRUTH AND HEALING 
ADVISORY
COMMITTEE.—The term ‘‘Native Amer-
ican Truth and Healing Advisory Committee’’ means 
the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory 
Committee established by the Commission under sec-
tion 201(a). 
(9) NATIVE HAWAIIAN.—The term ‘‘Native Ha-
waiian’’ has the meaning given the term in section 
6207 of the Elementary and Secondary Education 
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7517). 
(10) NATIVE
HAWAIIAN
ORGANIZATION.—The 
term ‘‘Native Hawaiian organization’’ means a pri-
vate nonprofit organization that— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
(A) serves and represents the interests of 
Native Hawaiians; 
(B) has as its primary and stated purpose 
the provision of services to Native Hawaiians; 
(C) has Native Hawaiians serving in sub-
stantive and policymaking positions; and 
(D) is recognized for having expertise in 
Native Hawaiian affairs. 
(11) OFFICE
OF
HAWAIIAN
AFFAIRS.—The 
term ‘‘Office of Hawaiian Affairs’’ has the meaning 
given the term in section 6207 of the Elementary 
and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
7517). 
(12) SURVIVORS
TRUTH
AND
HEALING
SUB-
COMMITTEE.—The term ‘‘Survivors Truth and Heal-
ing Subcommittee’’ means the Survivors Truth and 
Healing Subcommittee established by section 121(a). 
(13) TRAUMA-INFORMED
CARE.—The term 
‘‘trauma-informed care’’ means holistic psychological 
and health care practices that include promoting cul-
turally responsive practices, patient psychological, 
physical, and emotional safety, and environments of 
healing, trust, peer support, and recovery. 
(14) TRIBAL ORGANIZATION.—The term ‘‘Trib-
al organization’’ has the meaning given the term in 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Edu-
cation Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304). 
TITLE I—COMMISSION AND 
SUBCOMMITTEES 
Subtitle 
A—Truth 
and 
Healing 
Commission on Indian Boarding 
School Policies in the United 
States 
SEC. 101. TRUTH AND HEALING COMMISSION ON INDIAN 
BOARDING SCHOOL POLICIES IN THE UNITED 
STATES. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established a com-
mission, to be known as the ‘‘Truth and Healing Commis-
sion on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United 
States’’. 
(b) MEMBERSHIP.— 
(1) MEMBERSHIP.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—The Commission shall 
include 5 members, to be jointly appointed by 
the majority and minority leaders of the Senate, 
in consultation with the Chairperson and Vice 
Chairperson of the Committee on Indian Affairs 
of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of 
Representatives, the minority leader of the 
House of Representatives, and the Chair and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
Ranking Member of the Committee on Natural 
Resources of the House of Representatives, 
from among the nominees submitted under 
paragraph (2)(A), of whom— 
(i) 1 shall be an individual with exten-
sive experience and expertise as a principal 
investigator overseeing or leading complex 
research initiatives with and for Indian 
Tribes and Native Americans; 
(ii) 1 shall be an individual (barred in 
good standing) with extensive experience 
and expertise in the area of indigenous 
human rights law and policy, including 
overseeing or leading broad-scale investiga-
tions of abuses of indigenous human 
rights; 
(iii) 1 shall be an individual with ex-
tensive experience and expertise in Tribal 
court judicial and restorative justice sys-
tems and Federal agencies, such as partici-
pation as a Tribal judge, researcher, or 
former presidentially appointed commis-
sioner; 
(iv) 1 shall be an individual with ex-
tensive experience and expertise in pro-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00008
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
viding and coordinating trauma-informed 
care and other health-related services to 
Indian Tribes and Native Americans; and 
(v) 1 shall be a Native American indi-
vidual recognized as a traditional cultural 
authority by their respective Native com-
munity. 
(B) 
ADDITIONAL
REQUIREMENTS
FOR 
MEMBERSHIP.—In addition to the requirements 
described in subparagraph (A), members of the 
Commission shall be persons of recognized in-
tegrity and empathy, with a demonstrated com-
mitment to the values of truth, reconciliation, 
healing, and expertise in truth and healing en-
deavors that are traditionally and culturally ap-
propriate so as to provide balanced points of 
view and expertise with respect to the duties of 
the Commission. 
(2) NOMINATIONS.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—Indian Tribes, Tribal 
organizations, Native Americans, the Office of 
Hawaiian Affairs, and Native Hawaiian organi-
zations may submit to the Secretary of the In-
terior nominations for individuals to be ap-
pointed to the Commission not later than 90 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
days after the date of the enactment of this 
Act. 
(B) NATIVE AMERICAN PREFERENCE.—In-
dividuals nominated under subparagraph (A) 
who are Native American shall receive a pref-
erence in the selection process for appointment 
to the Commission under paragraph (1). 
(C) SUBMISSION TO CONGRESS.—Not later 
than 7 days after the submission deadline for 
nominations described in subparagraph (A), the 
Secretary of the Interior shall submit to Con-
gress a list of the individuals nominated under 
that subparagraph. 
(3) DATE.—Members of the Commission under 
paragraph (1) shall be appointed not later than 180 
days after the date of the enactment of this Act. 
(4) PERIOD OF APPOINTMENT; VACANCIES; RE-
MOVAL.— 
(A) PERIOD OF APPOINTMENT.—A mem-
ber of the Commission shall be appointed for a 
term that is the shorter of— 
(i) 6 years; and 
(ii) the life of the Commission. 
(B) VACANCIES.—After all initial members 
of the Commission are appointed and the initial 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
business meeting of the Commission has been 
convened under subsection (c)(1), a single va-
cancy in the Commission— 
(i) shall not affect the powers of the 
Commission; and 
(ii) shall be filled within 90 days in 
the same manner as was the original ap-
pointment. 
(C) REMOVAL.—A quorum of members of 
the Commission may remove a member of the 
Commission only for neglect of duty or malfea-
sance. 
(5) TERMINATION.—The Commission shall ter-
minate 6 years after the date of the enactment of 
this Act. 
(6) LIMITATION.—No member of the Commis-
sion shall be an officer or employee of the Federal 
Government. 
(c) BUSINESS MEETINGS.— 
(1) INITIAL BUSINESS MEETING.—90 days after 
the date on which all of the members of the Com-
mission are appointed under subsection (b)(1)(A), 
the Commission shall hold the initial business meet-
ing of the Commission— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
(A) to appoint a Chairperson, a Vice 
Chairperson, a Secretary, and such other posi-
tions as determined necessary by the Commis-
sion; 
(B) to establish rules for meetings of the 
Commission; and 
(C) to appoint members of— 
(i) the Survivors Truth and Healing 
Subcommittee under section 121(b)(1); 
and 
(ii) the Native American Truth and 
Healing Advisory Committee under section 
201(b)(1). 
(2) SUBSEQUENT BUSINESS MEETINGS.—After 
the initial business meeting of the Commission is 
held under paragraph (1), the Commission shall 
meet at the call of the Chairperson. 
(3) ADVISORY
AND
SUBCOMMITTEE
COMMIT-
TEES
DESIGNEES.—Each 
Commission 
business 
meeting shall include participation by 2 non-voting 
designees from each of the Survivors Truth and 
Healing Subcommittee, the Native American Truth 
and Healing Advisory Committee, and the Federal 
Truth and Healing Advisory Committee, as ap-
pointed in accordance with section 121(c)(1)(D), 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
section 201(e)(1)(C), and section 211(c)(1)(C), as 
applicable. 
(4) FORMAT OF MEETINGS.—A business meet-
ing of the Commission may be conducted in-person, 
virtually, or via phone. 
(5) QUORUM REQUIRED.—A business meeting 
of the Commission may only be held once a quorum, 
established in accordance with subsection (d), is 
present. 
(d) QUORUM.—A simple majority of the members of 
the Commission present shall constitute a quorum for a 
business meeting. 
(e) RULES.—The Commission may establish, by a 
majority vote, any rules for the conduct of Commission 
business, in accordance with this section and other appli-
cable law. 
(f) COMMISSION PERSONNEL MATTERS.— 
(1) COMPENSATION
OF
COMMISSIONERS.—A 
member of the Commission shall be compensated at 
a daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay 
prescribed for grade 14 of the General Schedule 
under section 5332 of title 5, United States Code, 
for each day, not to exceed 14 days per month, for 
which a member is engaged in the performance of 
their duties under this Act, limited to convening 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
meetings, including public or private meetings to re-
ceive testimony in furtherance of the duties of the 
Commission and the purposes of this Act. 
(2) TRAVEL
EXPENSES.—A member of the 
Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, includ-
ing per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates author-
ized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of 
chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while 
away from their homes or regular places of business 
in the performance of services for the Commission. 
(3) DETAIL
OF
GOVERNMENT
EMPLOYEES.— 
Any Federal Government employee, with the ap-
proval of the head of the appropriate Federal agency 
and at the request of the Commission, may be de-
tailed to the Commission without— 
(A) reimbursement to the agency of that 
employee; and 
(B) interruption or loss of civil service sta-
tus, benefits, or privileges. 
(g) POWERS OF COMMISSION.— 
(1) HEARINGS AND EVIDENCE.—The Commis-
sion may, for the purpose of carrying out this Act— 
(A) hold such hearings and sit and act at 
such times and places, take such testimony, and 
receive such evidence, virtually or in-person, as 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00014
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
the Commission may determine necessary to ac-
complish the purposes of this Act; 
(B) conduct or request such interdiscipli-
nary research, investigation, or analysis of such 
information and documents, records, or other 
evidence as the Commission may determine nec-
essary to accomplish the purposes of this Act, 
including— 
(i) securing, directly from a Federal 
agency, such information as the Commis-
sion considers necessary to accomplish the 
purposes of this Act; and 
(ii) requesting the head of any rel-
evant Tribal or State agency to provide to 
the Commission such information as the 
Commission considers necessary to accom-
plish the purposes of this Act; 
(C) subject to paragraphs (1) and (2) of 
subsection (i), require, by subpoena or other-
wise, the production of such records, papers, 
correspondence, memoranda, documents, books, 
videos, oral histories, recordings, or any other 
paper or electronic material, as the Commission 
may determine necessary to accomplish the pur-
poses of this Act; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00015
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
(D) oversee, direct, and collaborate with 
the Federal Truth and Healing Advisory Com-
mittee, the Native American Truth and Healing 
Advisory Committee, and the Survivors Truth 
and Healing Subcommittee to accomplish the 
purposes of this Act; and 
(E) coordinate with Federal and non-Fed-
eral entities to preserve and archive, as appro-
priate, any gifts, documents, or other property 
received while carrying out the purposes of this 
Act. 
(2) CONTRACTING; VOLUNTEER SERVICES.— 
(A) 
CONTRACTING.—The 
Commission 
may, to such extent and in such amounts as are 
provided in appropriations Acts, and in accord-
ance with applicable law, enter into contracts 
and other agreements with public agencies, pri-
vate organizations, and individuals to enable the 
Commission to carry out the duties of the Com-
mission under this Act. 
(B) VOLUNTEER
AND
UNCOMPENSATED 
SERVICES.—Notwithstanding section of title 31, 
United States Code, the Commission may ac-
cept and use such voluntary and uncompen-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
sated services as the Commission determines to 
be necessary. 
(C) 
GENERAL
SERVICES
ADMINISTRA-
TION.—The Administrator of General Services 
shall provide, on request of the Commission, on 
a reimbursable basis, administrative support 
and other services for the performance of the 
functions of the Commission under this Act. 
(3) POSTAL SERVICES.—The Commission may 
use the United States mails in the same manner and 
under the same conditions as other agencies of the 
Federal Government. 
(4) GIFTS, 
FUNDRAISING, 
AND
DISBURSE-
MENT.— 
(A) GIFTS AND DONATIONS.— 
(i) IN
GENERAL.—The Commission 
may accept, use, and dispose of any gift, 
donation, service, property, or other record 
or recording to accomplish the purposes of 
this Act. 
(ii) RETURN
OF
GIFTS
AND
DONA-
TIONS.—On termination of the Commis-
sion under subsection (b)(5), any gifts, 
unspent donations, property, or other 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
record or recording accepted by the Com-
mission under clause (i) shall be— 
(I) returned to the applicable 
donor that made the donation under 
that clause; or 
(II) archived under subparagraph 
(E). 
(B) FUNDRAISING.—The Commission may, 
on the affirmative vote of 3⁄5 of the members of 
the Commission, solicit funds to accomplish the 
purposes of this Act. 
(C) 
DISBURSEMENT.—The 
Commission 
may, on the affirmative vote of 3⁄5 of the mem-
bers of the Commission, approve the expendi-
ture of funds to accomplish the purposes of this 
Act. 
(D) TAX
DOCUMENTS.—The Commission 
(or a designee) shall, on request of a donor 
under subparagraph (A) or (B), provide tax 
documentation to that donor for any tax-de-
ductible gift made by that donor under those 
subparagraphs. 
(E) ARCHIVING.—The Commission shall 
coordinate with the Library of Congress and 
the National Museum of the American Indian 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00018
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
to archive and preserve relevant gifts or dona-
tions received under subparagraph (A) or (B). 
(h) CONVENING.— 
(1) CONVENING PROTOCOL.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 45 days 
after the initial business meeting of the Native 
American Truth and Healing Advisory Com-
mittee, the Commission, 3 designees from the 
Native American Truth and Healing Advisory 
Committee, and 3 designees from the Survivors 
Truth and Healing Subcommittee shall hold a 
meeting to establish rules, protocols, and for-
mats for convenings carried out under this sub-
section. 
(B) RULES
AND
PROTOCOLS.—Not later 
than 45 days after the initial meeting described 
in subparagraph (A), the Commission shall fi-
nalize 
rules, 
protocols, 
and 
formats 
for 
convenings carried out under this subsection by 
a 3⁄5 majority in attendance at a meeting of the 
Commission. 
(C) ADDITIONAL
MEETINGS.—The Com-
mission and designees described in subpara-
graph (A) may hold additional meetings, as 
necessary, to amend, by a 3⁄5 majority in at-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00019
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
tendance at a meeting of the Commission, the 
rules, protocols, and formats for convenings es-
tablished under that subparagraph. 
(2) ANNOUNCEMENT
OF
CONVENINGS.—Not 
later than 30 days before the date of a convening 
under this subsection, the Commission shall an-
nounce the location and details of the convening. 
(3) MINIMUM NUMBER OF CONVENINGS.—The 
Commission shall hold— 
(A) not fewer than 1 convening in each of 
the 12 regions of the Bureau of Indian Affairs 
and Hawai’i during the life of the Commission; 
and 
(B) beginning 1 year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, not fewer than 1 con-
vening per quarter to receive testimony each 
calendar year until the date on which the Com-
mission submits the final report of the Commis-
sion under section 111(e)(3). 
(4) OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE TESTIMONY.— 
No person or entity shall be denied the opportunity 
to provide relevant testimony at a convenings held 
under this subsection, subject to the discretion of 
the Chairperson of the Commission (or a designee). 
(i) SUBPOENAS.— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00020
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
(1) IN GENERAL.— 
(A) ISSUANCE OF SUBPOENAS.— 
(i) IN GENERAL.—If a person fails to 
supply information requested by the Com-
mission, the Commission may issue, on a 
unanimous vote of the Commission, a sub-
poena requiring from a person the produc-
tion of any written or recorded evidence 
necessary to carry out the duties of the 
Commission under section 111. 
(ii) NOTIFICATION.— 
(I) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 
10 days before the date on which the 
Commission issues a subpoena under 
clause (i), the Commission shall sub-
mit to the Attorney General a con-
fidential, written notice of the intent 
to issue the subpoena. 
(II) SUBPOENA PROHIBITED BY 
ATTORNEY GENERAL.— 
(aa) IN GENERAL.—The At-
torney General, on receiving a 
notice under subclause (I), may, 
on a showing of a procedural or 
substantive defect, and after the 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00021
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
Commission has a reasonable op-
portunity to cure, prohibit the 
issuance of the applicable sub-
poena described in that notice. 
(bb) NOTIFICATION TO CON-
GRESS.—On prohibition of the 
issuance of a subpoena under 
item (aa), the Attorney General 
shall submit to Congress a report 
detailing the reasons for that 
prohibition. 
(B) PRODUCTION
OF
EVIDENCE.—The 
production of evidence may be required from 
any place within the United States. 
(2) FAILURE TO OBEY A SUBPOENA.— 
(A) ORDER FROM A DISTRICT COURT OF 
THE
UNITED
STATES.—If a person does not 
obey a subpoena issued under paragraph (1), 
the Commission is authorized to apply to a dis-
trict court of the United States described in 
subparagraph (B) for an order requiring that 
person to comply with the subpoena. 
(B) LOCATION.—An application under sub-
paragraph (A) may be made within the judicial 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
district where the person described in that sub-
paragraph resides or transacts business. 
(C) PENALTY.—Any failure to obey an 
order of a court described in subparagraph (A) 
may be punished by the court as a civil con-
tempt. 
(3) SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION.—The dis-
trict court of the United States in which an action 
is brought under paragraph (2)(B) shall have origi-
nal jurisdiction over any civil action brought by the 
Commission to enforce, secure a declaratory judg-
ment concerning the validity of, or prevent a threat-
ened refusal or failure to comply with the applicable 
subpoena issued by the Commission. 
(4) SERVICE OF SUBPOENAS.—The subpoenas 
of the Commission shall be served in the manner 
provided for subpoenas issued by a district court of 
the United States under the Federal Rules of Civil 
Procedure. 
(5) SERVICE OF PROCESS.—All process of any 
court to which an application is made under para-
graph (2) may be served in the judicial district in 
which the person required to be served resides or 
transacts business. 
(j) NONDISCLOSURE.— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
(1) PRIVACY
ACT
OF
1974
APPLICABILITY.— 
Subsection (b) of section 552a of title 5, United 
States Code (commonly known as the ‘‘Privacy Act 
of 1974’’), shall not apply to the Commission. 
(2) FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT APPLICA-
BILITY.—Records and other communications pro-
vided to, from, between, or within the Commission, 
the Federal Truth and Healing Advisory Committee, 
the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory 
Committee, the Survivors Truth and Healing Sub-
committee, and related agencies shall be exempt 
from disclosure under subsection (b)(3)(B) of section 
552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known 
as the ‘‘Freedom of Information Act’’). 
(3) FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT AP-
PLICABILITY.—Chapter 10 of title 5, United States 
Code (commonly known as the ‘‘Federal Advisory 
Committee Act’’), shall not apply to the Commission. 
(k) CONSULTATION OR ENGAGEMENT WITH NATIVE 
AMERICANS, INDIAN TRIBES, TRIBAL ORGANIZATIONS, 
THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS, AND NATIVE HA-
WAIIAN ORGANIZATIONS.—In carrying out the duties of 
the Commission under section 111, the Commission shall 
meaningfully consult or engage, as appropriate, in a timely 
manner with Native Americans, Indian Tribes, Tribal or-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
ganizations, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and Native 
Hawaiian organizations. 
(l) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—For each 
fiscal year that the Commission is operational, there is au-
thorized to be appropriated $15,000,000 to the Commis-
sion to carry out this Act. Amounts appropriated pursuant 
to this authorization shall be derived and transferred from 
the unexpired, unobligated balances of all amounts made 
available to the Indian Health Service to prevent, prepare 
for, or respond to coronavirus. 
(m) RESCISSION.—Of the unobligated balances of 
funds made available by section 11001 of Public Law 
117–2, $90,000,000 are hereby permanently rescinded. 
Subtitle B—Duties of the 
Commission 
SEC. 111. DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION. 
(a) INVESTIGATION.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Commission shall con-
duct a comprehensive interdisciplinary investigation 
of Indian Boarding School Policies, including the so-
cial, cultural, economic, emotional, and physical ef-
fects of Indian Boarding School Policies in the 
United States on Native American communities, In-
dian Tribes, survivors of Indian Boarding Schools, 
families of those survivors, and their descendants. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00025
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
(2) MATTERS TO BE INVESTIGATED.—The mat-
ters to be investigated by the Commission under 
paragraph (1) shall include, at a minimum— 
(A) conducting a comprehensive review of 
existing research and historical records of In-
dian Boarding School Policies and any docu-
mentation, scholarship, or other resources rel-
evant to the purposes of this Act from— 
(i) any archive or any other document 
storage location, notwithstanding the loca-
tion of that archive or document storage 
location; and 
(ii) any research conducted by private 
individuals, private entities, and non-Fed-
eral Government entities, whether domestic 
or foreign, including religious institutions; 
(B) collaborating with the Federal Truth 
and Healing Advisory Committee to obtain all 
relevant information from— 
(i) the Department of the Interior, the 
Department of Health and Human Serv-
ices, other relevant Federal agencies, and 
institutions or organizations, including reli-
gious institutions or organizations, that op-
erated an Indian Boarding School, carried 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00026
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
out Indian Boarding School Policies, or 
have information the Commission deter-
mines relevant to the investigation of the 
Commission; and 
(ii) Indian Tribes, Tribal organiza-
tions, Native Americans, the Office of Ha-
waiian Affairs, and Native Hawaiian orga-
nizations; and 
(C) conducting a comprehensive assess-
ment of the impacts of Indian Boarding School 
Policies on American Indian, Alaska Native, 
and Native Hawaiian cultures, traditions, and 
languages. 
(3) RESEARCH
RELATED
TO
OBJECTS, ARTI-
FACTS, AND REAL PROPERTY.—If the Commission 
conducts a comprehensive review of research de-
scribed in paragraph (2)(A)(ii) that focuses on ob-
jects, artifacts, or real or personal property that are 
in the possession or control of private individuals, 
private entities, or non-Federal Government entities 
within the United States, the Commission may enter 
into a contract or agreement to acquire, hold, cu-
rate, or maintain those objects, artifacts, or real or 
personal property until the objects, artifacts, or real 
or personal property can be properly repatriated or 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
returned, consistent with applicable Federal law and 
regulations, subject to the condition that no Federal 
funds may be used to purchase those objects, arti-
facts, or real or personal property. 
(b) MEETINGS AND CONVENINGS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Commission shall hold, 
with the advice of the Native American Truth and 
Healing Advisory Committee and the Survivors 
Truth and Healing Subcommittee, and in coordina-
tion with, as relevant, Indian Tribes, Tribal organi-
zations, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and Native 
Hawaiian organizations, as part of its investigation 
under subsection (a), safe, trauma-informed, and 
culturally appropriate public or private meetings or 
convenings to receive testimony relating to that in-
vestigation. 
(2) REQUIREMENTS.—The Commission shall 
ensure that meetings and convenings held under 
paragraph (1) provide access to adequate trauma-in-
formed care services for participants, attendees, and 
communities during and following the meetings and 
convenings where the Commission receives testi-
mony, including ensuring private space is available 
for survivors and descendants of survivors, family 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00028
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
members, and other community members to receive 
trauma-informed care services. 
(c) RECOMMENDATIONS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Commission shall make 
recommendations to Congress relating to the inves-
tigation carried out under subsection (a), which shall 
be included in the final report required under sub-
section (e)(3). 
(2) 
INCLUSIONS.—Recommendations 
made 
under paragraph (1) shall include, at a minimum, 
recommendations relating to— 
(A) in light of Tribal and Native Hawaiian 
law, Tribal customary law, tradition, custom, 
and practice, how the Federal Government can 
meaningfully acknowledge the role of the Fed-
eral Government in supporting Indian Boarding 
School Policies in all issue areas that the Com-
mission determines relevant, including appro-
priate forms of memorialization, preservation of 
records, objects, artifacts, and burials; 
(B) how modification of existing laws, pro-
cedures, regulations, policies, budgets, and 
practices will, in the determination of the Com-
mission, address the findings of the Commission 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00029
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
and ongoing effects of Indian Boarding School 
Policies; and 
(C) how the Federal Government can pro-
mote public awareness and education of Indian 
Boarding School Policies and the impacts of 
those policies, including through coordinating 
with the Native American Truth and Healing 
Advisory Committee, the Survivors Truth and 
Healing Subcommittee, the National Museum 
of the American Indian, and other relevant in-
stitutions and organizations. 
(d) DUTIES RELATED TO BURIALS.—The Commis-
sion shall, with respect to burial sites associated with In-
dian Boarding Schools— 
(1) coordinate, as appropriate, with the Native 
American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee, 
the Federal Truth and Healing Advisory Committee, 
the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee, lin-
eal descendants, Indian Tribes, the Office of Hawai-
ian Affairs, Federal agencies, institutions, and orga-
nizations to locate and identify, in a culturally ap-
propriate manner, marked and unmarked burial 
sites, including cemeteries, unmarked graves, and 
mass burial sites, where students of Indian Boarding 
Schools were originally or later interred; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00030
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
(2) locate, document, analyze, and coordinate 
the preservation or continued preservation of records 
and information relating to the interment of stu-
dents, including any records held by Federal, State, 
international, or local entities or religious institu-
tions or organizations; and 
(3) share, to the extent practicable, with af-
fected lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, and the Of-
fice of Hawaiian Affairs burial locations and the 
identities of children that attended Indian Boarding 
Schools. 
(e) REPORTS.— 
(1) ANNUAL REPORTS TO CONGRESS.—Not less 
frequently than annually each year until the year be-
fore the year in which the Commission expires, the 
Commission shall submit to the Committee on In-
dian Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on 
Natural Resources of the House of Representatives 
a report that describes the activities of the Com-
mittee during the previous year, including an ac-
counting of funds and gifts received and expendi-
tures made, the progress made, and any barriers en-
countered in carrying out this Act. 
(2) COMMISSION INITIAL REPORT.—Not later 
than 4 years after the date on which a majority of 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00031
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
the members of the Commission are appointed under 
section 101(b)(1), the Commission shall submit to 
the individuals described in paragraph (4), and 
make publicly available, an initial report con-
taining— 
(A) a detailed review of existing research, 
including documentation, scholarship, or other 
resources shared with the Commission that fur-
ther the purposes of this Act; 
(B) a detailed statement of the initial find-
ings and conclusions of the Commission; and 
(C) a detailed statement of the initial rec-
ommendations of the Commission. 
(3) COMMISSION
FINAL
REPORT.—Before the 
expiration of the Commission, the Commission shall 
submit to the individuals described in paragraph (4), 
and make publicly available, a final report con-
taining the findings, conclusions, and recommenda-
tions of the Commission that have been agreed on 
by the vote of a majority of the members of the 
Commission and 3⁄5 of the members of each of the 
Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Com-
mittee and the Survivors Truth and Healing Sub-
committee. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00032
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
(4) REPORT RECIPIENTS.—The individuals re-
ferred to in paragraphs (2) and (3) are— 
(A) the President; 
(B) the Secretary of the Interior; 
(C) the Attorney General; 
(D) the Comptroller General of the United 
States; 
(E) the Secretary of Education; 
(F) the Secretary of Health and Human 
Services; 
(G) the Secretary of Defense; 
(H) the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson 
of the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Sen-
ate; 
(I) the Chairperson and Ranking Member 
of the Committee on Natural Resources of the 
House of Representatives; 
(J) the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Na-
tive American Caucus; 
(K) the Executive Director of the White 
House Council on Native American Affairs; 
(L) the Director of the Office of Manage-
ment and Budget; 
(M) the Archivist of the United States; 
(N) the Librarian of Congress; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00033
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
(O) the Director of the National Museum 
of the American Indian. 
(5) ADDITIONAL
COMMISSION
RESPONSIBIL-
ITIES RELATING TO THE PUBLICATION OF THE INI-
TIAL AND FINAL REPORTS.— 
(A) EVENTS
RELATING
TO
INITIAL
RE-
PORT.— 
(i) IN
GENERAL.—The Commission 
shall hold not fewer than 2 events in each 
region of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and 
Hawai’i following publication of the initial 
report under paragraph (2) to receive com-
ments on the initial report. 
(ii) TIMING.—The schedule of events 
referred to in clause (i) shall be announced 
not later than 90 days after the date on 
which the initial report under paragraph 
(6) is published. 
(B) PUBLICATION
OF
FINAL
REPORT.— 
Not later than 180 days after the date on which 
the Commission submits the final report under 
paragraph (3), the Commission, the Secretary 
of the Interior, the Secretary of Education, the 
Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of 
Health and Human Services shall each make 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00034
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
the final report publicly available on the website 
of the applicable agency. 
(6) SECRETARIAL
RESPONSE
TO
FINAL
RE-
PORT.—Not later than 120 days after the date on 
which the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of 
Education, the Secretary of Defense, and the Sec-
retary of Health and Human Services receive the 
final report under paragraph (3), the Secretaries 
shall each make publicly available a written response 
to recommendations for future action by those agen-
cies, if any, contained in the final report, and submit 
the written response to— 
(A) the President; 
(B) the Committee on Indian Affairs of the 
Senate; 
(C) the Committee on Natural Resources 
of the House of Representatives; and 
(D) the Comptroller General of the United 
States. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00035
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
Subtitle C—Survivors Truth and 
Healing Subcommittee 
SEC. 
121. 
SURVIVORS 
TRUTH 
AND 
HEALING 
SUB-
COMMITTEE. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established a sub-
committee of the Commission, to be known as the ‘‘Sur-
vivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee’’. 
(b) MEMBERSHIP, NOMINATION, AND APPOINTMENT 
TO
THE
SURVIVORS
TRUTH
AND
HEALING
SUB-
COMMITTEE.— 
(1) MEMBERSHIP.—The Survivors Truth and 
Healing Subcommittee shall include 15 members, to 
be appointed by the Commission, in consultation 
with the National Native American Boarding School 
Healing Coalition, from among the nominees sub-
mitted under paragraph (2)(A), of whom— 
(A) 13 shall be representatives from each 
of the 12 regions of the Bureau of Indian Af-
fairs and Hawai’i; 
(B) 9 shall be individuals who attended an 
Indian Boarding School, of whom— 
(i) not fewer than 2 shall be individ-
uals who graduated during the 5-year pe-
riod preceding the date of the enactment of 
this Act from— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00036
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
(I) an Indian Boarding School in 
operation as of that date of the enact-
ment; or 
(II) a Bureau of Indian Edu-
cation-funded school; and 
(ii) all shall represent diverse regions 
of the United States; 
(C) 5 shall be descendants of individuals 
who attended Indian Boarding Schools, who 
shall represent diverse regions of the United 
States; and 
(D) 1 shall be an educator who, as of the 
date of the appointment— 
(i) is employed at an Indian Boarding 
School; or 
(ii) was employed at an Indian Board-
ing School during the 5-year period pre-
ceding the date of the enactment of this 
Act. 
(2) NOMINATIONS.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—Indian Tribes, Tribal 
organizations, Native Americans, the Office of 
Hawaiian Affairs, and Native Hawaiian organi-
zations may submit to the Secretary of the In-
terior nominations for individuals to be ap-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00037
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
pointed to the Survivors Truth and Healing 
Subcommittee not later than 90 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act. 
(B) SUBMISSION.—The Secretary of the 
Interior shall provide the Commission with 
nominations submitted under subparagraph (A) 
at the initial business meeting of the Commis-
sion under section 101(c)(1) and the Commis-
sion shall select the members of the Survivors 
Truth and Healing Subcommittee from among 
those nominees. 
(3) DATE.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—The Commission shall 
appoint all members of the Survivors Truth and 
Healing Subcommittee during the initial busi-
ness meeting of the Commission under section 
101(c)(1). 
(B) FAILURE TO APPOINT.—If the Com-
mission fails to appoint all members of the Sur-
vivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee in ac-
cordance with subparagraph (A), the Chair of 
the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate, 
with the concurrence of the Vice Chair of the 
Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate, 
shall appoint individuals, in accordance with the 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00038
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
requirements of paragraph (1), to all vacant po-
sitions of the Survivors Truth and Healing Sub-
committee not later than 30 days after the date 
of the initial business meeting of the Commis-
sion under section 101(c)(1). 
(4) PERIOD OF APPOINTMENT; VACANCIES; RE-
MOVAL.— 
(A) PERIOD OF APPOINTMENT.—A mem-
ber of the Survivors Truth and Healing Sub-
committee shall be appointed for an automati-
cally renewable term of 2 years. 
(B) VACANCIES.— 
(i) IN GENERAL.—A member of the 
Survivors 
Truth 
and 
Healing 
Sub-
committee may self-vacate the position at 
any time and for any reason. 
(ii) EFFECT; FILLING OF VACANCY.— 
A vacancy in the Survivors Truth and 
Healing Subcommittee— 
(I) shall not affect the powers of 
the Survivors Truth and Healing Sub-
committee if a simple majority of the 
positions of the Survivors Truth and 
Healing Subcommittee are filled; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00039
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
(II) shall be filled within 90 days 
in the same manner as was the origi-
nal appointment. 
(C) REMOVAL.—A quorum of members of 
the Commission may remove a member of the 
Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee 
only for neglect of duty or malfeasance. 
(5) TERMINATION.—The Survivors Truth and 
Healing Subcommittee shall terminate 90 days after 
the date on which the Commission submits the final 
report required under section 111(e)(3). 
(6) LIMITATION.—No member of the Survivors 
Truth and Healing Subcommittee shall be an officer 
or employee of the Federal Government. 
(c) BUSINESS MEETINGS.— 
(1) INITIAL MEETING.—Not later 30 days after 
the date on which all members of the Survivors 
Truth and Healing Subcommittee are appointed 
under subsection (b)(1), the Survivors Truth and 
Healing Subcommittee shall hold an initial business 
meeting— 
(A) to appoint— 
(i) a Chairperson, who shall also serve 
as the Vice Chairperson of the Federal 
Truth and Healing Advisory Committee; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00040
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
(4) QUORUM REQUIRED.—A business meeting 
of the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee 
may only be held once a quorum, established in ac-
cordance with subsection (d), is present. 
(d) QUORUM.—A simple majority of the members of 
the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee present 
shall constitute a quorum for a business meeting. 
(e) RULES.—The Survivors Truth and Healing Sub-
committee, with the advice of the Commission, may estab-
lish, by a majority vote, any rules for the conduct of busi-
ness, in accordance with this section and other applicable 
law. 
(f) DUTIES.—The Survivors Truth and Healing Sub-
committee shall assist the Commission, the Native Amer-
ican Truth and Healing Advisory Committee, and the Fed-
eral Truth and Healing Advisory Committee in coordi-
nating public and private convenings, including— 
(1) providing advice to the Commission on de-
veloping criteria and protocols for convenings; 
(2) providing advice and evaluating Committee 
recommendations relating to the commemoration 
and public education relating to Indian Boarding 
Schools and Indian Boarding School Policies; and 
(3) providing such other advice as may be re-
quired by the Commission. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00042
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
(g) CONSULTATION OR ENGAGEMENT WITH NATIVE 
AMERICANS, INDIAN TRIBES, TRIBAL ORGANIZATIONS, 
THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS, AND NATIVE HA-
WAIIAN ORGANIZATIONS.—In carrying out the duties of 
the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee under 
subsection (f), the Survivors Truth and Healing Sub-
committee shall meaningfully consult or engage, as appro-
priate, in a timely manner with Native Americans, Indian 
Tribes, Tribal organizations, the Office of Hawaiian Af-
fairs, and Native Hawaiian organizations. 
(h) NONDISCLOSURE.— 
(1) PRIVACY
ACT
OF
1974
APPLICABILITY.— 
Subsection (b) of section 552a of title 5, United 
States Code (commonly known as the ‘‘Privacy Act 
of 1974’’), shall not apply to the Survivors Truth 
and Healing Subcommittee. 
(2) FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT APPLICA-
BILITY.—Records and other communications pro-
vided to, from, between, or within the Commission, 
the Federal Truth and Healing Advisory Committee, 
the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory 
Committee, the Survivors Truth and Healing Sub-
committee, and related agencies shall be exempt 
from disclosure under subsection (b)(3)(B) of section 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00043
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known 
as the ‘‘Freedom of Information Act’’). 
(3) FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT AP-
PLICABILITY.—Chapter 10 of title 5, United States 
Code (commonly known as the ‘‘Federal Advisory 
Committee Act’’), shall not apply to the Survivors 
Truth and Healing Subcommittee. 
(i) PERSONNEL MATTERS.— 
(1) COMPENSATION OF MEMBERS.—A member 
of the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee 
shall be compensated at a daily equivalent of the an-
nual rate of basic pay prescribed for grade 13 of the 
General Schedule under section 5332 of title 5, 
United States Code, for each day, not to exceed 14 
days per month, for which a member of the Sur-
vivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee is engaged 
in the performance of their duties under this Act 
limited to convening meetings, including public and 
private meetings to receive testimony in furtherance 
of the duties of the Survivors Truth and Healing 
Subcommittee and the purposes of this Act. 
(2) TRAVEL EXPENSES.—A member of the Sur-
vivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee shall be al-
lowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of 
subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00044
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, 
United States Code, while away from their homes or 
regular places of business in the performance of 
services for the Survivors Truth and Healing Sub-
committee. 
TITLE II—ADVISORY 
COMMITTEES 
Subtitle A—Native American Truth 
and Healing Advisory Committee 
SEC. 201. NATIVE AMERICAN TRUTH AND HEALING ADVI-
SORY COMMITTEE. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Commission shall estab-
lish an advisory committee, to be known as the ‘‘Native 
American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee’’. 
(b) MEMBERSHIP, NOMINATION, AND APPOINTMENT 
TO THE NATIVE AMERICAN TRUTH AND HEALING ADVI-
SORY COMMITTEE.— 
(1) MEMBERSHIP.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—The Native American 
Truth and Healing Advisory Committee shall 
include 19 members, to be appointed by the 
Commission from among the nominees sub-
mitted under paragraph (2)(A), of whom— 
(i) 1 shall be the Vice Chairperson of 
the Commission, who shall serve as the 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00045
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
Chairperson of the Native American Truth 
and Healing Advisory Committee; 
(ii) 1 shall be the Vice Chairperson of 
the Survivors Truth and Healing Sub-
committee, who shall serve as the Vice 
Chairperson of the Native American Truth 
and Healing Advisory Committee; 
(iii) 1 shall be the Secretary of the In-
terior, or a designee, who shall serve as the 
Secretary of the Native American Truth 
and Healing Advisory Committee; 
(iv) 13 shall be representatives from 
each of the 12 regions of the Bureau of In-
dian Affairs and Hawai’i; 
(v) 1 shall represent the National Na-
tive American Boarding School Healing 
Coalition; 
(vi) 1 shall represent the National As-
sociation of Tribal Historic Preservation 
Officers; and 
(vii) 1 shall represent the National In-
dian Education Association. 
(B) ADDITIONAL
REQUIREMENTS.—Not 
fewer than 2 members of the Native American 
Truth and Healing Advisory Committee shall 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00046
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
have experience with health care or mental 
health, traditional healing or cultural practices, 
counseling, or working with survivors, or de-
scendants of survivors, of Indian Boarding 
Schools to ensure that the Commission con-
siders culturally responsive support for sur-
vivors, families, and communities. 
(2) NOMINATIONS.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—Indian Tribes, Tribal 
organizations, Native Americans, the Office of 
Hawaiian Affairs, and Native Hawaiian organi-
zations may submit to the Secretary of the In-
terior nominations for individuals to be ap-
pointed to the Native American Truth and 
Healing Advisory Committee not later than 90 
days after the date of the enactment of this 
Act. 
(B) SUBMISSION.—The Secretary of the 
Interior shall provide the Commission with 
nominations submitted under subparagraph (A) 
at the initial business meeting of the Commis-
sion under section 101(c)(1) and the Commis-
sion shall select the members of the Native 
American Truth and Healing Advisory Com-
mittee from among those nominees. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00047
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
and Healing Advisory Committee shall meet at the 
call of the Chairperson. 
(3) FORMAT OF BUSINESS MEETINGS.—A meet-
ing of the Native American Truth and Healing Advi-
sory Committee may be conducted in-person, vir-
tually, or via phone. 
(4) QUORUM REQUIRED.—A business meeting 
of the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory 
Committee may only be held once a quorum, estab-
lished in accordance with subsection (c), is present. 
(f) RULES.—The Native American Truth and Heal-
ing Advisory Committee may establish, with the advice of 
the Commission, by a majority vote, any rules for the con-
duct of business, in accordance with this section and other 
applicable law. 
(g) DUTIES.—The Native American Truth and Heal-
ing Advisory Committee shall— 
(1) serve as an advisory body to the Commis-
sion; 
(2) assist the Commission in organizing and 
carrying out culturally appropriate public and pri-
vate convenings relating to the duties of the Com-
mission; 
(3) assist the Commission in determining what 
documentation from Federal and religious organiza-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00051
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
tions and institutions may be necessary to fulfill the 
duties of the Commission; 
(4) assist the Commission in the production of 
the initial report and final report required under 
paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively, of section 
111(e); 
(5) coordinate with the Federal Truth and 
Healing Advisory Committee and the Survivors 
Truth and Healing Subcommittee; and 
(6) provide advice to, or fulfill such other re-
quests by, the Commission as the Commission may 
require to carry out the purposes described in sec-
tion 3. 
(h) CONSULTATION OR ENGAGEMENT WITH NATIVE 
AMERICANS, INDIAN TRIBES, TRIBAL ORGANIZATIONS, 
THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS, AND NATIVE HA-
WAIIAN ORGANIZATIONS.—In carrying out the duties of 
the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Com-
mittee under subsection (g), the Native American Truth 
and Healing Advisory Committee shall meaningfully con-
sult or engage, as appropriate, in a timely manner with 
Native Americans, Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, 
the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and Native Hawaiian orga-
nizations. 
(i) NONDISCLOSURE.— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00052
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
(1) PRIVACY
ACT
OF
1974
APPLICABILITY.— 
Subsection (b) of section 552a of title 5, United 
States Code (commonly known as the ‘‘Privacy Act 
of 1974’’), shall not apply to the Native American 
Truth and Healing Advisory Committee. 
(2) FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT APPLICA-
BILITY.—Records and other communications pro-
vided to, from, between, or within the Commission, 
the Federal Truth and Healing Advisory Committee, 
the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory 
Committee, the Survivors Truth and Healing Sub-
committee, and related agencies shall be exempt 
from disclosure under subsection (b)(3)(B) of section 
552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known 
as the ‘‘Freedom of Information Act’’). 
(3) FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT AP-
PLICABILITY.—Chapter 10 of title 5, United States 
Code (commonly known as the ‘‘Federal Advisory 
Committee Act’’), shall not apply to the Native 
American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee. 
(j) PERSONNEL MATTERS.— 
(1) COMPENSATION OF MEMBERS.—A member 
of the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory 
Committee shall be compensated at a daily equiva-
lent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00053
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
grade 13 of the General Schedule under section 
5332 of title 5, United States Code, for each day, 
not to exceed 14 days per month, for which a mem-
ber is engaged in the performance of their duties 
under this Act, limited to convening meetings, in-
cluding public and private meetings to receive testi-
mony in furtherance of the duties of the Native 
American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee 
and the purposes of this Act. 
(2) TRAVEL EXPENSES.—A member of the Na-
tive American Truth and Healing Advisory Com-
mittee shall be allowed travel expenses, including per 
diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for 
employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 
57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from 
their homes or regular places of business in the per-
formance of services for the Native American Truth 
and Healing Advisory Committee. 
Subtitle B—Federal Truth and 
Healing Advisory Committee 
SEC. 211. FEDERAL TRUTH AND HEALING ADVISORY COM-
MITTEE. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established within 
the Department of the Interior an advisory committee, to 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00054
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
be known as the ‘‘Federal Truth and Healing Advisory 
Committee’’. 
(b) MEMBERSHIP AND APPOINTMENT TO THE FED-
ERAL TRUTH AND HEALING ADVISORY COMMITTEE.— 
(1) MEMBERSHIP.—The Federal Truth and 
Healing Advisory Committee shall include 17 mem-
bers, of whom— 
(A) 1 shall be the Chairperson of the Com-
mission, who shall serve as the Chairperson of 
the Federal Truth and Healing Advisory Com-
mittee; 
(B) 1 shall be the Chairperson of the Sur-
vivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee, who 
shall serve as the Vice Chairperson of the Fed-
eral Truth and Healing Advisory Committee; 
(C) 1 shall be the White House Domestic 
Policy Advisor, who shall serve as the Secretary 
of the Federal Truth and Healing Advisory 
Committee; 
(D) 1 shall be the Director of the Bureau 
of Trust Funds Administration (or a designee); 
(E) 1 shall be the Archivist of the United 
States (or a designee); 
(F) 1 shall be the Librarian of Congress 
(or a designee); 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00055
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
(G) 1 shall be the Director of the Depart-
ment of the Interior Library (or a designee); 
(H) 1 shall be the Director of the Indian 
Health Service (or a designee); 
(I) 1 shall be the Assistant Secretary for 
Mental Health and Substance Abuse of the De-
partment of Health and Human Services (or a 
designee); 
(J) 1 shall be the Commissioner of the Ad-
ministration for Native Americans of the De-
partment of Health and Human Services (or a 
designee); 
(K) 1 shall be the Director of the National 
Institutes of Health (or a designee); 
(L) 1 shall be the Senior Program Director 
of the Office of Native Hawaiian Relations of 
the Department of the Interior (or a designee); 
(M) 1 shall be the Director of the Office 
of Indian Education of the Department of Edu-
cation (or a designee); 
(N) 1 shall be the Director of the Rural, 
Insular, and Native American Achievement Pro-
grams of the Department of Education (or a 
designee); 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00056
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
(O) 1 shall be the Executive Director of 
the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation 
(or a designee); 
(P) 1 shall be the Assistant Secretary of 
Indian Affairs (or a designee); and 
(Q) 1 shall be the Director of the Bureau 
of Indian Education (or a designee). 
(2) PERIOD
OF
SERVICE; 
VACANCIES; 
RE-
MOVAL.— 
(A) PERIOD OF SERVICE.—A member of 
the Federal Truth and Healing Advisory Com-
mittee shall serve for an automatically renew-
able term of 2 years. 
(B) VACANCIES.—A vacancy in the Fed-
eral Truth and Healing Advisory Committee— 
(i) shall not affect the powers of the 
Federal Truth and Healing Advisory Com-
mittee if a simple majority of the positions 
of the Federal Truth and Healing Advisory 
Committee are filled; and 
(ii) shall be filled within 90 days in 
the same manner as was the original ap-
pointment. 
(C) REMOVAL.—A quorum of members of 
the Federal Truth and Healing Advisory Com-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00057
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
(3) FORMAT OF BUSINESS MEETINGS.—A busi-
ness meeting of the Federal Truth and Healing Ad-
visory Committee may be conducted in-person, vir-
tually, or via phone. 
(4) QUORUM REQUIRED.—A business meeting 
of the Federal Truth and Healing Advisory Com-
mittee may only be held once a quorum, established 
in accordance with subsection (d), is present. 
(d) QUORUM.—A simple majority of the members of 
the Federal Truth and Healing Advisory Committee 
present shall constitute a quorum for a business meeting. 
(e) RULES.—The Federal Truth and Healing Advi-
sory Committee may establish, with the advice of the Com-
mission, by a majority vote, any rules for the conduct of 
business, in accordance with this section and other appli-
cable law. 
(f) DUTIES.—The Federal Truth and Healing Advi-
sory Committee shall— 
(1) ensure the effective and timely coordination 
between Federal agencies in furtherance of the pur-
poses of this Act; 
(2) assist the Commission and the Native 
American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee in 
coordinating— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00059
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
(A) meetings and other related public and 
private convenings; and 
(B) the collection, organization, and pres-
ervation of information obtained from witnesses 
and by other Federal agencies; and 
(3) ensure the timely submission to the Com-
mission of materials, documents, testimony, and 
such other information as the Commission deter-
mines to be necessary to carry out the duties of the 
Commission. 
(g) CONSULTATION OR ENGAGEMENT WITH NATIVE 
AMERICANS, INDIAN TRIBES, TRIBAL ORGANIZATIONS, 
THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS, AND NATIVE HA-
WAIIAN ORGANIZATIONS.—In carrying out the duties of 
the Federal Truth and Healing Advisory Committee under 
subsection (f), the Federal Truth and Healing Advisory 
Committee shall meaningfully consult or engage, as appro-
priate, in a timely manner with Native Americans, Indian 
Tribes, Tribal organizations, the Office of Hawaiian Af-
fairs, and Native Hawaiian organizations. 
(h) NONDISCLOSURE.— 
(1) PRIVACY
ACT
OF
1974
APPLICABILITY.— 
Subsection (b) of section 552a of title 5, United 
States Code (commonly known as the ‘‘Privacy Act 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00060
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
of 1974’’), shall not apply to the Federal Truth and 
Healing Advisory Committee. 
(2) FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT APPLICA-
BILITY.—Records and other communications pro-
vided to, from, between, or within the Commission, 
the Federal Truth and Healing Advisory Committee, 
the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory 
Committee, the Survivors Truth and Healing Sub-
committee, and related agencies shall be exempt 
from disclosure under subsection (b)(3)(B) of section 
552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known 
as the ‘‘Freedom of Information Act’’). 
(3) FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT AP-
PLICABILITY.—Chapter 10 of title 5, United States 
Code (commonly known as the ‘‘Federal Advisory 
Committee Act’’), shall not apply to the Federal 
Truth and Healing Advisory Committee. 
TITLE III—GENERAL 
PROVISIONS 
SEC. 301. CLARIFICATION. 
Any human remains or associated or unassociated fu-
nerary objects located on Federal land, on land managed 
by a Federal agency, or land otherwise curated by a Fed-
eral agency and relating to an Indian Boarding School 
shall be considered collections or holdings over which a 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00061
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
Federal agency has possession or control and the Native 
American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (25 
U.S.C. 3001 et seq.) shall apply. 
SEC. 302. BURIAL MANAGEMENT. 
A Federal agency that carries out activities pursuant 
to this Act or that created or controls a cemetery with 
remains of an individual who attended an Indian Boarding 
School may rebury the remains of that individual and any 
associated funerary items that have been repatriated pur-
suant to section 7 of the Native American Graves Protec-
tion and Repatriation Act (25 U.S.C. 3005), consistent 
with Tribal practices, on any Federal land as agreed to 
by the relevant parties. 
SEC. 303. CO-STEWARDSHIP AGREEMENTS. 
A Federal agency that carries out activities pursuant 
to this Act or that created or controls a cemetery with 
remains of an individual who attended an Indian Boarding 
School or an Indian Boarding School may enter into a 
co-stewardship agreement for the management of the cem-
etery or Indian Boarding School. 
SEC. 304. NO RIGHT OF ACTION. 
Nothing in this Act creates a private right of action 
to seek administrative or judicial relief. 
Æ 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:00 Feb 08, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00062
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6301
E:\BILLS\H7227.IH
H7227
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB