Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Natural Resources, 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.
H.R. 4085 converts Haskell Indian Nations University from a Bureau of Indian Education-managed institution into an independent federally chartered corporation governed by a 15-member Board of Trustees appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The university will maintain its mission of providing tuition-free education to Indian students while gaining autonomy to manage its own operations, fundraise from private donors, and establish academic programs. The bill exempts Haskell from federal civil service rules and most taxes, allows the university to prioritize Native Americans in admissions and hiring, and establishes a $5 million endowment trust fund with matching requirements for private donations. The legislation authorizes at least $27 million annually for operations, with $5 million dedicated to the initial trust fund in fiscal year 2026 and ongoing contributions thereafter, while requiring the university to submit a comprehensive facilities master plan to Congress within two years and annual financial and performance reports.
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