What changed between these versions
A small clarification. Section 2(a)(5) was modified to refine the authority of the Assistant Secretary regarding the appointment of a Deputy Assistant Secretary and the utilization of departmental staff. Additionally, v2 includes an instruction to amend the bill's title for clarity.
Overview
A handful of changes, primarily a refinement to one subsection and an amendment to the bill's title. · v2 clarifies the administrative authority regarding staffing and updates the bill's descriptive title.
The primary change in v2 is a clarification in Section 2(a)(5) regarding the Assistant Secretary's authority to appoint a Deputy Assistant Secretary and utilize departmental staff, emphasizing consistency with applicable law. Additionally, v2 introduces an amendment to the bill's title to more accurately reflect its purpose. The core policy of elevating the Director position remains unchanged.
Major additions
An instruction to amend the bill's title to read: "A bill to redesignate the position of Director of the Indian Health Service within the Department of Health and Human Services as Assistant Secretary for Indian Health, and for other purposes."
This change clarifies the descriptive title of the bill, making it more precise about the nature of the elevation (redesignation rather than simply "elevate").
Modifications
This modification clarifies the scope of the Assistant Secretary's authority to staff the Service, ensuring that the utilization of personnel adheres to existing departmental structures and legal frameworks. It formalizes the process and potentially limits the independent hiring authority compared to v1's broader language.
Before
The Assistant Secretary, with the Secretary's approval, could appoint a Deputy Assistant Secretary and "employ and prescribe the functions of such officers and employees, including attorneys, as are necessary to administer the activities of the Service."
After
The Assistant Secretary may (A) with the Secretary's approval, appoint a Deputy Assistant Secretary; and (B) "consistent with applicable law, utilize officers and employees of the Department as necessary to administer the activities of the Service."